Top 10 Most Brutal Death Metal Bands

This is a list of death metal bands based on their brutal sounds, heavy guitar riffs, harsh guttural vocals, and deep death growls.

The Top Ten

Cannibal Corpse

Cannibal Corpse is an American death metal band from Buffalo, New York, formed in 1988. They're known for their graphic album covers, violent lyrics, and controversial song titles, such as "I Cum Blood." They gained mainstream exposure with their appearance performing "Hammer Smashed Face" in the 1994... read more

They are the gods of brutality. I don't want to hear any bull about Cannibal Corpse being "mainstream." They are not even close to being mainstream. If they were mainstream, they would be mentioned in the same sentence as popular pop acts, but they're not. Cannibal Corpse is more popular than probably any other death metal band ever, but that doesn't make them mainstream because death metal is underground to begin with.
Some people might try to pretend they are mainstream to make them seem less brutal, but even if they were, it wouldn't make them any less brutal, just more popular. They are the heaviest, most brutal death metal band of all time.
Nile

Nile is an American technical death metal band from Greenville, South Carolina, formed in 1993. Their music and lyrics are heavily inspired by ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern history, religion, mysticism, and art, as well as the works of H.P. Lovecraft. The band is known for its complex compositions... read more

What can I say? The dual guitar works by Toler-Wade and Sanders followed by George's brutal double bass drumming followed by 240 BPM all at the same time makes for a brutal powerhouse of a band. They are definitely redefining technical and brutal death metal.
And they deserve number one in my book of most brutal death metal bands.

They do brutality right. When they're fast, it rips your face off. When they're slow, it feels like the hammer of the gods on your spine. Absolute best Brutal Death Metal.

Still as technically brutal as ever in 2016. Caught them in London this week, and the show was outstanding! Great atmospheric death metal, neck break speed, and flawless.
Behemoth

Behemoth is a Polish blackened death metal band from Gdańsk, formed in 1991. They have been instrumental in establishing and popularizing the Polish extreme metal underground scene.

Their riffs are relentless, the drums are thunderous, and Nergal's vocals sound just plain bestial if not outright inhuman at times. The raw intensity of their music cannot be understated. Their work is devastating Pagan war magic as music.
Tracks like Sculpting The Throne Ov Seth are testament to their raw musical might.

Yeah, Behemoth might not sound as 'brutal' as Cannibal Corpse, but they're the true tough guys! Cannibal Corpse always sounds hilarious to me. They're making fun of death metal.
I like Cannibal Corpse. Corpsegrinder is a nice guy. But I can never think of them as a 'true death metal' band.
Bloodbath

Bloodbath is a Swedish death metal supergroup from Stockholm, formed in 1998. The band has released four full-length albums, two EPs, and two DVDs featuring performances at Wacken Open Air and Bloodstock Open Air. Known for their old-school death metal sound, Bloodbath has included members from prominent... read more

My absolute favorite band. Bloodbath has a dark ambiance mixed with a good and heavy groove. Taking inspiration from bands like Entombed and Dismember.
I wish these guys would come across North America, sadly they seem to only play in the Netherlands.

All I gotta say is that the guitars and the drumming are just unexplainable in my opinion. I can't even put it into words. I love Behemoth and CC as well as Infant Annihilator.
Those are top 5 bands but this band just throws those bands out the window. The gutturals are just something inhuman.
Cryptopsy

Cryptopsy is a Canadian technical death metal band from Montreal, Quebec, formed in 1988. The band has sold over 300,000 records worldwide. They are known for their complex compositions and have been influential in the development of the technical death metal genre.

One of Cryptopsy's earliest albums, Blasphemy Made Flesh, is extremely loud, fast as hell, and downright heavy and insane, and that was just when they first started! Their other albums continue to amaze with incredible sound and brutality.
These guys will never disappoint if you're in the mood for the slams!

Blasphemy Made Flesh and None So Vile are hands down two of the best Death Metal albums ever recorded. A true showcase of the severity of the Canadian Metal scene.

