MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE

With a name inspired by Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, New Jersey five-piece My Chemical Romance specialise in a suitably hyper but not necessarily chemically-induced brand of punk-pop. Ex-graphic artist and lead singer Gerard Way and school friend, drummer Matt Pellissier, originally formed the band in 2000 and later recruited guitarist Ray Toro, bassist Mikey Way (Gerard's brother) and guitarist Frank Iero. Their debut album, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love, was released on New York based indie label Eyeball Records in 2002. Its introspective, dark themes instantly drew comparisons with '80s miserablists The Smiths and The Cure. 2003's major label debut, Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, saw the band temper the industrial punk-riffage with some emo-friendly ballads, spawning MTV-friendly singles I'm Not OK and Helena, proving downbeat nihilists can have a laugh too...