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[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] Overseas Metal Bands You Absolutely Can’t Miss – From Veterans to Newcomers (41–50)

Fast as a SharkACCEPT

Accept – Fast as a Shark (official Video)
Fast as a SharkACCEPT

In Germany, while Scorpions were the most popular rock band, the heavy metal band said to be the most influential was Accept.

Led by frontman Udo Dirkschneider, they blazed a new trail with their intense musical style.

[2025] Overseas Metal Bands You Absolutely Can’t Miss — From Veterans to Up-and-Comers (51–60)

Bat CountryAvenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold – Bat Country [Official Music Video]
Bat CountryAvenged Sevenfold

A band from California formed in 1999.

Their sound spans a wide range, from thrash metal to melodic metal and alternative metal.

They made a major breakthrough with their third album, City of Evil, in 2005, and also garnered attention for songs written for the Call of Duty: Black Ops series.

Although their drummer, James “The Rev” Sullivan, passed away suddenly in 2009, their following year’s release, Nightmare, reached No.

1 on the Billboard 200.

Incorporating everything from metalcore to classical elements, they have been recognized as one of the defining metal bands since the 2000s.

L’Enfant SauvageGOJIRA

GOJIRA – L’Enfant Sauvage [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
L'Enfant SauvageGOJIRA

Gojira is a heavy metal band from France.

Formed in 1996, they are known for their unique musical style.

While grounded in thrash and death metal, their sound is characterized by technical and progressive elements.

They released their debut album, Terra Incognita, in 2001 and have continued to work energetically ever since.

Many of their lyrics address environmental issues, and the album Fortitude presents an antithesis to consumerism.

Their commitment to evolving through live performance is also compelling.

If you discovered them through their commanding performance at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, be sure to check out their heavy, dramatic metal sound!

PiscesJINJER

JINJER – Pisces (Live Session) | Napalm Records
PiscesJINJER

Jinjer is a progressive metal band from Ukraine.

The band has stunned many listeners with vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk’s commanding performance, seamlessly shifting from a sultry clean voice to astonishing growls.

Centered on prog and groove metal, their unpredictable sound boldly fuses elements of jazz and reggae, resulting in music that’s highly technical yet incredibly catchy.

They earned worldwide acclaim with a live video of their signature song “Pisces,” and their continued delivery of powerful messages through music, even under difficult circumstances, has moved countless people.

You, too, may find yourself overwhelmed by their sheer intensity and artistry!

VoicesIn Flames

IN FLAMES – Voices (OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO)
VoicesIn Flames

In Flames, a band from Sweden famous for igniting the melodic death metal boom.

Led by them, the Nordic scene boasts an exceptionally high level of bands, doesn’t it? Their appeal, with such impressive skill, lies in their genre-defying musicality, don’t you think? In their early days they played melodic death metal, then moved through progressive metal and Scandinavian metal, and nowadays they’ve settled into alternative metal.

Having experienced a variety of genres, they excel at expressive melodies!

Popular MonsterFalling In Reverse

Falling In Reverse – “Popular Monster”
Popular MonsterFalling In Reverse

Formed in Las Vegas in 2008, Falling In Reverse has gained popularity with a distinctive sound that blends various genres centered around post-hardcore.

Their 2011 debut album, The Drug in Me Is You, was a major hit, reaching No.

19 on the Billboard 200.

Songs reflecting frontman Ronnie Radke’s personal experiences resonate with many listeners.

Their music incorporates elements of rap metal and modern electronic beats, captivating a wide range of fans across genre boundaries.

By giving a voice to outsiders and those often overlooked, their tracks serve as a powerful ally for people searching for a place where they belong.

Metal is for EveryoneFredom Call

FREEDOM CALL – “Metal is for Everyone” (Official Video)
Metal is for EveryoneFredom Call

Freedom Call is a German power metal band.

In 2016, with the intensely powerful message “Metal is for everyone,” they captured the hearts of many heavy metal enthusiasts.

Their headbang-inducing tracks are the very epitome of classic metal.