I decided to do hot takes/micro-previews on every band playing Maryland Deathfest like I did several years ago. This content was originally posted on Facebook and I worked through in chronological order. Here they are listed in no particular order. I wanted to make sure to keep this content avaiable.
These are like mini writing exercises for me. I had fun doing this and really learned a lot! I got to know some new bands and am now a fan of several. Reference the set times — https://deathfests.com/set-times/
Here we go:
MORK — Halden, Norway/black metal: Don’t confuse this band with other bands that use the word Mork or Mørk in their name — this Mork exists in a unique space of what you might call Norwegian black metal. None of the bands listed in the “similar bands” section on Metal Archives sound like them. Mork has some of the trappings of traditional black metal such as some shrill vocals and tremolo picking. But it is so so much more elevated than that. Surprisingly melodic and complex, the music evokes a full range of emotions. Vocal harmonies mix with synth. At times, guitars drive the beat as much as the drums do. Honestly the closest band I could compare Mork to is earlier Enslaved. Multifaceted and well composed. This music aligns perfectly with my tastes. I can’t wait! Recommended. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6txf2ksDlbyt06kNh1m4o7#login
UPDATE: Defleshed had to drop and was replaced by Monstrosity. On Friday at 6:50 we have Siege Column (NJ/death metal) playing for 30 minutes at Soundstage, Noctem (Valencia, Spain/black metal) playing for 40 minutes at Rams Head. Then Defleshed (Uppsala, Sweden/death thrash) playing for 50 minutes at Power Plant. Siege Column makes really raw old-school death metal. Noctem produces some sophisticated and epic melodic black/death (sort of a Behemoth vibe). Defleshed will give you guttural vocals and speedy, fuzzy Swedish death thrash to mosh to. Who you choose to see in this time slot will depend on what subgenera of metal you value. I would probably only go see Noctem. But if I had to split my time, I would start with Siege Column for 10 minutes and end with Noctem. I hate rushing into a set halfway through, though. Links to each band’s music will be in separate replies to this post.
https://noctem.bandcamp.com/album/credo-certe-ne-cras
https://siegecolumn.bandcamp.com/album/darkside-legions
Monstrosity — Florida/death metal: Traditional old-school thrashy death metal with screaming guitars and unrelenting drumming. Excellent and memorable songwriting. A great last-minute replacement for Defleshed. https://monstrosityofficial.bandcamp.com/…/the-passage…
Sinmara — Reykjavik, Iceland/black metal: I’ve seen Sinmara at MDF previously (when they replaced Misþyrming in 2018) and in 2023 at Ascension in a tiny club. Iceland produces some of the best black metal bands on the planet. I’d call this more modern traditional black metal, i.e., big drums, broad discordant melodies, lush production, and full harsh vocals—think of bands like Schammasch. I recommend most Icelandic black metal, and this is no exception. https://sinmara.bandcamp.com
Bloodbath—Stockholm, Sweden/Death Metal: What Swedish musician has NOT been in this band? (Well, I can think of one slimy dude who hasn’t, but that’s probably for the best.) Since it is made up of (ex) members of two other Swedish groups I love—Opeth and Katatonia—there’s enough melodic and rhythmic complexity to excite your neurons while maintaining that characteristic buzzsaw Swedish sound. Nick Holmes is a fine vocalist for this group and Paradise Lost, but I am a fan of Mikael Åkerfeldt era Bloodbath. They are your last band outside. https://open.spotify.com/artist/7eYmDBinb760MUIfoRdlGQ
Agalloch – The Official Page — Portland, OR/atmospheric black doom: the first time I listened to The Mantle, it was life-changing. It was a lush, sensual experience. But it was almost a full 10 years after it was released that I first heard it. The band has not released any new music since 2016, although remasters of early stuff have been put out. I don’t know where the current iteration of Agalloch fits in the metal landscape today. I am unsure what to expect from John Haughm and company for this performance. I do know that there will be a stalwart group of metalistas standing up front nodding their heads in unison during this set, wishing they were trodding through a freshly fallen field of snow to a solitary bonfire lit in the clearing up ahead. I’ll listen from a distance. https://agalloch.bandcamp.com
Contaminated — Melbourne, AUS/death metal: Death metal that feels fuzzy as if it is covered in black mold accompanied by barking vocals. I dig the slow, heavy parts; otherwise, it’s not a stand-out for me. But again, this is Maryland DEATHfest, so more of this is to be expected. https://pestilentialdecay.bandcamp.com/…/celebratory…
ABBATH: Begen, Norway/ extreme metal: It may sound weird, but I lost interest in Abbath outside of the context of Immortal. It’s fine, I guess. It’s very polished rock and roll. Sometimes, it sounds like Motorhead. Sometimes, it sounds like Megadeth. It just seems very mainstream to me and a far cry from Sons of Northern Darkness. I am sure people will go nuts. https://abbath.bandcamp.com/album/dread-reaver
CENOTAPH — Ankara, Türkiye/brutal death metal: Pure chaos with lots of technical riffs thrown in. This style of metal fascinates me with its machine gun drumming and guttural, unintelligible vocals. It seems super popular in Eastern Europe. Not my thing so I can’t offer much insight here. Aside from the vocals, I can get into the music sometimes for short periods of time. There’s going to be plenty of this going on at Soundstage throughout the weekend.
