Seriously, take a few minutes to watch this "informative" video: Please note this video contains "strong" language and puppet violence not appropriate for children!
While the video above may make any metal fan giggle, we wanted to really delve into the idea of defining and describing "metal" as a form of music. From opinions of staff and other promoter connections, we decided on a list of truly metal bands demanding attention and recognition. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, but a recommendation for all metal fans to reach out to the truly independent acts involved with self-promotion.
When asked to describe "metal", Metal Mark of AtlMetal.com and Metal Injection's Atlanta Scene Report said,
"Metal developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the United Kingdom and the United States. Metal is traditionally characterized by loud distorted guitars, emphatic rhythms, dense bass-and-drum sound, and vigorous vocals. Separate genres include thrash metal, death metal, black metal, power metal, gothic metal, grindcore, hardcore, swedish metal, and more. Metal's musicians put pure passion into each song, and seeing a live show will make you realize that fans share the same passion for the music. It's not for everyone, but everyone must respect it." -Metal Mark McPheeters
The following artists submitted through SonicBids and were selected as representative of one of these styles of metal:
The Metal Knights
Based out of Los Angeles, California, The Metal Knights began their career as a tribute band. Quickly, they had to realize that their talent was meant for more, as they went on to start an original band that holds to heart the true meaning of heavy metal. Their latest EP, entitled The Crossing, is an excellent example of why heavy metal will never die. From start to finish, this album is a fist-pumping assault on the ears. From songs such as "The Gates of Hell" and "Miracle In Disguise," it is no shock that this band will be a force to reckon with very soon. This band encompasses all that is heavy metal, with dynamic vocals, great guitar solo's, pounding drums, and the majestic keyboard. The vocals are classic to the trained metal ear. The vocals grab your attention and don't let go, until you are screaming along every word. The guitarist bring powerful riffs in each song, and the solos will leave you mind-blown. The best attribute to this band, in my opinion, is the keyboards. The music is already a monster, but the keyboards turn this metal band into an epic powerhouse. The Metal Knights have reached a certain amount of fame, through the radio airwaves and online promotion, but the future seems very bright for this band. If they stick to the true heavy metal, there will always be fans with their fist raised for The Metal Knights! Horns up!
Athanator
ATHANATOR is an in your face thrash band based out of South America. Their sound is equivalent to the powerhouses of Kreator, Sepultura, and Testament. Their latest CD, The Perfect Enemy, must be turned all the way up to shake your windows and annoy your neighbors! After a minute through the first song, the frenetic music gets your heart pumping and your head banging. The best thing about the CD is that this pace never stops. Once a song ends and you want to catch your breath, another song smashes through your speakers with no remorse. The drums on this album are pulsating, and keep the thrash attack a constant force on the listener. The vocals are scratchy, mean, and quick, and will bring metal fans back to the origins of true thrash metal. The guitars on this album create a blistering speed that keeps attacking you, whether you want more or not. The solo's are fast, clean, and breathtaking. Each solo is exactly what I would want for a band like this. This has been one of my favorite reviews to do, because they make me want to hop on a plane and see them in South America. I'm sure the crowds at Athantor's live shows are constantly moving, and I know circle pits are a must. If you're a fan of thrash metal, this band is a MUST for you to check out. Athanator may never get the attention that they deserve, but they definitely won over one metalhead. Hails!
