Roadrunner United: The Army of the Sun, a monumental metal collaboration, stands as a testament to the power of unity within the heavy metal community. Conceived to celebrate Roadrunner Records' 25th anniversary in 2005, this project brought together an unprecedented array of musicians from various bands signed to the label, resulting in an album that is both a historical document and a powerful musical statement.

The concept behind Roadrunner United was simple yet ambitious: assemble a dream team of metal musicians to write and record an album showcasing the diverse talent within the Roadrunner Records roster. The project was spearheaded by four team captains: Joey Jordison (Slipknot), Dino Cazares (Fear Factory), Andreas Kisser (Sepultura), and Robert Flynn (Machine Head). These captains were responsible for recruiting musicians, writing songs, and overseeing the recording process. Each captain brought their unique style and influence to the project, resulting in a diverse collection of tracks that spanned various subgenres of metal. The scope of Roadrunner United was truly epic, involving over 50 musicians from different bands and backgrounds. This massive collaboration required careful coordination and communication to ensure that the project stayed on track. The team captains played a crucial role in this process, acting as liaisons between the musicians and the record label. Their leadership and vision were essential to the success of Roadrunner United. Roadrunner United: The Army of the Sun demonstrated the incredible potential of collaboration within the metal community. By bringing together musicians from different bands and backgrounds, the project created a unique and powerful musical experience. The album showcased the diversity and talent within the Roadrunner Records roster, while also celebrating the label's 25th anniversary. The success of Roadrunner United paved the way for future collaborations within the metal genre, inspiring other artists to come together and create something special. It showed that even in a genre known for its individualism and competitiveness, musicians could unite for a common cause and produce something truly remarkable. The album's legacy continues to inspire and influence metal musicians today, serving as a reminder of the power of collaboration and the importance of community.

The Genesis of a Metal Supergroup

The genesis of this metal supergroup, Roadrunner United, can be traced back to the vision of celebrating Roadrunner Records' significant milestone. The label, known for its influential role in shaping the landscape of heavy metal and its subgenres, sought a unique way to commemorate its 25th anniversary. Rather than a typical compilation album or a series of concerts, the idea of a collaborative album featuring musicians from across the Roadrunner roster emerged. This concept resonated with the label executives and artists alike, setting the stage for what would become Roadrunner United. The selection of team captains was a critical step in the project's development. Joey Jordison, known for his drumming prowess and songwriting skills in Slipknot, brought a chaotic and aggressive energy to the project. Dino Cazares, with his signature industrial-tinged guitar riffs from Fear Factory, added a futuristic and dystopian element. Andreas Kisser, a guitar virtuoso from Sepultura, injected a Brazilian flair and a sense of groove into the mix. Robert Flynn, the frontman of Machine Head, contributed his hardcore sensibilities and lyrical depth. Together, these four captains represented a diverse range of metal styles, ensuring that the album would appeal to a wide audience. Roadrunner United was not without its challenges. Coordinating the schedules of over 50 musicians, each with their own commitments and priorities, proved to be a logistical nightmare. The team captains had to navigate conflicting egos and creative differences to keep the project on track. Despite these obstacles, the musicians remained committed to the vision of creating a collaborative album that would celebrate Roadrunner Records' legacy. The recording process itself was a testament to the power of collaboration. Musicians from different bands and backgrounds worked together in the studio, sharing ideas and contributing their unique talents to the songs. The team captains fostered a supportive and creative environment, encouraging experimentation and pushing the boundaries of what was possible. The result was an album that captured the spirit of unity and camaraderie that defined Roadrunner United.

