Top 10 Best Alternative Metal Bands
Tool is an American alternative metal/progressive metal band, that was formed in 1990.
The band is set together between Maynard James Keenan (Vocals), Danny Carey (Drums), Adam Jones (Guitar) and since 1995 Justin Chancellor (Bass).
The band is known for their influences from electronic sounds and their overly complex and strangely structured songs.
They released their debut album "Undertow" in 1993 and later put out other famous albums, like "Lateralus" and "10,000 Days".
The band has established a legacy as one of the most well-known and beloved progressive metal and alternative metal bands of all time. Tool is definitely the most alternative metal band ever. The band uses the strangest bass and drum play and mixes this with all kinds of sound effects untill it's all good. Maynard's voice expresses anger in such a different way than all other metal-bands do, it's more a deep hate but you can only get to this when you lose yourself in it's complex lyrics and music.
System of a Down is also a really alternative metal band, but doesn't come near to Tool in musical compositions, lyrics and vocals.
And seriously people, Linkin Park, Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace aren't even metal! And Avenged Sevenfold is the boy band of the metal, they aren't even alternative!
Tool is not only the greatest alternative (really Progressive) metal band out there, but also the greatest band of all time! System of a down is the second best band on this list, but even they can't come close. Can serji hold a scream for 22 seconds? Don't think so. Is system's guitarist able to create as complex rhythms and riffs like tool? Don't think so. Is their bass even comparable to the bass line on forty six and 2? Don't think so. Can system's drummer do a fourth of what Danny carry can do? Not if their lives depended on it. Tool is by far the most creative band in existence. I will say serji has a larger range than Maynard, but serji still can't match him lyrically or holding notes.
You know...with TooL...it's not just about A song...it's about an entire sonic journey. That's rare. For any band in any genre. If I'm about to reach wherever I was headed...and Lateralus pops up on my car stereo...I just keep driving around...like a plane circling a runway...so that the song finishes. I'm scared of living in a world where Lateralus was not allowed to finish.
Tool brings art to the alternative/metal community. You can scream and bash on drums all you want, but you will never get the same artistic, flowing feel that Tool has to offer. Danny Carey brings an unmuted, almost primal beat for the rugged harshness of metal, while Maynard softens it with melodic, passionate vocal harmonies. Tool really is the first of its kind (with Puscifer and A Perfect Circle following up behind).
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. I'm not sure anyone has had as much of a groundbreaking, brash, yet melodic sound like them. They can switch from something beautiful and honest to something unusual and absurd in a split second yet still hold true to what the song was about and even save face in the process. Pure talent
I gotta say this has to be one of the best bands ever. The music is so amazing that you can't stop listening to them. The best songs are the older ones..(albums System of a Down 1998, toxicity, and steal this album) but some of the newer ones (albums hypnotize and mesmerize) are good too. I know the band is over, but they should really make more music..they still go on tours..
System of a Down is great band. Every song of 'em is different, so it's hard to decide their best, because all of their song is the best. Chop Suey, B.Y.O.B, Toxicity, Radio/Video, all of it is unique. And Serj's voice is incredible. Hope they reunite again and make more songs
System of a down is one of the greatest bands ever. They have so much variety. Their songs are so crazy, but each of them have a deep meaning.
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. The reason a great Alternative band brings havoc is simply voice work. Ben in this respect is a truly extremely underestimated person. His energetic voice work can change everything in every metal / heavy metal / rock piece you've heard, ever. Breaking Benjamin won't be anything without this badass voice.
Of course their instrumentalists do their great part. The new line up also has a great drummer and the guitars if anything have improved a lot.
The first and only band in my life whose all song are amazing... How can this happen that I liked each and every song of this band.. When I first listened to this band, I thought how could have I missed this band for all the passed years... And yeah, Breaking Benjamin have made me a rockstar... They deserves to be at the top of the list... When it comes to alternate metal, Benjamin rules...
The best band in this genre according to me... Ben has the amazing voice in the world they are through all my bad times.. Whenever I feel depressed I feel to their song.. All of their are best but here are my favorite 20 songs.