https://cenotaph666.bandcamp.com/…/precognition-to…
Defeated Sanity — Berlin, Germany/technical brutal death metal: Brutal death metal vocals, check. Hammering drums, check. But wowza! The complexity of these songs is hard to wrap my head around. They will keep your neurons firing and your heart anxiously pounding wondering which way they’ll go next. It’s interesting that this group was founded by a father and son and that the father was also a jazz drummer. Even though the dad isn’t in the band anymore, the avant-garde influence remains. https://defeatedsanity.bandcamp.com/…/the-sanguinary…
Internal Suffering — Pereira, Colombia/technical brutal death metal: Cosmic themes, highly technical and well structured melodies. The vocals are in the “brutal” arena but sound more like standard death metal to me. Overall, their conceptual albums sound more organized and sleekly produced than the other folks in this genre I have been sampling. Intense. https://internalsuffering.bandcamp.com/album/rituals
Stabbing Austin & Houston, TX/brutal death metal: I’m not a fan of this metal style, but this is what most people come to MDF for. If this is your thing, then that is the thing they are doing expertly. https://stabbingtxdm.bandcamp.com/…/extirpated-mortal…
TRIAC –Baltimore/grind: Grind is death metal’s hardworking blue collar cousin. Triac creates some of the best around. The great thing about grind core is that if you get bored with one song, there’s gonna be another one coming up in about 40 seconds. Kevin Bernsten owns and operates Developing Nations Recording Studio in Baltimore so you know this shit was well recorded and produced. Catch them kind of too early in the day at Soundstage on Friday. https://triacgrind.bandcamp.com/…/pure-joy-numb-grief…
SPIRIT POSSESSION — Portland, OR/ black metal: Members of this two-piece include Ashley Spungin of Taurus, Ormus, and others, and Steve Peacock, formerly of many bands. I saw him previously in a group called Pale Chalice 11 years ago at the Stella Natura festival. Multifaceted drumming builds a solid foundation for more guitar virtuosity than people typically expect to hear in black metal. Glad to see them on the MDF lineup. Recommended. https://spiritpossession.bandcamp.com/album/of-the-sign
AURA NOIR [official]–Oslo, Nowary/black thrash: I think it’s odd that there’s a specific subgenre black thrash when I consider early black metal bands like Venom to be thrash in the first place. I enjoy Aura Noir and am a fan of some of Blasphemer’s work (love RUÏM, wish they were on the lineup too). Aura Noir will break some necks in Market Place. Folks are gonna melt. https://auranoir.bandcamp.com/album/out-to-die
Perdition Temple — Tampa, FL/ death metal: I was feeling annoyed this morning. And then I put on Perdition Temple. The hectic pace of the guitars, relentless pounding of the drums and rage of the vocalist kind of matched what I was feeling. After a while I felt better. I think that’s why metal heads can be some of the most chill people you come across. https://perditiontemple.bandcamp.com/…/merciless-upheaval
IMPURE — Brooklyn & St. Louis/ black, death metal: Comprised of two underground metal insiders known also for their work as a scene photographer and the founder of a label that promotes bands you probably already like. I think the drummer in this band may have been playing with Occultation when they performed at Shadow Woods Metal Fest. I love bands where the drummer is also the vocalist (and a skilled overall musician). Enjoy their stripped-down, blackened death metal with many memorable tunes about our pal Satan. A solid choice to open Ram’s Head on Saturday. https://impureconjurations.bandcamp.com/album/worship-them
Chthe’ilist –Longueuil, Quebec/ death metal: I can’t read the name of this band without saying The Chillist. I was already hooked on this band from the music. But then the vocals kicked in and… “ya hai kadishtu ep r’luh-eeh Nyogtha eeh!” HP Lovecraft was a dick, but frankly, I hope one day I can gaze upon the great old ones. Really looking forward to finally seeing this Phil Tougas project. https://open.spotify.com/artist/3MFFalA1IZ44q27NwqeCN1?si=QJpP1UPwTMyWO6kkRBH6kg
Cemetery Piss — Baltimore/black metal, punk: Local spooky guys making scary faces and screaming into microphones. The discordant guitars are crisp, and the vocals skew more crust punk than black metal. I haven’t seen CP in a while, but they put on a good show. Nice album art. https://cemeterypiss.bandcamp.com/
1349 (Official) — Oslo, Norway/black metal: 1349 checks all the boxes for someone like me who generally likes black metal. Yet, I tend to run hot and cold on this band, and I am unsure why. After listening to it, I feel incredibly anxious, which is the opposite of how I feel when listening to most black metal. Something about the drumming here feels unnatural, but I know it is Frost, and I love his performance with Satyricon. Also, 1349 inspires mosh pits, something I also don’t care for much as shows, being that I am short and old and frail and prone to getting clobbered in them. I have seen 1349 a few times. Everyone loved them. I’m sure it will be the same at MDF. They released brand new music on Friday, May 3. https://1349som.bandcamp.com/album/ash-of-ages
