[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 Newcomers (41–50)
This LoveDimebag Darrell
Dimebag Darrell, hailing from Texas, USA, carved his name into heavy metal history.
Starting with early glam metal, he and his older brother Vinnie Paul went on to define groove metal with Pantera.
Formed in 1981, Pantera shook the scene with the 1990 album Cowboys from Hell and solidified their style with releases like Vulgar Display of Power.
Guitar solos such as Walk are highly acclaimed.
He received four Grammy nominations with Pantera.
His thunderous low-end riffs and passionate solos are truly one of a kind.
In December 2004, he passed away at the age of 38.
His soul-stirring guitar is highly recommended for those seeking a massive sound and jaw-dropping virtuosity.
Rise UpTestament
Testament, a heavyweight in thrash metal, is an American band that once went on hiatus but made a comeback and has been actively performing ever since.
They enjoy worldwide popularity with songs that blend old-school thrash metal and modern sounds.
Alex Skolnick’s distinctive guitar phrases are incredibly addictive once they hook you.
PanamaVan Halen
An American band that pioneered hard rock and heavy metal, formed around the Van Halen brothers—Alex on drums and his younger brother Edward on guitar.
They are famous for popularizing the guitar technique known as tapping (two-handed tapping), and they also have a long history of frequent changes in vocalists.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, the band enjoys immense support not only from fans but also from heavy metal bands around the world.
Carry OnAngra
This Brazil-born band wields a sound that blends melodic speed metal with elements of classical music, and enjoys immense popularity in Japan.
Formed in 1991 around original vocalist Andre Matos and guitarist Rafael Bittencourt, they released their debut album, Angels Cry, in 1993.
While influenced by German metal acts like Helloween, they showcased their own distinctive take on metal, rapidly boosting their profile.
After Andre’s departure, the band has continued working energetically despite numerous lineup changes.
Code of the SlashersCannibal Corpse
An American death metal band active since 1988.
They are a defining presence from the formative early-1990s American death metal scene, delivering pure, no-frills, hard-hitting death metal.
Their relentless sound and guttural death growls—quintessential death metal—are irresistible for metal fans.
ScarifiedPaul Gilbert
Paul Gilbert, an American guitarist who overwhelms listeners with his astonishingly fast playing, blossomed early with a focus on hard rock and heavy metal.
A consummate talent, he even served as an instructor at the prestigious GIT at just 18 years old.
In 1986, he made a sensational debut with Racer X, a band he co-founded, on the album Street Lethal.
With Mr.
Big, the 1991 single “To Be with You” reached No.
1 in the U.
S.
, bringing him worldwide success.
In 2007, he was ranked fourth in Guitar One’s “Top 10 Greatest Guitar Shredders of All Time,” and his near-miraculous technique continues to be highly acclaimed around the globe.
His appeal goes beyond sheer virtuosity; his rich melodic sense, informed by blues and pop, constantly broadens his musical range.
For guitar fans seeking overwhelming technique and soul-stirring, passionate phrasing, Paul Gilbert’s guitar promises the ultimate sonic experience.
World War NowKreator
Kreator is a German thrash metal band that originally formed as Tormentor in 1982 and changed its name in 1985.
They are also sometimes referred to as “Kuriētā” in Japanese.
Their fast, thrilling sound embodies the true essence of metal with a high level of perfection.