YOU Choose the Best Unsigned Band in the U.S: The Final Four
Today you are tasked with deciding which two bands will compete for the championship.
- Last week was a slobberknocker with Destroy Judas pulling off an upset against Arctic Sleep, a band that had so far dominated each round. Perhaps this brand new Destroy Judas album swayed the voting public?
- Lobster-state-denizens Sylvia likewise pulled off a surprise victory, just edging out Existem’s brand of Missouri prog.
- Eternal Khan is on a gravy train with biscuit wheels since the start of this contest, handily dispatching every band in their path. Elephant Rifle fought bravely, but were ultimately smothered by the Very Old Mongol.
- Blackgate continues to steamroll over the competition by gaining a big win over TovH editor-favorites Withering Light. Look away, lest you see our tears.
HOW IT WORKS:
Some people say that art isn’t a competition. Those people are losers. EVERYTHING is a competition. Here at the Toilet ov Hell, we’ve gone and declared the best unsigned band in each state of the union. Now we’re pitting these warriors against each other for the right to claim the ultimate prize: The title of Best of the Best. Which band will champion their state to glory? That’s up for you to decide.
Each state was seeded by population size. The 14 most-populous states received a first round bye. Today, 4 bands are battling it out for supremacy. Destroy Judas (CA), Sylvia (ME), Eternal Khan (RI), and Blackgate (MI). Voting for this round closes Sunday, September 28th at 5:00 PM CST.
Destroy Judas (California) VS. Sylvia (Maine)
Destroy Judas – “Using a triple guitar attack, understated drumming that still pummels with the best of them, and vocals that roar with the fury of a angered lion, these fellows carve out epic mournful soundscapes that recall the best of Mouth of the Architect, Minsk, and even Mare (remember them?).”
(Read the full writeup) (Facebook)
Sylvia – “Sylvia offer varying speeds and tempos, accelerating to enable thunderous drum beats replete with furious guitar riffs that crush souls… before abruptly taking a foot off the gas to pummel you into submission with lurching, sinister breakdowns.”
(Read the full writeup) (Facebook)
Eternal Khan (Rhode Island) VS. Blackgate (Michigan)
Eternal Khan – “This trio brings the consuming inevitably of doom and mix it with a heaping dose of ethereal black metal. T. Phrathep’s guitar rings with the type of tremolo soaked misery that conjures the heralding of legions of plague stricken malcontents shambling towards an unsuspecting village to ravage it to nothing. Bassist Nate Woods reigns as one of my favorite current vocalists in metal with a distinctive, articulate but still savage bark.”
(Read the full writeup) (Facebook)
Blackgate – “How often do you get to use the phrase “powerthrash”? Well, at least once thanks to the dudes in Blackgate. They combine some truly gnarly thrash riffs, vocals that soar like the endangered early 90’s version of the American Bald Eagle, and some infectious choruses to great effect. If you don’t find yourself grooving along or whipping out your best falsetto, there’s a solid chance you’re probably dead inside.”
(Read the full writeup) (Facebook)
