Last January, Festiva named the top bands to watch in 2008 (read the story). A year later, we've caught up with them to check on their progress.

WALK THE GRAVES
The hardcore band set some goals for 2008 and met each one. They released Reign of Iron and went on tour. Walk the Graves have been playing since 2005 and have no plans to stop. They are also already working on their next album, which they plan to release later this year. For a taste of what's to come, check out the song "Severed Words" on their MySpace.

FED OF ME
They've been around since 2000 and have recorded their album three or four times now, they're losing track. They toured quite a bit this year, sharing the stage with bands like Thine Eyes Bleed, Divine Heresy and Bloodline Calligraphy, and more. They got a new drummer who, according to the band, has changed their sound for the better. This year they plan on releasing their long-awaited album and expect fans to be quite pleased. Their goal this year is to get signed. Expect to see Fed of Me all over the place, playing shows locally and beyond. There will also be lots of new merchandise.

THE DECEMBER DRIVE / THE APPLE IN THE TREE 
The December Drive had a slow year until the end creeped up, then suddenly the band announced they would be playing their last show at Cine El Rey in December and releasing an album that was expected in 2007. They've officially retired from touring and playing live shows, but the rock band still plans to record together. Lead singer David Cortez's side project, The Apple in the Tree, is still going strong and an album is expected in the spring of '09.

• READ ABOUT THE DECEMBER DRIVE'S FINAL SHOW
• DOWNLOAD THE NEW SONG BY THE DECEMBER DRIVE

DRIVING THE NAILS
While they fully intended to release their album in '08, Driving the Nails wants to make sure they do it right, so they're taking their time. The industrial metal band continue to record in the home studio of Eddie Gonzalez, member of the popular Spanish band Frijoles Romanticos. Some member changes and new songs pushed things back, but they're still on track. Driving the Nails is looking forward to some live shows in March.

HOPEFORTHESTARS 
Ambient music isn't a big genre for the RGV, but hopeforthestars remains one of the handful of instrumental bands contributing to the niche genre. After some member changes it was difficult for the band to release their album in August '08, so they focused on songwriting and balancing their sound with the new members. Now they're setting their sights on a new album, which they plan to record this month.

THE JERICHO MACHINE
One of the Valley's most successful bands only continues to climb the mountain to fame. The Jericho Machine released an album in 2008, had some radio play in Texas and North Carolina and gained many new fans thanks to the exposure. Locally, the rock band shared the stage with bands like Flyleaf, Trapt and Alien Ant Farm. They went on tour and got their music out to many more. In '09, the band plans to release their album nationally. And most impressively, The Jericho Machine says they will be playing at the South by Southwest festival in Austin.

• DOWNLOAD A FREE SONG BY THE JERICHO MACHINE

THE MOUNTAIN VIEW
What is a lead singer without a band? Indie rockers The Mountain View continue to march forward, though lead singer Christopher Coghill is in the RGV without any back up. He plays local shows solo and is still working on an album that the band plans to release by fall '09. There are also plans to hit the road with the rest of the band for a short tour.