The 10 Most Underrated Bands In Metal

This is the set of bands that I really don't get enough attention in the metal scene and kind of full under the radar. These ten bands, more than other bands in metal, deserve a bigger following and more respect for what they do. Without further ado, here are my picks for the ten most underrated bands in metal

Fleshgod Apocalypse: Fleshgod Apocalypse is a brutal/technical death metal from Italy. What has really struck me about their sound, is their insane speed and classical-influenced orcherstra arrangements. Their use of strings adds a fascinating component to their remarkably heavy sound. If you are going to Summer Slaughter this year, show up early and check these guys out.

Howl: Howl is a sludge/doom metal from Rhode Island. Even with only one full-length record under their belt, they have already established themselves as one of the best sludge bands around. They have mastered the lost of art of the riff and I can only see them getting better over time. Check Howl if your a fan of Mastodon,Crowbar, or High One Fire.

The Human Abstract: The Human Abstract is a progressive metal band from California. Outside of their disappointing second record, Midhaven, The Human Abstract have been making some of the best progressive metal around. The highlight of  their band is their spectacular guitar players Dean Harrera and A.J Minette. Their blend of progressive and technical guitarwork is astonishing. New vocalist Travis Ritcher adds even more depth to The Human Abstract and was a big part of why their latest release, Digital Veil, is their best to date. I would especially reccomend The Human Abstract if you are a fan of Between The Buried and Me or Periphery.

Intronaut:Intronaut is a progressive/post-metal band from California. Intronaut first caught my attention when I saw them open for Mastodon two years ago. I have been a big fan of their work ever since. Their last two records Prehistorcisms and Valley Of Smoke, are among the best records I have heard in the past 5 years or so. They are able to make such a stunning mark with their insane instrumentation that features prominent use of bass and drums and a variety influences from all across the musical spectrum. Intronaut has one of the absolute best bass players on the planet, their use of bass is one of the big reasons their such a special band. Check out Intronaut if you are a fan of The Ocean, Isis, or Baroness.

Last Chance To Reason: Last Chance To Reason is a progressive metal band from Maine. Last Chance To Reason is one of two bands on this list that I've only known about for a few months. I checked them out because they were playing NEMHF in April and I was really impressed with what I heard. They have a lot of progressive elements thrown in with chaotic bursts of keyboards and quick-fingered guitarwork. Their vocalist, Mike Lassard, has one of the impressive ranges in all of metal. He can hit every octave flawlessly and he is such a great talent. Last Chance To Reason is a must listen for fans of Between The Buried and Me, The Dillinger Escape Plan, and The Human Abstract.

Painted In Exile: Painted In Exile is a experimental metal band from New York. These guys are a completely mind-blowing band. The level of musical complexity they have at a such young age is staggering. Each and every one of their songs is a god damn roller coaster ride. They will come with some fast stuff, then go into a breakdown, then throw in some progressive soloing and then maybe some full on jazz parts. Their sound is completely unpredictable. What really blows my mind about them is they haven't even released a full-length album yet. If their two EP's are any indication, we could be looking at one of the best bands in metal. Listen to guys pronto if you are a fan of The Contortionist,Between The Buried and Me, or Veil Of Maya.

The Red Chord: The Red Chord is a death metal/deathgrind band from Massachusetts. The Red Chord is easily the most seasoned band on this list. They been grinding it out for over ten years now and they don't get nearly enough credit. They have been responsible for some of the best extreme metal of the past decade. Their creativity and unique approach sets them apart from most of the extreme metal crowd right now and the fact they aren't more popular is astonishing. If you haven't check out The Red Chord by now, you are really missing out. If you are a fan of The Black Dahlia Murder, Cattle Decapitation, or Cephalic Carnage, check out The Red Chord ASAP.

Revocation: Revocation is a death/thrash metal band from Massachusetts. The number one reason Revocation is spectacular is David Davidson. He is a great vocalist and an incredible guitar player. The whole band was classically trained at Berklee, so you know these guys can play. Their diverse musical background makes for some interesting arrangements. Revocation puts together thrash and death metal seamlessly. Check out Revocation, if you are a fan of Metallica,Death, or Arch Enemy.

Son Of Aurelius: Son Of Aurelius is a technical death metal from California. Son Of Aurelius released an incredible debut last year in The Farthest Reaches. I was blown away right off the bat with their complex song structure, excellent deranged vocals, and fascinating lyrics about Greek Mythology. Son Of Aurelius is probably the most criminally underrated band in all of metal. Check them out if you are a fan of The Faceless or The Black Dahlia Murder. 

War Of Ages: War Of Ages is a Christian metalcore band from Pennsylvania. What really makes War Of Ages standout is their brand of old-school metalcore. They have old-school hardcore influence thrown in with some melodic death metal. A lot of metalcore bands that have emerged and become more popular than War Of Ages in the last few years that aren't even close to as good as these guys. Their exposure has been upped quite a bit after tours with As I Lay Dying and Times Of Grace which is great. I hope their popularity continues to arise, they are one of the best metalcore bands to emerge in a long time. I highly recommend War Of Ages to fans of As I Lay Dying, Sick Of It All, and Unearth.

I will post some songs to check out by these bands in a few minutes once I gather the YouTube links.