ANIMATED DEAD
Since 1989 Belleville, Illinois' Animated Dead has been playing a classic style of death metal uncompromised by trends in the metal world. This is pure neanderthal rage, reminiscent of Benediction and early Morbid Angel. Animated Dead is easily one of the best death metal bands in the region. The band recently released a full-length, Tombs of Carnage, on Necrotic Records/Sevared Records and has a handful of upcoming shows, including an opening slot for death-metal legends Obituary at Fubar. -- Kenny Snarzyk
THORHAMMER
ThorHammer came out of nowhere a couple of years ago and blew us all away with its 2011 Krusade demo. These young gentlemen did their homework and stabbed St. Louis in the heart with a nuclear spear. This is classic thrash metal at its finest, with a nod to the new wave of British heavy metal. ThorHammer hasn't been playing many shows this year, as members are lending their abilities to other local bands, but we've seen recent photos on Facebook that reveal the band is recording a new record. One that will be sure to satisfy even the most fastidious metal snob. -- Kenny Snarzyk
GRAND INQUISITOR
Formed just last year, south St. Louis' best-kept secret Grand Inquisitor has been leveling unsuspecting ears as the local support for many touring acts. This year the band recorded with Gary Copeland at South-Fi Studios, releasing a four-song demo that shames many established bands' finest efforts. Forget the Midwest, few guitar players in the world can match Graham Collins' riff-writing ability and ear for tone. That's what sets Grand Inquisitor apart from the rest: killer song writing, beautifully written riffs and damn, that tone is something out of a dream. -- Kenny Snarzyk