Some of the most brutal music ever crafted. Insane vocals, intense guitars, chaotic drumming, and heavy bass. A recipe for brutality.
Dying Fetus

Dying Fetus is an American death metal band from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Formed in 1991, the band is known for its aggressive style, which includes blast beats, complex riffs, slam riffs, and heavy breakdowns. They are widely regarded as influential in both the brutal death metal and technical death... read more

Dying Fetus is really brutal and honestly one of the heaviest bands I've heard. I really don't understand why so many people hate Dying Fetus. I mean, they're so talented. The guitarist/singer, John Gallagher, is such a talented guy. He plays really heavy and complex guitar riffs while singing guttural vocals and headbanging at the same time.
I really want to see them live, and I really want my band to go on tour with them. Here is a list of my favorites by Dying Fetus:
- Grotesque Impalement
- Intentional Manslaughter
- Invert the Idols
- Bathe in Entrails
- Procreate the Malformed
(SUPER HEAVY SONGS!)

Maybe the biggest influence on brutal death metal besides Cannibal Corpse and Suffocation. Should be ranked much higher.
Devourment

Devourment is an American brutal and slam death metal band from Dallas, Texas. Formed in 1995, the band has split up and reunited multiple times over the years. Drummer Brad Fincher is the only original member who has remained active with the group through all of its incarnations.

This band is FAR more brutal than Bloodbath, Nile, and Cryptopsy. They're not even that guttural compared to this guy's growls. These guys are WAY heavier. Plus, just look them up on iTunes and compare the song names and lyrics to the other bands. There's no comparison. "Babykiller" and "Molesting the Decapitated" by Devourment make "Eaten" by Bloodbath look and sound like a lullaby.

This is a list of the most brutal bands, not the best. Devourment makes most of these bands seem like pub rock. Devourment, Brain Drill, Cryptopsy, Abominable Putridity, Benighted, Suffocation, Nile, and Dying Fetus should be up top.
Suffocation

Suffocation is an American technical death metal band formed in 1988 in Centereach, Long Island, New York. They are regarded as pioneers of the brutal and technical death metal styles. The band has released multiple influential albums since their debut.

I had been constantly in the search of some serious brutality until I came across this band, and I knew I had struck gold. I mean it's not that CC is not good enough, but I personally favor Suffocation.

Number 8? Are you joking? Suffocation crushes and has been for more than 25 years despite numerous lineup changes. The band deserves more respect and has earned the top spot.

The true kings of Death Metal. I don't need an explanation for why. Just listen to "Effigy of the Forgotten," and you'll understand.
Deicide

Deicide is an American death metal band from Tampa, Florida, formed in 1987 by guitarist brothers Eric and Brian Hoffman and drummer Steve Asheim. Vocalist and bassist Glen Benton joined shortly after, and the band officially adopted the name Deicide in 1989. Known for their blasphemous and anti-Christian... read more

Brutal, blasphemous, and satanic. That right there should say it all. Guttural vocals and super fast tremolo guitar work... Going strong for twenty-five years as of 2013.
Soldiering past bans and extreme controversy and censoring while laughing at it all the way... What's NOT to like?

Perhaps the most infamous bands in the genre, Deicide took the satanic lyrics to a whole new level. Loved the band during the Hoffman brothers era. I like Vital Remains more than Deicide.

I love Deicide and think they are heavier than Cannibal Corpse, which happens to be my second favorite band.
Decapitated

Decapitated is a Polish technical death metal band formed in Krosno in 1996. The current lineup includes guitarist and founder Wacław "Vogg" Kiełtyka, vocalist Rafał Piotrowski, bassist Paweł Pasek, and drummer James Stewart. The band is known for their precise musicianship and impact on the international... read more

Day 69 is full of collateral bloody damage. CC is what everyone says, and they're the Nickelback of death metal: too generic, sold out.

The Newcomers

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XavlegbmaofffassssitimiwoamndutroabcwapwaeiippohfffX is a South African brutal death metal band formed in 2012. Known for their humorous and intentionally convoluted name, the band incorporates elements of grindcore and slam into their music. Their lyrics are typically absurd and comedic, satirizing... read more
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Infernal War

Infernal War is a Polish black metal band that originated in Częstochowa in 1997. The band is known for its aggressive lyrical themes, which include anti-Christian and World War II topics. These themes have led to the group being inaccurately labeled as a National Socialist black metal band, though... read more

The Contenders

Skinless

Skinless is an American death metal band that was formed in 1992. The band initially disbanded in 2011 but reunited in 2013. They are known for their brutal sound and high-energy performances within the death metal scene.

