Bastards of Fate

Roanoke, Virginia's Bastards of Fate push their experimental pop to extremes, combining sugary melodies with outrageous noise, shrieked vocals and other sonic shenanigans. The group formed in 2006, when guitarist/vocalist Doug Cheatwood joined forces with guitarist Benjamin Pugh, keyboardist Camellia Delk, bassist Jason Wellz, and percussionist Doug Shelor. Despite hardships like the fire that burned down their practice space, the band persevered, releasing albums on labels including This Will Be Our Summer and HHBTM.