[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] The State of Western Hard Rock Today: A Roundup of Notable Tracks
- [2025] A Must-See for Western Metal Fans! A Roundup of the Latest Popular and Noteworthy Songs
- [For Beginners] Metal Masterpieces: A Curated List of Must-Listen, History-Making Albums
- 【2025】Beginner’s Guide to Popular Overseas Tarka Bands【Summary】
- An introduction to Western heavy metal: the masterpieces that changed the history of metal
- Masterpieces of death metal. Recommended popular songs.
- [2025] Iconic metal masterpieces that define the era: A roundup of the latest tracks and timeless favorites
- A classic hard rock masterpiece. A must-listen recommended album.
- Legendary hard rock masterpieces and popular songs etched in the history of music
- Metal guitarists of the world
- [For Beginners] Start Here! A Collection of Classic Thrash Metal Songs
- [Western Music] Hardcore Punk Masterpieces and Popular Songs – Beginner’s Guide
- Not just aggressive! Famous bands of deeply nuanced melodic death metal
[2025] Overseas Metal Bands You Absolutely Can’t Miss — From Veterans to Up-and-Comers (71–80)
Ora Pro Nobis LuciferBehemoth
Hailing from Poland and formed in 1991, Behemoth is an extreme metal band that now boasts such popularity that they headline festivals around the world.
With a unique sound that fuses elements of black metal and death metal, they continue to captivate metal fans across the globe.
Their 2014 album The Satanist became a major hit, charting on multiple album rankings.
While their provocative lyrics and controversial performances sometimes spark debate, their musical prowess is widely acclaimed.
Their live shows—featuring flamboyant costumes and special effects—are nothing short of breathtaking.
Even as they pursue an extreme musical vision, their lyrics, which incorporate Polish history and mythology, are sure to draw in not only metal fans but a wider audience as well.
Wrong Side Of HeavenFive Finger Death Punch
An American heavy metal band formed in Las Vegas in 2005.
Their debut album, The Way of the Fist, was released in 2007 and entered the Billboard 200.
Known for powerful metal riffs and emotional melodies, they have produced a string of hits such as War Is the Answer and American Capitalist.
Their talent has been highly acclaimed, including winning Indie Artist of the Year four years in a row from 2011 to 2014.
Famous for their aggressive sound and emotive lyrics, Five Finger Death Punch boasts a passionate global fan base and can be considered one of the leading bands in the modern metal scene.
SpillwaysGHOST
Ghost, hailing from Sweden, is a band known for its distinctive theatrics and anonymous identity.
They debuted in 2010 with the album “Opus Eponymous,” which reached number 50 on the Swedish charts.
Earning high praise from critics, they were nominated for Best Hard Rock Album at the 2011 Grammis Awards.
Their music spans a wide range of genres from heavy metal to psychedelic rock, and they present a unique world through characters like Papa Nihil and Cardinal Copia.
In 2013, they released their second album, “Infestissumam,” achieving further success.
They’re a band highly recommended for those seeking a new form of metal.
[2025] Overseas Metal Bands You Absolutely Can’t Miss – From Veterans to Newcomers (81–90)
Layers Of TimeLACUNA COIL
Among gothic metal bands, the Italian group Lacuna Coil stands out for both top-tier skill and popularity.
They’re known for their striking male–female dual vocals and have achieved strong chart results not only in their home country of Italy but around the world.
While gothic metal is relatively niche and can be an acquired taste, Lacuna Coil’s take on the genre features very catchy melodies.
They also have many songs that blend alternative rock with gothic metal, so be sure to check them out!
Love Bites (So Do I)Halestorm
Formed in Pennsylvania in 1997, the four-piece band Halestorm is known for a sound rooted in hard rock and heavy metal, while incorporating elements of alternative metal and post-grunge.
They released their debut album, “Halestorm,” in 2009.
In 2013, they won the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance for “Love Bites (So Do I).” Frontwoman Lzzy Hale’s powerful vocals and energetic performances are standout features, and the band is also known for hard touring, playing over 250 shows a year.
Highly recommended not only for metalheads but also for fans of female vocalists.
Goi, Rode, Goi!ARKONA
Arkona is a folk metal band from Russia.
Their melodies, which incorporate traditional folk music, are captivating, and their lyrics are based on Russian folk tales and Slavic mythology.
In other words, they belong to the genre known as pagan metal.
The band’s lineup is also distinctive and full of character: vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and bagpipes.
It’s no exaggeration to say Arkona is one of the most popular pagan metal bands in the world—give their unique sound a listen!
Incarnated Solvent AbuseCarcass
Formed in Liverpool, UK, Carcass stands out as a singular presence in the extreme metal scene.
Since their 1986 debut, they have explored a wide range of styles, from grindcore to melodic death metal.
Their album Heartwork is highly regarded as a landmark of melodic death metal.
After their 2007 reunion, they have remained active, building a unique world with lyrics that weave together heavy musicality and medical themes.
Carcass’s music captivates with a finely tuned balance that lets melody shine through the aggression.
They’re a recommended band for anyone looking to explore new possibilities in heavy metal.