New Year, New Sounds: A Dive into Underground Metal

The Earth has made another journey around the sun, and here we are with another collection of name-your-price tunes to usher in the new year. I had a few goals this time around. I wanted to catch up on a bunch of releases that have been quietly biding their time in my backlog and share the best of them with all of you, dear reader. And if all goes according to plan, this column will land before the next Bandcamp Friday, which is—well, I was going to say “the best time to support artists”, but really, any moment is the best time to support the musicians who bring such richness (and riffiness) to our lives in these hellish times. So support underground metal, raise a big ol’ middle finger to AI-generated music, and dig these Cheap Thrills!

–Alex Chan

Foamer – The Future of Transit (September 23, 2022)

Here’s a deep cut that came highly recommended by some buddies of mine. New York’s Foamer (not to be confused with the Pittsburgh psych rock band of the same name) plays a grimy, thrashy sort of hardcore that, in its own way, definitely feels like being in a busy subway station. The frantic blastbeats and chromatic riffs represent the throngs of commuters herded through tight underground corridors, but there’s also that offbeat charm that everyone has experienced in a major city. Those more colorful aspects of riding the subway—the buskers, the candy sellers, the guy trying to move a huge, inconvenient item like a full-length mirror—emerge through synthesizer freakouts layered over the chaotic, punky core. And it might even cost you less than the average train fare, depending on where you are!

Unheetethiin – In Forgotten Tongues (June 21, 2024)

Yet another project from E.R. of Stygian Ruin and Syndexioi fame, Unheetethiin is a more traditional—and rawer—atmospheric black metal experience. It really does seem like the guy has so many irons in the fire that I still find myself randomly stumbling on older projects every few months. The reason I’m a year late to this one is because the legendary Ixiol Productions just released it on wax a few months ago, which is how it came to my attention, but from the very first minute, I knew that this was going to be another quality release from E.R.

Epic but not saccharine, In Forgotten Tongues features some truly breathtaking moments thanks to expertly timed tempo changes and polyphonic layers of guitars and synths. I know what you’re thinking—”what’s so special about yet another raw black metal album?”—but this is one such release that definitely lives up to its name, weaving tales of ancient peoples both real and imagined through E.R.’s unique sonic palette.

Kaikkivaltias – Routaa ja Rautaa (April 17, 2025)

This past spring, I somehow forgot to highlight the latest EP from Finland’s Kaikkivaltias. Do I take the term “castlecore” seriously? Not really, but is there any better way to describe the broadsword-rattling black metal that continues to define this one-man sonic army? Compared to its predecessor Astu, and even the recent split with Silent Millennia (speaking of which, they also put out a new album last year), Routaa ja Rautaa sounds especially aggressive and rougher around the edges. I imagine that the enemy is cresting the hill beyond our fortress walls, and now the fields are bristling with pikemen and other heavily armored foot soldiers, ready to lay down their lives in service of their lord.

Pedestal for Leviathan – Vampyric Manifestation (October 31, 2025)

Our own Colin Dempsey featured this one back in October, but I, like the idiot I am, took my sweet time getting around to it. And wouldn’t you know it—Vampyric Manifestation leaped out of my backlog and sunk its fangs right into me. I should’ve known that this would be awesome based on the album cover and the fact that there’s a song called “Lycanthropichrist” (say that five times fast). Oh, and it released on Halloween. That’s all you need to know, if I’m being honest. But if I must describe Pedestal for Leviathan, I would call it symphonic blackened death metal fit for a new Castlevania—if Konami ever wanted to make another one of those that isn’t a pachinko game (or the sickest pachinko game of all time).

Jehovah Lashing – Eternal Pyre Beneath the Wings of Night (November 3, 2025)

This delightful blend of grind, black metal, and death metal was recommended to me because it features the main man behind Serotonin Leakage on guitar and vocals, and surprise, surprise: it rips. Jehovah Lashing is much less manic than that aforementioned project (especially considering that two out of his last three SL releases were synth albums), but you can see the throughline thanks to the fantastically chunky and oddly infectious riffage. Expect short songs about cataclysmic cosmic battles rather than 10-minute epics about research chemicals. Or, do a bunch of research chemicals, toss on this album, and picture cataclysmic cosmic battles on your living room wall. We won’t judge!

Boar Taint – Tainted for Life (November 20, 2025)

Boar Taint’s sound shouldn’t work as well as it does: catchy, upbeat punk rock with… grindcore vocals? From what I can tell, the band was originally a solo project from guitarist and chief gurgler Max Pierce, who expanded to a full lineup for Tainted for Life. The album sounds like a Tony Hawk level set on a pork farm, chock full of tasty riffs that will have you 50-50ing along conveyor belts and doing kickflips over feeding troughs in no time. Just, uh, don’t ask how the sausage is made.

Conclusion

As we embark on another year, the underground metal scene continues to flourish, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that challenge the mainstream narratives. From the aggressive riffs of Foamer to the atmospheric depths of Unheetethiin, each release brings unique stories and experiences that resonate with listeners. Supporting these artists is crucial in keeping the underground alive, so dive into these recommended albums and discover the treasures waiting in the depths of the metal world.

FAQs

What is “name-your-price” music on Bandcamp?

Name-your-price music on Bandcamp allows listeners to pay what they want for a digital album or track, making it accessible for everyone while supporting artists directly.

How can I support underground metal artists?

You can support underground metal artists by purchasing their music, attending live shows, sharing their work on social media, and contributing to crowdfunding campaigns for future projects.

What genres are included in underground metal?

Underground metal encompasses a wide range of genres, including black metal, death metal, grindcore, doom metal, and more experimental sounds that often push the boundaries of traditional metal.

Are all the albums mentioned available on Bandcamp?

Most of the albums mentioned are available on Bandcamp, where you can often find exclusive releases and merchandise directly from the artists.