Alesana

Post-hardcore screamers Alesana are based in Raleigh, N.C., and formed in 2004. The first signees to the Tragic Hero roster, the band has parlayed its interests in storytelling through fluttering guitars, blast beats, wraith screeches, Cookie Monster screams and high-flying vocals at the chorus. Taking their inspiration from The Brothers Grimm and such TV shows as the now-cancelled Heroes, Alesana offer hyper-speed prog-emo-metal with the courage to add a string section and major hooks amid the caterwaul. A sharp sense of humor successfully lightens the proceedings, as evidenced by their deadpan cover of Justin Timberlake's "What Goes Around."