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

Siege LordHERIOT

HERIOT – Siege Lord (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Heliotr, a four-piece band from Swindon, England, has been attracting attention since entering the metal scene in 2014 with an inventive, genre-defying sound rooted in metalcore.

They debuted with the EP “Violence” in 2015, followed by “World Collapse” in 2016, before going on a brief hiatus.

In 2019, the band welcomed guitarist and vocalist Debbie Gough, establishing a new musical direction that incorporates elements of black metal, death metal, doom, and industrial.

Their 2022 EP “Profound Morality” saw them sign with Century Media Records and work with producer Josh Middleton, frontman of Sylosis.

With a heavy, aggressive yet atmospheric sound and a medieval aesthetic, they are bringing a fresh breeze to the UK metal scene.

Their 2024 debut album “Devoured by the Mouth of Hell” has received widespread acclaim from the media, making Heliotr highly recommended not only for fans of heavy metal but for anyone seeking innovative sounds beyond genre boundaries.

WalkPantera

Pantera – Walk (Official Music Video) [4K]

They are one of the defining metal bands of the 1990s, acclaimed for their distinctive sound.

Formed in Texas in 1981, they initially played in a glam metal style, but dramatically shifted their musical direction with their fifth album, Cowboys from Hell, released in 1990, which became a major hit.

Guitarist Dimebag Darrell’s chugging, groove-focused guitar tone had a profound influence on later genres such as nu metal.

In 2004, Darrell was killed in a tragic incident.

In 2018, his brother also passed away.

Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away)Deftones

Deftones – Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away) (Official Video) [HD Remaster]

A band based in California, USA, that continues to pioneer new horizons in alternative metal.

Formed in 1988, they debuted in 1995 with the album “Adrenaline.” Their distinctive world, woven from heavy guitar sounds, experimental approaches, and Chino Moreno’s unique vocals, has captivated many listeners.

In 2000, they won the 43rd Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance with the album “White Pony.” While grounded in metal, they incorporate elements of shoegaze and post-rock into an avant-garde sound, earning them the moniker “the Radiohead of heavy rock.” Their blend of lush, aesthetic musicality and heaviness is recommended for those who want to explore music that transcends genre boundaries.

PainkillerJudas Priest

Judas Priest – Painkiller

Formed in 1969 in Birmingham, UK, they are a seminal presence in the origins of heavy metal.

While the earliest lineup was entirely different, the band evolved its sound and fashion over the course of its career, establishing the prototypical “heavy metal” style: leather-and-studs attire, the searing high register of vocalist Rob Halford—known as the “Metal God”—and a hard-edged, highly stylized sound.

Although Halford left the band for a period, he returned and they have been actively performing ever since.

Respect the WindEddie Van Halen

Respect the Wind

Eddie Van Halen, a truly legendary guitarist born in the Netherlands who blossomed musically in the United States.

Centered around hard rock and heavy metal, he revolutionized the guitar world with groundbreaking tapping techniques and his distinctive “brown sound.” In 1978, he debuted with the band Van Halen on the classic album Van Halen.

The virtuoso solo on Eruption stunned the world, and the hit Jump reached No.

1 in the U.

S.

In 1992, he won a Grammy Award, and his guest performance on Michael Jackson’s Beat It is remembered as a historic masterpiece.

In 2017, he donated 75 guitars, a testament to his deep love for and contributions to music.

His innovative guitar playing and passionate rock spirit will continue to captivate music fans.

Highway to OblivionDragonForce

DragonForce – Highway to Oblivion (Official Video – Extreme Power Metal)

DragonForce is a band that embodies the quintessential image of metal: incredibly fast tempos, high-pitched vocals, and superb musicianship.

They’re not just technical; their excellent melodies are a big part of their appeal.

You can enjoy their unique sensibility and the exhilarating back-and-forth of high-speed solos.

I’ll Know You’re Not AroundDying Wish

Dying Wish – I’ll Know You’re Not Around (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Dying Wish are known for combining the signature aggression of metalcore with melodies that hit straight to the heart.

Since forming in 2016, they’ve steadily built a fanbase through relentless live performances.

Their 2019 track Enemies In Red, featuring the vocalist of Knocked Loose, drew major attention, and their October 2021 debut album Fragments of a Bitter Memory firmly established their presence in the scene.

Frontperson Emma Boster’s soul-baring screams, together with the band’s cohesive, heavy sound, seem to resonate with listeners’ feelings of frustration and anger.

With their third release, Flesh Stays Together, slated for 2025 and widely expected to propel them even further, anyone seeking a touch of melancholy amid ferocious music should give them a listen.

Their dramatic sonic world is sure to stir your emotions.