Cedar Rapids, Iowa's Cur channel groove metal's heavy mid-paced momentum into a blunt, meat-and-potatoes heavy metal framework, favoring direct, riff-driven aggression over technical complexity. The Iowa band represent the Midwest's deep tradition of blue-collar, no-frills metal made for the road and the pit.

Seattle heavy and thrash metal band channeling the hard-driving energy of classic American and European metal. Curse of the North delivers riff-forward songwriting with a rawness rooted in the underground.

Indianapolis heavy metal outfit wielding classic metal songwriting with a sharp, straightforward edge. Cursed Blade favors traditional riff structures and energetic performances grounded in the foundations of the genre.

Virginia-based guitarist and songwriter combining heavy metal with neoclassical composition in the tradition of shred metal virtuosity. Curt Shaw applies technical precision and classical structure to melodic heavy metal.

Saint Paul heavy metal band named for the spectral hounds of Welsh mythology, bringing a dark, mythic sensibility to their sound. Cwn Annwn channels classic heavy metal songwriting with an atmospheric, lore-drenched edge.

Fraser, Michigan heavy and thrash metal band blending the riff-forward drive of classic thrash with traditional heavy metal melody. Cyadine draws from Michigan's deep metal tradition with energetic and hard-hitting songwriting.

Columbia, Missouri band blending doom metal's lumbering weight, groove metal's mid-tempo punch, and classic heavy metal riffing. Cyanigma crafts a heavy, rolling sound rooted in the riff-first traditions of American metal.

Olympia, Washington band synthesizing power, progressive, heavy, and thrash metal into a dynamically ambitious and melodically rich sound. Cyperus draws from across the metal spectrum with technical musicianship and broad compositional range.

Chicago power and progressive metal band drawing from the melodic ambition of European power metal and the compositional depth of progressive rock. Cyprus blends anthemic heavy metal songwriting with technical sophistication from the Illinois underground.

Austin, Texas heavy metal band working in the classic tradition of American underground metal with a raw, straightforward approach. Cyto delivers honest, riff-driven heavy metal from the Texas capital's vibrant metal scene.

Schenectady, New York heavy metal band delivering classic riff-driven metal with an old-school underground sensibility. Czar NY works in the foundational tradition of American heavy metal with directness and heavy guitar work.