Gallery

Born of Osiris is an American progressive metalcore band known for their technical guitar work, heavy breakdowns, and atmospheric electronic elements. They blend elements of djent, deathcore, and symphonic metal with complex song structures and aggressive, yet melodic, compositions. Their sound is often characterized by rapid-fire riffs, intricate drumming, and a mix of growled and clean vocals.

The band emerged in the mid-2000s as part of the Sumerian Records scene, alongside other technical and progressive metal acts. Their debut full-length album, A Higher Place (2009), established them as a force in the progressive metalcore genre, but it was The Discovery (2011) that truly defined their signature sound, incorporating more synth-driven orchestration and intricate guitar work.

Born of Osiris has continued evolving their sound over the years with albums like Soul Sphere (2015), The Simulation (2019), and Angel or Alien (2021), maintaining a balance between crushing heaviness and ethereal, futuristic melodies. They are often compared to bands like Veil of Maya, Periphery, and After the Burial due to their technical prowess and use of progressive elements.

If you like high-energy, technically complex metal with a mix of brutality and melody, Born of Osiris is worth checking out!

Silent Planet is a metalcore band known for their deeply introspective and poetic lyricism, often tackling heavy themes like mental health, trauma, existential struggles, and societal issues. Their sound blends atmospheric elements with crushing breakdowns, intricate riffs, and emotionally charged vocals, creating a raw yet immersive listening experience.

One of their most defining aspects is their approach to mental health in their lyrics. Vocalist and lyricist Garrett Russell, who has openly shared his own battles with mental illness, writes with an unfiltered honesty that resonates deeply with listeners. Rather than relying on vague metaphors, Silent Planet crafts their songs with a mix of literary, historical, and psychological references, making their music not just emotionally powerful but intellectually engaging. Tracks like Panic Room and Understanding Love as Loss confront issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety head-on, giving a voice to struggles that are often stigmatized. Their ability to translate personal pain into poetic catharsis is what makes them stand out in the metalcore scene.

Local H is a two-piece alternative rock band known for their raw, gritty sound and high-energy live performances. Formed in the late ‘80s and breaking through in the ‘90s, they became famous for their ability to create a full, heavy sound despite only having a guitarist/vocalist (Scott Lucas) and a drummer (originally Joe Daniels, later replaced by others over the years). They achieve this by running the guitar through bass amps to fill out the low end.

Their style blends grunge, punk, and hard rock, with sarcastic, sometimes cynical lyrics that capture frustration, humor, and everyday struggles. Their biggest hit, Bound for the Floor (1996), is a defining song of ‘90s alternative radio, featuring their signature mix of fuzzy guitar riffs and anthemic choruses.

Over the years, they’ve stayed true to their DIY ethos, constantly touring and releasing new music without chasing trends. 

If you like stripped-down, no-bullshit rock, Local H delivers.

Sponge is one of those bands that truly embodies the fun of making music. They have that raw, gritty Detroit alt-rock sound—somewhere between grunge and classic rock—but what really sets them apart is the energy and enthusiasm they bring to it. Even in their darker songs, there’s a looseness that makes it obvious they love what they do.

Vinnie Dombroski’s vocals have a wild, unpredictable edge, and the band plays with a raw, unfiltered intensity that makes their music feel alive. Their riffs are bold, their rhythms hit hard, and there’s an almost carefree attitude in the way they pull it all together. They’re not trying to fit a mold—they’re just cranking up their amps and going all in. That infectious energy is a big part of why their songs still resonate.

Sponge's rhythm section delivers a tight, punchy groove that blends grunge grit with post-punk bounce. The drums are steady and driving, often featuring crisp hi-hats, snappy snare hits, and dynamic fills that add energy without overwhelming the mix. The basslines are thick and melodic, locking in tightly with the drums to create a rolling, almost bouncy foundation that propels the songs forward. Layered over this groove, the guitars strike a balance between crunchy, distorted power chords and shimmering, textured riffs, adding both weight and atmosphere. They weave between aggressive, punk-influenced chugging and more open, ringing tones, creating a dynamic interplay that enhances the raw yet hook-driven feel of the band's sound.

