Los Angeles-based hard rock quartet Aeges formed in 2011 as a new creative outlet for a group of members from bands like Pelican, Tusk, Unwritten Law, and the Rise. They made their debut with the EP Roaches (Hawthorne Street Records) before releasing their first LP in 2012. The Bridge unveiled a riff-heavy sound drenched in feedback and flourishes of prog rock exploration, taking Aeges' pedigree from the post-hardcore world and combining it with the pop hooks and sludge of desert rock, like Queens of the Stone Age tackling Muse. The group -- comprised of vocalists/guitarists Kemble Walters and Cory Clark, bassist Tony Baumeister, and drummer Mike Land -- released their sophomore effort, Above and Down Below, in 2014. Taking cues from major influences like Cave In and Failure, they polished their dark sound and doubled-down on the crunch, like contemporaries Royal Blood. After signing with Another Century Records, they entered the studio with Bob Marlette (Black Sabbath, Rob Zombie) and Saosin guitarist Beau Burchell to record their third LP. Released in July 2016, Weightless increased the power in their delivery, amplifying their vocal harmonies and showcasing the band's love for jagged riffs. ~ Neil Z. Yeung