10 Heavy Metal Bands Genuinely Progressing The Genre

Whilst solo projects can often descend into shameless naval gazing or cringe inducing self-aggrandising (looking at you CMFT), every now and then an artist comes along whose personal story is so earth shattering that the singular vision completely breaks the mould.

Classically trained singer Kristin Hayter, known within the Metal underground as Lingua Ignota, has spent the last four years pursuing a fiercely DIY work ethic to spread her sermons of survival and revenge through word of mouth to thousands, if not millions.

A survivor of abuse, Hayter doesn’t so much wear her heart on her sleeve as force it still beating down your throat. Seminal 2019 release CALIGULA (Again, capitals strongly encouraged) told her story through a kaleidoscope of operatic vocals, howled cries, ecclesiastical piano and pitch black noise, and while her experiments are often an uncomfortable listen, their artistry cannot be questioned.

This is not work to be enjoyed, but experienced, and it is an experience unlike any other.