Celtic Roots and a Geography Lesson
Cornwall is a county in South West England and has a range of picturesque features such as long coastlines, quaint villages, wild moorland and ancient Celtic remnants. However it is an area of geographic isolation, being hundreds of miles from the heartland of the UK and a low population density which means the people that are here are spread asunder.
It is possible to break out of Cornwall in terms of music however the result will always be a commercial packaged and sterile band that is fit for mass consumption. NATO, Lioness and Thirteen Senses have become relatively famous in this manner but this affects the reputation of Cornish bands in a bad way. For example, NATO, who (despite an exuberant live show) receive poor and almost mocking reviews in the 2 biggest rock/metal magazines in the UK: Metal Hammer and Terrorizer.
The economic status of Cornwall (being one of the poorest counties in England for decades) has shaped the attitude of many Cornish folk, providing impetus to shout out against this in musical form. On top there is the vibrant history and Celtic heritage abundant in Cornwall which adds a mysterious aura to proceedings and provides inspiration for alternative musical adventures.
With a variety of motive and impetus and a total population of over 450,000 (equivalent of a city) one might expect myriad bands to be surfacing. The truth is there is a multitude of musical talent and bands but they never get recognised outside of the tightly-knit local circuit.
Metal Bands In Cornwall
In terms of metal - the most beloved of outlets, there are a range of bands for each sub-genre. Hinnom, Dibben Kas (Cornish for 'Eternal Darkness') and Pariah walk the death metal/grindcore path, where as bands like Obsydian Tears and Headwound stalk the metalcore regions of the underworld.
For the traditionalists, there is Pirate Bride, Isle of Avalon and Valkyr, who are all bound by a strong Maidenesque vibe. However spread across the spectrum the Cornish metallic sounds may be, all the aforementioned bands are worth checking out; all exhibit individuality and a solid work ethic.
Punk Is Not Dead (Well, Not In Cornwall Anyway)
Punk is still represented by old and new, and from hardcore/oi to poppy skate stylings Cornwall has them all. Rash Decision channel hardcore ethic through a modern thrashy groove, popular newcomers Downtown Riots provide the poppy anthemic side of the punk scene and the superbly named UKunts keep the old school alive.
To keep concise the remainder of the scene must remain underground for now. Other bands that are always good live are Suite Noir and The Eyelids. The former being a grungy rock outfit and the latter having a good-time psychobilly/Misfits sound and awesome live costumes.
