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

MuuntautujaOranssi Pazuzu

ORANSSI PAZUZU – Muuntautuja (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

The psychedelic black metal band Oranssi Pazuzu, a source of Finnish pride, continues to send shockwaves through the music scene with its innovative sound.

Since forming in 2007, they have established a unique style that fuses black metal with psychedelic rock and progressive metal.

From their 2009 debut, Muukalainen puhuu, they drew attention with cosmic themes and experimental soundscapes.

Their 2016 album Värähtelijä earned high praise from major music outlets such as AllMusic and Pitchfork.

In 2019, they released the limited-edition live album Live at Roadburn, solidifying their international acclaim.

Sung in their native Finnish, their profound lyrics and boundary‑defying, cutting-edge sound captivate metal fans seeking a new kind of musical experience.

MadhouseANTHRAX

Anthrax – Madhouse

Formed in New York State in 1981, this metal band is known as one of the “Big Four of thrash metal,” alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer, who also debuted in the 1980s.

While they are a flagship metal band with fans around the world, they maintain a distinctive sound unconstrained by genre, and are also known for pioneering rap metal—the root of the mixture rock that has now become standard in the J-pop scene.

From high-speed, loud tracks that epitomize thrash metal to heavy yet melodious songs with outstanding choral work, they have continued to showcase a multifaceted musicality throughout their long career.

Blinded By Fearat the gates

At The Gates – Blinded By Fear [Official Video]

At The Gates, known as pioneering leaders of Swedish melodic death metal, formed in Gothenburg in 1990 and established a unique style that fuses the ferocity of death metal with melodic guitar riffs.

Their 1995 album Slaughter of the Soul stands as a landmark of melodic death metal and has greatly influenced metalcore bands such as Killswitch Engage and As I Lay Dying.

In 2015, their comeback album At War with Reality won a Swedish Grammy.

Their music, which conveys beautiful melodies within intensity, is highly recommended for listeners who love death metal and melodic metal.

Bonded By BloodExodus

Bonded by Blood

As American pioneers of thrash metal, Exodus have electrified listeners worldwide with ferocious riffs and explosive speed.

Formed in 1981, they debuted with the album Bonded by Blood, establishing a landmark in thrash metal.

While influenced by British bands like Motörhead and Iron Maiden, they forged a uniquely destructive sound of their own.

Between 1987 and 1992, they also achieved commercial success with albums such as Pleasures of the Flesh and Fabulous Disaster.

Despite frequent lineup changes and hiatuses, their prowess has been recognized globally—most notably when guitarist Gary Holt joined Slayer as a touring member in 2011.

Balancing intensity and precision, their music is perfect for listeners seeking the essence of thrash metal.

The Agony Seeping StormJob For A Cowboy

Job For A Cowboy – The Agony Seeping Storm (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Formed in Arizona, USA, Job for a Cowboy is a skilled band that has evolved its sound from deathcore to death metal and then toward a more progressive style.

In 2005, they posted their EP Doom on MySpace, quickly drawing widespread attention and buzz.

After signing with Metal Blade Records, their 2007 album Genesis achieved the rare feat of reaching No.

54 on the Billboard 200.

They continued releasing ambitious works, with their 2009 album Ruination climbing to No.

42.

Their complex riff work, ferocious drum patterns, and Jonny Davy’s commanding vocal performances have continued to captivate many fans.

After roughly nine years of silence, they made a comeback in 2024, delivering music that’s perfect for listeners who enjoy technical playing and progressive compositions.

StrickenDisturbed

Disturbed – Stricken (Official Music Video) [4K UPGRADE]

Disturbed, known as a defining presence in the American heavy metal scene, formed in Chicago in 1994 and made their major-label debut in 2000.

Their debut album, The Sickness, became a massive hit, selling over four million copies in the United States and instantly elevating them to the ranks of top bands.

Characterized by an aggressive, energetic sound and David Draiman’s charismatic vocals, they captivate many fans with songs that incorporate elements of nu metal and alternative metal.

Their music carries critical messages about society and contemporary pop culture, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy powerful yet melodic tracks.

Piss AngelPig Destroyer

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

Pig Destroyer is a flagship grindcore band formed in Virginia, USA.

Since their 1997 debut, they’ve continued to captivate fans with blistering sound and shocking lyrics.

On albums like Prowler in the Yard and Head Cage, they incorporate elements of metallic hardcore, pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Released in 2018, Head Cage takes a step beyond their usual patterns, resulting in a work that leans more into catchy noise rock influences.

Their music, which embeds complex themes and psychological exploration within its ferocity, is recommended not only for grindcore fans but for anyone seeking heavy music.