GUILT, a band with members spanning between Brighton and Bristol, has independently released their debut single ‘Swerve‘, which made its radio debut on BBC Radio 1’s Introducing Rock with Alyx Holcombe two days ago. Comprising three members of Drifted, a deathcore group from Exeter, namely Harry Davies, Jay Tidmarsh-Watts, and Ben Hampshire, as well as Forrest Daley, GUILT’s first single serves as a glimpse into their upcoming EP ‘In The Body’, which promises to be a crushing release later this year. We have teamed up with the band to give you their top 10 underground UK metal bands wrth a check in 2023!
Brimming with malevolent filth, ‘Swerve’, produced by Connor Sweeney, envelopes the listener in an abrasive crushing wave of expeditious breakbeats, crooked gutturals and crunching baritone grooves.
“’Swerve‘ is a commentary on the common coping mechanism of avoiding problems and insecurities in today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming society”, vocalist Harry Davies comments. “The song highlights the detrimental effects of sweeping issues under the rug and the eventual burnout that can result from ignoring them. It speaks to the feeling of panic that is all too familiar in our current world and encourages listeners to confront their issues head-on instead of constantly swerving to avoid them.”
Featuring members from the band Drifted, as well as experience touring across the UK with notable acts such as Traitors, Rings of Saturn, A Night In Texas, Black Tongue and Distant, as well as playing festivals such as Burn It Down, Southwest Heavyfest and Fall In The Brawl, GUILT are poised to take this momentum and run with it.
“GUILT represents the evolution of Drifted,” says drummer Ben, “It’s taking our raw sound to new heights and pushing us to explore uncharted territories in terms of sound and style.” The track’s genre-defying blend of metal, electronic, and experimental music creates a sound that is both familiar and entirely new, proving that GUILT are a force to be reckoned with. With a heavy and melodic sound, listeners can expect a high-energy, dynamic experience from GUILT.
Top 10 Best Underground UK Metal Bands Right Now – by Forrest Daley of GUILT:
Knife Bride
Knife Bride is a five-piece self proclaimed ‘Glitter Slut Metal’ band hailing from Brighton. Each hook they cast is pierced with an earworm, fused with provocative poppy choruses along with crunchy grooving guitars & punchy drums. They gained traction last year touring the UK with Wargasm, along with gracing the Download Festival stage. With only three singles to their name and so much momentum, Knife Bride are definitely a band to keep your eye on.
FFO: Wargasm, Poppy, Babymetal
Song to check out: Fang Dummy
Tether
Tether’s mission is to spread hope, positivity, and optimism through their music. The band’s energetic and fast-paced live shows are a testament to their message, offering a retaliation against the negativity and hopelessness that plagues our world. Tether has been gigging relentlessly in their home turf of London and the surrounding areas over the past few years, building a dedicated following of fans. The band’s high-energy performances and inspiring message make them a must-see act for anyone who wants to experience a powerful musical experience.
FFO: Everytime I Die, letlive, Alexisonfire
Song to check out: The Illusionist
Creak
Creak is a powerhouse of heavy music, delivering a dynamic and relentless assault on the senses with their unique blend of nu-Metal, deathcore, and hardcore. Their music is an adrenaline-fueled mix of vicious riffs and intense breakdowns that is guaranteed to ignite the mosh pit. Their debut album, released in 2020, has established them as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy music scene, and fans are eagerly awaiting new music from this talented band. With their explosive live shows and ferocious sound, Creak is an act that simply cannot be missed.
Keep your eyes peeled, as this band is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a ringing in your ears and a desire for more.
FFO: Alpha Wolf, Loathe, Wage War
Song to check out: Eyes Without A Face
Kinzoku
Kinzoku is a Brighton-based progressive death metal band that delivers crushing heaviness and musical prowess. The band’s debut EP “Monolith,” released in 2020, showcases their mastery of the genre and is a true sonic masterpiece. With their undeniably tight musicianship and powerful sound, Kinzoku has been captivating audiences all over the UK, including a standout performance at the renowned Bloodstock festival. With new material set to be released this year, Kinzoku is a band that death metal fans and progressive music enthusiasts alike won’t want to miss.
