Best Underrated/New Bands

My focus on this site is primarily centered on albums, but this approach misses out on new or extremely underground acts that might not have released a full length project yet (or have chosen to release music in smaller packages). And there’s some incredible groups working right now that fall into this category that deserve attention. So with that in mind, here’s a quick overview of 12 bands that are doing music at an incredibly high level. I expect and hope to see many of these groups receive much attention in their genres as their careers progress.

1. Census [ Post-Hardcore/Pop ] – Quite possibly my absolute favorite group right now despite releasing just a handful of singles. They’re that good. With a spotless record that boasts both consistent quality and variety that makes each song individually memorable, there’s so much to like. Census operates in the same poppy post-hardcore vein as early Hands Like Houses, with precise guitar work and flawless soaring vocals. And wow can they write a hook. Somehow they’re operating on such a high songwriting level every second without resorting to any set formula or even genre gimmicks, while making music that should be accessible to all listeners. Place to start: “The More You Pour” might be the best overall entry point, but “Sunbeam” and “Ruin My Life” are also essential and showcase their more technical and pop sides respectively.
2. SENNA [ Alternative Rock/Post-Hardcore ] – Just two songs out so far, but it’s an incredible start. SENNA is an interesting blend of styles that’s hard to classify. The overall texture is alternative rock, but there’s a lot of complex musical elements going on below the surface mixed with some legitimately heavy moments. It’s hard to do anything that feels entirely new in this genre, but SENNA seem to be pushing at something really cool, and I look forward to seeing it develop. Place to start: Lavender.
3. Followed [ Melodic Hardcore ] – I know basically nothing about this band, other than they make phenomenal music. Unfortunately given that they haven’t released anything in four years and seem to have no online presence, they most likely are no longer recording. The two short EPs they left are still absolutely worth checking out. ‘Theatrical’ is not an adjective often associated with melodic hardcore, but I think it fits in this case. Followed play at a blistering pace, until they slow it wayyyy down. Dramatic moments are everywhere, but never feel cheesy. But it’s the vocals that really push it to another level with a truly unique range and tone. Place to start: World on Fire.
4. Indighxst [ Djent Pop ] – When this band first started, ‘djent pop’ (downtuned technical guitar playing mixed with polished vocals with no screaming) wasn’t really a thing. It’s since blown up (relatively) in the last couple years, but Indighxst still do it better than basically everyone. Unlike most acts in this space, the vocals are the focal point and offer a wonderfully emotive R&B feel on nearly every track. Place to start: Ride.
5. Memorist [ Post-Hardcore ] – Memorist don’t really do anything radically new, but their ability to write peak post-hardcore music basically from the start is impressive. Just a couple years old, this band hasn’t wasted any time solidifying themselves as one of the brightest acts in a crowded space. And there’s hints that the band might be growing their sound into some unique textures by incorporating some atmospheric alt metal and industrial tones. Of all the bands on this list, this is the one I’m most confident will be one of the most recognized groups in their genre in time. Place to start: The Empiric.
6. Paloma [ Pop Rock ] – There’s not a whole lot that needs to be said for this group. Paloma makes extremely catchy pop-rock that marries early 2000s sounds and nostalgia with modern songwriting. Unusual for this type of music is the attention to detail that is provided by deeply layered atmospheric textures. Place to start: Bad.
7. Uni/Vs [ Metalcore ] – At first listen, Uni/Vs seems like just another stereotypical metalcore band copying directly from Architects. And sure, they’re not the most original act out there, but as they’ve grown as a group they’ve turned those weaknesses into strengths. Instead of trying to differentiate through some slapped on gimmick, they doubled down on their core sound and emerged as one of the most energetic and crushing sounding modern metalcore bands. And, as many of the most popular bands with similar sounds abandoned it for new directions, Uni/Vs suddenly finds themselves with little sonic competition. It’s unlikely to change anyone’s opinions of the genre, but if you’re looking for top tier metalcore, there’s few better places to go. Place to start: Hellhound.
8. Bares His Teeth [ Heavy Indie Rock ] – A supergroup formed of 90s and 00s metalcore and punk bands (often from the Christian scene) and originating during pandemic spawned downtime, the members and contributors of Bares His Teeth have probably spent more time in the music industry than the rest of this list combined. Somewhat surprisingly, the resulting music sounds nothing like their past bands. A blend of intentionally meandering post-rock and indie rock restraint, the two released tracks are more atmospherically heavy than musically heavy. Given the socially and spiritually conscious nature of the lyrics, this emotional weight is appropriate. Place to start: Antonym For Empire.
9. Lo and Behold [ Experimental Rock ] – There’s soulful vocals. There’s saxophone. There’s screaming. There’s every guitar noise known to man. And none of it feels like it’s there just for the sake of being there. Place to start: Talk.
10. The King Is Dead [ Post-Hardcore ] – The King Is Dead is probably what Hellions would sound like with all restraint removed. This is very theatrical and dramatic post-hardcore that shifts from sunny hand claps to shrieks in seconds. Every release from this group to date has placed a huge emphasis on atmosphere as well, with a smoky, dark, almost mystical vibe shining through. Place to start: Nostradamus.
11. Man Ov God [ Trap Metal ] – Typically, when someone says they are making the “Christian alternative to X”, that’s a hint that it’s gonna be really bad. In this case however, the person saying that is Brook Reeves, vocalist for the well-respected deathcore band Impending Doom which makes it a totally different proposition in two ways. First, the musical mind behind it is really, really good. And experienced, having spent longer in the heavy scene than most artists in this particular subgenre have been performing. Additionally, there’s more polish and power behind the growls than subgenre figureheads Ghostmane or Scarlxrd. Second, Reeves isn’t trying to create a safe, separate space. The music here is just as confrontational and dark, just in a different direction. Place to start: Church in the Dark.
12. Winchester UK [ Britpop/Hardcore ] – This is a sonic combination that absolutely should not work as cleanly as it does here. Winchester UK have somehow blended britpop, a genre created as the shiny response to grunge and shoegaze, with blasting hardcore. It’s cohesive, while allowing each genre to remain recognizable. In some ways it resembles a rawer version of Biffy Clyro. This combination on it’s own is fantastic, but the most recent singles have hinted at an even more experimental and atmospheric direction building on the same foundations. Place to start: Diamond.