Current Heavy Metal Bands You Need to Be Listening To
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Looking for some new music to get into? Check out our list of current heavy metal bands you need to be listening to! From old-school legends to modern-day innovators, there’s something for everyone.
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band. The band was formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California by guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich. Metallica’s fast tempos, instrumentals, and aggressive musicianship made them one of the founding “big four” bands of thrash metal, alongside Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer. Metallica’s current line-up comprises founding members Hetfield and Ulrich, longtime lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo.
History
Metallica is an American metal band formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. The group’s fast tempos, instrumentals, and aggressive musicianship made them one of the pioneering metal bands of the 1980s. Metallica’s current lineup comprises founding members James Hetfield (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Lars Ulrich (drums), along with longtime lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo. Guitarist Dave Mustaine (who went on to form Megadeth) and bassists Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton (who died in 1986) are former members of the band.
The band’s live performances formed the basis for their 1991 album, Metallica (commonly referred to as The Black Album). This album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and included the hit single “Enter Sandman”. In 2003, Metallicareleased their fourth album, St. Anger, which was their first studio album to not feature bassist Jason Newsted since his departure in 1986. 2004’s Some Kind of Monster documented Metallica’s internal struggles during the recording process of St. Anger. 2009’s Death Magnetic debuted at number one on the Billboard 200; it was their fifth consecutive studio album to do so. 2011’s Louder Than Love marked a return to form forsound and style; it was recorded following a public relapse into alcoholism by singer James Hetfield in early 2001.
The band has won nine Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rockand Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in 2009. In December 2013, they were rankednumber one on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time”. As of 2017, Metallica is the third-best-selling band of all time with regard to album sales, behind only The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. Their latest studio album Hardwired…To Self-Destruct was released on November 18th 2016 debuting at number one making it their eleventh consecutive studio album to do so having sold over 800 000 copies world wide in its first week
Why They’re Important
Metallica is an American heavy metal band. The band was formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California by drummer Lars Ulrich and vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield, and has been based in San Francisco for most of its career. The group’s fast tempo and aggressive musicianship made them one of the founding “big four” bands of thrash metal, alongside Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer. Metallica’s current lineup comprises founding members Hetfield and Ulrich, longtime lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Robert Trujillo. Guitarist Dave Mustaine (who went on to form Megadeth) and bassists Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton (who died in 1986) and Jason Newsted are former members of the band.
Metallica earned a growing fan base in the underground music community over the next few years through releasing fast-paced songs with heavy guitar riffs accompanied by drum solos, which they were able to do on a budget by hacking expensive studio time.The release of their third album Master of Puppets (1986) helped to increase their popularity; it was their first album to be certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), eventually reaching six times platinum. Metallica achieved substantial commercial success with their eponymous fifth album (1991), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200; it sold almost 16 million copies worldwide. With this release the band expanded its musical direction resulting in an album that appealed to a more mainstream audience. In 2000, Metallica was among several artists who filed a lawsuit against Napster for sharing the band’s copyright-protected material without permission from the artist. A settlement was reached and Napster became a pay-to-use service.[12] Despite field sold out stadium tours in 2017,
the album Hardwired… to Self-Destruct (2016) received mixed reviews from fans as well critics alike, which caused many people to write off Metallica as being past their prime
Megadeth
Hailed as one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, Megadeth has been entertaining fans for over three decades. With thirteen studio albums under their belt, Megadeth has cemented their place in heavy metal history. If you’re a fan of heavy metal, or just looking to get into the genre, you need to be listening to Megadeth.
History
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. The group was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson following Mustaine’s expulsion from Metallica. Along with Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer, Megadeth is one of the “big four” thrash metal bands of the 1980s, having sold over 38 million albums worldwide. Megadeth garnered critical acclaim for its fifth album Countdown to Extinction (1992), which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. The group’s next album, Youthanasia (1994), was also successful, debuting at number four on the Billboard 200 and receiving platinum certification in January 1995; it has since been certified double-platinum. Megadeth’s most commercially successful album was 1999’s Risk; it debuted at number 16 on the Billboard 200 but was met with mixed reviews.
Why They’re Important
Formed in 1983, Megadeth is an American heavy metal band that has helped to shape the genre and pave the way for many of today’s biggest names. They are one of the “big four” of thrash metal, along with Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer. Megadeth has released 15 studio albums, eight of which have gone platinum or multi-platinum. They have sold over 38 million albums worldwide and been nominated for twelve Grammy Awards. In 2010, they were ranked as the No. 1 top selling heavy metal band of the last 25 years by Billboard.