1. Give me sign
2. Without you
3. Breath
4. The diary of jane
5. Evil angel
6. You
7. So cold
8. Blow me away
9. Unknown soldier
10. Firefly
11. Polyamorous
12. Skin
13. Medicate
14. Sooner or later
15. I will not bow
16. Had enough
17. Dear agony
18. Lights out
19. Follow
20. Until the end.
My all-time favorite band. Well not quite Alternative Metal, they are still an excellent alternative hard-rock band. I have never came across a band like this, I mean, another one of my favorite bands is Metallica, and I have never come across a Metallica song that I haven't liked. But, I have never, ever came across a Breaking Benjamin song that I haven't LOVED!
Linkin Park is an American rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The members currently include Mike Shinoda (vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Brad Delson (guitar), Dave "Phoenix" Farrell (bass), Joe Hahn (DJ) and Rob Bourdon (drums). Linkin Park are associated with a mixture of Alternative ...read more. What? Slipknot is better than Linkin Park, you've gotta be kidding Me, first of all Corey can't even scream into 18 Seconds straight, second, Linkin Park's vocalists are cleaner than Slipknot, Third they have more meaning in their songs, and the LAST, LINKIN PARK is the best Alternative band of the whole world!
Even though Linkin Park used a variety of genres within their musicial career they are well known for a lot of alternative metal / nu metal songs such as "One Step Closer", "Papercut", "Given Up", "Points Of Authority" and so on. It's undeniable that Linkin Park is one of the most known bands of all time, that's why they deserve to be rated higher.
Definitely the best, if not, one of them. Chester just had this amazing capability to scream and sound like 3 other cheaters are screaming at the same time. And Mike plus Chester equals AMAZING! Not to mention all of this amazing talent to be able to jump octaves and genres in a split second, then jump back
Linkin Park is my most favorite band in this whole universe. I aim and hope to be a singer also a professional lyricist...and the whole reason is because of Linkin Park. They are my heroes and my inspiration!
Korn is an American nu-metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The band's current lineup includes founding members Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Brian "Head" Welch, and Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, with the addition of Ray Luzier, who replaced the band's original member, David ...read more. If we compared korn with songs like :-Falling away from me, Freak On A Leash, Coming Undone, Twisted Transistor, Somebody Someone, Make Me Bad, Clown, Alone I Break. Surely korn will beat system of a down
But actually system of a down is more successful, Popular.. Than Korn System of a Down album of 2001 was the most successful metal album in 2001 but not the best
One of the few angsty teen bands that are actually good and where the angst feels real. I mean just listen to the song Daddy, a very disturbing song yet my favourite by Korn as well.
Korn is way more popular, unique, and talented than system of a down what is wrong with you guys?
Korn is the best band of all time should be way higher.
Deftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California. The band, which was founded in 1988, consists of Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, Frank Delgado, Abe Cunningham and Sergio Vega. They have released a total of 9 studio albums. Some of their most popular songs are Change (in the House of the Flies), Passenger, Bored, Minerva, Rocket Skates, Back to School (Mini Maggit), Beauty School, Diamond Eyes, Hole in the Earth, Mein, Digital Bath, and etc. These guys are the TRUE definition of alternative metal. Linkin Park and Korn are Nu Metal, Tool is Progressive metal, Rage Against the Machine and Slipknot are heavy metal, and Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin and Disturbed are just modern metal. Alice in Chains doesn't even come close to fitting the criteria of alternative metal, and System of a Downs just sounds like...
Deftones set a massive example for alternative metal, they are so under rated nowadays. some of these bands don't even qualify to be labelled as alternative metal, just because they're not alternative.
Deftones were no ordinary band, the guitar riffs made you pumped up, the bass was thumping and the drumming was so experimental. And Chinos voice was the beginning of something new. that's all I have to say
Simply amazing. They are a rare band. From the very first time I heard a song of theirs, it made me wanting to close my eyes and "travel"
Chino Moreno's voice is one of the greatest and it perfectly suits with the music they produce. KEEP GOING MEN! Please, the exist since '88 and I firmly believe that they should gain more "ground"
Thank you.
Joan, a Greek fan
This is the only band on this list that is a real alt-metal band. Not that the other ones aren't good, but they aren't alt-metal. Breaking benjamin and Korn are, but linkin park and RATM are nu-metal, so is System of a Down. AiC is grunge. Tool is alt I guess, but not nearly as good as deftones.
Rage Against the Machine is a rap metal band formed in Los Angeles, California. The band consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk. Rage is the best hands down! Know Your Enemy, Killing in the Name of, Bullet in the Head, all great songs with awesome guitar by Tom Morello.
