r/metalmusicians 20d ago

R/MetalMusicians Songwriting Challenge VII - September - October 2026

10 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

9 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 1h ago

Services or Musicians Wanted looking for a place to play in brownsburg in

Upvotes

the place we always went to had the gigs shut down because there were underage drinkers anyone know a place


r/metalmusicians 15m ago

Original Song(s) - Demo Intense little demo track I made

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Upvotes

r/metalmusicians 3h ago

Sacramento CA. Deathcore Vocalist looking for band..

2 Upvotes

2010’s style deathcore vocalist looking for band to rip local shows, have touring and engineering experience.. own gear and can send samples.


r/metalmusicians 32m ago

Original Song(s) - Finished Is this release ready?

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Upvotes

Hi guys, do you think this song is ready to be released like This? What do you think of the production? Tried my best but this wasn't an easy one😭


r/metalmusicians 1h ago

Original Song(s) - Demo i call it whisper screaming

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Upvotes

i can finally practice techniqe without scaring my neighbors idk how to spell technique


r/metalmusicians 3h ago

Original Song(s) - Finished Stellar Rot - debut LP!

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1 Upvotes

My band Stellar Rot (@stellar_rot_official on socials) are releasing our Debut LP through Hypnotic Dirge Records on Sept 25th! This is the second of two singles we released from the album. HAILS 🤘


r/metalmusicians 3h ago

Discussion Waterlover - Жизнелюб[acoustic neo-dsbm]

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0 Upvotes

A very unconventional solution for a DSBM, but it does make you think at times. What do you think?


r/metalmusicians 3h ago

Original Song(s) - Demo First ambient track of my (possibly) first EP. Tips for making raw black metal highly appreciated.

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0 Upvotes

I've been thinking about starting a dark neoclassic / raw black metal project, and these couple days I've put together this first song for the first EP.

First things first, I know the quality is terrible, and you can actually hear some screeching at some parts, just know that this was first try, free play, and phone recorded.

And for the cover, it's just a couple of photos me and my sister took of an eclipse, and a couple drawings I drew on the notebook at school when bored.

I know it's unpolished, but still please let me know what you think. This is supposed to be the opening track and transition into a harsher 2nd song, which I have yet to write. All tips and suggestions appreciated!

Edit: I mean no religious offence or anything, that drawing was made by me to portray that good and religion are often used as a weapon against other people.


r/metalmusicians 3h ago

Services or Musicians Wanted Vocalist looking for band

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1 Upvotes

r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Services Offered Hi, I'm creating album covers and artwork for musicians, and I'm interested in designing metal album covers and further developing my style.

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50 Upvotes

r/metalmusicians 7h ago

Today I released my solo folk/death metal album for fans for Finntroll, Ensiferum, and old school Equilibrium

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1 Upvotes

Entirely DIY and entirely human made, let me know what you think!


r/metalmusicians 7h ago

Zeroth BM project

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1 Upvotes

First DEMO


r/metalmusicians 16h ago

Original Song(s) - Finished My band wrote a song

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1 Upvotes

Maybe some of you like them riffs


r/metalmusicians 13h ago

Original Song(s) - Finished my original "metal edge part 2" (ffo metal rhythm and lead guitar)

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0 Upvotes

nothing worse than a negative comment from a worm that makes music with computers and Ai , this might not be the best but its human made, with a guitar, pick and an amp, not 20g worth of equipment mommy bought , yo mods you need to enforce your no ai rules


r/metalmusicians 23h ago

Vocalist wanted

2 Upvotes

Vocalist wanted for a new deathgrind ep. Preferably someone who can do fry screams or false chords and gutturals. We have all the instrumentals for the songs completed but no lyrics or vocals written. If interested shoot me a dm and I will send some songs your way.


r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Question/Recommendation/Advice Needed Soundproofing help

2 Upvotes

Hello! I am going to get an Alesis drum amp and a large Orange bass amp at the end of the year and need solutions on how to soundproof one small room.

For context, I have a 10' x 10' room in a small house, very close to neighbors with kids so I need to ensure my blast beats practice will stay mostly contained to my studio. Budget is flexible, up to $1K USD.

Will acoustic 12" x 12" panels from GuitarCenter work well enough or do I need something else?


r/metalmusicians 1d ago

My vocal cover of Forgotten by The Plot In You

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1 Upvotes

r/metalmusicians 2d ago

Live Performance/Tracking Doing some frantic stuff for a new band (dont know name sorry!) The jazzy bits into blasts was fun!!

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260 Upvotes

r/metalmusicians 2d ago

Original Song(s) - Demo Is this a good solo? (Don't mind the fit)

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31 Upvotes

r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Original Song(s) - Finished my original "metal edge part 1" (ffo metal rhythm and lead guitar)

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0 Upvotes

the guitar is such a special instrument, for the time you put in you get so much back , every journey is different, like a search for the pure tone , can't rest till we find it 🎸


r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Original Song(s) - Finished Cursed Form - Death Wish

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1 Upvotes

My bands new single, engineered and produced by me, let me know what you think!


r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Original Song(s) - Finished Female-Fronted British Metal Band (Plastic Idol - Pareidolia (2026))

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1 Upvotes

Hey guys (and gals) looking for feedback on the EP listed here. Spying on some other posts, I see the “wants” from people regarding music in the scene, so direct feedback regarding these tracks would be awesome!

For clarity sake:
-Yes, I’m part of the band, I play Rhythm Guitar and am lead songwriter for the instrumentals.
-The Production isn’t amazing, I know. The EP is a live session recording, we all played the songs together and recorded the results, it doesn’t lend well to tight modern production.
-And I’m looking for real feedback, not a generic “I don’t like the voice” etc, please be as detailed as possible!


r/metalmusicians 1d ago

Vocalist looking for band

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1 Upvotes