Best Modern Heavy Metal / Metalcore Bands

The Top Ten
1 Avenged Sevenfold Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band, that was formed 1999 in California. Their longest lineup of members was M. Shadows (Vocals), Synyster Gates (Lead Guitar), Zacky Vengeance (Rhythm Guitar), Johnny Christ (Bass Guitar), and The Rev (Drums). ...read more.

I don't see how this band sucks... I mean each of their members are diverse but yet they work so well together! They also get along and they care for each other. But they are much more than just metal, they have a viraity of styles that fit the band si well... Songs like Dear God, Fiction, and Warmness on the Soul show a different side of the band. I can't wait to hear more from them becuase they rock!

They are the new wave of heavy metal. Have you guys heard any of their Albums. Waking the Fallen was probably the best metalcore album back then. They are most definitely above a NU-METAL band like slipknot. Probably one of the best guitarist, lead singer, and had the best drummer before he died (R.I.P the rev)

Avenged Sevenfold is everything. Matt's amazing voice, Syn & Zacky's guitar skills, Johnny's bass lines and Jimmy's drumming made them the band they are today. Thankfully, Arin is here to continue where Jimmy left off. Avenged is the best band ever! R.I. P Jimmy The Rev Sullivan.

They have matured a ridiculous amount over the last 14 years. Around there age (early 30s) a lot of pressure is on their shoulders to carry on the heavy metal legacy. There's no one anywhere near as good as them around at though point in time. They'll go down as one of the greats, I'd bet my life on it.

2 Lamb of God Lamb of God is an American heavy metal band from Richmond, Virginia. Formed in 1994, the group consists of vocalist Randy Blythe, guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler, bassist John Campbell, and drummer Chris Adler.

Yes yes yes this is something good seen in one of the ratings of TheTopTens.com lest I would have been kept waiting to see my best band among the top bands in many lists but in rare categories now I see some real deal
Talking about some songs can't actually mention many because almost all of them are the best but some good or rather why not to say the best ones are
"Laid to rest" "walk with me in hell" "now you've got something to die for" "redneck" "blacken the cursed sun" "fake massiah" "HOURGLASS" "descending" "11TH HOUR" "ashes of the wake" "again we rise" "as the palaces burn"... Blah blah blah! Can't stop mentioning them all because they are all of them best listening to them makes me feel that I am exactly at the middle of heaven and hell!

Probably one of the most talented metal bands out there right now, some truly astonishing musicianship and talent behind their works, and as alluded to by other fans, there is a heavy Pantera influence, and these guys are their well-deserving successor. As The Palaces Burn, Sacrament and Resolution are probably their best works, raw and uncompromising, powerful and thought provoking, spine-crushingly heavy and epic. Even if they're not to your taste, you'd do yourself a disservice by not giving them a try.

Lamb of God is just out of the way. You can't compare any band with this one. Best vocals, drumming and most importantly the lyrical content is just mind blowing. Songs like Laid to rest, Black label, Descending, Vigil... This should be on 1st in my opinion.

Epic band! Pantera influences and Slayer influences are obvious, but they have a very unique style that makes them much more than the knock-offs some will say they are!

3 Slipknot Slipknot is an American metal band formed in Des Moines, Iowa in 1996. The band is best known as one of the pioneers of the New Wave of American Alternative Metal during the late 1990s - 2000s and are distinguishable by the band's clothing choices, consisting of black/red jumpsuits and horror inspired masks. ...read more.

There is simply no other metal band that compares to slipknot, of the 1000's that exist and I've heard from whatever genre, slipknot is instantly recognisable and original, tribal drumming, the vocal selection from coreys powerhouse screaming and singing with deep moving voice, guitars that sound good enough to kill someone, the anger level is lethal and cannot be replicated authentically, metal would not be the same without them, slipknot have changed my life and continue to inspire for as long as there is electricity to listen

No hate on a7x great band but they shouldn't be number one slipknot revolutionized metal combining rap and screaming and the contrast between the soft spots and heavy patches in the song make them that much more brilliant amazing band corey taylor is a genius enough said

Slipknot is imply the best band, sadly they have never came to South Africa. Joey is the most amazing drummer and I think slipknot is the second best band in the world due to their brilliant song "snuff". I'm sorry but I would place Bullet For My Valentine as number 1 on thi list

Their musical style has evolved over the years demonstrating their vast musical talent. No heavy metal band can compete with slipknot when it comes to raw aggression!

4 Five Finger Death Punch Five Finger Death Punch, often shortened to Five Finger or Death Punch, also abbreviated as 5FDP or FFDP, is an American metal band from Las Vegas, Nevada. Formed in 2005, the band's name comes from the kung fu movie The Five Fingers of Death.

