Think about it. In my opinion, some of the most innovative stuff I've heard in recent times is from the USA.
Heavy Metal: Hammers of Misfortune, Slough Feg - anything Scalzi and Cobbet touch turns to gold (from their stuff I've heard).
Black Metal: Xasthur, Weakling (the latter being the most innovative stuff I've heard in a while, although I'd say it was more derived from BM). Otherwise, I'll admit defeat and give this category to the Ukraine.
Dark Metal: Agalloch. Enough said.
Death Metal: Vital Remains, Nile (yeah, maybe I'm not any expert here, but from what I've heard, Dechristianize and Black Seeds pretty much still blows the modern-day competition away).
Thrash Metal: Exodus & Death Angel - these two bands have brought Thrash metal home again. Let's be completely honest, it should never have really left in the first place. There is something much more genuine about Bay Area Thrash than any other thrash. And even if it isn't Bay Area, it's God Forbid.
I'm sure there are other bands that other people can comment on, such as Watchmaker etc (I've never heard these guys, but they are making waves regardless).
Bold statement about the USA being the next breeding ground perhaps, but these bands I listed aren't just 'good' - they're actually leading the charge, or at minimum, they're positioned in the front lines.
If Sweden held this position over the last few years, I would possibly dispute that today. Most of the Swedish stuff I'm hearing today seems like factory assembled music now. The inspiration for something new is lacking.
Thoughts?
:Spin:
Heavy Metal: Hammers of Misfortune, Slough Feg - anything Scalzi and Cobbet touch turns to gold (from their stuff I've heard).
Black Metal: Xasthur, Weakling (the latter being the most innovative stuff I've heard in a while, although I'd say it was more derived from BM). Otherwise, I'll admit defeat and give this category to the Ukraine.
Dark Metal: Agalloch. Enough said.
Death Metal: Vital Remains, Nile (yeah, maybe I'm not any expert here, but from what I've heard, Dechristianize and Black Seeds pretty much still blows the modern-day competition away).
Thrash Metal: Exodus & Death Angel - these two bands have brought Thrash metal home again. Let's be completely honest, it should never have really left in the first place. There is something much more genuine about Bay Area Thrash than any other thrash. And even if it isn't Bay Area, it's God Forbid.
I'm sure there are other bands that other people can comment on, such as Watchmaker etc (I've never heard these guys, but they are making waves regardless).
Bold statement about the USA being the next breeding ground perhaps, but these bands I listed aren't just 'good' - they're actually leading the charge, or at minimum, they're positioned in the front lines.
If Sweden held this position over the last few years, I would possibly dispute that today. Most of the Swedish stuff I'm hearing today seems like factory assembled music now. The inspiration for something new is lacking.
Thoughts?
:Spin:
