_{By Ava Stone}

Headbanging is a passion of mine. Local music is also a passion of mine, so to get both in one package? That’s nothing to sniff at, especially when the band in question has earned a spot on Spotify’s “All New Metal” playlist —more than once— and is one of the most rapidly growing metal artists in the valley. 

Acacia Ridge may well be one of the truest representations of modern metal to come out of Utah Valley in the last decade. In the five years since the release of their first album, Watch Your Monarchs Fall, it has garnered over 4.7 million streams. And for good reason! It brings all the hallmark guitar tones, larger-than-life drums, and angst-ridden lyrical themes that would entice any self-respecting headbanger. What’s just as impressive is this record’s self-produced origin, recorded out of guitarist Phillip “Flip” Twogood’s home studio — who, by the way, has quickly become one of the most well-respected rock and metal producers in the state. Their incredible from-the-ground-up growth aside, Acacia Ridge managed to produce an absolute wall of sound in this record; we’ve got a lot to unpack.

Surely one of the standout tracks on Watch Your Monarchs Fall is “Anarchist.” I’ve been bumping this one almost since it came out; it’s claimed a top spot in my playlists for years. It’s still one of their top tracks on Spotify with over 1.5 million streams. Christian Mayfield’s vocal work on this track might just be some of his most iconic. From the guttural “anarchist, anarchist” accusations punctuated by the band’s steely riffs, to the soaring, triumphant calls of the chorus, it really showcases his vocal prowess. The track is an ode to all things metal, boasting riff work that hails from subgenres of doom, death, and power metal. 

Boasting a somewhat Dragonforce-like tone is the track “Tampered Reality.” Drummer Brendon Gottfredson’s double bass work is, in the most metal sense of the word, terrifying. The speed? The accuracy? Veritably unmatched. And can we talk about the guitar work on this song? Echoing harmonics, gorgeous tapping riffs, and orchestral pads transport us far from here, into that tampered reality Christian sings about. The track is followed up by “Malevolence,” which brings a level of lyrical vulnerability that elevates Acacia Ridge’s sound from edgy to biting. Toying with different rhythmic styles is a common theme in metal and adjacent hardcore genres, but this band just does it so tastefully.

For an independent artist’s first record to be so high-caliber is quite the feat — these guys are the real deal. I didn’t even touch on the masterpieces of “Another Day,” “Burn,” “Beyond the Gray,” or even the fully instrumental opening track “Ethereus” (which might be one of my favorites). But for those who crave the punch, grit, and melodic themes of today’s metal, look no further. You’ll hardly find a band more polished and dedicated to the sound than Acacia Ridge. 

Make sure to follow Acacia Ridge on Instagram and check out “Anarchist” here!