Your guide to new rock, metal and punk bands
You often here people who aren’t fans of metal lazily denigrate the genre as “the Devil’s music.” Well, in this case, they’d be absolutely correct. The main source of inspiration for Russian band KVLTMOR is the Diabolica Quimbanda, a sinister Occult black magic tradition that dates back to the forgotten bowels of human history.
Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Emily Mitchell has honed a diverse sound that was born out of folk-rock and influenced by pop-punk and various pop and rock styles. And the singer refuses to be bound to one genre as she pursues her solo project.
St. Louis five-piece This Is Falling have honed an intriguing sound that tows the line between metal and post-hardcore with elements of industrial, electronic sounds and 80s influences. And they’re definitely the first band to reference Top Gun as a musical influence to us.
Until now, we’ve only ever covered one band from Brazil and no metal bands from the country. However, Ponta Grossa newcomers Hemmera have well and truly put the nation’s scene on our map with their intoxicating fusion of metal, electronica, trance and orchestral elements, plus the contrast of screamed vocals and melodic choruses.
Florida trio Flagman offer up a delicious combination of fun noise rock meets alternative metal laced with all manner of big riffing, cheeky basslines and awesome guitar solos.
Wisconsin band Schmoolio have honed the sound of early 2000s punk in a fun and catchy sound. The band, led by the engaging vocals of Dan Schmuhl, craft punk rock tracks that are sure to be stuck in your head for hours.
One genre we’ve been sadly lacking coverage of over the last few years has been ska, but we’re putting that right in fine fashion with seven-piece reggae rock meets ska punk band FUBAR.
With lyrics inspired by classical poetry and fusing seriously heavy progressive metal, huge proggy rock sounds and moments of melodic calm, it’s safe to say that German Dr. Baer are an intriguing proposition.
If, like us, you’re looking for a bit of fun punk rock to liven up the endless days of sitting at home in lockdown then Drama Dolls may be just the band for you. The Los Angeles trio fuse popiness with punkiness in a lively, high energy and highly enjoyable punk rock sound.
Oxfordshire newcomers Severed Tongues have honed a delicious modern metal sound that’s somehow exceedingly dark and dramatic, yet also positive and catchy.
We love ticking new countries off the GigRadar band map, and the latest – which I believe takes us to 44 countries – is Puerto Rico with death metal band Omnifariam.
Dutch rockers Phrasing began life as a cover band playing everything from Metallica and Queen through to Britney Spears and Spice Girls. Thankfully, they got the last two out of their system and branched out into writing their own original material in late 2018.
