[2025] A roundup of recommended alternative metal bands

Chop Suey!System Of A Down

System Of A Down – Chop Suey! (Official HD Video)

System of a Down, composed of Armenian-American members, is a band that combines astonishing energy with a powerful message.

Since their formation in 1994, Serj Tankian’s commanding vocals and Daron Malakian’s outstanding guitar work have fused to open new frontiers in alternative metal.

In Japan, their 2001 album “Toxicity,” which was given the striking Japanese title “Dokusei,” captivated fans worldwide with its socially critical lyrics and unique sound.

Their live performances overwhelm viewers and have the power to unite audiences through sheer dynamism.

Truly, they are artists who expand our worldview through alternative music.

Wait And BleedSlipknot

Slipknot – Wait and Bleed [OFFICIAL VIDEO] [HD]

Slipknot, the masked collective that enjoys overwhelming popularity in Japan as well, has continued to exert a massive influence on subsequent bands ever since the shock of their 1999 debut album, Slipknot.

Their early live shows were pure chaos, and their look—red jumpsuits paired with distinctive masks—left a powerful impression.

While their nine-member, mash-up sound might seem unruly, the members’ high-level skills and excellent songwriting sensibilities forged truly “alternative” metal and heavy rock.

Though the band has always carried a tension that made it feel like they could break up at any moment, as of 2024 they remain a top act, continuing on through multiple lineup changes.

Don’t be fooled by the visuals—start by listening to the sound they make!

Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away)Deftones

Deftones – Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away) (Official Video) [HD Remaster]

Deftones is a band formed in 1988 that rose to prominence during the nu-metal boom, yet continues to wield major influence over subsequent bands with an artistic musicality and a unique sound that has earned them the nickname “Radiohead of heavy rock.” Centered on Chino Moreno’s one-of-a-kind vocals, their genre-blending style is both aggressive and art-rock-tinged, capturing the hearts of listeners beyond just heavy rock fans.

In particular, their third album, White Pony, released in 2000, elevated them to a singular stature and produced the Grammy-winning track “Elite.” Their powerful yet beautiful melodies are even more compelling live.

Be sure to experience the world of alternative metal they weave.

NumbLinkin Park

Numb (Official Music Video) [4K UPGRADE] – Linkin Park

Linkin Park, who set sales records in the 2000s and reshaped the era with a sophisticated heavy rock sound that embraced cutting-edge styles like electronica, is a name every music fan knows.

Formed in 1996, their 2000 debut album Hybrid Theory became one of the biggest hits of the 21st century.

The late Chester Bennington’s lyrics and vocals, bursting with raw, aching emotion, have the power to change listeners’ lives.

Often labeled as nu metal, rap metal, or alternative metal, their sound has continually evolved.

If you’re a younger listener about to dive into Linkin Park, start with their debut and work through the releases in order!

SchismTool

TOOL – Schism (Official Video)

Rather than simply alternative metal, Tool can be described as a solitary, singular band within the music scene, continually radiating a mysterious presence.

Since their formation in 1990, they’ve been unquestionably among the top-tier artists.

Incorporating elements of progressive rock, psychedelic rock, and art rock, they captivate with overwhelming musicianship and expressive power.

Despite their unconventional musicality, they have also achieved commercial success, and their sound was solidified with their second album, Ænima, released in 1996—making them alternative in the truest sense.

Although they are highly prolific in quality but sparse in output, they delivered a new shock to the scene in 2019 with Fear Inoculum, their first album in 13 years.

As of 2024, they remain one of the most anticipated bands for a new release!

The Diary of JaneBreaking Benjamin

Breaking Benjamin – The Diary of Jane

Breaking Benjamin is an American rock band formed in 1999.

As one of the leading names representing alternative metal since the 2000s, their music captivates fans with a post-grunge emotional sound, expressive lyrics, and powerful choruses.

Compared to some of the other bands introduced in this article, they may be somewhat less well-known in Japan, but their third album, Phobia, released in 2006, reached No.

2 on the U.

S.

charts, showing they are a top-tier band in both popularity and ability.

Their fifth album, Dark Before Dawn, released in 2015, hit No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts, underscoring their continued strength.

They’re a band with beautiful melodies, so even if you haven’t listened to them before, be sure to check them out!

Down With The SicknessDisturbed

Disturbed – Down With The Sickness (Official Music Video) [HD UPGRADE]

Since their formation in 1996, Disturbed have forged a unique vision of alternative metal.

Centered on David Draiman’s commanding vocal performances—and his exceptional vocal prowess—their sound stands out with a distinct identity.

Their debut album, The Sickness, released in 2000, has sold over four million copies in the United States.

The follow-up, Believe, debuted at No.

1 on the Billboard 200, underscoring the band’s skill and popularity.

Originally rising to fame as part of the nu metal movement, with each subsequent release they have moved closer to classic heavy metal.

It might be fitting to regard them less as alternative metal and more as one of the best-selling American heavy metal bands since the 2000s.