The first description I had heard of Pears – frantic, technical punk rock – had me thinking (and kind of hoping) they’d be an A Wilhelm Scream clone. They’re not. They jam in the same vein, but their style is their own, and they do it well. Green Star by PEARS
Somehow, O’brother are underrated even after releasing three killer albums. While the sound of their first two is decidedly more epic, their third outing, which came out earlier this year, is still one of the best rock releases of 2016. Endless Light by O’Brother
Owen is the solo project of emo superhero and American Football frontman Mike Kinsella. His work as Owen is considerably more dialed-down in sound, but just as high-quality as his other acts. The King of Whys by Owen
The Armed provide all of the aggression of hardcore (and then some) without the corny clichés. Their latest LP is a vicious ride from start to finish, and the best part? Their entire discography is free on Bandcamp. Untitled by The Armed
Captain, We’re Sinking are one of the hidden gems of the modern alt scene. They take a dual-vocalist approach, and, for once, both of their vocalists are equally excellent. Their punk-based music features evocative layered guitars, with lyrics that are both relatable and heart-wrenching. The Future Is Cancelled by Captain, We’re Sinking
Posture dropped their second LP, I Am Satan, unannounced earlier this year and it’s mostly gone under the radar. That sucks, because it’s one of the best emo releases of the past few years. I Am Satan by Posture & The Grizzly
Beaten to Death are an Oslo-based grind act that wear their sense of humor on their sleeves and fuse some pretty wild influences into their music, as can be heard on latest (incredibly good) LP, Unplugged. Unplugged by BEATEN TO DEATH
Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Native Daughters are an instrumental progressive metal band, whose sound exhibits a seamless blend of crushing post-metal and lush atmospheric passages kicked up a notch by a dual-drummer lineup. Master Manipulator by Native Daughters
With pretty clear influences from tech death heavyweights like Gorguts and Ulcerate, Sunless’s 2016 demo shows a young band with a shockingly refined sound. Grab a copy of their EP so you can flip it for $500 when they become a household name. Demo 2016 by Sunless