Here at rocksins we’re constantly keeping an eye on the British metal scene and have identified 10 bands, some who are brand new and some who have been around for a while who we think are going to really make it big this year (and a few of them are already proving us right). Read on for 10 British hard rock and metal bands we think you really need to know about.
Here Lies Affliction
Rising stars from the Harlow scene, this hardcore 5 piece are beginning to make a name for themselves both in the UK and abroad after being together for around 3 years. Chris Hill and Jon Farley’s duelling guitars glue everything together nicely over the brutal vocals of Kyle Dempsey. They have plans to tour as much as possible during 2010, keep your eyes open for them, they can and probably will go far.
For Fans of: All Shall Perish, Despised Icon, Beneath The Massacre
Listen: https://www.myspace.com/hereliesaffliction
Savage Messiah
Another London 4 piece, this time in the mould of the classic thrash metal band, Savage Messiah have an enormous amount going for them barely 2 years after forming. Their debut album Insurrection Rising is out now on Candlelight Records, and they have already shared the stage with fellow listees Sylosis and Breed 77 as well as appearing at the Hellfire festival at the end of 2009, and they are just beginning a month-long stint as support to Overkill on their 25th anniversary tour across Europe. Evile watch out, your position at the top of the tree of British Thrash is under serious threat. Check out the Rock Sins review of Savage Messiah (with Sylosis) from The Garage in London at the end of 2009).
For Fans of: Megadeth, Testament, Cliff era Metallica
Listen: https://www.myspace.com/savagemessiahmetal
Nixa
This 4 piece hard rock band from London have built up a loyal following from touring the UK extensively over the last 18 months. The Guerilla E.P. has been extremely well received by publications such as Kerrang and RockSound, as well as getting a 4.5/5 review right here on Rock Sins. Further touring, a full album and hopefully a run on the summer festival circuit awaits, by the end of 2010 a lot more people will have heard of Nixa.
For Fans of: Foo Fighters, Brand New, Jimmy Eat World, Biffy Clyro
Listen: https://www.myspace.com/nixaspace
Sylosis
Another Rock Sins favourite, the Reading 5 piece band look set to have their biggest year so far in 2010. The follow-up to the storming Conclusion of an Age is due around April/May time, and they are main support to reformed metal legends Fear Factory on their mid February UK tour in the next couple of weeks. A Sylosis headline tour follows that in March, and they are sure to pop up again on the live circuit once the new album is released. A must see live (read our review of their late 2009 London show right here).
For Fans of: Trivium, Chimaira, Shadows Fall
Listen: https://www.myspace.com/sylosis
Exit Ten
Exit Ten are arguably the veterans of this list, having been going for a several years now. Hailing from the vibrant Reading scene, the band have toured extensively with many big name artists over the last few years such as Avenged Sevenfold, Sikth, Soilwork and Five Finger Death Punch, as well as a pair of fantastic appearances at Download 2008 and Sonisphere 2009. With their second album due in 2010, maybe this is the year they get the big break they arguably deserve. Read Rock Sins interview with Exit Ten from November 09.
For Fans of: 36 Crazyfists, Thrice, Boysetsfire
Listen: https://www.myspace.com/exitten
A Long Time Dead
If you’re a fan of fierce female metal vocals, this is the band for you. Derv makes Angela from Arch Enemy sound like Katy Perry. A hardcore band with a difference, if you like hardcore/deathcore metal they are guaranteed to blow your socks off. Shows coming up in the next month in High Wycombe and Nottingham, get along to see one of the UK’s fiercest bands.
For Fans of: Hatebreed, Arch Enemy, Walls Of Jericho
Listen: https://www.myspace.com/alongtimedead
Triaxis
Triaxis are a Heavy Metal band from South Wales. Dedicated to being the very best that they can be, they give 100% to every gig and recording which is evidenced by their growing popularity on the live scene. Triaxis are all about Shredding guitar, crazy solos, solidly backed tracks and have a classic metal feel to them. Continuing from the success of their 2008 EP Lord of the Northern Sky, Triaxis have recently launched their full length debut album ‘Key to the Kingdom’ which you can read a full review of here.
For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica, Megadeth, Ozzy.
Listen: https://www.myspace.com/triaxisuk
The Hedoniacs
Recent newcomers on the scene, The Hedoniacs are a throwband band, everything about them just being pure old school rock and roll. Harsh guitars with a hint of Hendrix are mixed with a range of vocals and it all combines to give them an almost blues based sound at times. Touring around the London and South East of the UK, the band have already attracted attention from some senior people in the music industry. Give them a listen and find out why.
For Fans of: Clutch, Bigelf, Down, bluesy rock and roll
Listen: https://www.hedoniacs.com/
Rise To Remain
Making waves in the UK music scene were Rise To Remain, fronted by none other than Bruce Dickinson’s son Austin. They have already racked up impressive tours with Five Finger Death Punch (twice) and Shadows Fall and are due to Support Trivium and Chimaira on their extensive UK tour in March. The band are developing an excellent live reputation and deserve to be known for their impressive live performances and music, not because of any family relation to the band.
For Fans of: Five Finger Death Punch, Trivium, Unearth
Listen: https://www.myspace.com/risetoremain
And So I Watch You From Afar
The instrumental collective from Belfast are starting to make a big name for themselves both in the UK and abroad. They recently supported Oceansize on some shows, and have just released their new E.P. “The Letters”. An Irish tour is now underway before they hit SXSW in the States in March and follow that up with a full UK tour in April. Get tickets while you can, they are supposed to put on a superb live experience.
For Fans of: Pelican, Isis, Oceansize, Red Sparowes
Listen: https://www.myspace.com/andsoiwatchyoufromafar