Vomitory — Sweden/ death metal: Traditional death metal about traditional death metal themes. Long hair windmilling and guitars squealing—you get the picture. For these previews, I listen to 3-5 songs or songs from different eras. This band is fine; I am just struggling to discover what sets them apart. For a Swedish death metal band, Vomitory does not strongly express that fuzzy buzzsaw guitar tone found in bands like Entombed, at least not in the songs I listened to. This sounds like Florida death metal to me. But what do I know? Nothing. https://vomitory.bandcamp.com/album/all-heads-are-gonna-roll
Melechesh – Jerusalem/Netherlands(now)/Mesopotamian Metal: Polished, highly produced blackened thrash (and sometimes speed metal) with melodies that borrow heavily from the founder’s Assyrian/Armenian roots — you can hear that folk music. Lyrically, the philosophies explored go back much further than our current Middle East genocide. I wonder what Ashmedi thinks about everything. FFO Rotting Christ, Behemoth. https://vicrecords1.bandcamp.com/album/the-ziggurat-scrolls
One Master— Connecticut, New England/ black metal: Traditional black metal that would have made Quorthon proud or perhaps jealous. Just enough production value to keep the shrieks and riffs from muddling together and make them cut through sharp and crisp. I like this band and hosted them for a show way back in 2016. Definitely in frequent rotation. Hail Valder Lord https://onemaster.bandcamp.com/album/the-names-of-power
Archgoat — Finland/ black metal: Finland has more metal bands per capita than any other country. Archgoat plays serious traditional black metal with goat-like vocals that remind you of how serious they are in their hatred of anything Xian or related to any religion at all except the worship of S-A-T-A-N. https://archgoat666.bandcamp.com/
AT WAR — Virginia Beach VA/thrash: Established in 1983, this collection of scene veterans will open Sodom’s second set of MDF on Thursday at Power Plant. Lyrically steeped in military and war themes with predictably satisfying riffs representative of the genre. I guess if there is West Coast/Bay Area thrash then these guys are at the nexus of East Coast thrash. https://atwar1.bandcamp.com/album/infidel
Broken Hope Chicago, IL/ death metal: Satisfying riffs and memorable tunes. The vocals lean more into the “brutal” aspects of death metal, but it works pretty well. I can’t listen to this band with out thinking of my late friend Will Harnish who loved them. https://open.spotify.com/artist/7yFcBZceMVuvIoTnZXprFd#login
Severe Torture — Netherlands/death metal: The glittering guitar work sets these traditional Dutch death metallers apart. Interspersed among somewhat predictable musical and lyrical themes are some shining melodies and eerie guitar tones that elevate the sophistication of the overall effort. Given enough time, Severe Torture started to grow on me. New music from them drops this June. https://severetorture.bandcamp.com/…/torn-from-the-jaws…
Noisy Neighbors — San Antonio,TX/grindcore: They are most definitely the noisy neighbors, playing frenetic jams until 2 a.m. in the garage. The music is well done, but I struggle to discover how they stand out in this crowded realm. Sometimes, bands must be judged on their live performances, and I can’t speak to that with these guys. Opening Soundstage on Saturday. https://noisyneighborstx.bandcamp.com/…/derailing-the…
NECESSARY DEATH— South Bend, Indiana: Crusty deathgrind to kick you in the face for the last day at Soundstage. I like the buzzsaw guitars and breakneck speed. Vocal fits the aesthetic. https://necessarydeath.bandcamp.com/album/necessary-death-ep
Drugs of Faith — Virginia/grind-n-roll: Call it what you want; this sounds like iconic DC punk with heavier, more distorted guitars. Catchy, fuzzy guitar-driven tunes and punchy, tight drumming from Ethan Griffiths are tied together with desperate and threatening vocals. It makes me feel 20 years old again, and that’s quite something. Recommended. https://drugsoffaith.bandcamp.com/album/decay
Cryptopsy — Montreal, CA/technical death metal: My first exposure to this band was via a Lego animation video (https://youtu.be/Ebn1hQRR124). They are not one of my go-to bands but certainly bring a melodic complexity to the genre. Extremely technical riffs and rapid-fire drumming support barking death metal vocals. Should be fun to listen to them outside at Power Plant. https://cryptopsyofficial.bandcamp.com/…/as-gomorrah-burns
Forbidden — Hayward, CA/thrash: This is super fun old-school Bay Area thrash. There are plenty of well-worm musical and lyrical themes here, but that’s the point — they are like a time capsule from the early 80s. Enjoy them or don’t; I am sure this band will be entertaining to watch. The songs are tight and expertly executed. I love that they reportedly changed their name from “Forbidden Evil” so as not to be misconstrued as a black metal band — Satan-forbid(den)! https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MhPZVXE28sD9rXE3GU1uN
Skinless — Moreau, NY/Brutal Death Metal: Where groove metal meets BDM. Memorable songs, big arena guitar riffs and solos, and decimating drumming. I can see why this band is so popular. This is not my top genre, but I have to respect it. https://skinless.bandcamp.com/album/savagery
Daeva — Philadelphia, PA/ black thrash: First of all, great logo! I like how this band sounds — definitely meets my criteria of music I dig. They blend old-school speed metal with hollow-sounding black metal vocals. A few very melodic epic passages. Satanic lyrical themes, check. Feels like Venom. It’s going to come down to live perforce to determine how exciting they are. Worth checking out because I think this get under your skin. https://open.spotify.com/artist/3pWkrCCaRFyv350pGtKKqo
