To write off Jagged Doctrine as behind the times or, worse, irrelevant, would be to miss the point. JD is not a band that is used to playing for the masses, anyway. If you want commercial appeal, look elsewhere. Or not? To Whom It May Concern dwells in the no-man’s land where the nations of industrial, rock, metal and alternative used to collide, particularly in the mid- to late-’90s. But repeated listens show a bit more depth. The lyrics, while not necessarily cerebral, are challenging in their content. Although this style of rock has lost some of its commercial appeal in today’s plastic music environment, the irony of it is just how accessible Jagged Doctrine’s metallic dance beats are. Whereas other industrial/rock/metal hybrid bands rely on shock factor or extremities, TWIMC’s subtleties are simultaneously part of the appeal of JD and what will ultimately keep them from being bigger commercially in the era of Gaga, dubstep, and ever-splintering black metal hybrids.
Features
Alphaville’s Metal Renaissance
With influences that span Miles Davis and Stravinsky to Geddy Lee and Les Claypool, jazz metal force Imperial Triumphant is the epitome of genre-bending. HM contributing writer Andrew Voigt spoke with the band about their unique style, the massive bass presence in their music, and the rise and fall of civilization.
Full Feature More from Imperial Triumphant
Five Death Metal Bands You Need to Know Now
Death metal is no longer strictly a one-kind-of-sound genre but a cloud under which many elements have formed. We have assembled five must-hear death metal acts you should be listening to now, each distinctly set apart from another in form, yet still brethren in the death metal community.
Full Feature More from In-Conquered
Heaven's Metal
When rock emerged from blues and 'heavy metal' began to surface, faith-based metal acts also rose to start their own journeys. Initially shunned by both believers and non-believers, they were fighting for their spot at the table, ultimately building a legacy that would go on to change the genre forever. HM presents an oral history of the beginning of Christian metal music, featuring Guardian, Tourniquet, Holy Soldier, Whitecross, and, of course, Stryper.
Full Feature More from Guardian
Atreyu's Baptism
At their core, Atreyu is a hard rock band with metal riffs and pop choruses. Now, after more than 20 years, the band has stepped boldly into their next chapter with a change in lineup and an album that proves the lifeblood of Atreyu is stronger than ever.
Full Feature More from Atreyu
