Unholy Exhumation is a bi-weekly column where we highlight bands buried deep in the underground scene and we believe need to be dug out for those looking for more than just the conventional A-list bands because quality can be found everywhere.

If you’re reading this, that means you have an interest on what bands we’re going to talk about because, usually, we cover very well-known bands even your 12 year-old cousin know,s but there are certainly bands out there who are really good at what they do but, sadly, not even their mothers know they dedicate their time to play the devil’s music. For this first edition, I would like to introduce you to these bands you probably haven’t heard of or you agree they deserve to be more known than what they are now.

5. Negative Mantra

This trio from Chicago, IL just formed and released their debut EP titled A Hymn To Disappointment but the band isn’t just the project of some new kids venturing into the obscurities of black metal; this is a side project by members of US veterans, Abigail Williams, and unlike their counterpart, Negaitve Mantra has a subtle doom sound with the right hint of atmosphere to bring out the darkness on the composition.

The project seems to be led by bassist John Porada, as he’s credited with recording the bass, some of the guitars and the vocals by himself at Abigail William’s practice space. Considering the quality produced in this three-song EP, I can’t imagine what will be of them once they decide to do a full-length. I really hope they do

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4. Sedna

There is something about post-black metal that grasps the attention of many people, even when the styles it borrows its influences from have a more specific audience; the mixture of sludge, progressive and extreme metal just works like a charm when done right and the Italian squad Sedna are one of those who excel on it.

Their music builds from the ground up, absorbing everything surrounding its notes and combining with the chaos behind its blastbeats and emotional screams, similar to the German giants Cult of Luna during their early days. Their latest self-titled album is the perfect display of their solid standing point towards making aggressive and enchanting music.

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3. New Light Choir

Here’s something different to add some diversity to this week’s selection. Not what I’d call metal in the essence of the word but a band with a refreshing sound leaning towards psychedelic rock and a flair of NWOBHM which, as weird as it may sound just by saying it out loud, it makes sense once spinning their music.

I found out about New Light Choir through Darkthrone’s Fenriz when he featured their track “April’s Witch” in one of his radio episodes and, if a band has Fenriz’ seal of approval, you definitely have to pay attention to them. Since then, the album has been in heavy rotation here and keeps creeping back into the daily playlist with no end for a change unless they decide to put out a new album. The variation in styles and originality within Volume II is one of the highlights to get this album as soon as possible and keep an eye on what’s next from this North Carolina boys.

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2. Dalkhu

If you’re a fan of black metal that sounds like death metal or simply have a good palate for sinister music, look no more and check out the Slovenian duo Dalkhu. This isn’t your conventional blackened death metal but a more abrasive and dark combination of punishing guitars, ground-stomping drums and deep vocals fitting to the violence pouring out of your speakers and that’s how the style should be.

While coming from an Eastern European country makes things a bit difficult to successfully promote your music, the wonders of the internet allow us to reach those who have been creating quality art for almost a decade but haven’t had the chance to spread it abroad. With the collaboration of Godz ov War, Iron Bonehead Prod. and Satanath Records, hopefully Dalkhu will be able to extend their reign of chaos and will attract those interested in their epic journey.

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1. Scumguts

Not everything in life is black metal and we know that. There’s also the always neglected grindcore to pay attention to once in a while, in the same way that we shouldn’t ignore many of the fantastic acts Australia has in their murderous island but, gladly, we bring you Scumguts so you can have a taste of what the land of the kangaroos have hidden for you.

As expected, their songs last less than 3 minutes or, in some cases, less than 1 minute and by the time you finish reading this part, you probably already finished their album and that’s ok because these Aussies aren’t playing around when it comes to delivering the most relentless and crusty of the powerviolence available in a speedy-yet-effective way.

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