Columbus, Ohio death metal band Church keeps it appropriately grim and heavy, drawing on the Ohio underground's tradition of no-nonsense extreme metal. Their music prioritizes atmosphere and crushing heaviness in equal measure.

Madison, Wisconsin solo project Cicada the Burrower weaves post-black metal and progressive metal into elaborate, emotionally turbulent compositions that range from serene to overwhelming. The project's releases on Bindrune Recordings have earned widespread underground recognition for their depth and originality.

New Lenox, Illinois death/progressive metal act Cimmerian build technically demanding compositions that push death metal heaviness through intricate progressive structures. Their writing is dense and ambitious, rewarding repeated listens.

Philadelphia progressive/heavy metal band Cipher combine classic heavy metal songwriting with adventurous, prog-influenced arrangements and sophisticated harmonic choices. Their music rewards close listening while never sacrificing heaviness for complexity.

Effingham, Illinois progressive metal act Ciraxis construct melodically rich, technically proficient music that balances compositional ambition with hooks. Their work sits comfortably within the American progressive metal underground.

Los Angeles progressive/doom metal outfit Circle of Sighs build lengthy, emotionally complex compositions that move through shifting dynamics and melancholic atmosphere. Their sound blends the heaviness of doom with the ambitious structure of progressive metal.

Rochester progressive/thrash outfit Circular Ruins constructs labyrinthine compositions that balance intricate technicality with driving groove. Named after the Borges story, they favor cerebral complexity over brute force.

New York progressive metal outfit Circus of Thought weaves shifting time signatures and dynamic contrast into elaborate, hook-laden structures. Their compositions reward careful listening without sacrificing emotional impact.

Secaucus death/progressive metal act Citadel fuse technical death metal's precision with progressive architecture, building compositions that shift between calculated brutality and melodic expansiveness. Their sound rewards patience as much as headbanging.