Bullet for my valentine is such a awesome band.. What IT IS DOING BELOW.. And came the second 5FDP.. They are the modern heavy metal.. Rest I like are present in this list of top ten...

Their music is both brutal and harsh but melodic and deep. This band is one of the world's greatest heavy metal bands ever and in my opinion the greatest mordern heavy metal band. Ivan Moody, Zoltan Bathony, Jason Hook, Jeremy Spencer, Chris Kael. YOU ARE LEGENDS

I think five finger death punch is the best of the best it rates number one in my book I don't think anyone will ever be able to top them no way in hell 5FDP are the gods of heavy metal

Although many don't care for screaming, this is differen. It's deep, and you can understand it, 5FDP is one of the greatest heavy metal bands ever, only behind Black Sabbath.

5 Disturbed Disturbed is an American alternative metal/nu-metal/hard rock band from Chicago, Illinois. The band comprises vocalist David Draiman, bassist John Moyer, guitarist Dan Donegan, and drummer Mike Wengren. They are known for songs like "Down With the Sickness" and "Stricken".

It's not a question of popularity, of fanboys or fangirls.
It's not a question of influence.
It's not a question of "good" singles that are famous, and therefore, make the band famous.
It is the simple question of being the best BAND, and having the best SOUND.
And for that, I think that Disturbed should be at least on top 3.
Just listen to one of their albums, especially the last one Asylum, and you will get it. ANY of their musics, or almost any is just great and awesome to listen. That's why I vote for then as best BAND and for having the best SOUND. (without mentioning the awesome lyric combination on the albums)
Dan Donegan is one of the most COMPLETE guitar players on ALL time, and D. Draiman voice is just "blessed". The bass and drums also make up good. They are on a hiatus, but they will soon return. Out of all history, they are one of the only 6 bands of heavy metal to make 4 consecutive first place debuts on 4 consecutive album releases. Srry for bad english, brazilian here

6 Children of Bodom Children Of Bodom was a melodic death metal band from Espoo, Finland. Formed in 1993, the final lineup consisted of Alexi Laiho, Janne Wirman, Henkka Seppälä, Jaska Raatikainen and Daniel Freyberg.

Children Of Bodom need to be more listened in the world, even in North Korea, Afghanistan etc. Because that band is not terrible and have a lot of awesome songs

Chilren of Bodom is simply the best band I have ever listened, specially their song "Every time I die" is a masterpiece.

Cob is one of the best European metal bands ever.

A very underrated Finnish band together with nightwish

7 Bullet for My Valentine Bullet for My Valentine are a Welsh metalcore band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is composed of Matthew Tuck (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar, backing vocals), Michael Thomas (drums) and Jamie Mathias (bass guitar). Former members include Nick Crandle and Jason James; ...read more.

What? Seriously?
Slipkont, five finger death punch & killswitch engage are rated higher than Bullet For My Valentine hell no this is so not happening

Its should be on at least top 3, no one can beat the guitar solos of matt tuck and Michael paget not even Metallica... There screams are best in the world! Am too disappointed at rank 7...

The top ten bands are great! Bullet For My Valentine, Disturbed, or Volbeat should be number 1. I guess Avenged Sevenfold works for for me too though. They are pretty great!

I LOVE this band! My boyfriend and I listen to every song of theirs in the car and they NEVER get old! This band should be number one or at least number two. Fix it please

8 Volbeat Volbeat are a Danish heavy metal band formed in Copenhagen in 2001. They play a fusion of rock and roll, heavy metal and rockabilly.

Truthfully I just discovered this band a few months ago... But they are awesome and I've since bought all 5 of their albums. I want America to know what Denmark already knows... Volbeat is here!

Saw these guys live with Metallica a couple nights ago. Seeing them live gave me a new respect for them. They killed it. Currently listening to Warrior's Call rn, and now they are one of my favorite bands.

I discovered Volbeat about a year ago and I had never heard anything like it. It was so unique and quite different, but I instantly fell in love!

Their early songs are the best and most "metallic". If I had to recommend only one song, it would be "A Warrior's Call" (an intro song to danish boxer Mikkel Kessler). Truly awesome!

9 Killswitch Engage Killswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1999 after the disbanding of Overcast and Aftershock.

I am so grateful that I have never been reduced to just one style of music or let I style define me.L am a 57 yr old man that probably understands in ways that when through situations we will never know something very powerful is produced it was given to us in Killswitch.

Killswitch Engage is positive, fast, and heavy. What more could you ask for?
The band is so underrated it's not even funny. I think they deserve at least top 5.

Super band, I love the new holy diver!

Should be in the top 5

10 System of a Down System of a Down, formed in 1994, is an Armenian-American alternative metal group from Glendale, California. The band name is sometimes shortened to System or SOAD. They've always been a very political band since their inception. Often being against genocide and war most notably in songs like: Pluck, ...read more.