They should be way higher up than this. Personally, I think they're on par with CC on brutality, but they're slamming brutal death, so it's a step further.

All these people who are not voting for these guys just haven't heard them. They are relentless!

Dude, check these guys out. If you've never heard them, you don't know what brutal is.
Cattle Decapitation

Cattle Decapitation is an American deathgrind band from San Diego, California, formed in 1996. Their music addresses themes such as animal rights, environmental destruction, and misanthropy, often depicting humans in the roles of abused animals. While the band originally had an entirely vegetarian lineup... read more

Pure demonic bile for humankind. Their recent albums (The Harvest Floor, Monolith Of Inhumanity, The Anthropocene Extinction) are apocalyptically heavy. Dangerously fast and insanely technical, they are more than just a vegetarian grindcore. They are black metal, progressive metal, death metal, tech death, and overall, they are brutal!

Each new album they release is faster and more brutal than the previous one. Their last album was kick-ass good and heavy and brutal.

Travis Ryan's vocals are by far the most extreme, mixed with Dave McGraw's insanely fast blasting and Josh Elmore's most unique writing style. Cattle Decapitation is a monster.
Meshuggah

Meshuggah is a Swedish progressive metal band from Umeå, formed in 1987. They are often considered pioneers of the djent subgenre due to their use of downtuned, polymetric guitar riffs and complex rhythms. They are also known for their song "Bleed," which is notable for its intricate instrumentation... read more

Meshuggah aren't really death metal, but they're still one of the heaviest and most brutal bands ever. Their song Corridor of Chameleons will make you want to smash everything in the same room.

One of the heaviest bands out there, but they aren't Death Metal. The vocalist doesn't use death growls. I'd call them Progressive Groove Metal/Djent.

Dude, Meshuggah is the most brutal out there. Should be on top!
Death

Death was an American death metal band formed in 1983 by Chuck Schuldiner. The band is widely considered one of the most influential in heavy metal and a pioneer of the death metal genre. Their debut album, Scream Bloody Gore, is regarded as the first true death metal record. Death released seven studio... read more

It's really sad to see Death here at this position. It should be at number 1. Chuck deserves more than this. He was a true musician and a real gentleman in all aspects. The band is not active anymore for obvious reasons, but Human and Symbolic are perhaps what take death metal to a whole new level of songwriting and musicianship. It is not a coincidence that Chuck is not with us anymore. Greatness usually comes at a great price.

I hate those bands who try too much. I love pure brutal death when they just write the lyrics and don't care about anything else, but Death's first three albums are pure death and better and more brutal than most of the bands. Not the most brutal, but definitely top 5, plus the greatest band ever, in my opinion at least.
Brain Drill

Brain Drill is an American technical death metal band that formed in 2005 in Ben Lomond, California. They are signed to Metal Blade Records and released their debut full-length album, Apocalyptic Feasting, on February 5, 2008. Following the release, the band experienced internal conflicts that led to... read more

I think some of the comments and votes are based on, or too greatly influenced by, people's favorite bands instead of the question at hand, which is "Who is the most brutal?" Although what is more brutal to one wouldn't be to another, there are several bands on this list I like better than Brain Drill.
Though, I think Brain Drill are by far the most brutal. They are savagely intense, loud, insanely fast, super technical, and spastically aggressive. There might be a few bands that come close but not quite touch them, and whilst not being a whole new level up in the genre, they have definitely raised the bar some.

What are they even? I can't wrap my head around their riffs. They all sound like solos, except the bass is playing the exact same thing. They are completely insane.
Infant Annihilator

Infant Annihilator is an English deathcore band from Hull, East Yorkshire. The band was formed in 2012 by drummer Aaron Kitcher and guitarist Eddie Pickard. Their music is known for its technical brutality and controversial lyrics.

Most bone-crushing, heart-stopping, completely insane death metal band I can find. These guys set a new standard for the whole metal genre.
If you haven't heard about or listened to this band yet, you are missing out!

These guys are crazy, but they have great sound and base to every song they produce. I personally think that they are the most violent death metal band out there. In my own opinion.

