The Wold of METAL!
There are lot of killer bands int eh U.S., but I've been discovering that the metal community is truly worldwide. It's not actually a new concept, but it's coming from all over. Most, if not all, were influenced by the same bands I cut my teeth on. My newest discoveries since my last METAL post? A band from Iraq called Acrassicavida. Born from the first gulf war by soldiers leaving Metallica and Scorpious tapes. Driven from their home by the American Invasion and finally made it to the US. The music is classic thrash and groove. The subject matter is obviously from their personal experiences. Chthonic, from Taiwan, is like Cradle of Filth with heavy political influence. They're clearly pissed at China but the music picks up where Cradle quit being cool. Deaflock, from japan, is straight up punch to the Audio balls. Thrash/Death with nothing to say but chunky riffs and a furious drive just make it fun. Then there's Kryptos from India. Iron maiden went to Bangalore a few times and the kids finally had it with the Boyllywood saturation and put forth some killer metal. There are a bunch of others: Alestorm, Scottish pirate metal, no shit. He sings like a pirate, fucking awesome! Gogira from France, progressive extremity. Hibria, Brazilian power metal, Anthemic and full of awesome fretwork. Melechesh, Isralie black metal with sumerian themes. And my new favorite, obviously isn't new or innovative much anymore b ut these guys are just fun. Tongue in cheek lyrics and some serious topics but it doesn't dredge the Satal/Tolkien waters. Some bands you can scratch the surface and there it is. But the world is showing that metal is alive and shoving the middle finger in eyes of those who consider metal a viable relevant art form. Horns UP!