Slayer
History
Slayer is an American metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman. 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 current lineup comprises King (guitars), Hanneman (guitars), Tom Araya (bass, vocals), and Paul Bostaph (drums).
Slayer’s first two albums, Reign in Blood (1986) and South of Heaven (1988), are considered classics in the heavy metal community. In 1998, Hanneman was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as “flesh-eating disease”, which forced him to sit out from touring for several years. He eventually died of liver failure on May 2, 2013. Gary Holt replaced Hanneman as the band’s primary songwriter and has remained in that position since.
Since their debut album in 1983, Slayer has released twelve studio albums, two live albums, a box set, six video albums, thirty-six singles and eleven extended plays. Four of the band’s studio albums have received gold certification in the United States; two have been certified platinum and one has been certified double platinum. As of 2018, Slayer has sold over 5 million albums in the U.S.
Why They’re Important
Slayer is an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California, formed in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. They rose to prominence with their 1986 release Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the big four thrash metal bands, along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. Slayer’s last studio album, Repentless, was released on September 11, 2015. Since their debut album in 1983, the band has released 12 studio albums and a box set. The band has received five Grammy nominations, winning two awards for the songs “Eyes of the Insane” (in 2007) and “Final Six” (in 2008). Hanneman and original drummer Dave Lombardo are the only members of Slayer who have performed on all of their studio albums.
Anthrax
Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981. The band is considered one of the leaders of the thrash metal movement, and they have sold over 20 million records worldwide. Anthrax has released 11 studio albums, and they are currently working on their 12th.
History
Anthrax is a heavy metal band formed in 1981. The band was one of the most popular and influential bands of the 1980s and early 1990s. Anthrax helped to pioneer the genre of thrash metal. The band’s music often featured social and political commentary.
The band has released 11 studio albums, 3 live albums, 2 compilations, and 1 EP. Anthrax’s first album, Fistful of Metal, was released in 1984. The album was a moderate success, but it did not gain the band much mainstream attention. The band’s next album, Spreading the Disease, was released in 1985. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 7 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was also well-received by critics.
In 1986, Anthrax released their third album, Among the Living. The album was a massive success, reaching number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was also praised by critics. Among the Living is regarded as one of Anthrax’s best albums and is considered to be a classic of thrash metal.
Following the release of Among the Living, Anthrax experienced lineup changes and personal problems within the band. These issues resulted in a decline in quality for the band’s next few albums. However, Anthrax regained their footing with their 1993 album Sound of White Noise, which was a commercial and critical success.
Since then, Anthrax has continued to release albums sporadically while touring regularly. The band’s most recent album, For All Kings, was released in 2016 and reached number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart. Anthrax is currently working on new material for their next studio album which is expected to be released in 2019 or 2020.”
Why They’re Important
Anthrax is a current heavy metal band that you need to be listening to. They are important for a number of reasons:
-They have a unique sound that combines elements of thrash metal and groove metal, creating a fast-paced and aggressive sound that is perfect for headbanging.
-They are one of the Big 4 of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. This means they are one of the most influential bands in the genre.
-They have been around for over 35 years and show no signs of slowing down. They are still making great music and touring regularly.
If you are a fan of heavy metal music, then you should definitely check out Anthrax. You will not be disappointed!
Lamb of God
Lamb of God is an American heavy metal band from Richmond, Virginia. Formed in 1994, the group consists of vocalist Randy Blythe, guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler, bassist John Campbell, and drummer Chris Adler. Since their formation, Lamb of God has released eight studio albums, one live album, one compilation album, and three DVDs. The band is considered a significant member of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal movement.
History
Lamb of God is an American heavy metal band from Richmond, Virginia. Formed in 1994, the group consists of vocalist Randy Blythe, guitarists Mark Morton and Will Adler, bassist John Campbell, and drummer Chris Adler. The band is considered a significant member of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal movement.
Since their formation, Lamb of God has released eight studio albums, one live album, one compilation album, and three DVDs. The band has received three Grammy nominations for songs from their sixth album Wrath. They received a nomination for “Black Label” in 2010, “Ghost Walking” in 2013 and “512” in 2016.
Why They’re Important
Since the early 2000s, Lamb of God has been one of the most popular and successful metal bands in the world. They’ve released eight albums, all of which have been met with critical acclaim, and have sold over 3 million records worldwide. In addition to their musical success, the band is also known for their outspoken political views, and they’ve used their platform to raise awareness about a number of important social and political issues.
