Let's be real; Ohio is the Mecca for metal. You have the big names like The Devil Wears Prada, Miss May I, Attack Attack!, Beartooth, The Plot In You, etc. However, this list is focusing on the unsigned, smaller acts giving touring bands a run for their money.

5. Shores of Elysium (Columbus, OH)

Shores of Elysium is a death metal band formed in 2011. The band's music is fast-paced featuring technically savvy guitar work, hammering drums, and incredibly intense vocals. The band will keep you on your heart pumping, right before it gets ripped out of your chest!

Recommended if you like: Necrophagist, Within The Ruins, Veil of Maya's 2nd and 3rd albums

4. Feverwar (Chesapeake, OH)

Feverwar is a five-piece pure American rock n' roll band, based out of Ohio. Formed of friends who simply enjoy the adrenaline of performance, they have an unmatched energy in their music. Feverwar has tied together a classic hardcore/punk style with a new age radio rock feel. Having been through the trenches of their southern Ohio rooted music scene, "FW" has finally put their foot down and taken control of exactly what they want out of the music they play and have taken strides needed to properly propel themselves forward.

Recommended if you like:  pretty much any Every Time I Die record

3. Fallen Captive (Cleveland, OH)

Fallen Captive is a six-piece band looking to bringing the heavy. They dropped their critically acclaimed, self-titled debut record on July 14th, 2017. Their newest single 'Famous', is vocalist Stevie James' "...take on the narcissistic and hollow culture that social media has created. Millions of insecure and talentless hacks begging for arbitrary attention through 'likes' and 'shares.' It's no wonder my generation has a huge and worsening mental health problem. But hey, fuck it, post another selfie on the beach and tell everyone how much you care about progressive issues."

Recommended if you like: Wage War, Dayseeker, Volumes

2. Buried Crosses (Cleveland, OH)

Buried Crosses are an old school nu metal, new school style band influenced by the likes of Deftones, Korn, Linkin Park and their contemporaries. According to vocalist Aaron Johnson, "Reject EP is a compilation of songs that illustrates my struggles and insecurities. It’s a very personal record that took a lot out of me to put to words. You could think of it as a journal or a diary of sorts."

Recommended if you like: Cane Hill, Sworn In's The Death Card

1. A Sense of Purpose (Akron, OH)

A Sense of Purpose is a five-piece metalcore act based out of Akron, Ohio. The band showcases songwriting founded on the commanding use of chunky rhythms, dynamic guitar work, harmonious melodies, and spirited hooks. Their latest release, "Heirloom" stands as the band's sole release of 2017 and their strongest to date. Entrancing and anthemic, the song showcases the band's evolving sound.

Recommended if you like: Erra, Periphery, After The Burial