Since I first hatched the idea of this piece, I've been forced to re-examine the bands I chose and eliminate a few, and added a few others. Let's talk about the ones I eliminated from the original list and why. First up: The Warning. It should be obvious just by reading this that you pretty much know the success this band has had, with tours all over the world and sharing the stage (and the studio) with the likes of Evanescence, Halestorm, Dead Poet Society and Band-Maid to name just a few. Based on the likelihood that anyone reading this already knows about them, I've taken them off the list. Next is Beyond the Black. This is a band that's been delighting Eruopeans for years and since they've already scored 6 number ones on Rock Rips, they're disqualified. Our third disqualification is Ad Infinitum, who currently have had 4 number ones here. Besides, anything Melissa Bonny touches is pure platinum. Bonny fans, stand by. Last is Xandria, who have 13 number ones thanks to their last two albums, both with newest vocalist Ambre Vourvahis. Remember, disqualification from the upcoming list is a good thing - it means the band has become so successful that they're probably already on your playlist.
And now, the list, in no specific order. Just 10 great bands we think you'll love so much you'll go back through their catalog!
Rainover first appeared here with the song "Rebirth in 2015. It topped Rock Rips for 5 weeks and became the #1 song of the year! Their follo-up reached #6 and then the band went quiet for 5 years before releasing "Lumina Omnia" from their next CD, NOX. This spawned two very different but very compelling hits; "Lumina Omnia" topped the chart for 4 weeks at the end of 2020 and "Lobo" topped it for 4 weeks again in early 2021. The band kind of fell off our radar until recently, when they announced that theyu were embattled with a disgruntled former band member who felt he could hijack the band's name and catalog. The law is eventually coming to their side, so we may yet see more new music from them soon. Until then, both their albums (NOX and Transcending the Blue and Drifting Into Rebirth) are out there to entrance you with deep grooves and fragfile but powerful lyrics.
Another band I'd characterize as one of the hardest working in the business, Amanda Lyberg is the "Eva" in Eva Under Fire. They are more in the vein of Halestorm and The Warning, and I can honestly say I don't understand how they haven't become a household name. They've done some high-end collabs, classic rock covers, soundtracks, and even some of the most emotional songs that will move you like "Good Morning Misery." Eternal thanks to Mark H. for introducing me to this versatile, prolific group. With 14 number ones to their credit, followers of Rock Rips don't need any introduction to this band but it was only recently I heard them played on Sirius XM - specifically, their collab with Maria Brink (In This Moment). There are few bands I wish would get recognition as much as Eva Under Fire!
In the midst of order comes Chaos; or in this case, Chaos Magic. Caterina Nix leads this group of talented musicians from South America. Not only does this band have the symphonic flair, but they also bring a sense of the exotic to their music, whether they're teaming up with Finland's Timo Tolkki (Stratovarius, Avalon), or Tunisia's Zaher Zorgati (Myrath) on the northern Africa-flavoured Sting classic, "Desert Rose." Solid melodies, incredible musicianship, and a band that loves what they do and it shows. Go listen to their stuff.
Emerging from the symphonic metal scene, Anaria is a band that refuses to be confined by genre boundaries. Led by the powerful and mesmerizing vocals of Jessica Mercy, Anaria seamlessly blends symphonic elements with modern metal, creating a sound that is both grand and accessible. Their covers of "I See Fire" and "Alone" demonstrate their unique take on popular songs, infusing them with a fresh, heavier edge. Anaria's dedication to their craft is evident in every note, making them a standout in the symphonic metal genre. If you haven't yet delved into their discography, now is the perfect time to experience the enchanting world of Anaria.