The best mix of Rock, Rap/Hip Hop and Funk I've ever listened to. Not to mention, their political lyrics add to the great music too.
Nobody mixes Rock, Hip Hop and Funk quite like them(Or as good as them).
Alice in Chains is an American grunge/alternative metal band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley. AiC is a band that people either hate, or hold as epic. They have a way of expressing emotions that people find hard to even comprehend. In hard times they have given me and members of my family hope and self respect. If it were me, they'd be at the top of this list. May you live within all you touch Layne Staley, and RIP.
Alice paved the way to bridge alternative or grunge with metal. They were the influence for a lot of today's alt metal bands, including Tool who have had Staley sing with them and Maynard has sang with Alice.
Alice in chains are amazing. They have the saddest lyrics that I have ever listened and the riffs by Jerry Cantrell are awesome. Try to listen songs like, man in the box, down in a hole, nutshell.
They have to be 1 please vote them
Alice in Chains is a great grunge metal band kind of emotional and dark. Nirvana and Alice in Chains are both the two best grunge bands.
Faith No More is an American alternative metal band from San Francisco, California, formed in 1979. Before settling on their current moniker in 1983, the band performed under the names Sharp Young Men and later Faith No Man. At one time till about a year ago I waas like a lot of the world and thought that all they had was epic! Boy was I wrong!. They are awesome. Epic is not even there best song. They are as good as any of the bands in front of them on here. They might not get the radio play, butt just look up these songs: last cup of sorrow, falling to pieces, from out of nowhere, midlife crisis and their best song The real thing. The real has to be one of the best songs ever.
What is Faith No More doing in the bottom of the top tens. They are credited for inventing alternative metal. They are the best alternative metal band but System of a Down, Tool, and Breaking Benjamin are more better, too.
King for a day, fool for a lifetime is a really underappreciated album. Awesome alternative metal band
Linkin park higher than Faith no More? Are you kidding me?
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. Ever since alt-metal became defined as the most emotional sub-genre in terms of lyrical content and power behind a song, no band has exhibited more emotion in their discography than Slipknot and my mind will never be changed from this. Hearing the behind the scenes notes and interviews from the band about Iowa and.5: The Gray Chapter is gut-wrenching to say the least. I'm yet to see a band get close to matching the prowess of this group.
Haha. You must be kidding me, uh? System Of A Down, Tool, Breaking Benjamin and Disturbed above Slipknot? Are you kidding' me? Slipknot is the world's best metal band at 00's and one of the best of all time. You can't beat these gods.
Wait and bleed, pulse of the maggots, phycosocial, the nameless.8, 0, 2, are best. And Slipknot is the band who deserve to win this cause they're absolutely amazing.
Corey has brutal screams, unlike Chester and can rap faster than Mike. Their 2 drummers are crazy and nobody has the energy they do. Linkin Park is not unique. don't hate LP at all just Slipknot is the best
Three Days Grace is a Canadian post-grunge/alternative rock band formed in Norwood, Ontario in 1992 with a line-up consisting of guitarist and lead vocalist Adam Gontier, drummer and backing vocalist Neil Sanderson, and bassist Brad Walst. Their original name was Groundswell until they changed it to ...read more. One of the greatest bands of our time. Their songs are catchy, dark without being depressing and inspirational. They also send a strong message of hope and tell you not to give up, no matter how bad it gets. This bands has helped me through some really rough times. And Adam Gontier's voice is so unique, powerful.. Just amazing.
Three Days Grace have that something in every song that makes it special. When I first listened to Animal I have Become I felt so much tension and inspiration. Few bands can create so dark and meaningful songs embraced with so much quality (Adam' vocals are simply amazing and instrumentals are phenomenal).
Such an amazing band. Meaningful lyrics that make a great rhythm. Their songs are about the pains of life but they also tell you not to give up. Songs that are filled with so much energy. Three Days Grace really is great.
Everything about this band is my definition of perfect! I don't care what anyone says about them, because they are a HUGE inspiration to me! Words can't explain how much I love them, even after Adam left!
Disturbed is an American alternative metal/nu-metal/heavy metal 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" . Another one of my favorite bands, David Draiman's voice is more unique and powerful than any other one around. These guys have been amazing from the start with "the sickness" record. Now they are one of the kings of Heavy/alt-Metal.
Disturbed is the best band ever. Every song is agressive and has a deep meaning. That is what I seek in A. Alternative band! Disturbed is. Not a better band than breaking benjamin because they are a little bit better in vocals. Thanks to ben burnley.
