Something strange has been happening over the past few years. The British metal scene, once a scrappy assemblage of bands perpetually existing in the shadow of their more talked-about contemporaries from across the Atlantic, has transformed into something vital, innovative and genuinely exciting.
It’s not like the UK hasn’t produced its share of iconic bands over the years, from Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden to the likes of Carcass, Cradle Of Filth and Bring Me The Horizon. There have been plenty of pivotal scenes, too: NWOBHM, grindcore, the ongoing UK hardcore movement and countless others.
But what’s happening now feels different. A generation of British bands with individual voices and distinct identities is emerging and coalescing into something bigger. Individually, these artists have little in common beyond shared geography, but collectively there’s a breadth, ambition and righteous self-belief to what they’re doing, whether it’s the vaulting soundscapes of Sleep Token, the dizzying math-metal of Pupil Slicer or the gut-level rage of Malevolence and Bleed From Within.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about flag-waving or jingoistic tub-thumping. Pretty much every country on the planet will have its own similar scene going on. But this is exciting because it’s happening right on our doorstep, from the grassroots level up – and it’s only going to grow.
So what exactly is happening and why is it happening now? To answer these questions, we’ve brought together members of five bands at the heart of British metal’s new golden generation: Ithaca’s Djamila Boden Azzouz, Debbie Gough of metallic hardcore ragers Heriot, Sam Matlock from dance-punk provocateurs Wargasm, Kadeem France from experimental metallers Loathe and nu metal party-starters Blackgold’s masked frontman Spookz.
As they arrive in offices for this state of the metal nation round table discussion, there’s a tangible buzz in the air. Some of them have met before and greet each other with hugs. Others are meeting for the first time, offering compliments and mutual respect. It’s further proof that something
