5 Rockstars/Bands Who Changed Musical Direction and Nailed It

For rock stars it isn’t easy to shift gears and start over, especially when you already have a supportive fan base in their current genre. But these 5 rockers deciding to take the leap under everyones radar and are much more fortunate for it.

Incubus

Many remember this band from hitting their stride in the early 2000’s with major hit songs such as “Drive”, “Megalomanic”, “Dig” and “Anna Molly” which earned them commercial success. What a lot of people, except for the heavier fan base, wouldn’t remember is the eight years prior to their breakthrough album “Make Yourself” where they released three albums (some of my favorite mind you) that were completely overlooked in the mainstream

Red Hot Chili Peppers

In the same vain as Incubus, Red Hot Chili Peppers got off to a slow start too in terms of commercial success. Although the band formed in 1983 beginning with what some would call Rap/Rock or Funk Metal it wouldn’t be until they switched gears to alternative rock with their release of their 1991 album “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” sporting the hit single “Under the Bridge” that would pave their way to music stardom....and this years Superbowl Halftime Show.

Jared Leto and 30 Seconds to Mars

Jared Leto is known for superb acting as well as his iconic music. When their first single “The Kill” became a chart topper, it was never assumed he would take his band “30 Seconds to Mars” in a different direction beyond their emo-centric music. His second album “This is War” was much more experimental and the more complicated sound garnered them a platinum record along with multiple awards.

Michael Vampire/Orlando and The Killing Lights

Michael Orlando, formerly Michael Vampire, was the lead singer of the Goth Metal/Post-Hardcore band Vampires Everywhere! The band gained recognition and fame from the underground scene and their time on the Warped Tour concert circuit. Although Michael could’ve continued his gothic ways, he ditched the makeup and started his new band The Killing Lights, along with a new life perspective after recovering from the after effects of his nearly fatal car crash 5 years back. Although the new band has just begun, their first released demo “Don’t Turn Around” has the makings for a commercial breakthrough in 2014 when they begin touring in the UK.

My Chemical Romance

Most people know of the dramatic change in My Chemical Romance transitioning from their emo/rock “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge” album to the musical, almost Queen- esque “The Black Parade”. But what some may be unaware of is MCR’s dramatic change in styles prior to the first hit single “I’m Not Okay”. There debut album “I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love” consisted of a strong hardcore-punk feel with a touch of heavy metal. Although the band is no longer together, we can still respect their impact on the young, emotional teens of mid to late 2000’s.