Albums Of The Year Part 2: Upcoming Artists

We shared our top list for alternative artists recently so now it is time for the part in which we highlight some newer and hot young acts coming up in the scene on some local levels as well as the big touring circuits.

1. Rivals- Damned Soul
FFO: PVRIS/Tonight Alive/Too Close To Touch

Rivals by far took the top spot for this list because of how intense their music is as well as the hustle the band possesses. Frontwoman Kalie Wolfe is intense and powerful behind the mic which translates live very well without a hitch. The music has enough edge to get you going and enough pop to get the songs stuck in your head and sing along to.

2. LIMBS- Father’s Son
FFO: Underoath/Norma Jean/Capsize

Where to begin? Everything a ton of us latched onto and fell in love with years ago in this genre of music is all here. The chaotic riffs, back breaking drums, and melodic hooks in the chorus. This band leaves it all on their UNFD debut. If you’re looking for the next generation of bands who aren’t afraid to break their stuff while yelling at you on stage, look no further than LIMBS.

3. Dream On, Dreamer- It Comes And Goes
FFO: The Plot In You/I See Stars/The Word Alive

Some may be wondering why this band made this list vs the bigger list and while Dream On, Dreamer have been around for a bit, they haven’t hit that mark yet of being a band holding it down across the ocean in the USA. However, they put out one of the best releases of 2018. If you have known of the band before, this is such a new era and territory for them as they are exploring the moodier and poppier side of the genre. Not to mention a full blown alt-pop song to close this thing out!

4. Greyhaven- Empty Black
FFO: Every Time I Die/ The Chariot/He Is Legend

Greyhaven has become one of 2018’s breakout bands locking down tours with Norma Jean and doing some iconic Hopesfall album releases shows with many more on top of that. All of this in support of the sweet n’spicy album that is Empty Black. One big party where everything ends up breaking and being set on fire.

5. Valleyheart- Everyone I’ve Ever Loved
FFO: My Epic/Have Mercy/Emery

Valleyheart has written a record many who grew up in the church can relate to when it comes to figuring out spirituality and what you do or do not believe. It also will connect with other audiences as well talking of lost times, the changing of society and how we interact with one another. It rings of Emo tinges and post-rock elements in the background. Put on a cup of coffee and relax as this record takes you on a journey of faith, life, and relationships.

The Rest Of The Best:

6. Normandie- White Flag
FFO: Hands Like Houses/You, Me, At Six/Young Guns

7. Scarlett O’Hara- Welcome Back To The Brodeo
FFO: Asking Alexandria/Motionless In White/The Devil Wears Prada

8. nothing, nowhere- ruiner
FFO: N/A (nothing to compare to)

9. VENUES- Aspire
FFO: Underoath/Silverstein/Funeral For A Friend

10. Vein- Errorzone
FFO: Converge/Zao/Kublai Khan

11. Trash Boat- Crown Shyness
FFO: The Story So Far/Neck Deep/Story Of The Year

12. If I Were You- Inner Signals FFO: I See Stars/We Came As Romans/Secrets

13. LOYALS– LOYALS
FFO: Chase Atlantic/Day Wave/Deaf Havana

14. Hail The Sun- Mental Knife
FFO: Circa Survive/Saosin/Dance Gavin Dance

15. CrazyEightyEight- Burning Alive
FFO: Underoath/Capsize/From First To Last