Recommended hard rock and heavy metal

[2025] A roundup of recommended alternative metal bands

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

As you dig deeper into Western music, you’ll discover all kinds of subgenres, and many of them have fuzzy definitions—so it’s pretty common to feel unsure about what exactly they sound like.

The theme of this article is a prime example of a loosely defined category: the genre known as “alternative metal.”

Broadly speaking, it’s a style that fuses elements of alternative rock and heavy metal.

Many of the bands featured here are hugely popular in Japan, and some readers may not even have realized they’re labeled as “alternative metal.”

With that in mind, take a look and see which bands are considered part of the “alternative metal” genre!

[2025] Recommended Alternative Metal Bands Roundup (11–20)

In the Name of the FatherPRESIDENT

PRESIDENT – In the Name of the Father

In the Name of the FatherPRESIDENT

President, who belongs to the same management as Sleep Token, burst onto the scene like a comet.

All members wear masks, and this up-and-coming band is shrouded in mystery.

Their music is built on a foundation of metalcore and hard rock, delivering a heavy, signature sound that some have dubbed “Octanecore.” Their debut single, released in May 2025, pairs radio-friendly catchiness with aggressive riffs and powerful vocals for an impressive result.

There are even rumors within the industry that they’re a “supergroup,” and their strategic moves—such as announcing an “inauguration ceremony” at a major festival in June 2025—make them hard to ignore.

If you want melody-forward music without compromising on heaviness, this band is perfect for you!

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Happy?Mudvayne

Mudvayne – Happy? (Official HD Video)

Happy?Mudvayne

Mudvayne, especially in their early days, captivated fans with an alternative metal sound backed by flashy looks and overwhelming musicianship.

Their music weaves together elements from various genres, including death metal and jazz fusion, to create a unique sonic world.

Their 2000 album L.

D.

50, in particular, has been praised as a work that opened up new musical horizons.

While their bold makeup may leave a strong impression, their talent is the real deal.

Influenced by artists like Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, their songs carry a powerful message.

Although they once went on hiatus, Mudvayne made a comeback in 2021—and they’re a band you won’t want to take your eyes off going forward!

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Killing In the NameRage Against The Machine

Rage Against The Machine – Killing In the Name (Official HD Video)

Killing In the NameRage Against The Machine

Rage Against the Machine is a band that has had a tremendous impact not only on the alternative metal genre but on the music world as a whole.

With Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk, their 1992 debut album “Rage Against the Machine” introduced a new sound that fused hip-hop, metal, punk, and funk.

Their singular musical style has strongly influenced not only listeners but many bands that followed.

Their unwavering political stance is also a defining characteristic, making them one of the most important bands not just in music, but in culture itself.

In that sense, it’s no exaggeration to say that few bands are as truly “alternative” as they are.

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In conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning, the genre of alternative metal often feels vague and more a matter of convenience.

It might be easier to picture the bands introduced this time as groups with an alternative stance that began in the ’80s and ’90s, fusing various genres like rock and metal.