Baltimore-bred death-metal and grindcore icon Misery Index pummelled its way to the top of the hardcore world thanks to its brutal blend of aggressive, thrilling styles. Beginning with 2003’s Retaliate, the group quickly stood out thanks to its creative approach to heavy music. While still loud, the four-piece band spent early records developing a massive yet nuanced sound. By the time Misery Index shared 2019’s Rituals of Power, the black-metal band had fully embraced an exciting malleability, infusing blast beats with hardcore melodies, crust-punk edginess and guitar lines summoned from the depths of hell.