In the diverse landscape of music, few genres face as much unwarranted dismissal as extreme metal.
As a passionate metalhead since middle school, it’s frustrating to witness people laugh off my playlist without giving the music a fair chance. If more listeners took the time to truly engage with metal, they’d discover an incredibly versatile and complex genre that’s worth their attention.
Contrary to popular belief, extreme metal is not just a cacophony of noise or mindless screaming about violence.
One of the most common misconceptions about metal is that it all sounds the same. In reality, metal is an incredibly diverse genre with numerous subgenres, each with its own unique characteristics — one that everyone is bound to find some sort of liking in.
There is a stereotype among metalheads that they’re elitist and only listen to bands with 50 monthly listeners for clout; but in my experience, that’s simply not the truth. Believe it or not, there are popular bands in death metal, such as Cannibal Corpse, Necrophagist and the aptly named Death. But where the fun comes in is knowing smaller bands who offer a fun spin on the genre or are local.
Here are some extreme metal bands for fans of other musical genres.
For electronic music enthusiasts, The Zenith Passage offers a unique blend of technical death metal and synthesizers, exploring themes of blind faith and the impact of technology and social media on society. Song recommendation: “Deletion Cult.”
Tomb Mold appeals to indie and shoegaze fans with atmospheric death metal invoking a guttural narrator who explores existential themes about belonging, the human search for meaning and truth and emotional struggle. Song recommendation: “Will of Whispers.”
Archspire showcases Oli Peter’s rapid-fire, rap-like vocal technique, delivering complex lyrics about identity loss and free will at breakneck speeds. Song recommendation: “Involuntary Doppelganger.”
Classical music aficionados often find parallels in extreme metal. Revocation, led by Berklee-educated Dave Davidson, and Obscura exemplify this connection. Song recommendations: “Blood Atonement” by Revocation and “Forsaken” by Obscura.
Jazz lovers should explore Gorod, a French band combining tight guitar work with Latin jazz influences and mythological lyrics. Song recommendation:“We Are the Sun Gods.”
Extreme metal has historically been used as a vehicle for advocacy, often using their platforms to critique societal problems. Its hard-hitting and serious nature is naturally an appropriate environment to tackle topics such as political corruption, war, social injustice and environmental issues.
Grammy award-winning band Gojira is well-known for its environmental themes and initiatives in raising funding for environmental causes and native tribes in the Amazon. “Flying Whales” from its 2005 album “From Mars to Sirius” uses the metaphor of flying whales to address the urgent need for environmental awareness and humanity’s connection to nature.
Research has shown that the metal community has evolved since its inception in the late 1960s. Today, women compose on average one-third of concert-goers, and many older adults, families, individuals with disabilities and LGBTQ+ people participate around the world, according to University College London.
Not only do women have a place at metal concerts — they also have a place on the stage. Among the most decorated vocalists in metal music is Tatiana Shmayluk, frontwoman of the Ukrainian band Jinjer. She characteristically switches from the gnarliest, most brutal vocals to the cleanest, most beautiful singing seconds apart in her songs and her quality doesn’t diminish live. Her lyrics touch on the Russia-Ukraine war, substance abuse and feminism.
Another band prolific for its female leadership is Arch Enemy, which both has a frontwoman and female band manager.
On top of these points, Raleigh hosts a vibrant, tight-knit and authentic metal community, with several venues regularly hosting shows across the Triangle area. While Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro and The Pour House and Neptune’s in Raleigh are established spots, Chapel of Bones stands out as a unique, designated hub for metalheads. The Venue, just ten minutes from main campus, serves as both an alternative cafe and a venue for both moderately popular bands and obscure, local acts.
For those willing to listen with an open mind, extreme metal offers a rewarding journey of musical discovery. It’s a genre that demands attention, rewards creativity and ultimately proves that beneath its intimidating exterior lies a world of artistic depth, technical prowess and genuine human connection.
