The state of Florida has always been associated with the vibrant metal scene of the '80s, thanks to recording studios like Morrisound, as well as bands like Death and Morbid Angel, which catapulted this wasteland into international consciousness.
There have been metal outfits formed in every corner of the FLA. Some have gone on to riches and fame. But it is the few bands that have come out of Dade County that are often overlooked.
Though other musical genres in South Florida reflect some of the unavoidable tropicalia of the environment, metal in Miami has always retained a defiant "Anglo-ness" that's refreshing for purists and confusing to Hispanic parents.
Here are Miami's ten best metal bands of all time.
See also: Miami's 15 Best Hardcore Bands of All Time
10. Mendacity
This trio's been at it since 1994. And though the group's recorded output has been limited, one of Crossfade's favorite South Florida metal memories was meeting Mendacity's first bass player, Omar Elesgarray, in '97 at Sunset Place, where he gave us a copy of the threesome's disc For Dear Life. The exchange centered on the album's incredibly not-metal cover art -- which, therefore, meant it must have been incredibly metal. And it was! Don't ever be fooled by drawings of people rescuing kittens from trees. Ever.
9. Hibernus Mortis
For real, bro. It would be a terrible world to live in if Miami's so-called "City of Progress" didn't have itself a world-class metal outfit. On paper, Hialeah has the most appeal as a metal muse -- corrupt politicians, Santeria, culture clash, immigrant teen angst -- it's all there. And for close to two decades, Hibernus Mortis has practiced the dark art of deathly, doomy black metal, though the group remains criminally under-recorded. Nevertheless, we're still holding out hope that HM might do something crazy and clever like extreme metal covers of Willy Chirino classics.
See also: Miami's Ten Best Underground Rock Venues of All Time
8. Kalakai
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For real, bro. It would be a terrible world to live in if Miami's so-called "City of Progress" didn't have itself a world-class metal outfit. On paper, Hialeah has the most appeal as a metal muse -- corrupt politicians, Santeria, culture clash, immigrant teen angst -- it's all there. And for close to two decades, Hibernus Mortis has practiced the dark art of deathly, doomy black metal, though the group remains criminally under-recorded. Nevertheless, we're still holding out hope that HM might do something crazy and clever like extreme metal covers of Willy Chirino classics.
7. Maruta
We've always held the opinion that if Maruta had existed a decade earlier, Mitchell Luna and crew would be revered grindcore heroes, supported by the sturdy infrastructure of Miami's power violence and grind scenes of the mid '90s. Not that it matters now, as they are enjoying some well-deserved popularity, even signing to Relapse Records. Their 2011 album, Forward Into Regression, is a classic of the genre. And no doubt, they'll do right once the new one drops.
See also: Miami's 20 Best Punks Bands of All Time
6. Shroud Eater
We cannot heap enough acclaim upon Shroud Eater. Not only does this girl-guy-girl group skirt (no pun intended) the fine lower ends of doom/sludge and metal, but the trio's fierce DIY work ethic and ability to wow while making new fans happy is magical. As unofficial ambassadors of South Florida's current scene, Shroud Eater has created a network for bands and fans across the state that harkens to the golden days of Florida metal.
5. Lucera
Every scene's got a wild card. In South Florida, it is Lucera. Originally formed in Colombia in 1991 (and shaped by that country's struggles with armed insurgence and the drug trade), this band's been calling Miami home for some time now. Though others might chose to keep it clean, Lucera's all about that era of metal when bodily fluids were happily swapped with strangers and there was a real sense of rock 'n' roll underneath the racket. Last year's Pure Ass album is hilarious and surprisingly sophisticated.
See also: Miami's Ten Best Recording Studios
4. Frank's Enemy
A veteran of Miami's punk scene as a solo musician and with the Lead, Julio Rey is no stranger to South Florida's metal scene either. The themes of Christianity in his work aren't for everybody. But the extremism of Frank's Enemy is pretty universal. He's actually a pretty funny dude too. Just take a listen to the track, "Frankskanemy!/Codebasher."
3. Torche
Steve Brooks has done a lot for South Florida with his band Floor. When he formed Torche in 2004, it was but a natural progression for him, bringing pop sensibilities to the metal genre, which he had already weaved so well into hardcore. The end result's been solid, catchy stuff that should probably be more mainstream than what it is. And by now, Torche has been rippin' for a decade, showing no signs of slowing down.
See also: Miami's Ten Best Ska Bands of All Time
2. Solstice
This outfit's 1990 self-titled album is a thrash classic. There's no discussing South Florida metal without that gem cropping up in conversation. And if it doesn't, you are talking to an idiot. Though suffering from the on-and-off-again blues for a large part of its existence, the group is now back on the road with original drummer Alex Marquez behind the kit. It will only be a matter of time before some new Solstice stuff starts surfacing.
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1. Cynic
There has never been a more polarizing Miami metal figure than Paul Masvidal. A musical genius, he and his band Cynic has been at the forefront of technical and progressive metal for their tinkering with jazz and fusion styles. Originally hated by the meatheads of its era, Cynic has become the cool name to drop when attempting to prove one's musical bona fides. For decades, Masvidal and his bandmates have continuously thrilled and confused their fans by exploring the sounds that interest them. Just take this year's Kindly Bent to Free Us, a hard rock album by a metal band that is probably floating in space, listening to jazz. It can't get more metal than that.
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