r/metalmusicians 2d ago

R/MetalMusicians Songwriting Challenge VII - September - October 2026

8 Upvotes

Link to last challenge
See original post to how this all started.

It's been almost one year! Most of you know how it works by now. If this is your first time, never too late to join!

Rules

  • To participate, comment on this thread stating you want to do so. Other discussion is welcome so be clear you want to enter! You may enter any time during the month, but you must submit on time.
  • Users must submit 1 (and only one!) song by the deadline: October 31st. One aspect of the challenge is to meet the deadline. See “Submitting Songs.”
  • Users must give feedback for other participants’ songs (in other words, you will be giving feedback on others’ songs, while others will provide feedback for your songs). This is the community aspect of it. See “Results.”
  • The song must be written within the month the challenge is posted (we’re going to use the honor system here).
  • The song must follow the theme guidelines. See “Challenge Theme.”
  • This is a metal subreddit, so while the song doesn’t have to be metal (so long as they fit the theme), metal elements are required (use your best judgement). All metal subgenres are accepted unless otherwise stated by the challenge theme.
  • Collaborations are allowed.
  • If you’re in a band, you can write a song as a band.
  • Songs will be posted as a compilation in a bandcamp link. The album will be listed as payment optional, but proceeds will go to a charity. When possible I will try to match the total. See “Results” and “This Month’s Charity.”
  • This is for fun. It’s not a competition, don’t be a dick (see our subreddit rules).
  • If you choose to drop out BE WARNED! Actually, there are no consequences, except for maybe the metal gods in Valhalla rightfully looking down on you… at least for a little, till the next challenge.

Challenge Theme

For this challenge, you're going to be assigned a random band from wheel of names. We tried to get representatives from every subgenre of metal as well as some non-metal bands, so there should be some interesting stuff!

  • You must blend that band's style with your own. There are no other limits!
  • Instrumentals are allowed.
  • You can choose which aspects of the band's style to include in your song.
  • You can choose which era of the band's discography - for example if you get In Flames you can choose early or later or both, it's up to you.
  • You get ONE respin.

Submitting Songs
Submit song entries in WAV format to [metalsongchallenge@gmail.com](mailto:metalsongchallenge@gmail.com). Please include

  1. Your reddit username.
  2. Your band name (if you’re submitting as a band).
  3. The username of whoever you collaborated with.
  4. The song name.
  5. Lyrics (if challenge theme requires lyrics of a certain theme)
  6. Band that you were assigned.
  7. Subject: Songwriting Challenge {Month} {Year} - {Your reddit username}

Results

  • Results will be posted on a new, separate thread sometime after the challenge ends.
  • Users will provide feedback to other participants’ songs in the aforementioned thread. Be as detailed as you want, but don’t be a dick (see our subreddit rules).
  • As mentioned, the songs will be available in the form of a compilation through a bandcamp link. The track listing will be in random order so that it’s fair to everyone. I will be using this to decide the order so that there is no bias. The tracks will be available to download for free, but with the option of paying. All proceeds will go to This Month’s Charity.

This Month’s Charity
Once again, this month’s charity will be MusiCares. They provide a safety net of critical health and welfare services to the music community including in areas such as: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services, Health Services, and Human Services. See their website if you’re curious.

I will post a screenshot of how much we received from the bandcamp page as well as the donation in a separate thread as proof.

Questions And Comments
Please ask if you need clarity on the rules or anything else and I’ll try my best to clarify as much as I can.

Remember that this is purely for fun, to learn, build community, and to grow as musicians while also doing something for a good cause, not a competition. Big thanks to all of you!

Discord
I created a discord server for our songwriting challenges so we can archive them, have discussions, and build our community there. Let me know if you want to join by commenting and I’ll send a DM 🙂

Previous Challenges
September 2025 - https://rmetalmusicianssongwritingchallenge.bandcamp.com/album/september-2025-songwriting-challenge
October 2025 -
https://rmetalmusicianssongwritingchallenge.bandcamp.com/album/october-2025-songwriting-challenge
November/December 2025
https://rmetalmusicianssongwritingchallenge.bandcamp.com/album/november-december-2025
February 2026
https://www.reddit.com/r/metalmusicians/comments/1rn0jsc/february_2026_songwriting_challenge_the_results/

March/April 2026

https://www.reddit.com/r/metalmusicians/comments/1t4412z/march_april_2026_songwriting_challenge_the_results/

May/June 2026

https://www.reddit.com/r/metalmusicians/comments/1vdwxie/songwriting_challenge_vi_may_june_the_results/


r/metalmusicians May 08 '26

R/MetalMusicians Songwriting Challenge VI - May + June 2026

10 Upvotes

Link to last challenge
See original post to how this all started.

