[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!
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[2025] Overseas Metal Bands You Absolutely Can’t Miss — From Veterans to Up-and-Comers (71–80)
KID OF DARKNESSSlaughter To Prevail
A noteworthy band from Russia that fuses deathcore with symphonic black metal and elements of nu metal.
Formed in 2014, they released their debut EP, “Chapters of Misery,” in 2015.
Their 2017 debut album, “Misery Sermon,” shocked many enthusiasts with a deathcore style that pushed pure viciousness to the extreme.
On their second album, “Kostolom,” released in August 2021, they evolved by incorporating rhythm patterns and guitar phrases reminiscent of late-’90s to 2000s nu metal.
Frontman Alex Terrible’s ferocious guttural vocals are a signature, and the lyrics—sung in both Russian and English—are part of the appeal.
Alongside their extreme sound, it’s also fascinating how they weave hints of Russian heritage into their music.
Wooden PintsKORPIKLAANI
Among folk metal bands that incorporate ethnic musical elements into heavy metal, Korpiklaani is the group that popularized a distinctive style featuring the gypsy violin.
In Japan, they even drew attention under the curious genre label “forest metal,” but their musicianship is top-tier.
It’s metal that makes you feel upbeat just by listening.
SorceressOpeth
A progressive metal band from Sweden whose name was inspired by “the City of the Moon, Opet,” which appears in Wilbur Smith’s novel The Sunbird.
They are known for an original sound that fuses progressive rock and death metal, with multifaceted compositions that alternate between death growls and clean vocals depending on the song’s development, shocking metal fans around the world.
They are also famous in Japan and have earned such popularity that they are uniquely nicknamed the “Dark God of the North.” With a distinctive musicality in which the heavy low end of metal blends exquisitely with the irregular beats of progressive rock, they are a metal band that Japanese listeners in particular should know.
The Damnation GameSymphony X
Michael Romeo, renowned for his phenomenal guitar technique, has been a leading technical guitarist since the 1990s.
His band is Symphony X.
The appeal lies not only in his ultra-fast shredding but also in the complex song structures.
And of course, the performance level of each part is consistently top-notch.
Flight Of The Sapphire DragonTwilight Force
In heavy metal, one subgenre that’s popular in Japan is what’s known as symphonic metal.
Among those, the Swedish band Twilight Force became a hot topic for their thoroughly fantastical worldbuilding and high level of musicianship.
The story of the warriors who fight in the Twilight Kingdom shows their commitment, which is evident even from their costumes.
Like A Sunken ShipLEPROUS
In Norway’s progressive metal scene, Leprous stands out with a truly singular presence.
Formed in 2001, they made their album debut in 2009 with Tall Poppy Syndrome, drawing attention for their original sound that blends progressive complexity with avant-garde elements.
They have also served as the live backing band for Emperor frontman Ihsahn and have performed at renowned festivals such as ProgPower USA and ProgPower Europe.
With Einar Solberg’s expressively dynamic vocals and meticulously crafted compositions, their music transcends the progressive metal sphere, resonating with fans of art rock and alternative sounds as well.
The Dawn is HollowUlcerate
Ulcerate, a leading force in technical death metal that New Zealand proudly boasts, continues to captivate metal fans around the world.
Formed in 2000 and having undergone several lineup changes, they made their debut in 2006 with the album “Of Fracture and Failure.” Characterized by complex rhythms laden with dissonance and an overwhelming low-end, they have established a unique identity that places them alongside renowned bands like Gorguts and Neurosis.
Their 2020 release, “Stare Into Death and Be Still,” earned high praise as an ambitious work that adds melodic elements to their established style.
Since their debut on the esteemed Dutch label Neurotic Records, they have steadily evolved their sound, pioneering new frontiers in extreme metal.
Their music, technical yet deeply emotive, is highly recommended for those seeking progressive musical expression.