Overhate-
OVERHATE is a very solid metal act hailing from Venezuela. Their style is a mix of thrashy riffs, heavy and clean vocals, and brutal breakdowns. The songs are smartly crafted with the mixture of vocal styles. The vocals are heavy when needed, and then the clean vocals come in to add to the full effect of each song. For fans of fast, heart-racing riffs, this band has some great riffs throughout each of their songs. The guitar solos are another great asset to this band. They bring the old school effect of death metal and keep the fans ears listening for more. Some of the songs bring in the progressive aspect of metal, which is awesome because it keeps the fans guessing. I can't wait to hear what's in store for the future of this band. The talent is obviously there, and hopefully they have the drive to back it up. Keep your metal ears tuned for this band in the coming years. To buy the album now please visit Overhate on DigStation
Sicarus-
SICARUS is an amazing metal act out of California. Their unique style has elements from bands like Iron Maiden, Shadows Fall, and Killswitch Engage. The vocals are the outstanding aspect of this band. The high, clean vocals are masterful and will be a breath of fresh air to old school metal fans. They have numerous vocal harmonies, which are a step above everything else. Their mix of raw, heavy vocals and clean vocals is put together well in each song, which is a hard thing to do. The drums are a constant attack on your senses. Fast double bass kicks, blast beats, and thundering symbol crashes keep the head banging through each song. The guitars are a great mixture of old school thrash and new school breakdowns. The solo's are simply unique and simply great. This band's first demo, Bleed Seraphim, is a phenomenal metal assault, that all metal fans should want to get their hands on as soon as possible. If this band sticks around, they will be a force in the future. Their music will allow them to tour with bands of many styles and still get a great response from the fans. I will definitely be on the lookout for this band and everyone else should be as well. Horns up to Sicarus!
Isaw-
Who knew Australians could be so heavy? ISAW is a nonstop, head-pounding attack that took me by surprise. With a similar style to Machine Head, Mudvayne, and others, this band could really make some moves in the future. This band has a great sound, and after listening to this band, I don't think that anyone else could deny that fact. Every member of this band is incredibly talented, and it shows in each song. The craftsmanship of each song is genius, as each song flows perfectly from start to finish. From parts where the crowd can sing along, to other parts that will create some movement in the pits. The vocals are unique, with the blending of screaming and clean vocals. This is hard to make work, and this band has done it. They are already making a name for themselves in Australia by playing tons of huge shows and more lined up for the future. I hope they can make it to the States sometime, so I can check them out for myself. I bet the live show would be something that you don't want to miss. So spread the word about ISAW, and give this band the respect they deserve. Hails!
Other staff choices were made by myself as well as Russell Eldridge (lead vocals and guitars for Delusional Mind.
Ty Oliver
Ty Oliver gained access into our METAL bands list through his instrumental style and ability. Ty Oliver remains reminiscent of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. At first listen, Ty's great ear for melody can be heard through his playing, but the technical "stuff" was not as easy to appreciate. Russell says, "When I was younger if it wasn’t super technical I really didn’t care for it, but I have learned since then that there is some equally important aspects of guitar playing. Although I was pleasantly surprised when I heard Oliver open up the legato and tapping floodgates" of Ty Oliver's latest release, Heartstrings.
Weaponhead
I chose Weapon Head mainly because of the singer. A lot of the bands that submitted and EPK were good, but for me the vocals are the most important. I like his tone and his phrasing. There is something familiar sounding in his higher register I just can’t place it. The band doesn’t sound like what I typically hear backing this style singer. There sound varies from a modern sound ( to a dirty metal vibe (Dangerous Toys, Slash’s Snake Pit,) to a slower sludge type groove.(Down, Black Sabbath)
One Bullet Resolution-
With lyrics like "Let Chaos Define, All that's divine" ("Jungles") and songs about topics from drug use to murder/suicide, One Bullet Resolution definitely fits the metal genre. Growling vocals are curbed by higher background voices driving inside the distorted guitars. This is a difficult to define genre which brings about a new sound to tune into for metal fans. One minute melodic riffs are cut to the bone by rhythmic, almost rapping, vocals. Some of the harmonies recall Alice In Chains while the music brings memories of early Faith No More to mind. Their new album will be reviewed in our Winter issue. Watch for it!
Marazene
In addition to the above listed artists, Marazene was submitted, by De Los Santos Productions, as Chicago based machine-driven metal with the release of their CD, MachiNation, released on the "metal" date of 06-06-06. Currently, Marazene are recording the follow-up album. Check them out! They have performed with Otep, Dope, Bile, The Genitorturers and other great bands!
Their dark, unruly side should be called upon by fans of metal and industrial music.
