Last updated: 6 days ago
Inspired by fantasy, sci-fi, and the heavy metal greats, Underking delivers an epic blend of hard rock and high-octane traditional metal. This “New Wave of Classic Rock'' feels familiar yet unexplored - a hook-heavy, riff-centric combo of <a href="spotify:artist:2tRsMl4eGxwoNabM08Dm4I" data-name="Judas Priest">Judas Priest</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:278ZYwGhdK6QTzE3MFePnP" data-name="Trivium">Trivium</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:1Qp56T7n950O3EGMsSl81D" data-name="Ghost">Ghost</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:1Yox196W7bzVNZI7RBaPnf" data-name="Megadeth">Megadeth</a>-style thrash. The tight musicianship sits comfortably in the midst of a deliberately nerdy backdrop, with narrative influences including: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and Avatar.
Formed in Nottingham in 2019 by Maxwell Jeffries, Underking released three albums and a variety of singles over the next year. <a href="spotify:album:6vrbBbQNEuo7Zj6hOzhXkW" data-name="Amongst the Dead">Amongst the Dead</a>, <a href="spotify:album:2VsPG0dd5PnVdq4Rvww4ic" data-name="Ghosts of the Past">Ghosts of the Past</a> and <a href="spotify:album:2ZZroP8R6MWLJmYhWHjtPE" data-name="At Hell's Gate">At Hell's Gate</a> each received local critical acclaim, with the latter earning Underking a mention in Alternative Press' "15 UP-AND-COMING SOLO ARTISTS TO ADD TO YOUR PLAYLIST" article in July 2021 and BBC Radio airplay.
In 2021, Underking expanded into a live act featuring members of <a href="spotify:artist:7nZUfrzMjY1kuooTJcg5s2" data-name="MERCURY">MERCURY</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:1ir8t9Do7nQ489hiazpL1d" data-name="WarlocK A.D.">WarlocK A.D.</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:61R8wSro0INkBpXArOB8dC" data-name="Salt Licker">Salt Licker</a> and Faith; playing at a number of venues across England including: Sheffield Corporation, the Tap 'N' Tumbler in Nottingham and Manchester Rebellion. The band quickly became known for their energetic and entertaining live shows and played alongside bands such as <a href="spotify:artist:6RvBXPbqpEpAVphuftlIGN" data-name="Krysthla">Krysthla</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:56jcQna86IldGOszi6orLW" data-name="Raised by Owls">Raised by Owls</a>.
Underking returned as a solo project in 2025 with a trio of hard-hitting singles in preparation for a new EP.
Formed in Nottingham in 2019 by Maxwell Jeffries, Underking released three albums and a variety of singles over the next year. <a href="spotify:album:6vrbBbQNEuo7Zj6hOzhXkW" data-name="Amongst the Dead">Amongst the Dead</a>, <a href="spotify:album:2VsPG0dd5PnVdq4Rvww4ic" data-name="Ghosts of the Past">Ghosts of the Past</a> and <a href="spotify:album:2ZZroP8R6MWLJmYhWHjtPE" data-name="At Hell's Gate">At Hell's Gate</a> each received local critical acclaim, with the latter earning Underking a mention in Alternative Press' "15 UP-AND-COMING SOLO ARTISTS TO ADD TO YOUR PLAYLIST" article in July 2021 and BBC Radio airplay.
In 2021, Underking expanded into a live act featuring members of <a href="spotify:artist:7nZUfrzMjY1kuooTJcg5s2" data-name="MERCURY">MERCURY</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:1ir8t9Do7nQ489hiazpL1d" data-name="WarlocK A.D.">WarlocK A.D.</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:61R8wSro0INkBpXArOB8dC" data-name="Salt Licker">Salt Licker</a> and Faith; playing at a number of venues across England including: Sheffield Corporation, the Tap 'N' Tumbler in Nottingham and Manchester Rebellion. The band quickly became known for their energetic and entertaining live shows and played alongside bands such as <a href="spotify:artist:6RvBXPbqpEpAVphuftlIGN" data-name="Krysthla">Krysthla</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:56jcQna86IldGOszi6orLW" data-name="Raised by Owls">Raised by Owls</a>.
Underking returned as a solo project in 2025 with a trio of hard-hitting singles in preparation for a new EP.