Archagathus — Winnipeg, Manitoba CA/grindcore: Lyrically, this band says they write about anti-fascism, human rights, etc. Okay, that’s great, but I can’t understand any of the vocals—thankfully, not all toilet vocals. Scheduling them opposite Archgoat was the smartest thing for MDF to do— no cross-over in those audiences. I support this band in theory, and they seem like fun guys from their photos. I am sure some trash cans will get hurled, and someone will crack a rib diving off the stage at BSS. https://archagathus.bandcamp.com/music
Vermin Womb — Denver, CO/blackened grindcore: Vermin Womb is another project of Ethan from Primitive Man. While PM’s songs are long, slow, and heavy, VM’s are short, furiously fast, and slice lengthwise along the artery of existence. Both bands feel utterly devoid of anything but rage, horror, disgust, and misanthropy. If you need to exorcize a few (or a legion of) demons this might be the band for you. https://verminwomb.bandcamp.com/album/decline
Arcturus — Oslo, Norway/avant-grade progressive metal: Aside from the occasional harsh vocal, when I listen to Arcturus I hear nothing but strong influences from rock giants like Pink Floyd, Yes, The Moody Blues, early Genesis, and also classical music. Early Arcturus was definitely more symphonic black metal. This band has been on my list of ones not to miss. Sometimes symphonic metal can get kind of overblown and cheesy. I might be okay with it in this case. https://arcturussom.bandcamp.com/…/sideshow-symphonies…
Haemorrhage — Coslada, Madrid Spain/goregrind: Medical malpractice put to music. Shreddy guitars and catchy songs. The grind doctors (and nurses) are in the house. Blood will flow to close out Soundstage Saturday night. https://haemorrhage.bandcamp.com/album/we-are-the-gore
Yacoepsae Hamburg, Germany/power violence, punk: Short, punchy songs played super fast. Yet a lot of what they play is also super heavy. I would call this grindcore, but maybe someone who knows better can decipher the subtleties of these genres for me. I can’t listen to much of this, but I have to admit that while I might not seek this band out, I did not NOT enjoy it. It felt a little like one of those out-and-back rollercoasters. https://yacoepsae.bandcamp.com/album/timeo-ergo-sum
Entrail Asphyxiation — MD.DC,PA/gorey brutal death metal: With song titles that read like episodes of 1000 Ways to Die (or conditions that show up in the ER), the stand-out feature of this youthful trio is the creative guitar chops of Steph Rohde. I will never dig brutal DM vocals, but Steph seems unstoppable. People gonna like it. https://entrailasphyxiation.bandcamp.com/album/s-t
Spectral Wound — Montreal, QC/black metal: Straightforward black metal, as I like it. I have seen this band in Montreal and thoroughly enjoyed the no smiling, no moshing, no fun they bring to every ravenous performance. Lots of harsh vocals and furious tremolo picking. If that is your thing, then they will satisfy you. https://spectralwound.bandcamp.com/album/a-diabolic-thirst
Coffins — Tokyo, Japan/ death doom: Can death metal sound funky? Can you dance to it? The answer is yes to both of these questions and I don’t mean dance in a disco way. I mean this shit has a groove; it swings. Sometimes fast like a raging river, sometimes ploddingly slow and crushing, Coffins delivers death doom perfection on all fronts. https://coffins.bandcamp.com/album/sinister-oath
Ripper — Talagante, Chile/ death thrash: Lightning-fast drumming, speedy guitars, barking vocals. Many thrash bands sing about politics and war. With Ripper, the struggle is psychological and personal. Great old school vibe. My favorite track on this album is Origin. https://ripperdeathrashchile.bandcamp.com/…/paranormal…
Sissy Spacek — Los Angeles/noise, grindcore: There’s a meme going around where someone put some rocks on a turntable platter, and the stylus is bumping across them and making sounds. That is what this band sounds like to me. They’ve been putting out these sounds for 25 years. They were once named among L.A.s top 20 punk bands. Please do not listen to this with headphones. It’s a no from me, dawg, but hey, enjoy yourselves. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ucnaW0dN3RJE8XdrnsWsT
Goetia — Washington, DC/Death Metal: It’s nice to see several high-quality regional metal bands featured on MDF. There have usually only been slots for one or two in the past, but the Angel’s Rock Bar stage provided an excellent opportunity for folks from all over the country and the world to discover them. With thrashy riffs and blackened vocals — Goetia seems like a band to watch. They share members with Entrail Asphyxiation (plays Friday) and are former members of Genocide Pact and Perpetuated. Check them out! https://goetiadeath.bandcamp.com/album/goetia
Pilau: Washington, DC/Hardcore: DC hardcore makes an MDF appearance in the form of this excellent collective. There’s a good bit of crossover between metal fans and hardcore, although it seems to only go metal to hardcore and not vice versa. Check them out. Cool riffs and catchy tunes. https://pilau.bandcamp.com/album/pressure