FFO: Periphery, Meshuggah, The Faceless
Glower
Glower is a force to be reckoned with in the South East UK hardcore scene. With their unique blend of brutal metallic hardcore, the band has been turning heads and leaving audiences in awe. Their high-energy performances are a testament to their relentless drive and passion for the genre – the energy is rough and contagious. The band’s breakdowns are particularly intense; prepare for your souls to leave your body, and to pump your fists in the air. Heavy, aggressive music fans, these are for you.
FFO: Knocked Loose, Kublai Khan TX, Upon A Burning Body
Song to check out: Apoplexy
Pulse
Pulse is a musical force of nature, delivering a raw and powerful blend of riffs, screams, and blast beats that’ll leave you feeling exhilarated and emotionally charged. This nu-metalcore band is pushing the boundaries of the genre with their innovative sound, which expertly balances brutal aggression with atmospheric and ethereal sections. With Pulse, boredom is not an option – their music is a sonic adrenaline shot that will have your pulse pounding and your heart racing. But this band is more than just a visceral experience; their lyrics cut deep, tackling relatable struggles and thought-provoking subjects that make their music hit even harder. If you’re looking for a band that will challenge you both musically and lyrically, Pulse is a must-see act.
FFO: Darko US, Alpha Wolf, Dealer
Song to check out: Pieces Of Me
Black Coast
Black Coast is a dynamic and electrifying nu-Metal band with raw, revitalising energy. Their live performances are nothing short of a feast for the senses, complete with theatrical elements that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Their charismatic and captivating frontman, Charlie, is a master of crowd engagement and knows how to work the crowd into a frenzy. With extensive touring experience, including shows all across the UK and a tour in Japan with Stray from the Path, Black Coast is a force to be reckoned with in the rock music scene and they show no signs of slowing down.
FFO: Alice In Chains, Oceans Grove, Deftones
Song to check out: Mercy
Glass Grave
Glass Grave are a five-piece metal/emo shoegaze outfit from Brighton, UK. They blend ethereal atmospheric lead lines with soaring, emotive screams and they certainly don’t hold back the riffs. They formed in 2022 and have been blazing venues around London and South East England with bands such as Trash Boat, The Five Hundred & Black Coast. They have been played on BBC Radio 1 with Alyx Holcombe & Alex Bakers Fresh Blood on Kerrang! Radio.
FFO: Architects, Thousand Below, Invent Animate
Song to check out: Red Paint
The Escape Artist
The Escape Artist, a five-piece band from Hull, creates a sound that is both intense and immersive, and diverse in its nature. Described as “aggressive, atmospheric, and emotional,” their music showcases their creativity and musical prowess. Their 2021 EP received critical acclaim, and it’s easy to see why. With influences ranging from Deftones to shoegaze, they blend together unique elements to form a sound that is truly their own. Whether you’re drawn to hard-hitting riffs or atmospheric soundscapes, this band is guaranteed to impress. If you’re looking for a band that pushes the boundaries of melodic hardcore, The Escape Artist is the one to watch.
FFO: Being As An Ocean, Casey, Deftones
Song to check out: Paint The Room
Harbinger
London-based deathcore band Harbinger is back and ready to take the world by storm with their 2022 EP and a collection of new songs. After a brief hiatus, the band has returned with a renewed energy and a fierce determination to bring their brand of technical riffage to the masses. At the core of their music is a righteous anger towards those who exploit and manipulate others for their own gain, in both personal and political contexts. Harbinger is pushing the boundaries of modern metal while staying true to the foundations and roots of the genre, combining thick grooves, anthemic choruses, and blistering guitar solos to create a sound that is both intense and unforgettable. With their 2022 EP, Harbinger is poised to make a big impact in the world of heavy music. Whether you’re a fan of extreme music or just looking for something new, this band deserves your attention.
FFO : Parkway Drive, Death, The Faceless
Song to check out: Guile
