[Extreme Music] A roundup of recommended extreme metal bands

BartzabelBehemoth

Behemoth – Bartzabel (Official Music Video)

Hailing from Poland and known for their fusion of death metal and black metal, Behemoth commands immense support in the extreme metal scene.

They have consistently drawn attention not only through their musicianship, but also with their mystical stage performances and provocative themes that convey a deep intellect beyond mere shock value.

Now a truly global band and a staple of festival lineups, their music—though extreme—became particularly accessible from their mid-period onward, when they leaned more toward brutal death metal while incorporating abundant dramatic melodies.

Even more than 30 years after their debut, Behemoth continues to evolve, and their appeal is something every music fan should experience at least once!

Lack Of ComprehensionDEATH

DEATH – “Lack Of Comprehension” (Remixed)

Death is an indispensable giant in the extreme metal scene.

Their 1987 debut album, “Scream Bloody Gore,” helped establish the death metal genre.

The technical edge they displayed on the 1991 album “Human” is especially overwhelming.

The band’s ensemble is refined down to the smallest details, heavily reflecting the influence of the Cynic members who participated on the album.

Schuldiner’s technical playing and complex arrangements went on to pioneer technical death metal and influenced countless bands.

A must-listen for anyone seeking extreme metal!

L’Enfant SauvageGOJIRA

GOJIRA – L’Enfant Sauvage [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Gojira, whose name resounds from France to the world, stands apart from being just another heavy metal band.

Since their formation in 1996, the group has evolved around brothers Joe Duplantier and Mario Duplantier, distinguished by lyrics with profound messages centered on the natural environment.

After navigating legal issues, they adopted the name “Gojira,” and while rooted in death metal and thrash metal, they also incorporate elements of progressive metal.

Their sound world is defined by massive, impactful riffs, and on 2021’s Fortitude they showcased new experimentation by incorporating instruments of Brazil’s Indigenous peoples.

Already a major influence on many bands, their music—though extreme—is highly dramatic and includes melodic passages, making it relatively approachable.

Immerse yourself in Gojira’s unique music, including their strongly message-driven lyrics.

When All Is Said And DoneNapalm Death

NAPALM DEATH – When All Is Said And Done (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Born in the UK, Napalm Death has made a resounding name for itself in the extreme music scene since its 1981 debut.

Although the lineup was fluid and unstable for a while, their fundamental sound—grindcore—was established with their second album, From Enslavement to Obliteration, released in 1988.

The 1.

316-second track You Suffer, recognized by the Guinness Book as the world’s shortest song, is quite well-known in Japan, partly thanks to TV features.

Of course, their sound isn’t for everyone; while incorporating influences from death metal and beyond, they continue to pack socio-political messages into their ferocious music and remain highly active even in the 2020s—truly living legends of the extreme music world.

They also tour Japan frequently, so if you get the chance, you should definitely experience their live show.

Ghost of PerditionOpeth

Opeth – Ghost of Perdition [Live at The Roundhouse Tapes DVD] HD

In the realm of extreme metal, Opeth has captured fans’ hearts with a uniquely progressive approach.

Formed in Sweden in 1990 and moving through early works like Orchid and Morningrise, it’s no exaggeration to say that Blackwater Park propelled them to the pinnacle of the metal scene.

Centered around Mikael Åkerfeldt—the guitarist and vocalist who remains the sole original member—the band’s ability to weave death metal, gothic rock, and prog into a dark, dramatic whole has continued to exert a profound influence on subsequent bands.

In recent years they’ve gravitated toward progressive rock, but their singular, artful sound is sure to captivate not only progressive metal fans but also new listeners.

If you want to experience their music from an extreme metal perspective, you’d do well to start with the early releases and the 2008 masterpiece Watershed.

Piss AngelPig Destroyer

PIG DESTROYER – “Piss Angel” (Official Music Video)

Pig Destroyer is an American grindcore band renowned for their truly extreme musical style.

Since forming in Virginia in 1997, they have established a solid presence in the underground scene.

When their debut album, Explosions in Ward 6, was released in 1998, its aggressive sound and dynamic performances captivated discerning listeners.

This reflects a musical identity that spans diverse genres, including grindcore, heavy metal, death metal, and hardcore punk.

As exemplified by 2001’s Prowler in the Yard, they consistently convey intense themes and sharp social messages through their music.

They have performed in Japan, and are well known among Japanese fans of extreme music, so if you haven’t heard them yet, be sure to check them out!

Incarnated Solvent AbuseCarcass

Carcass – Incarnated Solvent Abuse [Official Video]

Pioneers of death metal, Carcass are the perfect band for those seeking extreme music.

Ever since their 1987 debut album Reek of Putrefaction, they have consistently pursued an aggressive, raw sound.

In 1988, Symphonies of Sickness solidified their style.

The 1993 classic Heartwork, which marked their transformation into melodic death metal, remains beloved by many fans.

Centered around Bill Steer and Jeff Walker, their history is unmissable: starting with grindcore, moving into death metal, and—following the addition of Michael Amott, later famous for Arch Enemy—evolving into a pioneering melodic death metal band.

If you’re looking for especially extreme music, be sure to check out their first two releases!