The world of metal music has become one of the most diverse genres in modern music, proving over the years the ability to continually expand its audience with its repeated revivals and developments. The beauty of metal music is that it offers a countless number of subgenres, each incorporating different characteristics that appeal to the tastes of many different listeners. From heavy metal being one of the original songs that were born in the metal music category, to more modern sounds like alternative metal and metalcore, the metal music industry shows few signs of narrowing.
What makes metal and its subgenres stand out in the music world is its signature, heavy guitar riffs, exciting and intricate drum patterns, but there are an almost infinite number of different dynamics on display. Notably, one of the most obvious characteristics of metal music is the different vocal styles present in each subgenre. From guttural screams and every kind of harsh vocal imaginable, to delicately soaring vocals that soften the weight of the instrumental background, there is a truly rich vein. And over the years, certain bands have been at the forefront of pioneering — or owning — these subgenres. Here's the best of them.
Formed: 1981, California
Since the 1980s, thrash metal band Slayer has been a monumental and pioneering force in the thrash metal scene. Known for their fast-paced and exciting sound, the band's groundbreaking album Reign in Bloodremains one of the most respected albums ever released on the thrash metal scene.
With memorable, sky-high guitar solos, playing the most intricate and fast-paced melodies with their impressive stage presence, Slayer provided a sound for an audience that craved rebellion. Some examples of other brilliant bands setting the standard for the thrash metal scene include Megadeth, Metallica, and Anthrax.
Formed: 1968, Birmingham, UK
One of the original and most famous heavy metal bands of all time is Black Sabbath, formed in 1968 in England. The band is known for its iconic vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, whose haunting voice has become a distinctly recognizable feature of Sabbath's songs.
The band's down-tuned guitar riffs, jazz-style drumming, and lyrics exploring themes of the occult, existential dread, and more were revolutionary in the original heavy metal movement, and the band's worldwide success left an inspiring mark on the metal scene. Other bands from the original heavy metal movement that still inspire the metal scene today include Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and AC/DC.
Formed: 1990, Gothenburg, Sweden
Swedish melodic death metal band In Flames played an important role in the development of this metal subgenre. Release albums in the 90s like The Jester's Race and WhoracleIn Flames has been around for a few decades, influencing the world of melodic death metal with their melodic vocals and harmonies set against technical and harmonic instrumentation.
In the early 2000s, In Flames changed their sound from darker melodic death metal to a more alternative and commercial style, with albums such as Clayman and Come Clarity appealing to a wider audience. Mixing harsh vocals with melodic ones, the band's music has managed to draw listeners away from their original releases, as well as garnering new ones today. Other popular melodic death metal bands include Children of Bodom, Soilwork, and Arch Enemy.
Formed: 1994, Berlin, Germany
Rammstein is arguably one of the most popular and successful industrial metal bands of all time. Known for its characteristic sound consisting of Heavy guitar riffs set against mechanical rhythms combined with vocalist Till Lindemann's distinctive and deep vocalsRammstein has become a household name among metal fans.
Enhancing the band's unique and commanding musical style are Rammstein's explosive live performances, which feature an abundance of pyrotechnics, an industrial aesthetic, and a volume that can truly be heard from miles away. Some other pioneering bands in the industrial metal scene include Nine Inch Nails, Rob Zombie and Fear Factory.
Formed: 1996, Kitee, Finland
In the late 1990s, Finnish band Nightwish were monumental in establishing symphonic metal as a subgenre of metal. Known for their mix of heavy metal with orchestral and cinematic sounds, Nightwish always creates some of the most epic and emotional compositions ever seen on the metal scene. The band featured three different vocalists during its time, each enhancing Nightwish's profile in different ways. Tarja Turunen, who sang for the band between 1996-2005, presented an operatic style against the band's typical symphonic metal sound with her classically trained soprano voice.
In 2007, Anette Olzon performed as the lead singer of Nightwish. She brought a more commercially attractive vocal style to the band, which allowed Nightwish to gain a wider audience due to their more accessible sound. Olzon's vocals were a significant contribution to Nightwish on their successful albums. Black Passion Game and Imaginaerum.
Olzon split from the band in 2012, and in 2013, renowned Dutch vocalist Floor Jansen became the lead singer of the band as it is today. His versatile vocal range creates a hybrid blend between Turunen and Olzon's singing styles, creating a sweet spot for many Nightwish fans. Some other bands that set an excellent example in the sphere of symphonic metal include Within Temptation, Epica and Delain.
Formed: 1984, Krefeld, Germany
Formed in Germany in 1984, Blind Guardian set the standard in the world of power metal. Deriving lyrical inspiration from German folklore, fantasy literature and particularly the work of JRR Tolkien Lord of the Rings/The HobbitBlind Guardian's signature epic sound has become globally recognizable. The band's vocal mixes blend a variety of classic rock-style harmonies with soaring guitar sounds against a folk-storytelling backdrop.
From albums like Dusk in Middle Earth to the band's more orchestral efforts on their album Legacy of the Dark Lands, Blind Guardian has continually proven itself to be a staple in the power metal scene. Some other power metal bands that have paved the way in this subgenre of metal include Sabaton, Helloween, and Stratovarious.
Formed: 2005, Washington, D.C.
Djent innovators Periphery are one of the world's leading progressive metal bands in modern music. Known for their distorted, down-tuned guitars, intricate precision, technical drumming and a variety of polyrhythms, Periphery consistently present a form of metal that pushes the boundaries of creativity.
Choosing the band Unconventional chord progressions and unexpected jazz chords make Periphery's music continually exciting for listenerswhile Spencer Sotelo's impressive vocal range elevates many of the songs to boast commercial appeal. Periphery's innovative songwriting is inspiring to other artists, while other bands in the progressive metal scene like Animals as Leaders, Tesseract and Opeth are doing the same.
Formed: 1993, California
One band that was behind the pioneering of the 1990s/early 2000s nu-metal movement is none other than Korn. Its characteristic sound is known for Heavy, catchy guitar riffs, breakbeat-style drums, and unique and distinctive vocals from lead singer Jonathan Davis. The band's popularity is still growing to this day, with an audience that is increasing given the band's consistent presence in the nu-metal scene.
One of the characteristics of Korn's music that has made the band one of the most successful nu-metal bands of all time is its emotional lyrics that explore themes of alienation and confusion, resonating with many listeners. Some other nu-metal pioneers include renowned bands Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and Static-X.
Formed: 2017, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
One of the most monumental bands to emerge in recent years is Spiritbox. Creating a series of successful releases, Spiritbox's music mixes elements of modern metal with elements that make it more commercially accessible. Main vocalist, Courtney LaPlante is arguably one of the most talented metal vocalists in modern metalknown for her powerful ability to effortlessly switch between crystal clear vocals and her wide variety of harsh vocal styles.
Spiritbox also combines progressive metal elements into their music, including complex technical instrumentation, while achieving songs with global appeal. Some other bands currently thriving in the alternative metal scene include Bad Omens, Sleep Token, and Poppy.
Formed: 2004, Sheffield, UK
Originally releasing music more in the deathcore style, Bring Me The Horizon was formed in 2004 and exploded onto the metal scene in September of that year with their debut EP This is what the edge of your seat was made for. His hit album, Suicide Season, marked the band's change in style to a more metalcore sound, which paved the way for their current musicwhich appeals to a wider audience with its heavy but commercial appeal.
Bring Me The Horizon has always had its lyrical subject matter focused on subjects such as mental health and contemporary issues, continually channeling themes that are relatable to its audience. Some other metalcore bands that have significantly influenced the genre include Killswitch Engage, Architects, and Trivium.