![[2025] Overseas Metal Bands You Absolutely Can’t Miss — From Veterans to Newcomers](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wLoYIBEZEfw/sddefault.jpg)
[2025] Overseas Metal Bands You Absolutely Can’t Miss — From Veterans to Newcomers
No matter which genres come into vogue with the times, and no matter how regularly negative discourse flares up, heavy metal has always kept metalheads around the world fired up.
That said, “metal” encompasses countless subgenres, and especially in this information-saturated era, beginners might find themselves wondering, “I don’t even know which bands to listen to…”
In this article, we highlight the breadth of what “metal” can be—from legendary bands to post-2000 metalcore and deathcore acts, as well as groups with hybrid styles—while introducing bands you should start with.
You’re sure to find a band that will ignite your metal spirit!
[2025] Must-See Overseas Metal Bands: From Veterans to Newcomers (1–10)
All Out LifeSlipknot
A nine-piece from Iowa that has gained worldwide popularity by creating uncategorizable loud music and delivering intense live performances with every member wearing a mask.
In the late 1990s, when so-called nu-metal bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit were dominating the charts, they debuted in 1999 with their first album, Slipknot.
Their shocking sound became a hot topic and a global hit.
In 2001, they appeared on the main stage at SUMMER SONIC 01, cementing their unwavering popularity in Japan.
Despite repeated setbacks—tragic incidents and lineup changes—they have continued to reign as one of the scene’s top bands.
BatteryMetallica
They are a pioneering force in thrash metal and one of the most successful bands in the heavy metal genre.
Since their formation in 1981, they have stood out with a sound that fused the ferocity and speed of hardcore with riff-driven metal, but with each album release they evolved their musical style.
Their fifth album, Metallica—commonly known as the Black Album—released in 1991, surprised fans with a groove-focused sound rather than speed and went on to sell over 30 million copies worldwide.
Although their output has been relatively limited since the 2000s, they have continued to take musical risks and remain a constant influence on the scene.
Holy Wars…The Punishment DueMegadeth
Alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, they are a representative force in thrash metal and are often referred to as one of the “Big Four.” The band’s central figure, Dave Mustaine, originally played in Metallica before being fired and subsequently forming Megadeth—a well-known episode in the history of metal.
Calling their own style “intellectual thrash metal,” their meticulously structured band ensemble and exchanges of technical guitar riffs boast a brilliance that is truly one of a kind.
Although they disbanded once in 2002, they have been active again since restarting in 2004.
ThroneBring Me The Horizon
In Japan, Bring Me the Horizon boast popularity that transcends the metal scene, headlining their own festivals as well as Summer Sonic 2024.
Formed in Yorkshire, England in 2004 while they were still in high school, the band began their career with an extreme sound known as deathcore and steadily took the underground scene by storm through relentless activity.
Their fourth album, Sempiternal, released in 2010, reached No.
3 on the UK charts, and with That’s the Spirit—an album that broadened their musical palette and hit No.
2 in the U.
S.
—they broke through as a top band in the modern metal scene.
Today, they present a hybrid style that incorporates elements from genres like electronica into their sound, and even 20 years after forming, they continue to evolve and enjoy fervent support from fans around the world.
Angel Of DeathSLAYER
A leading force in thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.
Among the so-called “Big Four,” they are known for an intensely evil sonic direction and frequently controversial themes.
They are considered one of the most influential bands in extreme metal, with a significant impact on death metal and black metal.
The blisteringly heavy sound of their third album, Reign in Blood, released in 1986, remains as shocking as ever.
In 2013, original guitarist Jeff Hanneman passed away.
On November 30, 2019, they reached the final day of their farewell tour.
ParanoidBlack Sabbath
From their formation in 1968 to their disbandment in 2017, this band—one of Britain’s most legendary and often cited as the roots of heavy metal—maintained an extraordinary 49-year career.
With multiple vocalists over the years, notably the era with original member and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, known as the “Prince of Darkness,” and the period with Ronnie James Dio, who sadly passed away in 2010, their musical style varied by era.
Even so, the distinctive sound born from Tony Iommi’s unique guitar tone and the band’s diabolic image influenced countless groups across genres.
Fear Of The DarkIron Maiden
Hailing from the United Kingdom, they are one of the most famous bands in heavy metal history.
Formed in 1975, with a history spanning over 40 years, they remained energetically active as of 2019—a rare presence.
They rose to prominence during the musical movement that erupted in the 1980s known as NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal).
Centered on a powerful bass performance and showcasing twin-guitar leads and riffs, their sound had a profound influence on subsequent bands.