[2025] Overseas Metal Bands You Absolutely Can’t Miss — From Veterans to Newcomers

Miles of MachinesJeff Loomis

Miles of Machines

Jeff Loomis, from Wisconsin, USA, is a guitarist active across a wide range of genres from progressive metal to melodic death metal.

He weaves rapid-fire picking and fluid arpeggios with precision, forging a unique style marked by technical prowess and lyrical phrasing.

He began his musical career in 1987, showcasing his talents with Nevermore on albums such as Dead Heart in a Dead World and the classic This Godless Endeavor.

His solo album Plains of Oblivion has also received high acclaim.

Having won a guitar contest at 16 and even auditioned for Megadeth in the late 1980s, his guitar work—where technique and emotion intertwine—captivates listeners who love heavy, dramatic metal.

Surfing with the AlienJoe Satriani

Joe Satriani – Surfing with the Alien (from Satriani LIVE!)

Hailing from New York State, Joe Satriani embarked on the path of guitar at age 14, spurred by the death of Jimi Hendrix.

He honed his musical foundation under jazz masters and established a unique style that centers on instrumental rock while pouring in the passion of hard rock and blues.

In 1986, he released the album Not of This Earth.

The following year’s classic, Surfing with the Alien (1987), reached No.

29 on the Billboard 200 and remained on the chart for 75 weeks—an extraordinary feat—cementing its status as a timeless masterpiece of instrumental rock.

He has been nominated for the Grammy Awards 15 times.

Technically brilliant yet deeply expressive, his guitar playing is an ideal choice for listeners seeking sounds that stir the soul.

Bad BoysJohn Sykes

John Sykes – “Bad Boys” (Live 2004) | John Sykes – Bad Boy Live!

Born in Reading, England, John Sykes is a guitarist who shone brilliantly in the worlds of hard rock and heavy metal.

He is known for his pinch harmonics, passionate vibrato, and melody-focused playing.

He made his professional debut in 1980 with Tygers of Pan Tang, co-wrote the classic “Cold Sweat” with Thin Lizzy, and during his Whitesnake era contributed to many songs on the 1987 album “Whitesnake,” including “Is This Love,” helping the record reach worldwide sales of 25 million.

In 2004, he was selected for Guitar World’s “100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists.” His soulful guitar playing resonates with those who love technical yet emotional performances.

The Unforgiven SoloKirk Hammett

Kirk Hammett – The Unforgiven Solo (Live)

Kirk Hammett, a native of San Francisco, is a renowned guitarist who played with Exodus during the dawn of thrash metal before joining Metallica in 1983.

His musical style is rooted in heavy metal while incorporating elements of blues and jazz.

His career with Metallica began with the album Kill ‘Em All, and he contributed to signature tracks like Enter Sandman.

The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 and has won numerous Grammy Awards.

His passionate solos, which make heavy use of the wah pedal, are his trademark, and there’s even an anecdote that he has 767 riffs saved for solo projects.

Highly recommended for those seeking a heavy, expressive guitar sound.

Sweet Child O’ MineSlash ft.Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators

Slash ft.Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators – Sweet Child O’ Mine | Live in Sydney

Former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash met the exceptionally gifted vocalist Myles Kennedy in 2009.

Formed in the United States, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators ramped up activities with the 2012 album Apocalyptic Love.

Rooted in blues-based hard rock, their heavy sound is part of the appeal.

The albums World on Fire and Living the Dream have also received global acclaim.

Slash has won a Grammy and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, while the band’s live shows have been praised as “boisterous, blues-soaked rock ’n’ roll.” Their Japan dates in March 2024 were a major success.

This no-frills rock, woven from soul-stirring guitar and passionate vocals, is perfect for listeners seeking the real deal.

Scent of DarkTony Iommi

Tony Iommi – Scent of Dark

Hailing from England, Tony Iommi has etched his name into music history as the originator of colossal, heavy riffs.

The band he co-founded, Black Sabbath, debuted with the album “Black Sabbath” in 1970 and went on to shape the very blueprint of heavy metal with subsequent releases like “Paranoid” and “Master of Reality.” The riffs of “Iron Man” and “Paranoid” are nothing short of metal icons.

Overcoming the loss of his fingertips in a factory accident, he forged a singularly heavy sound through distinctive down-tuning and fingertip prosthetics.

His achievements have been recognized with Grammy Awards and inclusion in Rolling Stone’s 2011 list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists.” For those who want to tap into the roots of heavy music, or feel the sound of an innovative guitarist who turned adversity into power, he is an essential listen.

Warriors Of The World UnitedMANOWAR

MANOWAR – Warriors Of The World United (Live) – OFFICIAL VIDEO

Manowar is a legendary band in the power metal scene, formed in 1980.

Guided by their supremely cool rallying cry, “Death to false metal,” their dramatic, technically proficient, and powerful sound continues to be loved by metal fans of all generations.