Over this last year I’ve made a lot of changes here at The Versatile Virgo. But something that will never change is my love for new underground metal music, and my belief that it’s extremely important to support the underground (as well as musicians as a whole). Since changing my new music series from weekly to monthly, I’ve put a major focus on including unsigned and underground bands there too.
But Unsigned & Unleashed is still one of my favorite series on this platform. And even though unsigned and underground metal bands can still be heard every month on New Music Monthly, there are still those 2022 releases that I want to celebrate that we didn’t discover in their first month. And that’s okay! Because in the modern internet era, music lovers are discovering songs at their own pace. (I mean, look at what Stranger Things has done for Metallica and Kate Bush.) And as a Virgo, you know I have to help you out by giving you a convenient way to discover even more amazingly heavy releases that you may have missed earlier this year.
So welcome to this very special edition of Unsigned & Unleashed! Learn about the songs in this month’s edition by reading my reviews below. And don’t forget to listen along with the playlist, so you can headbang along with me!
Finally, make sure to cast your vote at the bottom of the page for your favorite song featured in this edition. Because the song with the most votes by 12am EST on August 15th will be added to our Best Songs of 2022 list at the end of the year, along with those chosen from New Music Monthly.
New Underground Metal You Need To Hear: Unsigned & Unleashed 2022
BTW, you’ll also find these songs and/or artists on my Underground Metal Playlist, which is updated regularly. Listen to that here.
“Inner Tide” – Kalad
Mexico City’s Kalad brings an epic and powerful energy to the table with “Inner Tide”. This symphonic metalcore track has just the right blend of heavy melodies to make your heart swoon. According to the band, “’Inner Tide’ talks about all the life experiences that put our strength to the test, when we as individuals don’t get to choose what to live, but it is life itself who decides for us. (Losing someone, deprivation of freedom, kidnappings, separations) Therefore, the individual starts questioning what he actually has control of, only to realize the only thing he/she can control is the decision of how he/she will deal with this tribulation.” Watch the video for “Inner Tide” below and listen to Kalad on Spotify. You can also listen to Kalad on my Metal Women playlist here.
“Velvet & Cake I” – Juanjo Alvarez feat. Maridia
You may remember “Velvet & Cake II” by Mexican composer and musician Juanjo Alvarez from a previous edition of New Music Monthly earlier this year. But the first track from this double single called “Velvet & Cake I” is equally as awesome. Juanjo Alvarez is an artist that’s definitely not afraid to play with different styles. It’s part of what initially caught my attention about his music. However, this collaboration with Maridia might be one of his heaviest songs yet. Listen to all of Juanjo’s music on Spotify or Bandcamp.
“Shattered Crown” – Veska
On a recent edition of New Music Monthly, you voted Veska‘s “Starscourge” as one of the top heavy songs of 2022 so far. And with good reason! What I love about Veska’s sound is that it reminds me of old school, early black metal. “Shattered Crown” is a perfect example of that. This song also has a bit more of an atmospheric feel to it, giving it an otherworldly mysticism. “Shattered Crown” was the first track that Veska released this year and he’s been quite the busy bee since. So if you’re new to Veska, you have some catching up to do. Listen to all of Veska’s releases on Spotify or Bandcamp.
“Chronophobic” – Kargyr
Kargyr’s “Chronophobic” kicks things off with a haunting acoustic intro before it completely explodes. Just like being hit with a wave, the vocals and brutally heavy instrumentals come in suddenly and swinging. What I love about “Chronophobic” is it continues to bounce back and forth between these musical worlds throughout the rest of the track. And that musical whirlwind is something that sticks with you as it sends a chill down your spine and makes your heart pound to the drum beat. Listen to Kargyr on these platforms.
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE NEW UNDERGROUND METAL SONG!
Vote for your favorite new underground metal track that’a featured on this edition of Unsigned & Unleashed! The song with the most votes by 12am EST on August 15th will be added to our Best Songs of 2022 list at the end of the year.
Think you may have missed some of the songs listed below? Then make sure to listen along with my Unsigned & Unleashed playlist here on Spotify.
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