The Secondary Market Rock charts: the proving ground for tomorrow's rock gods. It's where the raw, the hungry, and the innovative claw their way up, fueled by passion and pure grit. I've spent years in the trenches, shredding my way through the underground, and I know a true contender when I hear one. So, let's dissect this week's SMR chart and spotlight a few underdogs who might just be on the verge of breaking through.
These guys aren't just playing metal; they're detonating it. "Fallout" is a sonic explosion, a relentless assault of riffs that hit you like a ton of bricks. Their sound is a volatile mix of thrash, metalcore, and a dash of djenta Molotov cocktail for your eardrums. Lead vocalist Cullen Moore's raw, throat-shredding vocals are the perfect match for the band's instrumental fury.
Why They Could Break Through: Sleep Theory has the chops, the intensity, and the songwriting prowess to appeal to a wide range of metalheads. They're not afraid to experiment, but they never lose sight of the headbanging essentials. With "Fallout" sitting at #2 on the SMR chart this week, they're already making waves.
The Challenges: The metal scene is oversaturated, and standing out requires more than just killer music. Sleep Theory needs to build a strong online presence, connect with fans, and deliver a live show that leaves audiences in awe.
Shallow Side is bringing back the raw energy of '90s grunge, but with a modern twist. "Filters" is a sludgy, riff-driven anthem that's both nostalgic and fresh. Vocalist Eric Boatright's gritty delivery and introspective lyrics add a layer of depth to the band's sound.
Why They Could Break Through: Grunge is experiencing a resurgence, and Shallow Side is riding that wave with style. Their music taps into the angst and disillusionment of a new generation while still delivering the heavy riffs that fans crave. "Filters" is currently at #15 on the SMR chart, showing a steady climb over the past few weeks.
The Challenges: The grunge revival is a crowded field, and Shallow Side needs to carve out their own unique identity. They need to avoid becoming a mere imitation of their influences and forge a sound that's truly their own.
Wage War is proof that metalcore can be both melodic and devastatingly heavy. "Magnetic" is a perfect example, with soaring choruses, crushing breakdowns, and a groove that's impossible to resist.
Why They Could Break Through: Wage War has a knack for writing anthemic songs that get stuck in your head. They're steadily gaining traction on the SMR chart, and their energetic live shows are winning over new fans.
The Challenges: The metalcore scene is notoriously fickle, and bands can quickly fall out of favor. Wage War needs to keep evolving their sound and delivering music that keeps fans engaged.
Breaking into the mainstream is a long and arduous journey, even for the most talented bands. Sleep Theory, Shallow Side, and Wage War all have the potential to make it big, but they'll need to navigate the challenges of the music industry with skill and determination.
So, keep your eyes on these underdogs. They might just be the future of rock and metal. And remember, stay true, stay metal, and never stop shredding.
Alex "Riffmaster" Reynolds
Alex "Riffmaster" Reynolds is a former underground metal band guitarist turned music journalist. His years touring the dive bar circuit have given him an insider's perspective on the music industry's gritty reality. Reynolds' writing is raw, passionate, and unapologetically edgy. He has a deep knowledge of metal subgenres and uses technical language while incorporating relatable anecdotes from his band life. He's not afraid to call out industry BS and encourages readers to "stay true, stay metal, and never stop shredding."
All donations handled by Stripe for Secure Transactions
and will be 100% used for marketing and furthering the reach of The NGN!
All payments will be tracked by our parent company, Graylight Creative