Metal—the one word that describes The Showdown. Emerging from Elizabethton, Tenn., this crushing five-piece band has crafted an epic heavy metal sound for listeners who enjoy their music relentless. The Showdown’s style shifts effortlessly and unforgivingly from Southern rock to European death and everything in between. Lyrically, their writing tells of heroism, sojourns and battles of life; melodically, their crushing rhythm and articulate guitar play takes the listener on a roller-coaster ride of emotion. The result is a brutal and honest anthem for the youth of today in the form of “A Chorus of Obliteration,” the group’s debut album.

Produced by Bruce Fitzhugh (lead singer, Living Sacrifice), “A Chorus of Obliteration” showcases a sound that defies subgenres but stays true to the core values of heavy metal. Think intensity and articulation; think reckless abandon with utmost urgency.

Better yet, don’t think—just listen.

The Showdown have shared the stage with As I Lay Dying, Underoath and Haste the Day, and their live show is everything a metal fan could hope for. The group puts their hearts on the table in an effort to connect, both musically and emotionally, with their audiences, and their energy is addictive. “I guarantee that we will give 110 percent at playing as heavy as we can,” says vocalist David Bunton. Guitarist/vocalist Josh Childers adds, “We all like to have fun with it; we’re not angry people, and we think our live show reflects that.”

So metal fans take heed: The Showdown is here in full force, with as much crunch and scream and breakdown as anyone. Just remember, they’re not afraid to be loud, and they’re not afraid to have fun—it’s as simple as that. “We aren’t striving to be whatever-core; we don’t claim to be anything other than a heavy metal band,” muses Josh. “We want to play metal, make friends, and lift kids up.”

Git snake bit!