Kyle Sanders

Hellyeah
Hellyeah in 2007
Background information
Origin	Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Genres	Heavy metal groove metal
Years active	2006–present
Labels	Eleven Seven Music Epic
Website	www.hellyeahrocks.com
Members	Chad Gray Tom Maxwell Vinnie Paul Kyle Sanders Christian Brady
Past members	Jerry Montano Greg Tribbett Bob Zilla

Hellyeah, stylized as HELLYEAH, is an American heavy metal supergroup, consisting of Mudvayne vocalist Chad Gray, former Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell, bass player Kyle Sanders (who is the brother of Mastodon bassist and vocalist Troy Sanders), guitarist Christian Brady and former Pantera and Damageplan drummer Vinnie Paul. The idea to form a supergroup originated in 2000 on the Tattoo the Earth tour, although plans were constantly put on hold due to scheduling conflicts. The summer of 2006 allowed the band to take the project seriously and record its first album. Recorded at Chasin' Jason studio in Dimebag Darrell's backyard, a self-titled album was completed in roughly one month. Released on April 10, 2007, the album entered the Billboard 200 at number 9, selling 45,000 copies. AllMusic reviewer William Ruhlmann stated the album is "a competent example of its genre" awarding the album three and a half stars.

Hellyeah's beginnings can be traced back to 2000 on the Tattoo the Earth tour featuring Mudvayne, Nothingface, Slayer, Slipknot and Sevendust. Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell became friends with Mudvayne vocalist Chad Gray, and they talked about the possibility of forming a supergroup. The following year, Nothingface toured with Mudvayne and talks to form the supergroup continued, although were constantly put on hold due to scheduling conflicts. At this time, Gray and Maxwell had brainstormed five band names.