Combining dark lyrical imagery with blistering pop-punk, New Jersey's My Chemical Romance have become one of the more dominant bands on the rock circuit. While they've been firmly slotted within the current emo genre, the fivesome are hesitant to embrace this tag - simply preferring to be known as a rock group. Originally forming in 2001 when frontman Gerard Way wrote a song with drummer Matt Pelissier in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, MCR was rounded out with the inclusion of Ray Toro and Frank Iero on guitar and Way's younger brother Mikey on bass.
Shortly after forming, MCR were already in the studio working on their debut album. Released on New York-based Eyeball Records in 2002, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love showcased the band's dark sound and introspective lyrics. With consequent mainstream attention, the band signed with Reprise Records and released the slickly produced, yet aggressive-as-ever, Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge in 2004. The record became an instant success and featured the singles 'I'm Not Okay (I Promise)' and 'Helena'. Extensive touring followed, however the band hit a bump in the road with the departure of drummer Pelissier who was replaced by Bob Bryar.
MCR's major label follow-up, 2006's The Black Parade took a step away from their previous offerings, instead embracing a far more ambitious sound akin to a rock opera. The first single, 'Welcome to The Black Parade', helped the record go platinum within months.
