Metal States Of America: American Metal: Arkansas
Amidst the rolling hills and sprawling forests of Arkansas, a Metal scene is quietly taking shape. While the state may not be as renowned for its Metal bands as some of its neighbors, Arkansas is home to a diverse and passionate community of musicians who are pushing the boundaries of heavy music.
Pallbearer: Pioneers of Doom Metal
Perhaps the most internationally recognized metal band from Arkansas is Pallbearer. Hailing from Little Rock, Pallbearer have established themselves as pioneers of Doom Metal, fusing elements of traditional Doom with a more progressive and atmospheric approach. Their music is often described as hauntingly beautiful, with a sound that is both heavy and melancholic.
Beyond these well-known bands, Arkansas is home to a thriving underground metal scene, with numerous local bands playing a variety of styles, from Death Metal to Black Metal to Grindcore and Sludge. These bands are often active in the local scene, playing shows at small clubs and venues around the state.
With its strong DIY ethic and passionate fanbase, Arkansas is well-positioned to continue producing new Metal bands in the years to come. The state’s unique musical landscape, with its blend of Southern heritage, rural isolation, and a burgeoning underground scene, provides fertile ground for the development of new and exciting sounds.
BANDS FEATURED
PALLBEARER
- Genre: Doom Metal
- Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
- Status: Active
- Formed in: 2008
- Link: Encyclopedia Metallum
LIVING SACRIFICE
- Genre: Thrash/Death Metal; Metalcore
- Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
- Status: Active
- Formed in: 1989
- Link: Encyclopedia Metallum
FLESHBOUND
- Genre: Technical Deathcore
- Location: Arkansas
- Status: Active
- Formed in: N/A
- Link: Encyclopedia Metallum
GHOST HOLLOW
- Genre: Blackened Sludge Metal
- Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Status: Active
- Formed in: N/A
- Link: Encyclopedia Metallum
PANTHEON
- Genre: Black/Death/Thrash Metal
- Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
- Status: Active
- Formed in: N/A
- Encyclopedia Metallum