Team Captains and Their Influence

The influence of the team captains on Roadrunner United cannot be overstated. Each captain brought their unique musical background, songwriting style, and leadership skills to the project, shaping the direction and sound of the album. Their individual contributions, combined with their ability to collaborate effectively, resulted in a diverse and cohesive collection of tracks. Joey Jordison, as one of the most recognizable faces in modern metal, brought his signature drumming style and chaotic energy to Roadrunner United. He was instrumental in recruiting musicians and writing songs that were both aggressive and catchy. Jordison's influence can be heard on tracks like "The End Complete," which features his signature blast beats and intricate drum patterns. Dino Cazares, known for his industrial-tinged guitar riffs and futuristic soundscapes, added a unique element to Roadrunner United. His contributions brought a dystopian and mechanical feel to the album, setting it apart from other metal collaborations. Cazares' influence can be heard on tracks like "Bringer of War," which features his signature seven-string guitar riffs and aggressive vocals. Andreas Kisser, a guitar virtuoso from Sepultura, injected a Brazilian flair and a sense of groove into Roadrunner United. His contributions added a layer of complexity and sophistication to the album, showcasing his technical skills and musical versatility. Kisser's influence can be heard on tracks like "Baptized in Fire," which features his intricate guitar solos and Latin-inspired rhythms. Robert Flynn, the frontman of Machine Head, brought his hardcore sensibilities and lyrical depth to Roadrunner United. His contributions added a layer of aggression and social commentary to the album, reflecting his passion for activism and social justice. Flynn's influence can be heard on tracks like "The Rich Man," which features his signature screams and thought-provoking lyrics. The team captains not only contributed their musical talents to Roadrunner United, but they also played a crucial role in fostering a collaborative and creative environment. They encouraged musicians to step outside of their comfort zones, experiment with new ideas, and push the boundaries of what was possible. Their leadership and vision were essential to the success of Roadrunner United, ensuring that the album would be a true celebration of Roadrunner Records' legacy.

Key Tracks and Musical Highlights

Exploring the key tracks and musical highlights of Roadrunner United: The Army of the Sun reveals the depth and diversity of talent involved in this project. Each song is a unique blend of styles and influences, showcasing the individual strengths of the musicians involved while also creating a cohesive and powerful listening experience. "The End Complete," led by Joey Jordison, is a blistering track that exemplifies the aggressive and chaotic energy of Slipknot. Jordison's drumming is relentless, driving the song forward with blast beats and intricate patterns. The vocals, provided by Peter Steele of Type O Negative, are deep and menacing, adding to the song's overall sense of dread. "Bringer of War," spearheaded by Dino Cazares, is a futuristic and dystopian track that showcases Cazares' signature industrial-tinged guitar riffs. The song is heavy and mechanical, creating a sense of unease and impending doom. The vocals, provided by Tim Owens (ex-Judas Priest), are powerful and soaring, adding a layer of epicness to the track. "Baptized in Fire," led by Andreas Kisser, is a groove-laden track that showcases Kisser's technical skills and musical versatility. The song features intricate guitar solos, Latin-inspired rhythms, and a catchy chorus that will have you singing along. The vocals, provided by Dani Filth of Cradle of Filth, are a surprising but effective addition, adding a touch of darkness and theatricality to the track. "The Rich Man," spearheaded by Robert Flynn, is a hardcore track that tackles themes of social inequality and political corruption. The song is aggressive and confrontational, reflecting Flynn's passion for activism and social justice. The vocals, provided by Corey Taylor of Slipknot, are raw and emotional, adding to the song's overall sense of urgency. These are just a few of the many highlights from Roadrunner United: The Army of the Sun. The album is a testament to the power of collaboration and the diversity of talent within the metal community. Each track is a unique and memorable experience, showcasing the individual strengths of the musicians involved while also creating a cohesive and powerful listening experience.

The Legacy and Impact on Metal

The legacy and impact of Roadrunner United on the metal scene are undeniable. This groundbreaking project not only celebrated the 25th anniversary of Roadrunner Records but also demonstrated the immense potential of collaboration within the metal community. Its influence can still be felt today, inspiring artists to come together and create something special. Roadrunner United shattered the notion that metal musicians were fiercely individualistic and unwilling to work together. By bringing together over 50 musicians from different bands and backgrounds, the project proved that collaboration was not only possible but could also result in something truly remarkable. The album showcased the diversity and talent within the Roadrunner Records roster, while also creating a unique and powerful musical experience. The success of Roadrunner United paved the way for future collaborations within the metal genre. It inspired other artists to come together and create supergroups, tribute albums, and benefit concerts. The project showed that even in a genre known for its competitiveness, musicians could unite for a common cause and produce something truly special. Roadrunner United also helped to break down genre barriers within the metal scene. The album featured musicians from various subgenres, including thrash metal, death metal, black metal, and nu-metal. This cross-pollination of styles created a unique and eclectic sound that appealed to a wide audience. The project helped to bridge the gap between different subgenres, fostering a greater sense of unity and understanding within the metal community. In addition to its musical impact, Roadrunner United also had a significant cultural impact. The project raised awareness for various social and political causes, including environmental protection, animal rights, and human rights. The musicians involved used their platform to speak out against injustice and inequality, inspiring fans to take action and make a difference in the world. The legacy of Roadrunner United continues to inspire and influence metal musicians today. The album serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration, the importance of community, and the potential for music to make a positive impact on the world.