Chicago hardcore punk veterans active since 1999, later splitting operations between the Windy City and Atlanta. Across six releases spanning over fifteen years, they've built a catalog of ferocious, confrontational punk that draws equally from noise rock and metal, with album titles like Prolapse and Sedentary reflecting their caustic worldview.

Pittsburgh stoner metal outfit laying down thick grooves since 2012. Their album Darkest Hours trades in the kind of lumbering, riff-heavy jams that sound best at maximum volume in a basement venue — unpretentious, heavy, and built for the Steel City's blue-collar metal scene.

Oregon metalcore project. The gambling metaphor channels Pacific Northwest aggression through Russian roulette's deadly chance.

Braham, Minnesota groove metal project. The name channels Rust Belt decay from a small town north of the Twin Cities.

El Paso, Texas NWOTHM project. The cynical name targets cultural compromise from the border city.

Austin, Texas three-piece American Sharks blast through a high-octane hybrid of punk, stoner metal, and pop hooks that sounds like Weezer collided with a monster truck. Since their 2013 self-titled debut, frontman Roky Moon has led the band through relentless touring alongside heavyweights like GWAR, Clutch, and Red Fang. Their riff-driven approach strips away pretense in favor of pure, sweat-drenched rock and roll energy.

Modesto, California Southern heavy rock project. Salem-meets-California vibes from the Central Valley.

Chicago NWOTHM project. The crystalline name adds geological beauty to Windy City traditional metal.

Illinois black metal project emerging in 2023 with a rapid-fire release schedule. Three EPs in two years — including the enigmatically titled Descending Green Object — suggest a prolific creative drive channeling atmospheric black metal through a distinctly Midwestern filter.