The Columbia S.C. Scene According…
To Phillip Cope

Written by Phillip Cope

As the year ends, it is always fun to look back at it. However, I think it is also fun to look towards the year ahead and hopefully next year some eyes and ears will be focused on Columbia, S.C.. I have been very lucky to have spent some time there off and on over the years working at the Jam Room Recording Studio. It seems next year could be an incredible year for a scene that has a rich history of great underground bands (Antischism and Inhumanity being two of my faves), but has always been a bit hidden away. Here is a list of 10 Columbia S.C. bands I think CVLT Nation readers will dig. Also, since there are way too many bands to cover in just this one article, I highly recommend checking out Alec Edelson’s free Metalcockalypse comps on Bandcamp if you want to know more about the city’s overall hardcore, metal, punk etc scene. He tirelessly keeps track of it all, and besides putting on shows, also has a local radio show on WUSC where he gives all types of heavy stuff airplay.

1. Burnt Books – Comprised of scene veterans still cranking out awesome music.

2. Darkentries – Great new Columbia band whose album coming out this March has already received some praise here.

3. They Eat Their Own God – Just released a great new 7″ on which they also incorporate theremin, which I am way down with. Unfortunately, they started the year by playing their last show, but I’m including them because I’m sure the members will go on to another band and their music is really worth checking out.

4. Vorov – Scene veterans getting brutal.

5. Abacus – This band holds the place for one of the most intense shows I have scene in Columbia!

6. Deathstill – Great metal, awesome live.

7. Sein Zum Tode – The city’s weirdest.

8. FK MT (Fuck Mountain) – Another great new Columbia band.

9. Discourage – Brutal Crust!!!

10. Discourse – Brutal Hardcore!!!