Discovering Unheard Rock and Heavy Metal Bands
Whether you're a die-hard fan of rock and metal or just starting to dive into this vibrant world, finding new bands can be an exciting adventure. Here are some strategies and resources to help you uncover the hidden gems of rock and heavy metal music.
1. Bandcamp as a Haven for Unheard Bands
Bandcamp is a platform where many talented bands come to share their music. I found a lot of bands that I enjoyed, especially Objector, a Belgian Thrash Metal band. I made a preview video for their album Social Intolerance, featuring 30 seconds of each song. Bandcamp is a treasure trove for discovering lesser-known artists who put a lot of heart into their music.
2. Touring Similarities to Find New Bands
A great way to find undiscovered bands is to follow your favorite band’s tour schedule and explore the support acts. For example, when Arch Enemy is touring, I keep an eye out for the opening acts. Recently, I discovered a band called Uncured. By watching their YouTube videos, I found that they have a very unique sound and have created a new fanbase for themselves. This method often leads you to bands with potential that you might not have otherwise discovered.
3. YouTube and Music Labels for Discoveries
YouTube can be a rabbit hole where you encounter a wide range of music, especially if you follow channels for specific music labels. Platforms like Metal Blade Records, Season of Mist, and Sumerian Records offer a curated selection of bands that you might not find elsewhere. Additionally, using services like Apple Music and Pandora can help you stumble upon newer artists that you might enjoy. Spotify, despite its ads and shuffle issues, still provides great opportunities to explore music through its radio features, such as Heavy Metal, Pop Punk, and Alternative radio, though there may be a slight absence in Death Metal suggestions.
4. Spotify and Band Similarity
Spotify remains a popular platform for discovering new music. While it has ads and shuffle features that might not be ideal, the radios and playlist features are invaluable. The heavy metal radio, pop punk radio, and alternative radio stations can provide a great starting point. Additionally, exploring playlists of heavy metal and looking at similar artists can lead you to bands that resonate with your taste. Attending local concerts can also help you discover new bands in your area and build your own metal scene.
5. Using Google and Wikipedia for Recommendations
Google Music can also be a useful tool for finding suggestions based on your preferences. Additionally, Wikipedia has comprehensive articles and lists of metal and punk bands, which can help you explore different sub-genres and find bands that align with your interests.
6. Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives
Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives is a database with over 117,000 bands from all over the world, ranging from traditional heavy metal to extreme death metal and grind. This extensive database can be overwhelming, but it is a fantastic resource for dedicated metalheads. Whether you're looking for new bands or just curious about the vast landscape of metal, this site has a lot to offer.
Using these resources and strategies, you can uncover a wealth of exciting and unique music that you might not have discovered otherwise. Enjoy your musical journey!