Extreme Dream – Extreme Metal

I’ve just been to Download Festival and really enjoyed it – the line-up was fantastic! Because of this, I decided it would be a good time to create a round-up review based around metal bands on the more extreme end of the spectrum. Most of the artists listed here definitely fall under that spectrum, although there are a few outliers from the experimental metal side of things. Don’t forget to check out the full playlist at the end of the review too!

Review by Jane Howkins

Photo by Glytsh

Glytsh – V.H.S (Vulgar Holy Spirit)

Starting this list off in perfect style is Glytsh, a fairly new band on the scene from London. V.H.S (Vulgar Holy Spirit) is a track that mixes different sounds together – it starts off seeming fairly poppy, with a melodic singing style soaring over the riffs. However, occasional bouts of screaming are added to create more variety, bouncing off the singing in a perfect way. It’s fantastic to hear a band mixing sounds like this, and the killer riffs and drums really do add more to the tune. It’s absolutely full of energy throughout!

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Daniel Bohn – The Red Blight

The Red Blight is one of the most experimental tunes on this list, clocking in at a shade over 12 minutes. Daniel Bohn returns with this killer track, the title song of his new album, Emotions of the Sky. The track starts out quietly with an atmospheric string section and piano, before some electronic elements arrive. It certainly doesn’t sound like a metal song at first, but then the chugging riffs and demonically screamed vocals kick in, making for a nice surprise. The song breaks down again with a pretty interlude before the end, before the track tails out in full death metal style.

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Pressure – Demonic Oath

Demonic Oath sounds epic from the very start, including a slew of heavy riffs and a hardcore rhythm section that will appeal to those into their heavy metal and hard rock. Pressure is a band that manages to mix heaviness and melody well, as the vocals are largely sung. However, there is some screaming present in the background, really ramping the tension up! There are also elements of lots of different metal sub-genres here, showing a band with a lot of promise! The solo is also pretty cool too, making this a must listen!

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The Jump To Nowhere – Capture The Groove

Capture The Groove is a new song taken from The Jump To Nowhere’s latest album release, also titled The Jump To Nowhere. The riffs sound epic from the very start, running along against the fast beat in an epic way. They’re both groovy and heavy, really helping you to get into a headbanging mood! One of the more unique things about this track is the synths that are used, melding both metal and electronica together in a fantastic way. It’s an instrumental piece of work, but when the music is this impressive, it doesn’t really matter!

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Forecast – Pollador

Forecast is another London-based band, adding a hardcore touch to this list with Pollador. It starts out quietly with an acoustic guitar, before the huge riffs and screamed vocals kick in. The tension and energy are kept high throughout, with breakdowns happening every so often to keep your interest piqued. The track slows down a little in the middle, making everything sound a little more melodic, before building back up to the heaviness once again – these guys are definitely going to be big!

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Jack Lillian – Weeping Willow

Oakland act Jack Lillian’s music is a little mellower than the other songs here, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t rock! It’s great to hear more female vocalists getting into the scene – the vocals really soar here! The riffs are very menacing too, running through the music well with the bass and drums. There’s also a tinge of stoner rock thrown into the mix, making Weeping Willow a track that shews the genre boundaries stylistically. It’s a nice respite from some of the heavier songs here, and still well worth your time, despite being a little softer in sound!

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Passive Fix – I’ll Take It All

I’ll Take It All is another song that starts out subtly, although the chugging riffs do add a little more to the track to make it seem heavier. One thing’s for sure – Passive Fix is an artist changing the boundaries of metal and rock and roll, adding something different to the scene. The vocals are largely sung, however there is some screaming present on the chorus, coming out of nowhere with a big burst of energy! It’s also rather experimental at times, making for a piece of music that constantly keeps you guessing!

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Collapsed Tower – Mind Detached From Its Body

Mind Detached From Its Body is a song from Collapsed Tower’s recent album release, Happiness Is Transient, Melancholy Is Permanent. It’s a song that mixes elements of prog metal and doom together, creating something really atmospheric in the process. The downtuned riffs really add to the ambience, creating something you’ll no doubt want to bang your head along to! It’s an instrumental piece of work, but it all sounds very impressive, so there really isn’t any need to add vocals. The guitars sound absolutely killer here, changing up every so often to create a more varied song.

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