So far, 2021 has been a great year for independent metal music. We have heard new music from a range of different subgenres all across the globe, and this edition of Unsigned & Unleashed is no different. We’ll be headbanging to neo symphonic metal from Blind Hex, as well as some thrash from Mani_ac, and more.
Don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorite song that was featured in this edition of U&U! The song with the most votes will be added to our Best Songs of 2021 playlist at the end of the year. So if there’s something you really like, make sure to show it some love by casting your vote at the bottom of the page.
Unsigned & Unleashed: New Music From Blind Hex, Ashes To Emperor, & More
Headbang to the songs featured in this edition of U&U with my Unsigned & Unleashed playlist on Spotify. And if you’re looking for even more underground metal music, check out this playlist.
“Sorrowless” – Blind Hex
“Sorrowless” is the amazingly heavy debut single from Mexico’s Blind Hex. And if it’s an indicator for what’s to come, then Blind Hex is THE emerging symphonic metal band to watch. “Sorrowless” instantly pulls you in with it’s blend of powerfully majestic instrumentals while Sharon Portilla’s vocals soar to unforgettable heights. This is a song that a band should be proud of at any stage, but as a freaking debut?! Needless to say, I can’t wait to see what they put out next. If you’re a fan of bands like Within Temptation, Nightwish, and In This Moment, you will LOVE Blind Hex. Stream “Sorrowless” or watch the official video here.
(Producer and Guitarist) and Sharon Portilla (Singer and Songwriter)
“Why Deny” – Lung Glass
Impact.Injury.Recovery., the latest release from Scotland’s Lung Glass, is still one of my favorite EPs of 2021 so far. It’s hard to choose a favorite, but “Why Deny” is in my top 2. (The other being “Bitterend”, which was voted as one of the Best Songs of 2021 so far.) Much like the latter, “Why Deny” is heavily groovy, grunge-y, and sludge-y with a big, anthem like chorus. I had the opportunity earlier this year to chat with Hendo, the drummer for Lung Glass, about the new EP, as well as the band itself. Read our interview here. You can also listen to Impact. Injury. Recovery. or pick up some Lung Glass merch here.
“The Extremist” – Mani_ac
Mani_ac’s latest single, “The Extremist”, is a pulse pounding thrash attack. This speedy track booms and roars with intensity from the second you hit play. If you’re a thrash metal fan, “The Extremist” is a must listen. Oh and did I mention that Mani_ac is a solo artist? Everything but the cover art (which was done by Anushruta Tripathi) and technically the lyrics (which were cowritten with Linu Elizabeth), is done by Rajamani Ayyer. This includes all of the vocals, instruments, music composition, mixing and mastering. Listen to “The Extremist” along with Mani_ac’s prior releases on Spotify. He also makes orchestral and alt rock songs under “Rajamani Ayyer”. His upcoming release, Castaway, is waiting for you to presave here.
“Compose and Destroy” – Worship The Sacrifice
The First Cut, another amazingly heavy EP released this year from Worship The Sacrifice, is filled with brutally heavy bangers. One of which is “Compose and Destroy”, a standout track from that release. There’s so many cool things going on here. From the killer guitar solos (which the band does throughout the EP and it’s awesome), to the thick bass lines, unearthly vocals, and the drums slamming and exploding throughout, this song is just an absolute beast. “Compose and Destroy” is a dark and sinister sounding track that was made for the pit. Worship the Sacrifice is set release a new music video for their track “No Laughing Matter” on October 31st. Subscribe to the band’s YouTube to channel to make sure you don’t miss it. You can also order a copy of The First Cut on Bandcamp or stream it on Spotify.
“Shattered Mirror” – Ashes To Emperor
Ashes to Emperor are back with an electrifying new track, “Shattered Mirror”. The song features the band’s signature blend of haunting, electronic, and of course, heavy elements that is sure to have you banging your head. “Shattered Mirror” follows the band’s July single, “Misfit”, which was voted as one of the best songs of 2021 so far. The band also recently announced that Eric Charron has joined Ashes to Emperor as their 2nd Guitarist. Listen to Ashes Emperor on these platforms.
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE TRACK!
Don’t forget to cast your vote below for your favorite track of the week. The song with the most votes will be on our list of The Best Songs of 2021. Polling for this edition closes at 12:00 am EST on October 31st, 2021.
This poll is no longer accepting votes
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