Underground Excavation: Discovering Your Next Favourite Metal Obsession
By David Weddle
Exploring the raw talent and resonant stories of the independent music scene.
Exploring the raw talent and resonant stories of the independent music scene.
It is an incredible time to dive into the heavy music underground. Instead of just recycling the same mainstream radio headliners, we love digging deep into the independent circuit to unearth bands carrying the torch for raw, untamed energy. Today we are shining a light on four phenomenal new metal discoveries that completely throw out clinical, over-polished production in favour of pure sonic force: Emerald Rage, Iron Kingdom, Crymwav, and Nox Sinister.
Emerald Rage - A new work of epic storytelling from Akron, Ohio's Emerald Rage is unleashed with the release of their third studio album, “The Eyes of the Dragon”. The third release from the 4 piece metal outfit formed in 2017 is inspired by bands such as Blind Guardian and Running Wild amongst others.
They have delved deep into a melodic speed metal core with a folk influenced twist to the lyrics in what is a truly magnificent release from this up and coming band. This work comes hot on the heels of Emerald Rage's first ever trip to Europe where they performed at the highly rated Headbangers Open Air festival in Germany in July this year.
CHECK THEM OUT HERE: https://linktr.ee/emeraldrage
They have delved deep into a melodic speed metal core with a folk influenced twist to the lyrics in what is a truly magnificent release from this up and coming band. This work comes hot on the heels of Emerald Rage's first ever trip to Europe where they performed at the highly rated Headbangers Open Air festival in Germany in July this year.
CHECK THEM OUT HERE: https://linktr.ee/emeraldrage
Iron Kingdom - Traditional metal is back and Canada's Iron Kingdom are at the forefront with their 15th Anniversary release of the 6th full length album 'Shadows and Dust'. Written and recorded entirely by the band in their home studio this is a raw, no click track, back to basics metal album that honours the greats of the genre's past.
With dual guitar harmonies and intricate passages layered on top of a crushing rhythm section, 'Shadows and Dust' is a dark and emotionally charged album that is something you definitely need to hear for yourself.
Give Iron Kingdom a spin: www.iron-kingdom.com
With dual guitar harmonies and intricate passages layered on top of a crushing rhythm section, 'Shadows and Dust' is a dark and emotionally charged album that is something you definitely need to hear for yourself.
Give Iron Kingdom a spin: www.iron-kingdom.com
LA based Crymwav has been putting out some amazing work lately. The 2022 founded group is essentially the continuation of the legendary Smash Fashion with all former members now. The 4 pieces have been churning out some incredible new songs lately and have just treated their fans to a phenomenal cover of the Agent Orange classic “Everything Turns Gray” to get everyone amped up for their new album “Melt the Ice” set for a summer release.
The group has done an amazing job of skilfully reworking some of the vintage underground sounds into brand new, modern works while always delivering the hard-hitting, energetic and vibrant rock ‘n’ roll their fans have come to expect from the band.
This is a band that hits hard and you can experience that for yourself right here: crymwav.bandcamp.com
The group has done an amazing job of skilfully reworking some of the vintage underground sounds into brand new, modern works while always delivering the hard-hitting, energetic and vibrant rock ‘n’ roll their fans have come to expect from the band.
This is a band that hits hard and you can experience that for yourself right here: crymwav.bandcamp.com
Nox Sinister - Los Angeles theatrical metal outfit Nox Sinister, in their continued aggression to the sacred and sacrosanct, have unleashed a new salvo of lyrical and thematic content in the form of "The Heathenry Trilogy". The three songs - "Tell Me, Father", "Faun" and "The Plague Nocturnal" - mark the groundwork for the band's next full-length release and were recorded with renowned producer Juan Urteaga.
A uniquely diverse band comprised of musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds, Nox Sinister create intricate, compositionally progressive structures within a framework of pure thrash metal. Their catchy, sing-along choruses are juxtaposed against a dark, neon-lit horror movie aesthetic, used to furiously challenge the traditional institutions of religion and their malevolent dogma.
Discover them for yourself here: Linktree
A uniquely diverse band comprised of musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds, Nox Sinister create intricate, compositionally progressive structures within a framework of pure thrash metal. Their catchy, sing-along choruses are juxtaposed against a dark, neon-lit horror movie aesthetic, used to furiously challenge the traditional institutions of religion and their malevolent dogma.
Discover them for yourself here: Linktree
Keep an eye out for more artist spotlights, and if you have any new music that you think deserves a shout-out, feel free to send it our way.