Unleash The Archers were formed in 2007 by front-woman Brittney Slayes, together with her partner and the band’s drummer Scott Buchanan, while attending the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.  After moving to Vancouver in 2010 the band underwent several lineup changes, but were finally able to cement their unique, genre-blending style of heavy metal with the addition of Grant Truesdell in 2011 and Andrew Kingsley in 2013.  By weaving the aggression of the more extreme genres into the intricacies of traditional heavy metal, UTA have created a sound unlike anything else in the industry.  They embrace a commercial appeal that attracts music lovers of all types while maintaining a heavy edge that remains true to their death metal roots.  Since their inception UTA have always put an emphasis on touring, and travelled the roads by van booking their own North American tours for years before being picked up by an agent in 2016.  Their persistent, hard-working, down-to-earth attitude has garnered media attention all over the world, and their constant engagement on social platforms of all types has allowed for consistent growth and a dedicated, positively engaged fanbase that spans continents. UTA have been described as “show-stealers” and “wildly entertaining” by fans and peers alike, and they strive to put on a show that will stick with you long after you’ve left the venue.  Playing music is a passion for the band and this can be seen in their live performance as well as their music videos and writing style. UTA are currently signed to Napalm Records (Worldwide) and Ward Records (Japan).  Vocals / Brittney Slayes Drums / Scott Buchanan Guitar / Grant Truesdell Guitar / Andrew Kingsley Bass / Nick Miller

Striker is a JUNO Award winning Edmonton-based recording and performing heavy metal band that has grown immensely through their years in the industry. A modern mix of classic heavy metal, hard rock, and 80’s hair metal, their music features powerful, clean vocals, catchy choruses, vocal harmonies, and impressive guitar leads. If you came looking for shred, you found it!

Seattle based heavy metal band. Signed to Fighter Records Rev Taylor - Vocals Jesse Berlin - Lead Guitar Enrico Marriuzzo - Lead Guitar Darin Wall - Bass Guitar Nate Butler - Drums

Hailing from the Canadian Prairies, Tower Hill delivers premium old-school heavy metal inspired by bands like Running Wild, Riot, Judas Priest, early Blind Guardian, and Helloween. Forging the best of the late 80s and early 90s German, British, and US metal scenes into a new blend of shimmering steel, Tower Hill's riff-driven, hook-laden traditional metal will have you banging your head and singing along. Riding out from 2021's 'Fighting Spirits' demo tape, the boys are back with their debut album 'Deathstalker', released in October 2023 on the mighty No Remorse Records. Inspired by the pulp cinema classic of the same name, 'Deathstalker' takes listeners on a nine-song journey from dark fantasy realms to the grim Australian outback, and from trashed hotel rooms and neon streets to the galaxy's edge.  With 'Deathstalker', Tower Hill are ready to unsheathe their swords and bring heavy metal from Canada to the world!

Lycanthro are a 4-piece Power/Thrash metal band formed in 2016 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They combine the genres of power, thrash and speed metal, along with an energetic and epic stage show and lyrical themes based on classic horror and mythology. Lycanthro’s original demo release, along with their newest EP “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” encapsulates the bands heavy, yet melodic sound, drawing influences from European/American power metal, all the way to classic thrash, along with their use of howling high vocals, piercing guitars, a booming rhythm section as well as uses of instruments such as piano and classical guitar to forge a powerful sound. Lycanthro will continue to howl into the night and into the future because in metal we trust!

Watchtower remains on the most over-the-top prog metal outfits of all-time. Their songs often came off as excuses to shred away and show off their member's instrumental prowess, and although the group remains quite obscure, they (along with Dream Theater) spawned countless musical offspring by the '90s -- Spock's Beard, Dali's Dilemma, Cairo, Ice Age, Royal Hunt, etc. The Texas-based band first came together in the early '80s, drawing inspiration from such established challenging rockers as Rush and Iron Maiden -- and featuring the lineup of frontman Jason McMaster, guitarist Ron Jarzombek, bassist Doug Keyser, and drummer Rick Colaluca. 1986 saw the release of the group's debut album, Energetic Disassembly, as Watchtower immediately built a cult following in Europe, where prog metal is widely worshipped.  Just before recording sessions were to begin for Watchtower's sophomore effort, McMaster left the group to join Guns N' Roses-disciples Dangerous Toys, and was replaced with former Hades vocalist Alan Tecchio in time for 1989's Control and Resistance (a demo of McMaster singing the Control songs became a hot item in fan trading circles). The band split shortly thereafter after Jarzombek came down with an ailment that affected his hands, as not much was heard from the group or its members until the late '90s, when McMaster rejoined the band for a huge metal festival in Germany, which led to further shows opening for Dream Theater and a planned third album in the works. In 2001, Watchtower issued a collection of unreleased demos on the Monster label to tide fans over until a proper third studio effort appears. ~ Greg Prato, Rovi

HIRAX began in Los Angeles in 1984, playing with Slayer, Metallica, and Exodus, who were all part of the exciting new metal emerging. HIRAX released their first full-length recording in 1985 on Metal Blade titled "Raging Violence". The combination of the heaviness of metal and the speed of hardcore became known as “crossover”. Katon W. De Pena's upper-range clean vocals stood out from the pack.

