Underground Metal: Hardcore Western Songs

Metal music, with its loud and aggressive sound, has been a popular genre since its inception in the late 1960s. Over the years, the genre has evolved and branched out into various subgenres, one of which is underground metal. Underground metal is a subculture that thrives on the independent and DIY ethos, with bands often self-releasing their music and organizing their own shows.

In this tutorial, we will explore the world of underground metal, specifically focusing on Western underground metal bands. We will discuss the history of underground metal, its subgenres, key bands, and how to discover new underground metal music.

History of Underground Metal

Underground metal emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a reaction to the commercialization of mainstream metal music. Bands in the underground scene rejected the polished production and pop sensibilities of bands like Def Leppard and Bon Jovi, instead opting for a raw and aggressive sound.

Key bands in the early underground metal scene include Venom, Celtic Frost, and Bathory. These bands helped shape the sound and aesthetic of underground metal, with their dark lyrics, intense vocals, and heavy guitar riffs.

In the 1990s, underground metal saw a resurgence with the rise of black metal and death metal bands like Mayhem, Emperor, and Morbid Angel. These bands pushed the boundaries of extreme metal music, incorporating elements of darkness, mysticism, and aggression into their music.

Subgenres of Underground Metal

Underground metal is a diverse genre with numerous subgenres, each with its own distinctive sound and characteristics. Some of the key subgenres of underground metal include:

1. Black metal: Known for its dark and atmospheric sound, black metal often features blast beats, tremolo-picked guitar riffs, and shrieking vocals. Key bands in the black metal scene include Burzum, Darkthrone, and Gorgoroth.

2. Death metal: Characterized by its intense and brutal sound, death metal combines fast tempos, guttural vocals, and complex guitar riffs. Bands like Cannibal Corpse, Death, and Morbid Angel are considered pioneers of the death metal genre.

3. Doom metal: Doom metal is a slower and more atmospheric subgenre of metal, with bands focusing on heavy, downtuned guitar riffs and melancholic lyrics. Key bands in the doom metal scene include Candlemass, Electric Wizard, and Saint Vitus.

4. Thrash metal: Thrash metal is a fast and aggressive subgenre of metal, with bands incorporating elements of punk rock and hardcore into their music. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax helped popularize thrash metal in the 1980s.

Discovering Underground Metal Music

If you’re interested in exploring the world of underground metal, there are several ways to discover new bands and music. Here are a few tips on how to get started:

1. Attend local shows: One of the best ways to discover new underground metal bands is by attending local shows and supporting your local metal scene. Many underground bands play at small venues and DIY spaces, so keep an eye out for upcoming shows in your area.

2. Explore online platforms: There are numerous online platforms and forums dedicated to underground metal music, where you can discover new bands, read reviews, and connect with other metal fans. Websites like Metal Archives, Bandcamp, and Reddit’s r/metal are great places to start exploring.

3. Listen to underground metal radio shows and podcasts: There are several radio shows and podcasts that focus on underground metal music, featuring interviews with bands, reviews of new releases, and curated playlists. Some popular shows include CVLT Nation Radio, Into the Darkness, and The Metal Crypt.

4. Join metal communities: Joining metal communities and forums online can help you connect with other metal fans, discover new bands, and stay up to date on the latest news and releases in the underground metal scene. Websites like MetalSucks, Metal Injection, and Blabbermouth are great places to start.

Conclusion

Underground metal is a vibrant and diverse subculture that continues to thrive in the modern music landscape. With its raw and aggressive sound, DIY ethos, and passionate fanbase, underground metal offers a unique and alternative take on the metal genre.

By exploring the history, subgenres, and key bands of underground metal, as well as utilizing various methods to discover new music, you can immerse yourself in this exciting and underground world of metal music. So grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and prepare to dive into the dark and intense world of underground metal.