Almost every song has pure meaning behind it. From B.Y.O.B. - "Why don't presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor? " To Boom - "4000 hungry children leave us per hour from starvation, while billions spent on bombs creating death showers". Both songs involve serious meaning, more I think than any other metal band or any other band of any genre.

Oh hell yes! System are my life, their songs are so... Weird it's awesome, been listening to them since I was a kid because my parents would always play them, even though I'm more into metalcore, System of a Down are always great to listen to

Every jam is different, you could also understand every word.. They're heavy yet soft, they are intricate with their music, great drums and voice...

System of a Down rocks! Uh, no pun intended. Their songs never get old to me.

The Contenders
11 Byzantine

The best metal in years. Heavily underrated. A mix of Pantera, Testament, Lamb of God with a touch of maybe Rush. The ingredients seem self destructive but work very well in this band. Vocal is great, rhythm section is very potent. Guitars do what they need to do. All in all it's a travesty the band does not have more support throughout the world probably because its not promoted well enough.

12 Tool Tool is an American alternative metal/progressive metal band, that was formed in 1990. ...read more.

Tool is something which takes you to a different dimension. Their songs just match the frequency of your brain waves producing resonance which leads to ultimate satisfaction

More than music, an auditory and visual experience layered with true artistry and meaning. Not just angry, not just heavy, but a thinking man’s metal. My all time favorite.

13 All Shall Perish All Shall Perish is an American deathcore band from Oakland, California, United States, formed in 2002.

Saw them in concert in Pensacola 2012. Kick-ass and fun to hang with after the show.

My favorite off all time but they have changed

14 Trivium Trivium is an American Heavy Metal band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 1999. Their frontman, Matt Heafy, lead guitarist Corey Beaulieu and Bassist Paulo Gregoletto are the band's most consistent members and have appeared in every album since. ...read more.

They have changed avery album all in different directions. They have created amazing masterpieces like shogun and the crusade and just kick ass songs like strife and in waves

Listen to Down From The Sky and In Waves and you'll know why Trivium is the future of Metal

These guys have amazing guitar riffs in songs and are the fute of rock/metal

The new Metallica sound is here

15 Meshuggah Meshuggah is a Swedish progressive metal band from Umeå, formed in 1987. They are often considered the fathers or founders of the djent metal sub genre due to their use of downtuned guitars. They are also known for their song “Bleed”, which is known for its extremely complicated instrumentation, especially the drumming. They released their most recent album, “The Violent Sleep of Reason” on October 7th, 2016. Meshuggah's line-up consists of founding members vocalist Jens Kidman and lead guitarist Fredrik Thordendal, drummer Tomas Haake, who joined in 1990, rhythm guitarist Mårten Hagström, who joined in 1992 and bassist Dick Lövgren since 2004.

When I wake up I have one idea listen corridor of cameleons or neurotica
It is so complex it is difficult to listen over groups of metal after

16 As I Lay Dying As I Lay Dying is an American metalcore band from San Diego, California. Founded in 2000 by vocalist Tim Lambesis, the establishment of the band's first full lineup, which included drummer Jordan Mancino, occurred in 2001. As I Lay Dying has released six albums, one split album, and two compilation albums.

Incredible band, lyrics, guitars, drums, all amazing. Once you get in to As I Lay Dying you will never stop listening to them.

As I Lay Dying also has some of the best guitar solos I have ever heard. You cannot deny that they are brutally amazing.

Nice clean vocal, nice guitar solo, nice drummer, and nice scream vocal

17 Asking Alexandria Asking Alexandria are an English metalcore band from York, North Yorkshire formed initially in 2008 by lead guitarist Ben Bruce along with former lead singer Danny Worsnop, bassist Joe Lancaster, keyboardist and synth player Ryan Binns, and current members drummer James Cassells and rhythm guitarist ...read more.

Very talented and creative, for those who ask for originality their new album "From Death To Destiny" will please you

They definitely have their own sound, which I admire

You wouldn't know talent if it was chocking you

All their music is AMAZING

18 Arch Enemy Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band, originally a supergroup, from Halmstad, formed in 1996. Its members were in bands such as Carcass, Armageddon, Carnage, Mercyful Fate, Spiritual Beggars, and Eucharist.
19 Parkway Drive Parkway Drive is an Australian metalcore band from Byron Bay, New South Wales, formed in 2003. As of 2015, Parkway Drive has released five full-length albums, one EP, two DVDs, a split album and one book, titled Ten Years of Parkway Drive.

As heavy as it gets, and still the sound is open and uncompressed. Killer Aussie Hard Core Metal. Very few bands around today have the balls these guys have. Keep going' fellas you do us proud.