Intimidation Display — Baltimore/blackened death grind: If you are looking for a band to watch instead of the other one playing in this time slot on Sunday, Intimidation Display is arguably the better band. Lyrically, still messy gore themes, but overall, it is a decent representation of the genre and worthy of an MDF slot. Appreciate the “blackened” elements. https://intimidationdisplay.bandcamp.com/…/unrelenting…
The True Mayhem — Norway/ black metal: First, I love that Mayhem was readily available to take the open headlining Rams Head Spot on Sunday. Makes me think we knew Carpathian Forest wasn’t going to ever make it to begin with. What can we say about Mayhem? Drop the needle down in any era of this band going all the way back to 1986 and you will get something slightly different — from raw “true Norwegian black metal” to more polished, produced and even experimental tracks. The group has a seemingly stable lineup these days but I feel like previously Necrobutcher held this band together through sheer force of will and a belief in orthodox black metal. I like to follow Teloch on Discord and YouTube. Favorite album: Grand Declaration of War. It’s super weird. https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dR10i73opHXuRuLbgxltM
Jig-Ai–Prague, Czechia/goregrind: I am just going to copy and paste the description directly from Metal Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives “The band’s artwork and lyrical themes are both based on Guro, a genre of hentai (anime porn) which is characterized by extremely violent images of anime characters (often female) being mutilated in a sexually appealing way.” Musically, not bad. But this is a no from me. https://jig-ai.bandcamp.com/album/entrails-tsunami
Depulsed — Las Vegas/ brutal death metal: Props to these fellas for publishing one demo song in 2018 and somehow working their way onto MDF. Break out your camo shorts for these guys opening Soundstage on Thursday. Very technical riffs and as guttural vocals as you’d expect.https://newstandardelite.bandcamp.com/…/depulsed-promo…
Esoteric — Birmingham, UK/funeral death doom: The current lineup of Esoteric is somewhat new, but Greg Chandler’s growling and shrieking vocals have persisted since the beginning. I love their heavy, creepy vibe which could be the soundtrack of the haunted house of your worst nightmares. So slow, so crushing, so oppressive and grim. Delicious. https://esotericuk.bandcamp.com/…/metamorphogenesis…
Artificial Brain—Valley Stream, NY/technical death metal. Surprisingly melodic, extremely experimental, spacey death metal meets the lowest brutal death metal vocals you’ve probably heard, which works to portray their cosmic, otherworldly themes. Founded in 2011, this band’s current lineup also sometimes shares members with Inter Arma, Battle Master, Book of Worms, etc., and even J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr is listed as playing “rhythmic accordion.” They always put on a great show, though! https://open.spotify.com/album/3TXzJXJDbXRMW2RtX5eDRs
SOILENT GREEN — New Orleans, LA/ sludge, death metal: Ah sludge, the grimier, methed-up cousin of hardcore and doom. Soilent Green executes melodic sludge with a heavy death metal hand. They put on a good show, but steer clear of the mosh pit unless you want a black eye. Sidenote: They have one of the most elegant logos. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Bzcv82fre9SbpQB46Sdrs
Imperialist — Monrovia, CA/science fiction blackened death metal: I honestly can’t think of another space-themed blackened death metal band, not to this extent. I mean aliens and invasions are a common theme for some bands –but not one with any black metal leaning, which Imperialist certain does have at least in how the guitars sound. The vocals are completely INTELLIGIBLE which is super usual for both black and death metal. At any rate, these folks are doing something wholly unique and you gotta respect that. https://imperialist.bandcamp.com/album/quantum-annexation
BØLZER — Zurich, Switzerland: black/death metal: Since Bolzer and Ahab are playing nearly simultaneously, some folks will have to make some tough decisions. Or maybe it won’t be a hard choice for you at all. This Swiss duo lays devastating yet sparklingly bright riffs atop uncompromising rhythms. Lately, they are incorporating more clean vocals and also whistling (?). I have seen Bolzer a handful of times in large and small settings, and I enjoy their music. Check out their discography, consider (or disregard) any possible controversy surrounding the guitarist’s choices in tattoo designs, and make your decision. From a purely musical standpoint, they are a force to be reckoned with. I will be watching that other band that sings about Moby-Dick. https://bolzer.bandcamp.com/album/lese-majesty
Vacant Eyes — Easthampton, MA/funeral doom: Epic, plodding, melodic dirges. Thoughtful song writing and excellent musicianship but perhaps a bit too sleepy for me. FFO Swallow the Sun or Colosseum. https://vacanteyesdoom.bandcamp.com/…/a-somber…
Inhume — Panningen NL/goregrind, brutal death metal: I can only imagine that it is man’s inhumanity to man that causes people to write music like this. I wonder sometimes if the people who are so into it fully appreciate what’s happening. https://inhume.bandcamp.com
Extortion — Melbourne AUS/punk: As someone who works for JH School of Medicine, I appreciate this band’s tagline: “Discouraging news from researchers at John Hopkins: Hope causes cancer.” Many songs are 30 seconds or less yet emerge as full-formed musical entities — a supreme achievement! I really like this! They close out BSS with a 45-minute set, which means they could play a huge selection of their nearly 20-year discography. https://extortion.bandcamp.com/album/loose-screws
