We listened to a lot of music over 2017. You could say we’re pretty much experts in the roundup scene. Post metal, hard rock, alternative rock, and heavy metal is still alive and we’re totally stoked to keep digging for it. For now, we want to showcase our favorites from the past year.
Devil in the Details (@DITD_band)
Location: Omaha, NE
After revisiting our March roundup, Devil in the Details really stuck out when it came to their energy and creativity. These guys really put their all into the band and it totally shows. Along with a nice little Saosin sound, these guys are someone to look into and keep in mind in the new year.
KEVLAR (@___KEVLAR___)
Location: Erie, PA
First things first: KEVLAR is a female fronted band and if that’s not enough to get you to start listening then you should probably readjust. KEVLAR had hit us up earlier in 2017 but we really loved them after we saw them at SXSW. After checking up on them, I’m even more stoked to see that their playing at one of the biggest festivals, Rocklahoma, alongside some of the best bands in the biz. We’re looking forward to seeing what 2018 has to bring for this killer band.
I Prevail (@iprevailband)
Location: Detroit, MI
2017 was a pretty big year for our friends in I Prevail. It’s safe to say that after ending the year with Rage on the Stage, a 70 day tour and virtually hitting every town in the United States, these boys will be doing big things in the new year. Shit, their latest video features Kyle Glass from Tenacious D and if that’s not a step into dominating 2018 then I don’t know what is. Don’t let the lyrics fool you either, these guys are just as goofy and kind-hearted as ever and we kind of wanna be best friends with them.
Ships Have Sailed (@shipshavesailed)
Location: Los Angeles, CA
A nice little change of pace from the previous bands, but Ships Have Sailed made their way into our hearts, and 2017 favorites, with their uplifting sound and their encouraging lyrics. We kicked our own asses for not listening prior to the roundup they were featured on, but we hear em now. From “Up,” their most popular song, come lyrics “All we know is we’ve gotta stand up” which – hello, happy new year – is the perfect mantra to start your 2018 and conquer it. They currently don’t have any tour dates coming up, but that doesn’t mean their not planning something big. Be on the lookout.
Fatally Yours (@FatallyYours1)
Location: Baltimore, MD
Forgive me, but as soon as I press play on this video I instantly melt a little inside. There’s just something about that initial “damn your eyes, my love” that makes me say, “okay, you’ve got my attention.” Telling a story of walking your own path while also getting pulled in different directions, this song is completely relatable. Although the band gets a little sidetracked with other projects, they always reconnect with music. With recent activity in September, we’re looking forward to what 2018 brings for these guys.
Bora Ozkan (@ozkanbora98)
Location: Sinop, Turkey
Bora Ozkan was someone we stumbled across earlier last year that really just impressed the shit out of us. Just a 19 year old and his guitar, he evokes a sense of emotion that you never knew you had. It’s safe to say that I could just put his songs into a playlist and listen to them on repeat considering they’re all incredibly different and so entrancing to listen to. I’m really, really hoping for more in 2018 from this incredibly talented artist.
Highlives (@HighlivesUK)
Location: Bristol, UK
2017 was a big year for me as far as UK bands go. I continued to listen to Moose Blood on repeat and even added in a little Catfish and the Bottlemen. When we found Highlives, and after I revisited, I thought, “man.. What a killer lineup that would be.” All of my UK dreams in one. Highlives takes an incredibly sad song of loss and time and turns it into a piece that everyone can relate to while also jamming out. “Nothing Left” is the most recent of the bands songs but we’re still super stoked to see what happens this year. PSA: you can download their full EP here.
CRANK IT UP!
Join us in our quest to discover new music on our social channels. We have followers who pimp their friends’ bands, bands sharing their own tracks, and we stumble upon some good shit on our own. To share your music or your latest favorites, make sure to tweet at us @zrockmusic or drop us a line on Facebook.
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