If Metallica Is Your Thing, Check Out These 13 Modern Metal Bands

If Metallica Is Your Thing, Check Out These 13 Modern Metal Bands

If Metallica lit a fire in your musical veins, these 13 modern bands are here to keep that blaze burning strong. This list brings together a powerful mix of ferocious riffing, sharp melodic instincts, and bold experimentation that pushes metal forward without losing its edge.

Each band channels a piece of Metallica’s spirit—whether through crushing heaviness, memorable songwriting, or fearless evolution—while still carving out a fierce identity of their own. Read on to discover the artists carrying the torch into a new era of heavy music.

1. Trivium

Right away, Trivium hits with a thrash-tinged attack that will remind you why classic metal riffs still matter.

Their blend of technical guitar work and soaring choruses channels the aggression and melody that made early Metallica so compelling.

Next, packed with precision and stamina, the band layers harmonized leads and tight rhythm playing in a way that engages both the headbanger and the musician.

Their songwriting often balances complex arrangements with immediate hooks, making songs that land hard and stick in your mind long after the last note.

Finally, exploring Trivium’s catalog reveals growth and versatility – expect both blistering speed and thoughtful dynamics that reward repeated listens.

2. Sleep Token

At first glance, Sleep Token mixes crushing heaviness with haunting atmospheres that pull you into another world.

The anonymous masked presentation and ritualistic stage vibe create an immediate sense of mystery around their music and persona.

Then, their songs oscillate between delicate piano passages and massive, crushing crescendos, blending progressive metal, post-rock, and pop sensibilities in a unique way.

Vocal delivery ranges from soulful crooning to visceral screams, making each track emotionally volatile and memorable.

Lastly, Sleep Token rewards immersion – listening feels like witnessing a cathartic ceremony where vulnerability and brutal force coexist in a compelling, unpredictable balance.

3. Orbit Culture

To start, Orbit Culture brings a modern melodically heavy approach that combines groove and aggressive riffing with refined production.

Their sound often balances catchy, anthemic choruses against palm-muted, chugging verses for maximum impact.

After that, the group layers atmospheric textures and melodic leads over crushing rhythms, giving songs both emotional weight and headbang-ready moments.

Vocal delivery moves between melodic hooks and harsh shouts, enhancing contrast and urgency within each track.

In conclusion, Orbit Culture feels like a contemporary bridge between metalcore intensity and melodic death metal finesse – an essential listen for those wanting both heaviness and memorable songwriting.

4. Spiritbox

Beginning with Spiritbox, you’ll encounter ethereal vocal melodies colliding with bone-crushing riffs in surprising and exhilarating ways.

The band’s modern production highlights shimmering synths alongside percussive brutality for a textured soundscape that feels fresh and immediate.

Moving forward, the vocal interplay between clean, emotive lines and guttural screams creates dramatic tension that keeps each song emotionally charged.

Guitar parts often switch from intricate fingerpicked passages to heavy, groove-laden breakdowns, showcasing both subtlety and force.

Ultimately, Spiritbox crafts songs that resonate emotionally while delivering visceral power – perfect for listeners who crave both melody and uncompromising heaviness.

5. Bring Me The Horizon

Initially, Bring Me The Horizon shows how evolution can redefine metal for a new generation – they pivot between aggressive breakdowns and expansive, radio-ready melodies with remarkable confidence.

Their adventurous production choices broaden the palette beyond typical metal boundaries, adding electronic and orchestral elements.

Subsequently, songs often juxtapose raw emotional lyrics with massive, cinematic arrangements that still deliver the riff-driven punch fans crave.

Vocal experimentation mixes clean singing with screamed passages, creating a dramatic, unpredictable listening experience.

Finally, Bring Me The Horizon’s willingness to reinvent themselves makes them essential listening for anyone who appreciates bold, genre-blending approaches that retain heavy roots.

6. Havok

To begin, Havok brings pure thrash metal energy back to life with lightning-fast riffs and relentless tempo that will appeal to fans of classic Metallica aggression.

Their music emphasizes precise riffing, blistering solos, and tight rhythmic interplay that rewards close listening.

Then, politically charged and socially aware lyrics often accompany the chaos, adding thematic weight that elevates the music beyond mere adrenaline.

Songs are constructed with a clear nod to thrash tradition while injecting modern production and tight songwriting techniques.

In essence, Havok provides a direct, high-octane thrash experience – perfect for anyone craving speed, intensity, and razor-sharp musicianship reminiscent of metal’s golden era.

