Black Map: The Powerhouse of Modern Alternative Rock

Black Map is an American alternative rock and post-hardcore supergroup formed in the San Francisco Bay Area. The band's main achievement is crafting a dense and powerful sonic identity across multiple critically acclaimed albums, establishing a dedicated following within the modern rock scene.

Early career

Black Map officially formed in 2013, bringing together established musicians from the Northern California rock scene. The lineup featured vocalist and bassist Ben Flanagan (of The Dillinger Escape Plan touring party), guitarist Mark Engles (from the band dredg), and drummer Chris Robyn (formerly of Far).

This union of talents from different yet complementary rock backgrounds created immediate chemistry. The trio quickly recorded and self-released their debut EP, Driver, in 2013, showcasing their heavy, melodic, and rhythmically complex sound from the outset.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived with their first full-length album, ...And We Explode, released in 2014 on the independent label Minus Head Records. The album received strong reviews for its intense yet accessible blend of alternative metal and post-hardcore, leading to extensive touring.

This momentum continued with their 2017 sophomore album, In Droves, which further refined their signature sound. The band supported the release with tours alongside acts like Chevelle and Dillinger Escape Plan, solidifying their reputation as a formidable live act.

Key tracks

Code — This crushing lead single from their debut album immediately defined Black Map's heavy, groove-laden aesthetic.

Run Rabbit Run — A track showcasing their dynamic range, blending melodic verses with a massive, anthemic chorus.

Run For Your Life — Featured on In Droves, this song highlights their ability to weave intricate guitar work with urgent, driving rhythms.

Octavia — A later single that demonstrates the band's evolution towards a more expansive and atmospheric rock sound.

After a period of hiatus, Black Map returned with renewed vigor, releasing their third album, Melodoria, in 2021. The album was praised as their most cohesive and ambitious work to date, exploring darker themes and more textured production while retaining their foundational power.

Fans of Black Map's heavy, melodic approach may also enjoy the work of similar American alternative rock acts. Chevelle shares a focus on brooding atmosphere and massive guitar riffs. Deftones explores a similar dynamic between aggression and sonic beauty. Thrice parallels their artistic evolution and post-hardcore roots. Torche delivers a comparable weight of melody and sludge-influenced density.

RADIO ROTATION: The music of Black Map has found a consistent home on various rock-focused radio formats. Their songs are regularly featured on modern rock and active rock radio stations, as well as on specialty online radio streams dedicated to alternative metal and post-hardcore.

Listeners can discover the powerful discography of Black Map, from ...And We Explode to Melodoria, through the many rock radio stations available on onairium.com, where their tracks are in regular rotation.