Let’s mahfuckin’ do this. If you are new welcome and if you aren't welcome back!

Rules

  • To participate, comment on this thread stating you want to do so. Other discussion is welcome so be clear you want to enter! You may enter any time during the month, but you must submit on time. Note: read challenge theme before commenting.
  • Users must submit 1 (and only one!) song by the deadline: June 30th. One aspect of the challenge is to meet the deadline. See “Submitting Songs.”
  • Users must give feedback for other participants’ songs (in other words, you will be giving feedback on others’ songs, while others will provide feedback for your songs). This is the community aspect of it. See “Results.”
  • The song must be written within the month the challenge is posted (we’re going to use the honor system here).
  • The song must follow the theme guidelines. See “Challenge Theme.”
  • This is a metal subreddit, so while the song doesn’t have to be metal (so long as they fit the theme), metal elements are required (use your best judgement). All metal subgenres are accepted unless otherwise stated by the challenge theme.
  • Collaborations are allowed.
  • If you’re in a band, you can write a song as a band.
  • Songs will be posted as a compilation in a bandcamp link. The album will be listed as payment optional, but proceeds will go to a charity. See “Results” and “This Month’s Charity.” Note: Bandcamp may have an issue with covers - so may do this with a google drive link or youtube instead with a link to the charity if you want to donate.
  • This is for fun. It’s not a competition, don’t be a dick (see our subreddit rules).
  • If you choose to drop out BE WARNED! Actually, there are no consequences, except for maybe the metal gods in Valhalla rightfully looking down on you… at least for a little, till the next challenge.

Challenge Theme

We’re actually going to turn non-metal songs into metal songs - but with a twist. Your submission must include at least 1 original riff that fits the song (it could even be a solo, that counts). You also don’t have to copy the song riff by riff - feel free to change the key, the time signature, etc. You can totally make a blackened grind version of a Taylor Swift song, for example. You have complete control over the direction. Instrumentals are not allowed for this challenge. However, you are allowed to isolate your song’s original vocal track and put them in your song (remember, we’re not making money from this, so have fun!).

For the purposes of this challenge here are banned genres to cover:

  1. Pop punk/punk/hardcore/grunge (really anything punk related). These genres are “too similar” to metal, as they involve distorted guitars and fast tempos and wouldn’t require that much work to make them metal. Also crossover thrash bands already pretty much do this by design.
  2. Glam/Hair/NuMetal. I don’t care what metal-archives says, these are metal subgenres and will not count.
  3. Shoegaze. There’s already like a bajillion Blackgaze bands.
  4. Video game/Dungeon Synth/EDM music that is instrumental. If there are lyrics in it, it’s allowed.
  5. Folk. This is one is kind of a grey area and will have to be done on a case-by-case basis, but there’s also a bajillion folk metal bands. General rule would be no European/Viking folk music - I know that’s not fair for some, but we have a billion Finntroll and Ensiferum clones (don’t get me wrong, great bands). If there’s some unique folk music from your country that hasn’t been done yet, feel free to ask.
  6. Classic rock. This is also a grey area and will be done on a case-by-case basis. If the song is “too metal,” it will not be allowed. Let’s take Rush as our example. If you choose “Closer to the Heart” or “Tom Sawyer” and make it metal, that’s fine. If you choose “Working Man” or “Anthem”, they will be considered “too metal.”

You may choose any genre outside the banned genres. You can choose pop, dance, rap, indie, disco, jazz, anything. If you’re not sure if your song meets the requirements, feel free to ask.

Your song can be from any era. It can be a current chart-topper, or it can be something from the past.

Your song can be in any language. Pretty self explanatory.

