Everett, Washington's Skull Throne formed in 2020 at the crossroads of melodic death, groove metal, and metalcore — a Pacific Northwest act with a production-forward approach that suits the polished aggression of the modern extreme metal scene.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee's Skullkin is a groove metal act formed in 2020, bringing the mid-South's meat-and-riff sensibility to a style built on syncopated heaviness and the kind of locked-in rhythm section that makes venues rumble.

New Jersey's Skullmug arrived in 2025 fusing groove metal's loping, syncopated heaviness with death metal's abrasive low-end punishment. A brand-new act, they bring a churn-and-pummel sensibility rooted in the East Coast's long tradition of hard-hitting underground metal.

Littleton, New Hampshire's Skunkhunt formed in 2018 playing groove metal, a style that lends itself to the rural New England setting — heavy, mid-paced, and built around locking rhythms that reward the live setting. They bring a no-frills working-band ethos to a style defined by punch and swagger.

Slabb are a Bloomington, Indiana groove and alternative metal band formed in 2024, occupying the heavy, riff-forward space where arena-ready hooks meet down-tuned, mid-paced crunch. Their approach favors groove over technicality, built for the live room.

Slackjaw are a South Carolina groove metal band formed in 2018, rooted in the Pantera-descended tradition of hard, syncopated riffs and in-the-pocket rhythms built for headbanging. Their sound is blunt, no-frills heavy metal with a Southern edge.

Slag are a groove and thrash metal band formed in 2024, fusing the momentum of old-school thrash with the locked-in heaviness of groove metal into a high-energy, riff-driven sound. Their Bandcamp presence positions them as a straightforward heavy band with no location ties listed.

Slam One Down are a New York groove and thrash metal band with roots going back to 2009, forging a sound that mixes the precision of thrash riffing with the hard-hitting, mid-tempo weight of groove metal. Their longevity in the scene speaks to a consistent live presence and work ethic.

An Austin, Texas groove metal band active since 2016, Slaughter Bought channel the heavy mid-tempo churn and down-tuned riffing that defines the genre into something built for the sweltering Texas live circuit. They represent the heavier end of Austin's famously eclectic music scene.