I have yet to find any bands more brutal or violent than them. I mean, come on, all of their songs are about raping women and babies. What's more brutal than that?
Whitechapel

Whitechapel is an American deathcore band from Knoxville, Tennessee. The band is named after the Whitechapel district in East London, known for the Jack the Ripper murders. Their music features aggressive instrumentation and often explores themes of violence and inner struggle.

Listen through Somatic Defilement and then tell me they don't belong on this list.

It's deathcore, not death metal. Still amazing!

There are two kinds of people: those who love Whitechapel and those who have never listened to deathcore.
Vader

Vader is a Polish death metal band from Olsztyn. Formed in 1983, the group was founded by then-bassist Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek and guitarist Zbigniew "Vika" Wróblewski. Starting as a heavy metal group, Vader transitioned to thrash and speed metal before embracing death metal in the late 1980s. The band's... read more

Blasphemous growling comes from the doors of hell. Hail Vader!

Where is Luke Skywalker when you need him?

You guys have not listened to Vader yet?
Abominable Putridity

Abominable Putridity is a Russian slam death metal band originally formed in Moscow in 2003. The band has released two albums: In the End of Human Existence and The Anomalies of Artificial Origin.
They are considered one of the most popular brutal death metal bands today. Abominable Putridity... read more

The songs "Blindfold Surgery," "Remnants of the Tortured," and "Letting Them Fall…" should give you enough evidence to support the fact that this great Russian band can kick ass.

They should be in the top tens. Their two albums are more brutal than half the bands in the top tens.

Just listen to these guys, and you'll understand why they belong in the top 3.
Origin

Origin is an American death metal band from Topeka, Kansas, founded in 1998. They are recognized by music critics and metal fans for combining a harsh sound with a high level of technical skill. The band is known for its complex compositions and rapid, precise instrumentation.

Intensity, brutality, and full aggression played at high speed with incredible technical skill. This band must be in a top position.

Technical enough, but not consistent with their songwriting. The drummer is an insane effing machine.
Aborted

Aborted is a Belgian death metal band that formed in Waregem in 1995. They are known for combining brutal death metal with grindcore influences. Over the years, they have released ten studio albums and toured extensively across Europe and North America.

That's a must for aggressive and speed death metal. All the brutal death metal is here!

Aborted is the combination of melodic riffs with deep and intense growls.

Incredibly fast, really accurate, and damn brutal. They are untouchable.
Extermination Dismemberment

This is the pure definition of brutal. Growling, guttural vocals, and almost minute-long insane bass drops. Simply amazing slam.
Carcass

Carcass is a British extreme metal band from Liverpool, formed in 1985. They initially disbanded in 1995 but reunited in 2007. Drummer Ken Owen did not rejoin due to health issues, though the band has continued to release new music since reforming.

Really brutal band. If you're a true death metal fan, you know. Can't believe they got zero votes.
Katalepsy

Katalepsy is a slam death metal band from Moscow, Russia, known for their intense musical style and technical brutality. Their discography includes two split albums, one EP, two full-length albums, and a demo. Katalepsy has become one of the leading acts in the Russian metal scene and maintains a strong... read more

I like both their albums, but I have to say Katalepsy deserves a top 10 spot. Guttural Secrete should also be on the list - what are they even doing here?

Katalepsy is a Russian band, not Canadian!
For me, they're top 10!

The heaviest band ever.
It must be at number one.
Listen to:
- Gore Conspiracy
- Cold Flesh Citadel
Six Feet Under

Six Feet Under is an American death metal band from Tampa, Florida, formed in 1993. The band consists of founding vocalist Chris Barnes, guitarist Jack Owen, bassist Jeff Hughell, and drummer Marco Pitruzzella. Known for their groove-influenced death metal style, they have released numerous albums, including... read more

I feel that The Bleeding and Maximum Violence are my two most memorable death metal albums of all time. Chris Barnes just provides something that strikes a nerve with me.

A gateway band for many metalheads who are looking into entering the passages of death metal. Maximum Violence did the trick for me when I was a teenager.
Chris Barnes needs his due credit, come what may.

Best death metal band overall. Each album is consistently bone-crushing good. No bad albums yet!