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Unearthing The Metal Underground: The Austin Metal Scene

Each week in Unearthing the Metal Underground, we'll be putting a few quality underground bands in the spotlight in an attempt to get the word out about them. This week I am exploring the Austin metal scene.

Austin, Texas is often referred to as the live music capital of the world. While country and indie rock have often dominated the city’s musical legacy, the Austin metal scene is alive and well. A stroll down Red River in downtown will reveal many metal-dedicated clubs: Emo’s, Red 7, Headhunter’s, and Mohawk. The following bands are some of the best I’ve discovered playing within those venues.

Iron Age

Iron Age’s hardcore brand of metal caught my eye before I even moved back to Austin. Their album, "The Sleeping Eye," is full of great riffs and piercing vocals that border on black metal stylistically. On stage, Iron Age brings a raw energy that’s part punk, part metal, and all awesome. I’ve seen them open for Baroness, Corrosion of Conformity, and play last year’s SXSW. Needless to say, the crowd was always very warmed up after their set.

Lions of Tsavo

Lions of Tsavo is a black metal band hailing from Austin since the mid ‘00s. As dark and crushing as black metal should be, Lions of Tsavo also delves into doom territory, attracting the attention of legendary producer Billy Anderson. They’ve toured with new heavyweights like Black Cobra and Howl, and I’ve seen them open for Forbidden in Austin.

The Roller

The Roller is a four piece doom band. Evoking comparisons to eyehategod, The Roller takes their name literally. They are one of the loudest bands I’ve heard in a while. Their recently released LP, "Wasted Heritage," comes from producer Bryan Richie of The Sword, and explores grim topics over four very lengthy tracks. I’ve heard many Austin metalheads claim them as their favorite local metal band.

Know of more underground Austin metal bands worth discussing? Share your favorites in the comments below.

Check back every Monday as we delve into a different scene or genre to unearth some new underground metal bands.

Jamie, a self-proclaimed live music addict covering everything from death metal to industrial to psychedelic rock, chronicles her musical adventures in Texas and beyond at www.HardRockChick.com. She live tweets her shows at @hardrockchick.