Underappreciated Metal.
In no particular order, a list of albums and bands who deserve more attention. These aren't exclusively underground, independent, or unknown acts. Simply those that deserve a bigger spotlight. Will be expanded as I explore the sulfur mines for new talent. For every band I find with under 100 subscribers on youtube my farts grow ever more erotically potent and flannel clad. |
| 1 |  | Hatchet
Dying To Exist |
| 2 |  | Crisix
The Menace
All of Crisix's discography is worth a listen. Later efforts are less "thrashy" than their first two albums, but they manage the change seamlessly. |
| 3 |  | Hexen
Being and Nothingness
Only two LP's were ever released under the Hexen banner, but neither one is anything below excellent. Their first album 'State of Insurgency' is a textbook thrash record, with fast riffing, aggressive vocals, and semi-conceptual lyrics around the Timothy McVeigh bombing. 'Being and Nothingness" transcends typical thrash, with a much more focused lyrical style, harsher vocals, and more technical and diverse instrumentals. The nearly 15 minute "Nocturne" that closes out the album highlights all the best parts of the album. |
| 4 |  | Vita Imana
Bosa
Spanish groove metal that stands out with its diverse percussion. |
| 5 |  | Blynd
Liber Sum
Death/Thrash metal act that incorporate progressive elements into their music. High energy instrumentals and vocals make both 'Liber Sum' and 'Punishment Unfolds' very entertaining listens. |
| 6 |  | Suicidal Angels
Division Of Blood
Dead Again is also worth a look. |
| 7 |  | Pagan's Mind
God's Equation
Extraterrestrial lyrics aren't the only thing that push this prog/power metal record to astronomical heights. Fantastic vocals and technical yet easily digested riffing show just how high Pagan's Mind can go. |
| 8 |  | Malison
Malison
The eponymous debut from Malison shows a band with an enormous amount of potential. A heavy metal record oozing with NWOBHM influence that boasts fantastic clean vocals. While many debut records introduce an obviously talented group/artist, they often lack the focus brought about by experience. Malison has no such pitfalls as they hit the stage with a focused and excellently crafted record. |
| 9 |  | Lost Society
Terror Hungry
While I wouldn't say Lost Society is unknown by any stretch. They are certainly under-represented on this site. While all three of their LP's are excellent, terror hungry serves as the best blend between the all-out aggression seen on 'Fast Loud Death' and the more refined offerings from 'Braindead'. |
| 10 |  | Dust Bolt
Awake the Riot |
| 11 |  | Destrage
The King Is Fat'N'Old |
| 12 |  | Bokassa
Divide and Conquer
While one could argue that this a rock album, one could also gargle a bucket of dicks. Neither crossover nor metalcore, Bokassa blend punk and metal in a way that defies precedent. Excellent instrumentals and aggressive yet fun vocals that make you want to sing along, if only you could tell what the fuck the words are. |
| 13 |  | Crimson Wind
Last Poetry Line
If you like power metal and don't like this record, you don't like power metal. |
| 14 |  | Nekrogoblikon
Stench
While I believe a lot of people have a passing familiarity with Nekrogoblikon, the relatively few reviews they have on here lead me to believe most people have shrugged them off as nothing more than a gimmick. While it's true that the Goblin imagery is deliberately used for comedic effect, and the band happily acknowledges the gimmick, this in no way detracts from the legitimate musicianship Nekrogoblikon posses. A melodic death metal band with folk influences, each album is packed full of great riffs and even the occasional catchy chorus. I wasn't blown away by their first album, but everything else is worth a look. I chose Stench for the list because I think it's the most representative of their style. |
| 15 |  | Alex Chichikailo
Hangover
Alex is a one man band that I found on Bandcamp. He makes instrumental metal across a few sub-genres, but primarily in metalcore and death/thrash. There's not much to say besides he makes very solid instrumental metal. All his albums are pay what you want on bandcamp, so give Hangover a listen and maybe toss the guy a couple bucks if you like it. |
| 16 |  | Fog of War
Fog of War |
| 17 |  | Cist
The Frozen Casket |
| 18 |  | Feradur
Legion |
| 19 |  | Lazarus A.D.
The Onslaught (Re-release) |
| 20 |  | Mortal Sin
Face of Despair |
| 21 |  | Riot
Thundersteel |
| 22 |  | Toxic Holocaust
Conjure and Command |
| 23 |  | Ruinous
Graves of Ceaseless Death |
| 24 |  | I Am
Hard 2 Kill |
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