Unknown Bands
Thanks to constant research on new and upcoming bands, as well as receiving all sorts of free samples, I've come across some great metal bands that hardly anyone is aware of. In fact, this has been my driving goal in having a radio show ... to help metalheads realize that there is more to life than just what you can find in a Sam Goody or Walmart. Over the years, I've raved about a few bands, some of whom have remained in obscurity, and others who have gone on to grab the spotlight (Fear Factory, In Flames, Lacuna Coil). Of course, everyone has their personal opinion of what they think is terrific (hell, someone somwhere finds Lionel Richie awesome), but the radio has been a great litmus test for finding what is appealing to the public. The following are groups that I love, and that have prompted excited listeners to call in and ask, "Who the hell was that?!" If any one of these bands doesn't ring a bell, do yourself a favor and look it up.
The latest entries will be placed at the top of the list.
Posted 3/31/06
3 Inches of Blood
Of the 10 bands I'm listing on this first entry, this group is probably the most well known. This canadian band, currently based in Washington State, is an old school metal band with two vocalists. One vocalist shrieks high-pitched Priest/King Diamond style, while the other punctuates the singing with nothing but death growls. This unique combination is sure to be imitated, along with the lightning quick, but hook filled riffs. Living in the Northwest, I've been fortunate enough to see them live several times, and they bring more energy to a room than just about any current band. Check out the tunes on their webpage. Being signed to Roadrunner, and coming out with a new album in a few months, this group should move out of obscurity pretty soon.
Posted 3/31/06
Bohse Onkelz
This German band has been around for about 25 years, yet still sounds brutal. They are a mix of Punk and Metal, characterized by simple, heavy riffs and unique, gravelly vocals. Listening to their older stuff, just about every metal fan can find something to like. The only reason most people don't know who they are is because they sing exclusively in their native tongue, which is tough to market outside of German speaking countries. I find the language adds to the harshness of the music, and makes it even more bad-ass.
Posted 3/31/06
Brainchild/Circle of Dust
There are a number of Christian metal bands that are automatically overlooked because they are Christian. This is one of them. Fortunately, with the likes of Demon Hunter storming the airwaves these days, it looks like that prejudice may pass. The album "Mindwarp" was released under two different band names, the first being "Brainchild" in 1994. For you heavy metal historians out there, this industrial metal album was light years ahead of its time. It's heavier than crap, with loaded riffs mixed with odd sampling. I really don't like industrial, but this album is metal enough to be the exception.
Posted 3/31/06
Detritus
This thrash group was one of those buried by all the Metallica copycats in the late 80s and early 90s, but even more so because they were Christian. Too bad, because their second and last album "If But For One" deserved some time in the spotlight. This album had songs that were straight thrash, others that could almost be called Atmospheric, and plenty of Progressive mixed in. It contains the only heavy metal sailor song I've ever heard, which ended up being one of the top 3 songs requested for years on the radio show. All that in one album, plus a song that successfully incorporated a saxophone without sounding gay! Imagine that!
Posted 3/31/06
Divinity Destroyed
For years, I've played this band on the show, while they remained unsigned. Amazing vocals, and unique progressive music has made them one of my favorite groups. I don't know what the hold up is, but in my opinion, they should be headlining tours all over the planet. They've been recently signed to a small label, so hopefully they'll start making an impact. Check out their website for two things: 1. It's the funniest metal website I've come across, and 2. listen to their song "Forsaken" all the way through. The ending has most metalheads pissing themselves with joy.
Posted 3/31/06
Sabaton
Holy war machine! This band is the kick in the ass that power metal has been needing! How many albums can you list that are perfect from start to finish? I have more albums than can be counted, but can only truthfully list about 15 or so. "Primo Victoria" is one of them. Every song is anthemic, each with a different war related theme. The vocals are different than regular Power Metal because they aren't reedy and high-pitched. When the whole band is not singing together, the vocals are powerful and gravelly. Even without the lyrics or war chants, the music still sounds perfectly suited to a war charge. Mix classical, pompous Wagner with razor-sharp metal and you start to get the idea.
The only reason I can fathom their obscurity is that they have been plagued with distribution problems. Even now, the only way to get their album is to pay a lot of money on their website. Buy it anyway! I can't imagine any other group singing a date,and making it sound so awe-inspiring. "Sixth of June, Nineteen Fourty Four!!"
Posted 3/31/06
Saviour Machine
The best vocals in heavy metal, overlooked because it's a Christian group. Though their later albums got a bit too progressive and boring for me, the first album is a great progressive gothic metal mixture.
Posted 3/31/06
Timeless Miracle
This is a great power metal band with a penchant for incredibly catchy singing. They also have music that frequently reminds me of a lullably mixed with heavy metal. There are tons of power metal bands choking the system, most of them without enough talent to be worth mentioning. Despite the weird name, Timeless Miracle transcends these mediocre groups with blazing fast guitars and unique, but powerful and emotive vocals.
Posted 3/31/06
Turmion Katilot
Don't even bother trying to buy an album, as they are evidently obscure even in their native Finland. This is an industrial metal outfit that sings exclusively in Finnish, thus limiting their international appeal. Too bad, because this band has a unique and appealing sound. Employing death vocals which occasionally switch to gravelly clean vocals, repetetive but crushing riffs, and soaring keyboards, this industrial band would have fans if they stopped playing in igloos. For me, the change of language is actually appealing, but most labels don't see it that way. Turmion Katilot are actually fairly similar to the previously mentioned "Brainchild"
Posted 3/31/06
Xentrix
Like Detritus, this British thrash band was just drowned by all the thrash bands coming out in the late 80s and early nineties. Ignore their last album "Scourge", but if you like old thrash, their first few albums are worth a listen.
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