The Destro

Taking their name from a villain in the G.I. Joe mythology — apparently a popular choice, since there are at least two other bands with the same name, both lacking the definite article — the Destro formed in the Dallas suburb of Gainesville, TX, in 2001. Clearly influenced by fellow Texans Pantera, the Destro also throw some black metal and grindcore influences into their speed metal. The prototype of the Destro first formed in the summer of 2000, but singer Eric Daughtry, guitarist Nick Emde, bassist Steven Nottingham, and drummer Jono Garrett changed their name to the Destro in 2003. A pair of self-released EPs followed over the next three years, along with an ever-expanding touring schedule. Unearth frontman Trevor Phipps signed the Destro to his label, Ironclad Recordings (distributed by the venerable metal indie Metal Blade Records), in 2006. The band's first full-length album, As the Coil Unwinds, was released in the spring of 2007.