The Underground HK’s top five heavy Hong Kong music playlist:
Chaos Invaded – 枯木凋零
Cursed Eyes – Consciousness Lost
Snails – What We Defend
Sky Burial – Persephone
ARKM – Corporate Closet
When people learn about Hong Kong’s music scene, they are surprised to find out one of its strongest subcultures is built around heavy music. Ranging from hard rock to extreme metal, the heavy genre embodies everything that’s special about the live gig experience, from the atmosphere bands craft on stage and the theatrics of their performance to the connection felt between audience members as they headbang together.
This year, The Underground HK has hosted two heavy events; first in May with metal and hardcore bands, including headliner Piledriver from the Philippines, then recently a Hong Kong extreme metal showcase in September. All of these bands are pushing the boundaries of sound and expression, contributing to a vibrant underground culture that is both passionate and resilient. Expect lots more to come as the scene grows further and new bands emerge.
- 枯木凋零 – Chaos Invaded
Chaos Invaded are an outfit who have been performing since 2019. This mix on this song is powerful, and the band’s energy is infectious, drawing in the listener with a driving thrash momentum. The lyrics convey longing, love paralysis, self-acceptance and, ultimately, reconciliation with yourself and your memories.
- Consciousness Lost – Cursed Eyes
The intense drumming is one of the first things that’ll grab you about this track. The lyrics depict despair, entrapment, hopelessness and a longing for escape from suffering.
- What We Defend – SNAILS
The third track is by hardcore punk band SNAILS, and the message emphasises justice as essential for social harmony and defending positive values.
- Persephone – Sky Burial
Persephone brings brutal vocals to the forefront as the death metal band channels the seething anger that the mythical Greek Queen of the Underworld feels towards Hades. (note the track is recorded live)
- Corporate Closet – ARKM
As you might be able to deduce from the song’s title, Corporate Closet sees progressive metal band ARKM critique societal inequality and condemn complacency and silence, urging accountability for inaction.
Feeling connected with others in a live scene and soaking up the energy and sound is one of the best moments in life. Until you can get to your next gig, The Underground HK has selected five songs that will give a perfect sample of Hong Kong’s heavy scene. Each of these groups adds to the Hong Kong music scene’s unique flavour and sense of solidarity and connection.
