10 Best New Heavy Metal Bands Of 2018

4. Nita Strauss

The ‘80s were really great, weren’t they? Heavy metal was at its commercial peak, while pop music was being ruled by heroes like Michael Jackson, Queen, Prince and David Bowie. Plus, Venom was at least three decades away from us.

But do you know what else the ‘80s were good for? Guitar heroes. Slash, Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde, Eddie van Halen – they were all wowing fans with flashy looks and skills that now seem reserved solely for a lead singer.

Happily, Nita Strauss is bringing shredding back to the forefront in 2018. Not only has she been touring with shock rock icon Alice Cooper and playing WWE wrestlers to the ring at WrestleMania, but she also released her instrumental debut, Controlled Chaos.

The album’s title is an apt one, as Nita is able to balance the chaos of her vibrant guitar shreds with the control enacted by hooks, refrains and harmonies. This is not just a guitarist tapping away for forty minutes; there is enough nuance and catchiness to lure in even those that don’t regularly consume instrumental music.

For fans that love the six-string savvy of Iron Maiden and Metallica, or even youngsters like Avenged Sevenfold, Controlled Chaos is essential listening.

 
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