A METAL BAND THAT’S NAMED AFTER AN R. KELLY TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET CHARACTER?

Not quite, but that’s the first thought that popped into my head when the MetalSucks reader known simply as “J” sent us a link to the San Diego-based Chon. While Chon might not have the style, grace or charisma of the aforementioned Twan, they’ve got all sorts of wicked chops that fans of more technically-minded metal should love.*

Chon play semi-frenetic, jazz-tinged instru-metal not unlike that of Lye by Mistake, an insanely talented band whose debut album Fea Jur is worthy of far more praise than it’s gotten. Their sense of melody is more akin to that of Scale the Summit, yet another under-appreciated instru-metal band that released an album in 2009 (Vince’s year-end list, WHAT?), and there’s nary a trace of Sumeriancore/djent in the mix. It’s a fine combo, and it’s a unique sound.

Check out Chon. Twan won’t come over and hunt you down in a fit of jealousy.

-VN

*Trapped in the Closet is a modern masterpiece. I’m not joking or being ironic. It’s really an amazing piece of work. Don’t front.