AHAB — Germany/nautical funeral death doom: Ahab is one of the main reasons I bought a ticket to MDF this year. For 20 years, Ahab has been blending lyrical themes evoking the treacheries of the sea and its terrifying creatures with a massive wall of sound that crushes like the Atlantic pressure collapsed the Titan submersible. In my wildest dreams, I will put on an ocean-themed metal festival by the sea, and AHAB will headline. For now, I have to settle for 50 minutes at the Power Plant stage. Death growls AND clean vocals with drenching drums and the crashing waves of unrelenting sea-worthy riffs await. https://ahab.bandcamp.com/music
Brodequin — Knoxville, TN/ brutal death metal: Holy hell! How do you drum that fast? If you’ve been reading this thread so far, you’ve gathered I don’t care much for BDM. I might have to make the exception for Brodequin. I’m still not a fan of the vocal style, but they are mixed below the guitar and drums (at least on my speakers), so I can focus on the mercilessly vile and unstoppable riffs and rhythms. This band is driven by some otherworldly force. https://brodequin.bandcamp.com/album/harbinger-of-woe
Spectral Voice — Denver, CO/death, doom metal: Hollow, cavernous, discordant echoes from the abyss. Sometimes you just want your death metal served up with existential dread and despair. This band shares members with Blood Incantation. https://spectralvoice.bandcamp.com/album/necrotic-demos
Intestinal Disgorge — San Antonio, TX/ goregrind. Songs (and album covers) about poop. No thanks. https://intestinaldisgorge.bandcamp.com/album/scat-blast
FOSSILIZATION — São Paulo, Brazil/ death doom: The name gives it away. Cavernous, hypnotic, epoch dark death doom. The melodies are captivating and the vocals keep you in a chokehold. Lots of sound from just a duo. https://fossilization.bandcamp.com/…/he-whose-name-was…
Crypt Sermon –Philly/Epic Doom: Dark heroic melodies, soaring grand vocals, galloping rhythms of a thundering horde. Raise your eyes to the sky, for we are all gods here, and the sun rises to meet us! https://cryptsermon.bandcamp.com/album/the-stygian-rose
Torturous Descent — Baltimore, MD/death metal: This band opens the stage at Angel’s Rock Bar. Although they’ve only been playing together for about a year, they are comprised of the talents of many familiar faces, such as David Morgan and Matthew Marzolf, and they have already shared stages with bands like Defeated Sanity and Stabbing. Head upstairs at Power Plant to check them out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFpR7ymJUsQ
Dismember Sweden — Stockholm, Sweden/ death metal: Quintessential Swedish death metal. Sweden didn’t shut down due to covid and neither did they. https://dismember.bandcamp.com/album/dismember
Atheist Band — Sarasota, FL/ progressive death metal: Atheist has been playing prog metal almost since I was in high school, and I was in HS a long time ago! So they know what they are doing and have a loyal fan base that extends far beyond the demographic we commonly think of as the prog metal fan (don’t make me explain this!) I was amused to discover they had a “Best of” collection, but if you are NOT familiar with them, then check it out. All the odd time signatures, face-melting riffs, harsh vocals, and relevant lyrical themes you’d expect from prog metal — but cool, ya dig? Even though there are only two original members, I am EXTREMELY looking forward to seeing them again live. FFO Death. https://atheist.bandcamp.com/album/the-best-of-atheist
Iron Lung– Seattle, WA/Powerviolence: Bleak, savage, nihilistic, raw, usually fast but sometimes massively heavy and slow. It’s hard not to like it. https://ironlungrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sexless-no-sex
Blue Holocaust — Toulouse, France/goregrind: Exactly what you would want if this is the thing that you wanted. A bit psychedelic. https://blue-holocaust.bandcamp.com/…/after-the-fall-of…
Organ Failure — Chicago/Goregrind: Super fuzzy guitars, drumming that sounds almost entirely performed on only the snare. Also, how do these toilet vocals work? Are these words? Anyway, if this is your thing, then this will be something you like because Organ Failure’s sound is distinctive. https://organfailuregore.bandcamp.com/…/assisted…
Beheaded — Paola, Malta/brutal death metal: Described as BDM but no toilet vocals? Also, I can’t really think of any metal bands from Malta. I don’t know ANYTHING about Malta! The guitars are fast, the drumming is breakneck, and the vocals are energetic and punctuated. The songs are well-structured and memorable. I liked it immediately! What a nice surprise. I guess that’s what I get for prejudging an entire subgenre. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4J08tm60Pk8FMQynk0Up4o
Sacrifice — Toronto, CA/thrash metal: Canada has their own thrash metal Big Four, and Sacrifice is a cornerstone. If thrash is your thing, catch their set so you can check this off your dance card; stops like this are rare, and folks can’t keep doing this forever. Circle pits are mandatory. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6IOGoBdcGoq9EZGcpthG8Z
