So, back in college, I made a couple of mix tapes of bands I thought deserved a little more attention. Handed them out to my friends, all in all, just some good PR for some not-so well known bands. Yeah, I was that guy. I still am, and have been listening to some fun stuff recently, and thought that I would share. Now yeah, I know some of these bands are not that obscure, but they may have dropped off the face of the planet for a few years, and are back. So, give these bands a shot, and if you like what you hear, do yourself a favor and pick up an album or two.
Cold: Wicked World
After over five years, Cold returns triumphantly with a new studio album, titled Superfiction. Check it out on iTunes to get a bonus cover of Aerosmith's Dream On
The Dreaming: Beautiful
Some familiar faces return to my samplers as the lead singer and drummer from Stabbing Westward are joined by a number of other talented musicians. Currently finalizing their second studio album, I can not wait to see them on tour again!
Halestorm: Familiar Taste of Poison
I will be the first to admit that I am not one for female bands, but this caught my attention the other day and has been stuck in my head, in a good way.
Celldweller: Birthright
Anyone that knows me knows that I have been high on Klayton for a good number of years, and really that has not stopped. Come in and take a listen to the best band you didn't know you knew.
Red Line Chemistry: You Don't Get It
Out of nowhere the other day this song hit me and brought me back to some good alt-rock days of the late 90's. Somewhere in between some good STP or Vevet Revolver and the driving bass rhythms of Isle of Q, these guys have what it takes, give them a shot.
Acroma: Orbitals
Driving guitars that give off an A Perfect Circle like feel give these guys a great edge. Definitely worth a listen or two.
Sonota Arctica: Flag in the Ground
Finnish progressive metal. I have a soft spot for the hard rock that comes out of both Finland. Sweeping melodies and epic storytelling. See also Amorphis, Falconer or Epica for more in this vein.
Deathboy: Amphetamine Zoo
Hard electronic driven rock. Hailing from England, Deathboy has recently shown back up and is writing again. Check out some of his older stuff here and then go find his site and see what else this talented musician has to offer.
In Flames: Deliver Us
That soft spot for Finnish progressive metal also extends to the Swedes. Swedish band In Flames brings more melodic death metal to the table, and after almost twenty years of doing it, they still have it.
Ayreon: Liquid Eternity
Dutch composer and musician Arjen Anthony Lucassen combines elements of just about every other band featured so far, from Sonata Arctica's nd In Flames progressive metal, to Celldweller and Deathboy's electronic influences into epic tales that stretch both the ears and the imagination.
Egypt Central: White Rabbit
Currently (July 2011) on tour with Red Line Chemistry, Memphis band Egypt Central brings an Alice in Wonderland inspired post-grunge piece to the mix.
