Metal Reviews

My primary thought in making this thread were bands that have gained exposure, but have roots in the underground and are aware of their peers and the music played in the underground. Not necessarily the Metallica's, Amon Amarth's, or Mastodon's but bands like Ghost, Wolves in the throne Room, and Alcest that have gained somewhat of a buzz yet are cognizant of the underground. In interviews, have these bands divulged the names of their peers, and do they talk about their origins and playing shows with them? Do you see these bands as being instrumental in exposing lesser known acts, or do you think the talent of those bands speaks louder than big name interviews?

Wolves In The Throne Room mainstream

Well, not necessarily in terms of the top 50, but in terms of the metal underground they are well-known. Perhaps, rephrasing would be in better order, bands that are well known to us that some mainstreamers know about that in turn expose other bands in the scene to others ignorant of the metal underground.

I raised my eyebrows at 'mainstream' - thoughts turned to Sonic Youth and Ryan Adams as people who have been open about their love of underground metal.

In terms of the clarification, I think it's too hard to say. The likes of In Flames started in the underground and obviously have links with it, and that broadness and vagueness of what counts as 'underground' outside of LLN etc makes it a very tough question to answer. Will have a think and see if I can answer this better.

I ain't never heard them or thought they were a major player.


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I think the question is flawed. I remember when In Flames, Children of Bodom and Soilwork were underground bands.

And at one stage the Big 4 Thrash Metal bands were underground as well.

Mastodon and Opeth are the only two that really come to mind right away.