Vomi Noir — Toulouse, FR/grindcore, goregrind: The French brought delicious dark roast coffee and buttery croissants. I didn’t realize they also gave us 30-second grindcore songs such as “Expuition Continuelle de Mucosités Filantes” (Continuous Expulsion of Stringy Phlegm). Who knew? They have 30 minutes to play and should get through their entire discography. The standout feature here is the guttural vocals that sound like they were performed into a toilet, puked out, swallowed, and performed again. https://vominoir.bandcamp.com/…/des-maux-dh-mat-m-se…
Incinerate — Antwerp, Belgium/ death thrash: Well-executed thrashy death metal with fairly predictable twists and turns, rhythms, and a few pinch harmonics thrown in. Strong circle pit generating material. Extra points for that fat bass. Feels like early Sepultura. https://incinerate.bandcamp.com/album/back-to-reality
Kurnugia — Cleveland/old school death metal; Pounding melodic mosh pit soundtrack for blasphemers everywhere. Established band with former members of Nunslaughter, Embalmer, Decrepit, and others. https://kurnugia-official.bandcamp.com/…/forlorn-and…
Poontickler — West Palm Beach, FL/”party” grind: Florida men doing Florida things. Expect comedic pornographic lyrics and wild antics. https://www.poontickler.com
Dread Sovereign — Dublin, Ireland/Doom Metal: A side project of Primordial’s powerful vocalist, Dread Sovereign conjures dirty, evil old school doom. This music was born on the backs of groups like Black Sabbath, Witchfinder General, and Candlemass. I appreciate that they do not dance around Satanic themes but embrace them. https://dreadsovereign.bandcamp.com/album/alchemical-warfare
Putrisect — Baltimore/death metal: Musically, Putrisect shows punk and grindcore influences. The current vocalist co-founded MDF, and it’s nice to see him taking time out to play the fest he barely gets to enjoy. RIP to founding vocalist Ren Megna, who passed in 2021. Head up to Angels Rock Bar for 30 minutes of pure unhinged chaos. https://putrisect.bandcamp.com/album/chaos-awaits
Deathhammer (Official) — Norway/black thrash, speed metal: Founded by teenagers and still exhibits the energy of one. These guys are defining a genre and living the dream. Halfway into their 30s. I hope they have enough energy drinks, cocaine, or whatever it is that is keeping them going at this pace for a long time to come. Satan Speed. Whew! https://deathhammer.bandcamp.com/album/electric-warfare
Weekend Nachos — Chicago/Powerviolence, Sludge: Experience the reunion we thought would never happen. I can appreciate their punk-adjacent vibe, and although I have never been a fan of this band, I will attempt to last long enough to see them close out Friday night. I am sure it will be one for the books. (Note, I was a fan of Like Rats, so there’s that.) Sludge can be a hard sell on me sometimes. People will be dodging traffic from Drugs of Faith to see Weekend Nachos’ set. Be careful out there. https://weekendnachos.bandcamp.com/album/apology
Gorguts: Montreal, CN/death metal: Intelligent, beautifully complex, and tension-filled technical death metal. The unquestioned leaders in this subgenera. Make sure to catch their entire set. https://gorguts.bandcamp.com/album/pleiades-dust
Ninth Realm — Maryland/trad heavy metal, thrash doom: Excellent local group that immediately evokes the spirit of Bolt Thrower. I am surprised (and mad) at myself that I have never heard them before. Mind the swords. Recommended! https://ninthrealmmd.bandcamp.com/album/a-fate-unbroken
Nuclear Tomb — Baltimore/ death thrash: Local death metal heroes keeping it real. Raw and old school style to keep the kids guessing. Appreciate the unpredictable complexity of the songwriting and the guitar work. Bass and drumming also shine. Check them out! https://nucleartomb1.bandcamp.com/album/terror-labyrinthian
Oppressor — Chicago, IL/technical death metal: If you miss the technical virtuosity of later Death, check out this group. Precision songwriting and 10/10 execution. https://open.spotify.com/artist/3tB7wV7Ex8CReZSB0cmXHX
Mortuary Drape — Alessandria, Italy/ black metal: Lyrically (and visually), this band is all spooky, occult, and Satanic lyrics, but musically, they are more upbeat than your typical black metal offerings. Their earlier stuff feels almost Halloween campy. Mortuary Drape’s most recent offerings are darker, moodier, and more evolved, but they still have not lost their lively thrash elements and extremely melodic guitar solos. Kudos to Walter Maini for keeping this fire burning for NEARLY 40 years! I really hope to have the stamina to see them. I’ve only seen them live once in a small venue in Cleveland. https://open.spotify.com/album/2W5eiNqMA8cSgYUOpfmFK9
Grave Miasma: London, England/Black Death metal: If you don’t care for Gorgut’s experimental chaos, then Grave Miasma could be for you. It’s a tough call for me since it’s more likely I could see the Canadian band before I see the British one again. If you lean more toward traditional death metal with a black metal flair, then Grave Miasma should be a no-brainer. Great unique sounding group with desolate vocals and thunderous riffs. https://gravemiasma.bandcamp.com/…/abyss-of-wrathful…