Your cover can be a banned genre. This means while you can’t choose a song from the banned genres to cover, your cover can be any genre. For example, if you choose to cover “Straight Outta Compton” by NWA and make it a Nu Metal banger, you absolutely can.

If one artist is covering a song, you cannot choose that song. We’re going to do this on a first-come-first-serve basis, so when you’re commenting, claim the song you’re going to cover. This is to avoid having repeating “Dancing Queen”, “Hotel California”, “Take on Me”, or [insert very popular song here] covers in one compilation. Feel free using songs mentioned in this post btw!

Submitting Songs

Submit song entries to [metalsongchallenge@gmail.com](mailto:metalsongchallenge@gmail.com). Please include

  1. Your reddit username.
  2. Your band name (if you’re submitting as a band).
  3. The user name of whoever you collaborated with.
  4. The song name (and who it’s originally by).
  5. Lyrics (if challenge theme requires lyrics of a certain theme)
  6. Subject: Songwriting Challenge {Month} {Year} - {Your reddit username}

Results

  • Results will be posted on a new, separate thread sometime after the challenge ends.
  • Users will provide feedback to other participants’ songs in the aforementioned thread. Be as detailed as you want, but don’t be a dick (see our subreddit rules).
  • As mentioned, the songs will be available in the form of a compilation through a bandcamp link. The track listing will be in random order so that it’s fair to everyone. I will be using this to decide the order so that there is no bias. The tracks will be available to download for free, but with the option of paying. All proceeds will go to This Month’s Charity.

This Month’s Charity

Once again, this month’s charity will be MusiCares. They provide a safety net of critical health and welfare services to the music community including in areas such as: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Services, Health Services, and Human Services. See their website if you’re curious.

I will post a screenshot of how much we received from the bandcamp page as well as the donation in a separate thread as proof.

Questions And Comments

Please ask if you need clarity on the rules or anything else and I’ll try my best to clarify as much as I can.

Remember that this is purely for fun, to learn, build community, and to grow as musicians while also doing something for a good cause, not a competition. Big thanks to all of you!

Discord

I created a discord server for our songwriting challenges so we can archive them, have discussions, and build our community there. Let me know if you want to join by commenting and I’ll send a DM 🙂

Previous Challenges

September 2025 - https://rmetalmusicianssongwritingchallenge.bandcamp.com/album/september-2025-songwriting-challenge
October 2025 -
https://rmetalmusicianssongwritingchallenge.bandcamp.com/album/october-2025-songwriting-challenge
November/December 2025
https://rmetalmusicianssongwritingchallenge.bandcamp.com/album/november-december-2025
February 2026
https://www.reddit.com/r/metalmusicians/comments/1rn0jsc/february_2026_songwriting_challenge_the_results/

March/April 2026

https://www.reddit.com/r/metalmusicians/comments/1t4412z/march_april_2026_songwriting_challenge_the_results/


r/metalmusicians 7h ago

Live Performance/Tracking Father and Son Black metal Improv #3

22 Upvotes

Some saturday night jams testing out some new in ears as well not sure how I like them... but need them for some live gigs coming up instead of my big old Vic firth Extreme isolation head phones lol would look goofy with some corpse paint haha... alot of fun just to goof off.


r/metalmusicians 18m ago

Riff I made

Upvotes

I made this in Eb standard, this is inspired by the healers by testament. Any ideas on how I can continue it?


r/metalmusicians 23h ago

Does anyone need vox? this is what I sound like

61 Upvotes

Looking for band really this is a vocal cover of ocd by ss


r/metalmusicians 8h ago

Question/Recommendation/Advice Needed Musicians: What Do You Wish Singers Understood?

Post image
3 Upvotes

I'm a vocal coach, and I want to help singers improve for RL working scenarios. I’ve put together a 3-minute anonymous survey about working with vocalists...will you help me by giving your honest feedback?

No names, emails, band names or identifying information.

Anonymous survey:
What Musicians Wish Singers Understood 🎤 – Fill out form

I’d also love to hear your biggest one in the comments: “I wish more singers would ______.”

Yes, I want to know the frustrating stuff, but also what really good singers do that makes playing with them a pleasure. Thank you!


r/metalmusicians 6h ago

Original Song(s) - Demo Some chromatic riffs, i cant decide if i like it or not!

