So many times I am asked what new bands I like. To be honest for a while there wasn’t much for my personal tastes. Lot’s of aggression but not much in the way of songs. For me if it’s hard rock or metal I MUST like the singer and the music must have some sense of melody to it. It’s one of the reasons I don’t care for death or extreme metal. I can appreciate the energy, but for me, I don’t hear songs and not a fan of “cookie monster” voices. I’ve NEVER faked liking a band because everyone said I should or they were the new hip thing. That trend for me goes all the way back to being a little kid. Which is why I was routinely made fun of for liking bands like Kiss and others when they were very much thought of as “uncool”. But I must say I am very encouraged by some of the new stuff coming down the pike. There is this trend of no nonsense straight up riff based hard rock by a whole new generation of young bands. Essentially bands with members in their 20’s that sound like they are from 1973! Anti Mortem. Scorpion Child, Kyng, Monster Truck, Rival Sons, Witchcraft, and many others have recently peaked my interest. I don’t know which if any will come out of the pack and it’s too soon to see which will develop into truly great bands that stand the test of time. But at a time when hard rock and metal needs a new Appetite For Destruction to kick everyone’s ass and shake things up and help bring back rock, there are some strong signs on the horizon. I am rooting for all these guys and you will hear many on my radio shows sprinkled among the classics. New and classic rock acts still very much needs your help to break through. So keep an eye out for this stuff and spread the word if you like it. Hopefully one of them really hits and puts a charge in a fairly stagnant world lately for new hard rock bands.
What have you heard new you like? As always comments welcomed and encouraged here!
PS: I no doubt forgot others that I like. Perhaps the biggest challenge we have with so much music so available so easily is navigating what’s out there and remembering it! Another reason I still love CDs. Much easier to keep in your line of site when it’s a physical item vs an easily lost download, file or link.
132 Responses
Rival Sons – heard you recommend them once, got the cd, and not only I – but my 16 year old daughter – LOVE “Keep on Swinging”. Looking forward to discovering more great rock with your assistance!
Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats!! Orchid, Ghost, and Admiral Sir Cloudseley Shovell can rock better then anyone out there.
I’m the same way. I like what I like,and if I don’t,I’m not going to knock you for liking it! If you like a band,fine. Just don’t tell me I “have” to like it. Ain’t gonna happen!
Check out The Aristocrats. Guthrie Govan on guitar, Marco Minneman on drums, and Bryan Beller on bass. No vocals, but kick ass metal fusion. You do not need a frontman when you are a competent musician.
Love these guys, such great players!
Guthrie Govan is amazing! If you like instrumental check out Lyden Moon, Gretchen Menn, and Greg Koch if you haven’t already.
Eddie,
Check out the new project from Mike Araiza (guitars) & Jeff Sandoval (vocals)
They play in Frank Hannon’s solo band and did the Six String Soldiers album with him.
Just released their first single, “It’s All I Need”, and are working on more songs to be released.
Here’s the video and single link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=582509385162973&set=vb.548497128564199&type=2&theater
Monster Truck is a great live band. Saw them open for Sevendust in September. Great classic rock sounds from a new band.