California's In Absence of Angels blend progressive ambition with the crushing weight of death-doom, crafting sprawling, desolate compositions that feel like grief mapped onto music since their 2021 formation.

Formed in California in 2014, Interloper is a melodic and progressive metalcore outfit featuring guitarists from Rings of Saturn and Ænimus alongside live members associated with The Faceless. Signed to Nuclear Blast Records, their debut full-length Search Party demonstrated a technically demanding approach rooted in layered melodic riffing and shifting rhythmic structures.

Formed in Los Angeles in 2004, Intronaut forged a progressive metal sound that draws equally from sludge metal, jazz fusion, and post-metal, setting them apart within the Southern California heavy scene. Named best metal band by LA Weekly, the group built a catalog across multiple albums that gradually incorporated melodic vocal harmonies alongside their signature polyrhythmic instrumental interplay, with drummer Danny Walker and guitarist Sacha Dunable anchoring the lineup.