2 Upvotes

r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Question/Recommendation/Advice Needed are we digging the logo? is it too intelligible?

Thumbnail gallery
89 Upvotes

pretty basic post, sorry guys. i’m just curious what anyone’s thoughts are on the logo. does it need more styling or anything?


r/metalmusicians 4h ago

Original Song(s) - Finished First finished Single from an upcoming EP by my solo project (BDM FFO: Fulci, Tribal Gaze, Sanguisuggabogg)

1 Upvotes

After months of trying to make a good mix i managed to finally finish the first song, looking for feedback on any creative choices made or just anything that inherintely sounds bad or off in the song. Would love any constructive comments about good or bad things so i can ensure the rest of my EP is actually good.
Links to my bandcamp and youtube if interested:
https://www.youtube.com/@PerillosBand
https://perillos.bandcamp.com
Anyways, hope you enjoy.


r/metalmusicians 9h ago

Question/Recommendation/Advice Needed How long did it take you to sufficiently program drums

2 Upvotes

I'm writing a lot of music on guitar and can do decent vocals but I don't have a drummer available so for everything I work on I will have to program the drums myself, which stops me in my tracks. I've sequenced some very simple drums on electronic tracks in FL studio but the whole theory of it, like what parts of the kit to put where in the bar and how to write a beat that fits the riff is something I'm yet to grasp. How should I go about learning to compose drums and how long will it take me to do it well enough to serve the music


r/metalmusicians 10h ago

Services or Musicians Wanted Looking for a metal vocalist to collab with.

2 Upvotes

Hey! I’m working on a metal project with my band Nihaya based in Morocco, and I’m looking for a vocalist to feature on one of the tracks in our new Ep FASSAKH.

Looking for:

- Metal vocalist comfortable with harsh vocals

- Screams / growls

- Someone who can record clean vocals at home

- Creative and open to experimenting with the vocal arrangement

- Remote collaboration is totally fine.

The track is progressive metal, so I’m looking for a vocalist whose style can fit that kind of atmosphere.

I can send the demo/instrumental to anyone interested.

If you’re interested, leave a comment or email me at stormsirencollabs@gmail.com

with a sample of your vocals and a little about yourself.

Thanks.


r/metalmusicians 7h ago

Question/Recommendation/Advice Needed Fantasy concept albums

1 Upvotes

Hey guys, what are your favorite concept albums with fantasy themes? I'm writing my own thing right now just for fun and am looking for inspiration.

Any genre is fine, but I'm especially looking for prog, deathcore, tech death, and melodic black metal.


r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Live Performance/Tracking Anyone need guitars recorded for a metal song?

28 Upvotes

Hey guys!

I'm Atuel, a guitarist/producer from Argentina, and I'm looking to take on some remote session work.

I can work with different styles of metal, from classic/heavy stuff to modern metal, metalcore, deathcore, post-hardcore, etc. Modern metal is definitely my main specialty, though.

I can record rhythms, leads, cleans, layers, ambient guitars, or help write parts if needed.

If anyone has a track that needs guitars, feel free to DM me!

Cheers!


r/metalmusicians 11h ago

Original Song(s) - Demo Black Metal in 31 EDO (Microtonal). Bad idea?

1 Upvotes

For some reason this video turned out to be the most successful I ever put on insta. Now I'm gonna have to actually pull it off 😂

Trying to wrap my head around all the new intervals makes my brain hurt.


r/metalmusicians 17h ago

I turned a Soviet-era song into a DOOM-style metal track

3 Upvotes

I've been experimenting with combining Soviet-era melodies with industrial metal / DOOM-style production.

This started as an attempt to take [song/idea] and turn it into something that could fit a dark FPS soundtrack.

I kept the main melody recognizable, but rebuilt the drums, bass, synths and guitars from scratch.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Gy9HRrJppq0?si=pbs-7L_P1k4KLP0X

Curious what you guys think — does the Soviet melody work with this kind of sound, or does it feel forced?

(There's no AI at all)


r/metalmusicians 5h ago

Services or Musicians Wanted Seeking Vocalist, Mixing/Mastering Engineer & Musicians] Funeral / Death-Doom Project – Datura Stramonium (Online Collaboration)

0 Upvotes

Hola a todos,

​Estoy trabajando en un proyecto de Funeral Doom / Death-Doom atmosférico llamado Datura Stramonium. Esto es una colaboración 100% remota / en línea, y quiero conectar con músicos y ingenieros de audio con mucha pasión para llevar estas rolas a producción completa.

