In this edition of The Underground Sound, I have decided to try a new format for my music reviews. I would like to give you a worldwide musical experience for the rest of this semester. To do this, I have put together a spinning wheel with every country on it. Every month, I will spin the wheel and let it select a country to explore. I will use the Bandcamp website and only filter it by country. Each review will contain 5-10 bands I found interesting and that I recommend you check out. I will provide listening links to every artist I discuss, in hopes you check them out too. While the list is numbered, they are in no order in terms of what I enjoyed the most. This month, we will be sonically travelling to the United Kingdom. 

#1: Big Big Train – Scop  

Big Big Train is a British progressive rock band formed in 1990 by Gregory Spawton and Andy Poole. The group emerged with a sound deeply rooted in classic progressive rock influences like Genesis and Yes, blending intricate compositions with storytelling lyrics often focused on English history, folklore, and rural life. 

Big Big Train is the epitome of easy listening. I found myself relaxing to this release. ‘Blacksmithing’ may have been my favorite track, as it begins with a really rocking electric guitar riff full of energy. It bounces between high energy and mellow, late-70’s rock and roll vibes. Overall, it’s a pleasant listen. 

Listen here: https://bigbigtrain.bandcamp.com/album/scop 

#2: Rancid Cadaver – Mortality Denied 

Rancid Cadaver is a death metal band hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, formed in 2021. The band quickly established itself within the UK’s underground metal scene, gaining recognition for their raw and unrelenting old-school death metal (OSDM) sound. On March 21, 2025, Rancid Cadaver released their debut full-length album, Mortality Denied, further cementing their place in the death metal scene. 

This album is fantastic. It satisfies every need I have for a death metal album, especially one written to encapsulate those 90s death metal vibes. The guitar tone is chunky with that Swedish death metal chainsaw tone feel. At first spin, it reminds me of bands such as Disma, Entombed, and the like. For a random spin of the wheel, this was a great find. The title track, “Mortality Denied”, was a great introduction to the album and will let you know what to expect from the rest. 

Listen here: https://rancidcadaver.bandcamp.com/album/mortality-denied 

#3: Cradle of Filth – The Screaming of the Valkyries 

 Cradle of Filth is an extreme metal band from Suffolk, England, formed in 1991. Known for blending elements of black metal, gothic, and symphonic metal, the band is led by vocalist Dani Filth. Cradle of Filth gained global attention for their dark, theatrical style, elaborate lyrics, and controversial imagery. Albums like Dusk and Her Embrace (1996) and Cruelty and the Beast (1998) cemented their reputation in the metal underground and beyond. They’ve remained active for over three decades, evolving stylistically while maintaining a cult following. 

Now, Cradle of Filth has an incredibly long history. I haven’t been a huge fan in the past, especially with their work that tended to be much more gothic metal than black metal. This release is very reminiscent of their earlier work. The instrumentation is pretty aggressive in places but still has a symphonic edge. I will be honest, I am not a huge fan of the vocal styles, but the female vocals that pop through the mix are nice. I will say, if you have never heard of this band before, this would be an accessible place to start. For those who like heavy metal but have not dabbled in the extreme, this album will be a great introduction. 

Listen here: https://cradleoffilth.bandcamp.com/album/the-screaming-of-the-valkyries  

#4: Outer Head – Erevos 

Outer Head is a psychedelic stoner doom trio from Leeds, UK, comprising members Mike Randall, Rob Cook, and Sarantis Charvas. Known for their heavy, atmospheric soundscapes, the band has cultivated a dedicated following within the doom metal and stoner rock communities.​ 

If you’re looking for a traditional doom metal experience, this is the album for you. It’s very reminiscent of artists such as Electric Wizard, Monolord, et al. I especially love the guitar/bass tone; it has that fuzzy distortion you come to expect from such artists. I found myself loving the track ‘Flytrap’. Multiple times my head was bobbing along with the distorted plodding. Outer Head is good stuff, it’s a shame they are on a permanent hiatus. 

Listen here: https://outerhead.bandcamp.com/album/erevos 

#5: Liz Overs – Nightjar 

 ​Liz Overs is a Sussex-based singer-songwriter, folklorist, and radio presenter. After a hiatus from music, she immersed herself in the local folk scene, performing with Chalk Horse Music and hosting a radio show dedicated to Sussex’s music, folklore, and social history. In March 2025, Overs released her debut solo album, Nightjar, a collection rich in pagan and folkloric themes that blend original compositions with traditional songs. 

Honestly, I am so pleasantly surprised with this find. The album is absolutely haunting from the vocal presentation to the acoustic instrumentation. Overs does an excellent job presenting the Celtic atmosphere within the tracks with ‘Prayer to the Year’ being a prime example. If you’re looking to relax and send your mind to a different place and time, this release will do it for you. 

Listen here: https://lizovers.bandcamp.com/album/nightjar