Nixil — Baltimore/ black metal: I have hosted Nixil and the past bands its members have been involved in for some time now. Each brings unique talents and perspectives to this delightful cauldron of black metal magic. It’s no wonder they have taken off as well. Honestly, they should be bigger than they are, but 1) it’s black metal, and shouldn’t that remain pretty “underground”; and 2) all in due time, I am sure. This is pretty straightforward modern black metal with some death metal influence. Lyrically, though, this is not Satanic black metal but more about freedom from religion and transformation through inner spirituality. Excellently executed, guitar-driven, and well-produced, I hope they can achieve all they hope to manifest. Glad to see them reach the MDF audience. Recommended! https://nixil.bandcamp.com/…/from-the-wound-spilled…
Lack of Interest: Los Angeles/powerviolence: I love Lack of Interest. They crack me up. Even though the songs are super short, they are legit well-structured and memorable. The angry dad vocals/yells are basically punk to me. All in good fun. https://open.spotify.com/artist/73Uuq49AIPIe7wKijOosLJ
Yellow Eyes: New York, NY/ experimental black metal; Yellow Eyes could be described as being part of that New York Wave of Avant-Garde Black Metal. They produce the type of music that many people who frequent MDF are just not going to get and will therefore mock. I’ve been called a poser and snowflake for liking bands like this. But Yellow Eyes is fantastic. Their music creates stark, desolate hostile landscapes that chills the soul and psyche. Not completely devoid of traditional black metal trappings (plenty of vocal shrieks and tremolo picking here), I challenge every black metal elitist to give this a chance. I know I am wasting my breath on a large portion of you. I look forward to seeing them. https://yelloweyes.bandcamp.com/album/rare-field-ceiling
Avulsed — Madrid, Spain/death metal: Start your Saturday with a strong cup of black coffee and these purveyors of expertly crafted “Swedish” style death metal. Cutting vocals, razor-wire guitar solos and riffs, pummeling drums. *chef’s kiss* I love everything about this hardworking Spanish collective, who are still cranking out new music after over three decades. I am so glad they will play outside to announce the weekend festivities to frightened tourists. https://avulsed.bandcamp.com
Kontusion — NJ & DC/death metal: Punk and grind flavored extremely lo-fi death metal with shredy riffs and arena rock solos. Sounds like it was recorded inside of an empty grain silo (it wasn’t but it’s an aesthetic). Even the monochromatic album art looks like on old school homemade insert. A+ for Chris Moore and company for understanding the assignment. I really dig the addition of spooky synths, an unexpected surprise. https://kontusionkontusion.bandcamp.com/album/kontusion
Derketa — Pittsburgh/death doom: Intelligent death metal that deserves your attention. Paying their dues and putting out music when the time was right since 1988. Don’t miss them. https://derketa.bandcamp.com/…/in-death-we-meet-remix…
Sodom — Germany/speed metal; thrash: One of the original purveyors of thrash metal. It’s impossible not to get caught up in the catchy riffs, snarling vocals, and overall bouncy, frenetic noise. Lyrically balanced perfectly between serious “evil” and the comically absurd, Sodom’s set will surely leave the audience bruised and exhausted. I wish they weren’t that old-school band that every metal elitist points to when they say no one makes good music anymore. Watch them TWICE at MDF to make up for all the times they canceled. Gotta respect people who have been at it for over 40 years. https://sodomofficial.bandcamp.com/album/1982-ep
Morpheus Descends — Middletown, NY/classic old-school death metal: Bands like this are the bread and butter of Maryland Deathfest. This isn’t my favorite rock and roll, but many people who go to MDF like to get sweaty and to it. Slow, chug-chug parts and faster blast beat-y parts. Cavernous vocals. Stand aside, death metal men walkin’ here. https://morpheusdescends.bandcamp.com/…/chronicles-of…
Altars — Melbourne AUS/death metal: A leaden, discordant, otherworldly feast. TBH, there are many bands operating in this subgenre (Portal comes to mind as a potential leader of this pack.) Altars is certainly enjoyable, I just don’t know how they stand out. They are touring across the US along with their MDF appearance so many will have a chance to experience them. I have no idea what their live stage vibe might be like. I was not familiar with them, so we will see how much this music sticks with me. https://altarsdeath.bandcamp.com/album/ascetic-reflection
Midnight — Cleveland, OH/ Speed metal. You know these guys. Or perhaps I should actually just say this guy as Midnight seems to be just Jamie Walters now playing live with fellow Clevelanders in Ringworm. Midnight plays fast and fun and sings about Satan and sex. I am not sure what more you want from any band, honestly. Just enjoy yourself and try not to burn the house down. I hosted them nine years ago. They are way more popular now. https://midnight-ohio.bandcamp.com/music
Molder — Joliet IL/death metal: I can’t think of Joliet, Illinois without thinking of the Blues Brothers or the haunted prison attraction there. Molder means to decay or crumble. This well executed suburban Chicago death metal emerged from a septic tank. https://molderil.bandcamp.com/album/engrossed-in-decay
Total Maniac—Baltimore/Thrash punk: Bless their hearts for being the first band,—Baltimore/Thrash punk: Bless their hearts for being the first band, but you absolutely do not want to miss these local friends opening the fest with shreddy shreds and creamy screams. You will like them. https://totalmaniac.bandcamp.com/album/total-maniac