Check Out These Cool Heavy Metal Bands

Looking for some new heavy metal bands to check out? Here are a few that we think you’ll love!

Metallica

Formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield, Metallica was one of the pioneering bands of the thrash metal genre. With a string of hits like “Enter Sandman” and “Sad But True,” the band has sold more than 110 million albums worldwide, making them one of the bestselling artists of all time. Metallica was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

Megadeth

Formed in 1983, Megadeth is one of the most iconic and influential heavy metal bands of all time. They have released 15 studio albums, with their most recent, Dystopia, coming out in 2016. Over the course of their career they have sold over 38 million albums worldwide and have won 12 Grammy Awards. They are also one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax.

Slayer

Slayer is an American heavy metal band from Pasadena, California. The band was formed in 1981 by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya. Slayer’s fast and aggressive musical style made them one of the founding “big four” bands of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. Slayer’s last studio album, Repentless, was released on September 11, 2015. The band has received five Grammy Awards, five gold certificates, two platinum certificates, three Multi-Platinum certificates, one Diamond certificate (for selling over 10 million albums in the US), and one Double Platinum certificate for selling over 20 million records worldwide.

Anthrax

Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. The group is considered one of the leaders of the thrash metal scene from the 1980s and is part of the “Big Four” of thrash metal bands, along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. As of April 2013, the band has released 10 studio albums. Anthrax’s first album was Fistful of Metal (1984). In 2003, the band released We’ve Come for You All.

Testament

Formed in Berkeley, California in 1983, Testament is one of the original Bay Area thrash metal bands. The band has been through many lineup changes over the years, but founding members Chuck Billy (vocals) and Eric Peterson (guitar) have remained constants. Testament has released 11 studio albums, with their most recent, “Brotherhood of the Snake”, coming out in 2016. The band is currently working on a new album, which is expected to be released in 2019.

Exodus

Formed in 1980, Exodus is considered one of the most influential bands in thrash metal history. Their 1986 album, Bonded by Blood, is considered a classic in the genre. The band’s current lineup includes founding members guitarist Kirk Hammett (who left in 1983 to join Metallica) and singer/bassist Rob Dukes, as well as lead guitarist Lee Altus, drummer Tom Hunting, and singer Steve “Zetro” Souza.

Death

Formed in 1983, Death is considered one of the most influential bands in heavy metal. They pioneered the death metal sound with their debut album, “Scream Bloody Gore,” and helped to shape the genre with subsequent releases like “Human” and “Symbolic.” They are credited with inspiring a generation of musicians and bands, and their impact can still be felt today.