Single Bullet Theory

Drawing from the ferocious intensity of black metal alongside the melodic traditions of power metal, the Philadelphia quartet Single Bullet Theory coalesced in 2000 out of the remnants of Pissing Razors, Seven Witches, and Shadowdance. Matt Difabio handled vocals and guitar while Billy Mez played bass, Carlos Alvarez contributed guitar, and Jay Horvath sat behind the drums. The band embraced a pronounced D.I.Y. approach immediately, putting out a self-released EP that same year and covering all costs for the tour that followed. In January 2003 they inked a deal with Phoenix-based Crash Music and headed into the studio to cut their first full-length effort, Route 66. Issued that April, the album earned favorable notices throughout the metal press, and the clip for “Murder Machines” landed rotation on Headbanger’s Ball as well as Fuse’s Uranium. Early 2004 brought Behind Eyes of Hatred, tracked by James Murphy of Testament, Death, and Obituary using a mobile computer setup that bypassed conventional studio scheduling limits. The group shared stages with Amorphis throughout 2005, after which they parted ways with Crash Music and entered a year-long hiatus. They returned to the Crash roster in 2007 with the release of On Broken Wings.