MegaDeaf’s 10 Local Heroes of 2021

For the local rock / metal scene of Adelaide this year, it's been quite a year. Between the concerts and the likelihood of them happening, there have been surprises and disappointments aplenty. But, let's focus on what was good about 2021 in regards to Adelaide acts. Keep in mind; these are acts that I've noticed have done an amazing job this year. If I missed your favourite local group, feel free to leave profane comments! Without further ado, here are my 10 local rock / metal heroes of 2021.

Clover

Kicking things off are a newer local rock outfit named Clover. They stormed into the scene last year with their single "Damage Control" and have shown absolutely no sign of slowing down. With their latest release - an EP entitled "One More" - Clover have more than shown their potential to be local heroes in the foreseeable future. Their brand of straight rock 'n' roll coupled with serious talent from each member gives most other Adelaide bands a serious run for their money. Excellent band!

Mum's Favourite

Now, now - just because they're not traditional heavy metal doesn't mean they don't pack a wallop. Our very own Mum's Favourite showcase to Adelaide a much softer, more sombre and nuanced approach to rock 'n' roll. Their brand of music continues to evolve each single release - their most recent being the rousing "Primrose". These guys are not to be missed live and should be a bucket-list band for all Adelaide music fans to witness in a live setting.

Dirty Pagans

Bow down to the mighty stoner/doom icons Dirty Pagans as front-man Matty Dee and crew once again showcase their knack for incredibly memorable but dirty sludge rock/metal. Their latest offering "The Family" - having arrived at the very beginning of 2021 - solidifies their sound ever-so-more. This is stoner metal at its most pristine; a dirty, slobbery mess in the absolute best meaning possible. What are you waiting for? Get on it!

Lucifer's Fall

Continuing the stoner trend are 'Souf-Lyfe' legends Lucifer's Fall - whom deliver an even more dirty, more progressive-tinged stoner doom. Vocalist Phil Howlett really shines as a unique and incredible voice that really gives Lucifer's Fall this unhinged, almost feral edge - coupled with some incredible musicians surrounding the front-man. Are they overlooked in the Adelaide scene? Considering their last record; absolutely. Wake up and smell the fall!

Hidden Intent

If you're an Adelaide metal head - it's very much a prerequisite to have heard of or listen to Hidden Intent. With their latest full-length 'Dead End Destiny' - they claim their throne as the premier Adelaide thrash act; inspiring countless other bands to step up their game in terms of musicality and stage presence. It also helps Hidden Intent's case that they very much have a gimmick behind them - further punctuating their raucous thrash stylings. Get a dog up 'ya and get addicted to some thrash!

Christ Dismembered

Satan, Satan, Satan! That's the name and Christ Dismembered are the messengers who bring forth his game. This utterly ferocious black metal outfit hail from Mt. Gambier - technically outside of Adelaide - but they're just as much a part of the scene as any other band from the city itself. These country boys show us city metal-heads how its done with a downright feral and insanely fast black metal craft. For the faint of heart; this is to be avoided at all costs! Or not. Maybe you should live a little for once!

Numen Noctis

Do you enjoy your metal especially mysterious and equally out-of-this-world? Look no further than Numen Noctis, the latest project of In the Burial guitarist Phill Jarrett. He's cranked out an otherworldly demo entitled "The Stelliferous Conclusion". It's an oddly melancholic listen and is definitely not for the casual listener. It requires a thorough sit-down in order to ingest what Numen Noctis have to offer.

Wings of Thanatos

When it comes to outright creativity in the face of technicality - none came close to Wings of Thanatos this year. Although their releases only included a single this year - that being "Ethos" - Wings of Thanatos prove their song-craft abilities and proficiency on their instruments tenfold. I cannot be more excited for what they have in store for 2022 and beyond! Don't sleep on these metal legends!

Shatter Brain

How do you follow up a barn-burner of an album such as "Pitchfork Justice", you ask? With a cover of Motorhead's "Iron Fist" and slew of - believe it or not - even more ferocious songs than ever before. It feels as though they've finally found their footing in 2021 with their recent output. The riffs and ideas from the band on their recent split with Melbourne's Requiem are unbridled heaviness that really carry the band into the stratosphere.

SIGNV/S

For 2021, none really came close to making the impression that SIGNV/S (pronounced as 'Signals') made in Adelaide and even beyond. Their various singles and earth-heaving EP "Disgrace" that followed really gave Adelaide a kick-in-the-arse. Adelaide, it's time to kick it up a gear for 2022 - because SIGNV/S are making us all look old and decrepit. Stream all of the material from them you can muster - then do so once more.

So that's all for local love for now. I hope you enjoyed this little read and found some new music to love right here. Adelaide is really coming out of it's shell at the moment with musical acts and bands such as these make me feel like it's possible for Adelaide to finally stand up to other states in Australia. Perhaps even world-class acts. Support local, eh?