OK, don't get me wrong I'm a huge 'Knot fan, but on the top of this list I've read "metalcore", so WHY ISN'T PARKWAY DRIVE IS IN THE TOP 3 AT LEAST?

Their latest Album Atlas is off the charts

Not my favoroit band but should be ahead of asking alexandria

20 Black Veil Brides Black Veil Brides is an American rock band currently consisting of Andy Biersack (vocals), Jinxx (guitar), Jake Pitts (guitar), Christian Coma (drums) and Ashley Purdy (bass), that formed in 2006 in Ohio. In the beginning of their career, the band was heavily associated with the emo subculture, and had strong metalcore, screamo and alternative influences, however got more metal oriented over the years. Their songs usually carry a message of acceptance, believing in yourself and being individual and different. Among their most well known songs are "Knives and Pens", "Rebel Love Song", "In the End" and "Fallen Angels".

I love this band so much! Their latest album "wretched and divine" wasn't really heavy metal more like glam rock.. but I can guarantee that their new album will be a lot more heavy. They have saved my life and I love them so muuuch.

They save my life They r so amazing n awesome
Andy and the other members I love you guys so much
Your music is the coolest ever I ever heard
I want to say guys you r ma heros
Ma favorite band ever!

Great band, Andy saved my life, should be higher up, hope slipknot, parkway drive, asking alexandria get higher next time too there all great

Beautiful vocals, amazing guitar solos, a wonderful drummer, and an awesome bass guitarist. If you love high scream, and just wonderful chords that just click, then listen to BVB! I consider Black Veil Brides one of the best heavy metal/scream bands of the century! They save lives, and has one of the most beautiful lead singer in the universe *derp :p* They should be higher up, because no one can be more original than BVB. They are awesome

21 The Devil Wears Prada The Devil Wears Prada is an American metalcore band from Dayton, Ohio, formed in 2005. It consists of members Mike Hranica, Jeremy DePoyster, Andy Trick, and Daniel Williams.

Oh. Come on guys. This is a very new metal band. Although it is not as famous as a7x and lamb of god but they r nothing compared to the devil wears prada. Just listen to their songs: dez moines and hey john what's your name again. you will like it. you won't regret it.

This is better than black veil brides shut up

22 Dethklok Dethklok is both a virtual band featured in the Adult Swim animated program Metalocalypse and a real band created to perform the band's melodic death metal music in live shows. Both bands were created by Brendon Small and Tommy Blacha. ...read more.
23 Bring Me the Horizon Bring Me the Horizon is a British rock band from Sheffield, Yorkshire. Formed in 2004, the group currently consists of vocalist Oliver Sykes, guitarist Lee Malia, bassist Matt Kean, drummer Matt Nicholls, and keyboardist Jordan Fish. They are signed to RCA Records globally and Columbia Records exclusively ...read more.

I love Oli even more for calling his cheating wife out onstage at Glastonbury this year. I just hope this doesn't set him back on his road to drug free recovery. Sometimes those who seem outwardly strong are hiding deeply felt inner demons. I sincerely hope all of BMTH will stand by him and support him at this difficult time.

Everything about this band is incredible. To the instruments, to the concept, to olis screams, their incredible. Their lyrical concept has saved my life and so many others. Oli sings about real life battles, issues, problems. He's one of the biggest inspiration in music.

This band is amazing! I can't live without them. They saved me..

I don't like their old stuff but their new album 'Sempriternal' is really good.

24 Pantera Pantera was an American heavy metal band formed in 1981 by guitarist Dimebag Darrell and drummer Vinnie Paul. The band started out as a glam metal act in the 1980s with little success. After discarding their original lead vocalist and enlisting Phil Anselmo, the band signed a major record deal with Warner Music Group via Atco Records. Around this time, Pantera underwent a major change in their musical... read more

Pantera are old school metal not modern metal. There first album came out in the early 80's.Pantera are better then every band on this list but there old school.

Panteras albums cowboys from hell, vulgar display of power, and far beyond driven are classic metal along with there glam metal albums ( not modern metal)

I have brutal display of power ok I can liten it but you will not compare them with MESHUGGAH or FEAR FACTORY it is not the same level of complexity

25 Breaking Benjamin Breaking Benjamin is a American post-grunge/alternative metal/rock band formed in 1998. The bands members all changed in the time between 2010 to 2014, with the exception of Ben Burnley (Vocals). The Ex-Members included Chad Szeliga (Drums), Aaron Fink (Guitar) and Mark Klepaspi (Bass). The band is one of the most well-known bands of its genre and is associated with its electronic sounds in their songs and overall technicality. After the release of their second album "We Are Not Alone", the band gained a lot success in Europe and Asia.

Best band ever. Thy might not be heavy metal, but they're still metal.

The 2018 album "ember" is heavy as hell

Not Metalcore at all

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