7. Code Orange

First, Code Orange blends hardcore aggression with industrial textures and metallic harshness to create a confrontational, unpredictable sound.

Their abrasive production and punishing rhythms give each track a visceral impact that challenges conventional genre lines.

Second, the band experiments with song structure, injecting noise, electronic glitches, and sudden tempo shifts that keep listeners on edge.

Vocal styles range from furious shouts to distorted processed screams, amplifying the sense of controlled chaos and intensity.

Lastly, Code Orange is ideal for listeners who appreciate boundary-pushing heaviness – their willingness to innovate yields a raw, modernized form of metal that refuses to sit still.

8. High Command

At the outset, High Command delivers a potent blend of traditional metal influences and contemporary brutality that grabs attention quickly.

Their riff-centric approach emphasizes heavy, groove-laden sections interspersed with precise, aggressive leads.

Following that, the band crafts songs with dynamic shifts that move from crushing mid-tempo grooves to faster, thrash-informed passages.

Vocals often alternate between gritty shouts and clearer melodic elements, providing balance and punch throughout each composition.

In short, High Command is a compelling pick for fans seeking straightforward yet modern metal – expect solid songwriting, memorable riffs, and a relentless sense of drive that keeps the momentum high.

9. Gatecreeper

Initially, Gatecreeper channels crushing doom and death metal elements into a dense, relentless sonic assault that rewards fans of pure heaviness.

Their sound is anchored by down-tuned, chugging riffs and guttural vocals that emphasize raw power above all else.

Beyond that, songs maintain a hypnotic groove even as they pummel with unrelenting force, creating a bleak atmosphere that’s both oppressive and cathartic.

The band balances tempo changes and tight songwriting to keep momentum while exploring darker textures.

Ultimately, Gatecreeper is for listeners who want uncompromising heaviness and bleak intensity – their records deliver a cathartic barrage that hits hard and lingers long after the final chord.

10. Volbeat

At first, Volbeat brings a unique fusion of rockabilly, punk, and heavy metal that stands out from the pack and offers a fresh take for Metallica fans seeking melody.

Their songwriting often emphasizes catchy hooks and singable choruses over pure aggression.

Moreover, the band merges vintage rock influences with modern metal punch, producing tracks that are both accessible and weighty.

Guitar work combines melodic leads with rhythmic drive, while vocal delivery carries a distinct, charismatic tone that anchors each song.

Finally, Volbeat is an excellent gateway band – expect energetic, hook-filled metal that feels familiar yet distinct, and that invites repeated listening and crowd singalongs.

11. Gojira

To start, Gojira blends heavy, rhythmic complexity with profound environmental and philosophical themes that elevate their music beyond mere aggression.

Their percussive, palm-muted riffing and precise syncopation create a dense, hypnotic force that commands attention.

Then, the band intersperses moments of delicate melody and dynamic contrast, allowing songs to breathe before crashing back into seismic heaviness.

Vocals range from anguished shouts to introspective cleans, heightening emotional intensity across tracks.

Ultimately, Gojira offers both intellectual depth and physical impact – their innovative approach to metal rewards listeners who crave technical prowess paired with thoughtful lyrical content.

12. Bad Omens

First off, Bad Omens combines polished production with soaring melodic hooks that appeal to fans of heavy yet accessible metal.

Their songs often feature cinematic builds that transition into explosive, emotionally charged choruses.

Then, the band incorporates modern electronic textures and layered harmonies to enhance depth and dramatic tension within each track.

Vocal performances tend to be dynamic and expressive, balancing vulnerability with aggressive moments for powerful contrasts.

Finally, Bad Omens crafts music that connects emotionally while delivering head-turning heaviness – perfect for listeners who want stadium-ready hooks alongside intense metal energy and polished songwriting craft.

13. Avenged Sevenfold

To begin, Avenged Sevenfold fuses metalcore roots with classic metal and hard rock grandeur, producing epic compositions that emphasize melody and technical flair.

Their guitar harmonies and intricate solos recall the virtuosity that metal fans admire.

Next, the band’s penchant for theatrical arrangements and memorable hooks results in songs that are both heavy and widely appealing, blending aggressive passages with sweeping, melodic choruses.

Vocal delivery often leans toward strong, expressive singing which elevates the dramatic punch of their work.

In short, Avenged Sevenfold provides anthemic, riff-driven music that satisfies listeners craving both technical proficiency and powerful, memorable songwriting within the modern metal spectrum.