Renesans is a heavy-hitting brutal metalcore band from Boston, MA, known for fusing the raw intensity of early 2000s metalcore with modern metal influences. Their sound delivers punishing breakdowns, dynamic riffs, and anthemic choruses that balance aggression with melody.

The band consists of David Benites on vocals (who also runs Extreme Vocal Institute), Dave Dunsire on guitar, Ron Bernhaut on bass, and Luke Green on drums. Drawing from elements of deathcore and other metal subgenres, Renesans creates a powerful and cohesive sound that hits hard while remaining catchy and engaging.

"The band's name, 'Renesans,' means 'rebirth' in Haitian Creole, reflecting their intense and revitalized approach to metalcore."

156/Silence is a fierce band from Pittsburgh, PA, known for their aggressive blend of hardcore and metalcore. Their sound ranges from the intense, chaotic energy of hardcore to a more accessible metalcore style, with heavy breakdowns, pounding riffs, and emotionally charged vocals. They’re known for seamlessly shifting between unrelenting heaviness and melodic moments that provide a dynamic contrast to their otherwise brutal sound.

Their lyrics often touch on themes like personal struggle, mental health, and introspection, delivered with raw intensity and honesty. With their breakthrough album People Watching, the band has been gaining national attention, showcasing their ability to combine the energy of hardcore with a more polished, accessible metalcore approach that resonates with a wider audience.

If you're into a band that can hit hard while still bringing emotional depth, 156/Silence is one to watch as they continue to make waves in the scene.

Nailed Shut is a regional metal band from Massachusetts known for their aggressive and relentless sound. Drawing from a mix of hardcore, metalcore, and death metal influences, their music is heavy, fast, and unapologetically intense. They blend crushing riffs, intricate guitar work, and pounding drums with guttural, harsh vocals, creating a sound that’s both brutal and atmospheric.

Lyrically, Nailed Shut often explores themes of personal anguish, societal struggles, and defiance, delivered with raw emotion and a sense of urgency. Their sound can range from thrashy, fast-paced rhythms to more sludgy, doom-influenced moments, adding depth and variety to their heavy sound.

While they’ve remained a prominent regional act in the Massachusetts metal scene, Nailed Shut continues to make an impact with their high-energy live shows and unrelenting approach to songwriting.

Slamwich is a Massachusetts-based band that brings an intense and unrelenting sound to the slam and death metal scenes. Known for their brutal, heavy riffs and chaotic breakdowns, their music is aggressive, fast, and full of visceral energy. They blend the raw, guttural vocals typical of slam with intricate, slamming guitar work that delivers a wall of sound, making them stand out in their genre.

Lyrically, Slamwich doesn’t hold back, often exploring themes of violence, chaos, and dark humor with a mix of brutality and dark satire. Their live shows are high-energy and mosh-pit-friendly, matching their extreme sound with an atmosphere of relentless intensity.

As a regional band, Slamwich has developed a dedicated following in the Northeast, but they’re known for their ability to connect with fans of extreme metal beyond just their local scene.

Flood the Desert is a progressive metal band known for their intricate, evolving sound that blends technical musicianship with melodic elements. Their music features complex song structures, fluid transitions, and an overall atmospheric quality, balancing both heavier moments and more serene, introspective sections. With a focus on musical exploration, they create a sound that invites the listener to experience a range of emotions and dynamics.

Lyrically, Flood the Desert explores themes of personal reflection, resilience, and introspection, with a focus on deep, thoughtful storytelling. Their approach to progressive metal is marked by creativity and a willingness to push boundaries, making them stand out in the genre.

Darkeater is a Michigan-based metal band known for their heavy, punishing sound that blends elements of deathcore and doom. Their music features crushing riffs, intense breakdowns, and a raw, aggressive energy that drives each track. The band shifts between relentless heaviness and slower, more brooding sections, creating a sound that is both fierce and brooding.

Lyrically, Darkeater tackles themes of darkness, existential struggle, and personal despair, with introspective and often cryptic storytelling. Their intense sound and thought-provoking lyrics make for a powerful listening experience.

As they continue to rise in the Michigan metal scene, Darkeater is making a name for themselves with their explosive live performances and unique approach to heavy music.