Visions of Atlantis stands as a celebrated beacon in the symphonic metal landscape, bringing an ethereal and oceanic theme to every release. Founded in 2000, this Austrian band has undergone several lineup changes, yet they have remained steadfast in their ability to produce music that transcends the ordinary. With the enchanting vocals of Clémentine Delauney and Michele Guaitoli, Visions of Atlantis crafts songs that are both hauntingly beautiful and powerfully dynamic. Tracks like "Melancholy Angel" and "Clocks," while simple, are pure melodic addiction and testament to their command of the genre, combining orchestral grandeur with metal's intensity. Reminds me of a joke: What's a pirate's favorite letter? The "C" (Sea). Dive deep into a VoA playlist and stay under as long as you want.
Hailing from California, Liliac is a powerhouse family band that has taken the rock and metal world by storm, especially after competing on America's Got Talent. Comprising siblings Melody, Samuel, Abigail, Ethan, and Justin Cristea, Liliac's music is a vibrant mix of classic heavy metal influences and modern rock sensibilities. Their unique sound, characterized by Melody's commanding vocals and Samuel's intricate guitar work, has earned them a dedicated following. Liliac's energetic performances and tightly-knit familial bond have set them apart in the music scene, making them a band to watch. Unlike all of the bands above, Anaria is still unsigned so let's help get them a recording contract!
Yes, you read that correctly, this band is from Ukraine. They've been around since 2015 when they changed their name from "Parallax," and their first apperance on Rock Rips was "Alga," which went to #1 in 2016. They've had two more number ones on here since but as you can imagine they've had some trouble getting new music out, but that hasn't stopped them from working, and their newest album should be out this fall on Napalm Records. Lead vocalist Helle Bogdanova is one of those gifted with the ability to slip into harsh vocals quite easily. Their songs tell stories, and sometimes folk tales. They always are true to Ukrainian culture and sovereignty, as in "Alga" where the lyrics say: How dare you godless bastards step on my land? How dare you touch my daughters and sons? This will be your last steps, unless you turn Put your two-headed eagle into your ass and run
Scardust is a five-piece band with Noa Gruman on vocals, but with them usually you get Hellscore, the choir also led by Noa that numbers in the dozens. Since 2023, they've made an impact here with songs like their number one "Concrete Cages" with Patty Gurdy and of course Hellscore. Here is a band that puts the "prog" in progressive - they refuse to be pigeonholed into any single mode of music, with songs that sound more like pop or folk among their offerings. Whatever else, you always get Noa's soaring vocals. Althought I'm partial to Orr Didi's masterful bass work, guitar. keyboard and drums are handles by masters of their craft.
Why are there three countries listed above? Because this band is made up of two members of Feuerschwanz, Hans Platz and Jenny Diehl; Morten Lowe Sorenson from Amaranthe, and of course Melissa Bonny from Ad Inifnitum because she doesn't have enough to take up her time, apparently. This band - a metal supergroup, to use an overused term - started with a bet between Hans and Melissa. Apparently, whatever the bet was, Hans won and challenged Melissa to record a song. The result was The Dark Side of the Moon, with Melissa on vocals, Hans on guitar, Jenny on harp, and Morten (Melissa's husband, btw) on drums. Their cover of "May it Be" with Charlotte Wessels sharing vocals (and one of her best performances, imho) reached number one for 5 weeks and was the #1 song of 2023! The risk with bands of this kind are that they man never make another album, but that first album has sent 8 songs to our chart, all of them reaching the top 20 and two reaching #1. And the last might be their third...in its 5th week on, it's at #5 this week. Seems that, to quote an Ad Infinitum #1, they're "Unstoppable."
Mortemia is tha name of a one-man band staffed by Morten Veland. Some may recognize the name as the same behind bands like Tristania (now defunct) and Sirenia (recently on Rock Rips this year). What Mortemia does is choose female vocalists from all over metal-dom and record songs with them. Some are original, some are covers like "What Else is There?" with Zora Cock or the song debuting at #35 this week with Emma Zoldan (of Sirenia) - the Doors' classic "Riders on the Storm." Just imagine what exposure a band like Anaria could expect from a recording session with Mortemia and their vocalist Jessica Mercy! Just a suggestion, if anyone who knows Morten or from Napalm is reading this.