Metal for independents

Out from the flaming kingdom of death arose STRESS ANGEL in 2020 with their eponymous debut demo. There, the NYC two-piece presented six songs of thrashing death metal that is classic without being retro, and uniquely dark and demented. An auspicious first start, no doubt, and almost effortlessly so. 
 Now, STRESS ANGEL strike with their full-length debut, Bursting Church. Ever aptly titled, Bursting Church is indeed an archaic monument literally bursting – with feral energy, unholy passion, and RIFFS! In one sense, STRESS ANGEL here up-ratchet all of the previous demo’s foremost characteristics – contorted riffery, pitiless battery, shrill screams, and frantic execution – and retain their still-new yet firmly-etched identity. But in another, perhaps-more-accurate sense, Bursting Church presents the duo in an altogether new light, where the classic metal elements underlining that identity are recast in more crazed and idiosyncratic colors: what’s old is new, and vice versa, and anything resembling the “familiar” is ripped asunder into the realm of foreign. It’s a record equally 2021 and 1987, if you will, and the finesse and charisma with which STRESS ANGEL charge through these 11 anti-anthems is utterly addicting. Whereas previous points of reference ranged Aura Noir to Autopsy, Sweden’s Damnation to Sweden’s Obscurity, Bursting Church reveals the band in rarefied, righteously rabid company, off on their own like nomads of the wasteland. No surrender, and no compromise!

The not so distant future has arrived and with it comes Night Cobra. Heavy Metal for an age of discontent. . The quintet mixes a blend of punk and heavy metal set to blow the future apart. Residing in what was known as Houston, TX Night Cobra has risen among the ashes of what is left of this world . Beware of the snake.

Mean Mistreater is a heavy rock band from Austin, Texas, formed in 2023. Armed with heart racing riffs and powerful vocals they meld classic metal and retro hard rock, inspired by bands like Chastain, Warlock, and W.A.S.P.

Midnight Vice is a New Wave Traditional Heavy Metal band hailing from the depths of Tampa’s underground metal scene. With a sound that pays homage to the legends of the 1980’s metal era, they combine crushing riffs, soaring vocals, and blazing guitar solos to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh.

Fer de Lance is a Metal Band based in Chicago. With musicians from Moros Nyx, Professor Emeritus, Satan's Hallow, Midnight Dice, Sept of Memnon, and Beastlurker, Fer de Lance came together to make uncompromising music devoid of the demands of genre and scene.

THEANDRIC is an epic and powerful hard rock/heavy metal band from Detroit, Michigan.  We love all kinds of heavy music across the spectrum, from traditional to progressive to extreme.  Some of the bands we have been compared to include Iron Maiden, Dio, and Fates Warning. We have shared the stage with national acts such as Anvil, Raven and Immortal Guardian, but we also value immensely  being part of the local scene which includes such killer bands as Finality, Imminent Sonic Destruction, Among These Ashes, Forge the Sun, Blood Rune Sigil, Snakes at the Gatehouse, Lady Luna and the Devil and more!  You can always count on us to play a high energy, tight and entertaining show! Whether they be acoustic or electric shows, acoustic rock or heavy metal, family-friendly or edgy , we are prepared to leave everything on the stage to make the event unforgettable!

A band of kung fu heavy metal warriors on a mission to grow our strength and abilities till we reach the skies!! We share with you tales of triumphant victories and the truth of the ninja, striking with a blade sharp enough to cut time it’s self! We are Dyspläcer

Boston's Premiere Power Metal of the most fast, shreddy, and epic proportions! Tony DiBiase - Lead Vocals Andrew Matarazzo - Guitars Sam Jewell - Guitars Davy Allen - Guitars Dan Saillant - Keyboards Ben Sharon - Bass Guitar Alexander Paiva - Drums

OLATHIA (oh-LAY-thee-ah) Melodic/Power/ Thrash Metal.A "Power Thrash" Heavy Metal band that combines Traditional Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal, and Power Metal into a shredding and grooving wall of sound with soaring and gut ripping female vocals.

Leather Duchess are a hard rock outfit hailing from Los Angeles, California. The band are relentlessly committed to bringing fire-breathing, fist-pumping and crotch-thrusting anthems to the masses. The gents are dirty yet dapper and the songs are ferocious yet fun. Leather Duchess are determined to bring loud, amplified and riff-based rock n' roll back onto the charts.

At one moment delivering crushingly massive riffs, only to jump at the next turn, galloping along with shades of classic power metal taking hold and leading the way. All the while focused on incredibly memorable songs, with catchy hooks and singalong choruses. MOURN THE LIGHT is incredibly proud to have signed a worldwide record deal with ARGONAUTA RECORDS.

80s Post Apocalyptic NWOTHM Band out of Denver Colorado

Swords drawn ⚔. Ice Howl is a riff focused Groovy Power Metal band from Indiana. We love fantasy and riffs. We hope you do too!