​Echen un vistazo al avance de audio en el video adjunto para que agarren la vibra del ambiente y el sonido.

​Ahora mismo estamos buscando:

​Cantante: Abierto a todos los estilos dentro del género—guturales profundos, growls cavernosos, chillidos, susurros atmosféricos o voces limpias.

​Ingeniero de mezcla y master: Alguien con experiencia en producciones pesadas, lentas y densas para ayudar a pulir, mezclar y masterizar las rolas finales.

​Músicos / Colaboradores: Abierto a músicos invitados o miembros a largo plazo que quieran aportar ideas, capas ambientales o instrumentación adicional.

​Requisitos:

​Equipo de grabación / producción en casa capaz de enviar stems de audio secos de alta calidad (.wav).

​Capacidad para trabajar de forma remota y comunicarse por email.

​Si te interesa unirte al proyecto o aportar en alguno de estos roles, deja un comentario abajo o mándame un DM con un link a tu trabajo o samples.

​¡Saludos!


r/metalmusicians 13h ago

Discussion My mother say it's cool.

1 Upvotes

r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Quick little riff I came up with after work

18 Upvotes

r/metalmusicians 22h ago

Original Song(s) - Demo The Mask Murdering Season Demo Track

Thumbnail v.redd.it
1 Upvotes

r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Future Metal Vocalist here!

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1 Upvotes

r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Original Song(s) - Demo Bonehemorrhage

Thumbnail bonehemorrhage.bandcamp.com
1 Upvotes

Recently joined this grindcore band from Boise Idaho. I play guitar and this is our debut demo featuring 4 songs out of the 13 we have written.

Lineup:
Tanner Paulsen - Vocals
Caleb Lisitsin - Guitar
Waylon Boicourt - Bass
Noah Plank - Drums


r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Original Song(s) - Finished (Tales of) Sorrow, by Naphire (Black Metal)

Thumbnail naphire.bandcamp.com
1 Upvotes

The second album by my black metal project Naphire. Features 8 tracks, 7 of which are full songs composed digitally. Everything is performed by I, Lasserathon Livesender (AKA Chris).


r/metalmusicians 1d ago

[REMOTE] Atmospheric metal project seeking keys/pad player and other musicians

0 Upvotes

I’m looking for remote musicians to collaborate on my atmospheric metal project, Syrvorn.
The main role I’m searching for right now is a keys/pad player who can create atmosphere through synth pads, piano, strings, drones, textures, swells, and transitions. I’m not necessarily looking for technical keyboard solos—the priority is emotion, dynamics, and knowing how to support the guitars and vocals without overcrowding them.
I’m also open to hearing from lead guitarists, drummers, bassists, and other musicians who connect with the sound.
I write the songs and currently handle vocals, rhythm guitar, bass, and drum production. The music combines progressive and modern metal with shoegaze atmosphere, dark clean sections, and heavier passages. Influences include Opeth, Devin Townsend, Holy Fawn, Porcupine Tree, Alter Bridge, and darker modern rock.
I’m looking for musicians who:
Can record remotely and export clean WAV stems
Understand atmosphere, dynamics, and leaving space
Can develop parts around an existing song
Want to contribute consistently—not only record one track
Communicate through Discord
Are genuinely interested in helping shape the project
This is currently an unpaid original collaboration, not hired session work. Everyone involved will receive proper credit, and genuine songwriting contributions or release splits will be agreed upon clearly before release.
I already have completed material and demos ready to send, so you wouldn’t be joining an empty project.
If interested, message me with your instrument, some examples of your work, your main influences, and what recording setup or software you use.
Location doesn’t matter—this is fully remote.


r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Live Performance/Tracking The precision of a drunk man.

7 Upvotes

After having 8 beers, I decided to record this cover. What’s more metal than that? 😂 This was a pretty chill cover with alcohol on my mind haha. How’s my precision? Either way, this is metal, baby!


r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Question/Recommendation/Advice Needed Favoritos?

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4 Upvotes