Inspired by fantasy, sci-fi, and the heavy metal greats, Underking delivers an epic blend of hard rock and high-octane traditional metal. This “New Wave of Classic Rock'' feels familiar yet unexplored - a hook-heavy, riff-centric combo of Judas Priest, Trivium, Ghost, Foo Fighters, and Megadeth-style thrash. The tight musicianship sits comfortably in the midst of a deliberately nerdy backdrop, with narrative influences including: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Originally formed in Nottingham in 2019 by Maxwell Jeffries, Underking released three albums and a variety of singles over the course of a year and a half. Amongst the Dead, Ghosts of the Past and At Hell's Gate each received local critical acclaim, with the latter earning Underking a mention in Alternative Press' "15 UP-AND-COMING SOLO ARTISTS TO ADD TO YOUR PLAYLIST" article in July 2021. Over the course of these releases, Max tried out numerous styles - dabbling in NWOBHM, hardcore, thrash metal and hard rock ballads before finally settling on the current modern metal sound the band has become known for.

In late 2021: guitarists Harvey Magher (Rainless) and Elliot Burgess, drummer Kieron Pyne-Rolander and bassist Michael Farmer (WarlocK A.D.) joined the band to expand upon Underking's musical arsenal.