There’s so much music out there. But we metalheads love to discover bands before anyone else. That idea of supporting artists early on that are working so hard to create great music is part of what makes the heavy music community so special. Underground metal is one of those things that is very near and dear to my heart. That’s a big part of why I wanted to focus on more underground related pieces like Unsigned & Unleashed. And since we’re celebrating the best releases of the year this week, I had to share my Top 5 Underground Metal EPs of 2021 with you. Or my EPOTY. (Technically I think it’s UMEPOTY, but you get it.)
I hate that EPs generally get overlooked on most AOTY/Year End lists. Why? Because the short length of an EP in some situations might be preferred by the listener. And in terms of quality, they can be just as good if not better than a full length album. Personally this year, I have probably listened to the EPs on this list just as much, if not more so, than my AOTY contenders. So never underestimate the power of a great EP.
Obviously it is physically impossible for me to listen to every underground metal EP, so this list is based on the EPs that I’ve found myself constantly jamming to this year and that I highly recommend. (However, if you’re a metal band with an upcoming release and want to send in your music, check out my want to collaborate page for more info.) These 5 underground metal EPs of 2021 are truly some of my favorite releases of the year, and I think you’ll love them too!
Best Underground Metal EPs of 2021
5. All Life Must End by No Coffin
No Coffin, for me, truly embodies what the underground metal scene represents. Not only does their music bang hard, but they have this leave-it-all-in-pit kind of energy that makes you excited just to be part of it. That excitement includes their latest release, All Life Must End. The EP comes in with all guns blazing while the first 3 tracks viciously and unrelentingly slam and thrash. And just when you think the brutal musical beatdown has ended, No Coffin comes back in for one more- they’re haunting cover of Portishead’s “Over”. All Life Must End is proof that these South Florida headbangers are a brutally heavy force to be reckoned with and it’s made fans like myself even more excited to see what No Coffin does next.
4. Crude Landscape by Dead Slow
Crude Landscape is one of those releases that stopped me dead in my tracks the first time I heard it. As soon as the grim and hypnotically haunting intro to the EP began, I was hooked. This EP represents the frustration and pent up anger we’ve all been feeling after the events of these last 2 years. However, there is also this wildly heavy and fun energy present that serves as the headbanging release we all need from those feelings. With banger after banger, Dead Slow’s Crude Landscape is calling you into the pit.
3. Resolve To Repel by Swamp
Resolve to Repel is the brutally wild ride from north Florida’s Swamp made for those ready to headbang. It’s filled with ruthless rage fueled by intense instrumentals and vocals that quite literally sound like they’re coming from the depths of hell. Sometimes there’s this idea that diction goes right out the window with unearthly vocals like this. But on Resolve To Repel they’re so clear that they might just scare the shit out of you. And I mean that in the best way possible. So if you’re one of the fearless that’s truly ready to bang your head, don’t sleep on Swamp’s mind blowingly heavy Resolve To Repel.
2. Impact. Injury. Recovery. by Lung Glass
Lung Glass came back heavier than ever in 2021 with Impact. Injury. Recovery. What’s most intriguing about Lung Glass as a whole is their passion to create songs that they want to hear. And it shows, especially on this EP. Impact. Injury. Recovery. is carefully crafted and beautifully executed as the band works together like a well oiled machine. With its big, anthem like choruses and mesmerizing instrumentals, this EP could truly make anyone a heavy music fan. It’s one of those releases that you’ll find yourself randomly singing a verse or humming a riff from, and before you know it, you’re listening to it over and over again.
1. The Abyss by Jason Payne & The Black Leather Riders
As one of my most listened to releases of the year, you’d think I would have burned myself out on The Abyss. But this EP is still just as fun and exciting to me as the first time I heard it. It has the energy of a live performance, which is only part of what makes this release so magnetic. On The Abyss, Jason Payne & The Black Leather Riders take you on a dark, adrenaline filled ride that is sure to have you singing/screaming your lungs out. Also, I know this is technically an EP, but it feels more like a full album in a sense. Each song is different from the last whether it be a hard rock ballad, headbanging anthem, or traditional heavy metal banger.
Check out our Best Songs of 2021 list, as voted by you!
Read the full list and headbang along with the playlist here.
LOOKING FOR MORE HEAVY MUSIC RECOMMENDATIONS?
Check out what I’ve been jamming to lately here.
WANT TO COLLABORATE?
If you’re releasing new music in 2022, then I want to hear from you! Click here for more info on collaborations.