David draiman have a better voice than chester.
Disturbed is much better than Linkin Park.
Disturbed must be number 1!
Disturbed Rules! And that disturbed parody made me like it even more! Ya-ma-ma-ma!
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).Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan (Drums), their most notable drummer, passed away in 2009, being temporarily replaced by Mike Portnoy, who was replaced by Arin Ilejay, who was finally replaced with Brooks Wackerman. A common phrase for fans "foREVer" was created after the Rev's death in his remembrance. ...read more.
Okay, A7X are my favorite alternative metal band (and of all time) and because of that I am bias with my decision that they are the best. Synyster Gates (Guitar) - his both rhythm guitar and melodies are extremely good. His playing is smooth yet ridiculously fast. Zacky Vengeance (Guitar) - His rhythm guitar is brilliant though you don't really pay that much attention to him in the band.M. shadows (Vocalist) - He isn't the greatest of singers and he whines a lot in his lyrics but his vocals change often making it a brilliant experience to listen to. The Rev (ex drummer, now deceased) - His drumming is insanely tight. His rhythms are brilliant and he is the best drummer I have ever heard play. Johnny Christ (Bassist) - His bass skills are good but as with Zacky you don't really pay attention to him. Arin Llejay (new drummer) - We haven't heard him play yet but from the previews of the new Avenged Sevenfold album I think we can safely say that the band will keep their reputation for ...more
Avenged Sevenfold is my all-time favorite band. I think they should be number one on the list because I am just addicted to the music. It's like a drug to me. A7X is incredible. The way Matt Shadows can go from his normal singing voice to an instant scream is amazing. I love A7X, always have, and always will.
Avenged Sevenfold isn't even CLOSE to alternative metal. Their music is classified as heavy metal/hard rock (first two albums were metalcore though). Seriously, there's nothing "alternative" about them.
Avenged Sevenfold. If you are a alternative metal fan you must have heard Nightmare from Avenged Sevenfold. This song is really great.
Helmet is an American alternative metal band from New York City formed in 1989. Founded by vocalist and lead guitarist Page Hamilton, Helmet has had numerous lineup changes, and Hamilton has been the only constant member. This is not true. Helmet should be higher in the list at least the 4th best alternative metal band in the list. Hamilton has a strong powerful voice that can beat any other alternative metal band. So that is why Helmet deserved to be in the top tens.
Helmet has created this genre and every band here is inspired by them...
They influenced many metal bands out there. Should be in top 10!
Betty is one of the best Post-Hardcore /metal albums ever.
Primus is an American funk metal band based in San Francisco, California, currently composed of bassist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry LaLonde and drummer Tim Alexander. Les Claypool is regarded as one of the best bassists of all time for his slap-bass ability in notable songs like "My Name Is Mud", ...read more. They're amazing : no failed album, each member is extremely talented (seriously, the drummer, the bassist and the guitarist all have mad chops), their live jamming is tremendously underrated, they are very entertaining, their way of composing songs is totally unique...
They're one of the most original bands ever.
Their style falls in various categories, and one of them is alt-metal. Indeed, songs like Tommy the cat and Jerry was a racecar driver really have an alt-metal sound.
Les Claypool is one of the best bass virtuosos and I can't see how Linkin Park is above Primus...
Les Claypool is a bass god. Love the Funk Metal sound of these guys.
Chevelle is an American alternative metal band that formed in 1995 in the Chicago suburb of Grayslake, Illinois. The band was originally composed of brothers: Pete Loeffler, Sam Loeffler and Joe Loeffler. Chevelle should be way closer to the top of the list. They are unique, talented, and just pure awesome. Their songs never get old, and each one is one-of-a-kind. Pete's voice is amazing. I would kill for his vocals. Pete can show anything from sadness, to anger, to complete hatred in his voice. Either way, his voice is beautiful. Their lyrics are amazing. Each song has it's own deep meaning. Their melodic sound is the best. The electric is great, the drums are great, and the bass is just perfect. When I listen to them, I just get lost in the music and I'm pretty much in my own "happy world" haha. All in all, Chevelle is the most definitely the BEST alt-metal band you will ever come across.
... And come on, Breaking Benjamin, Linkin Park, Avenged Sevenfold, Three Days Grace, SERIOUSLY? NO! Yeah, they may be pretty good bands sometimes (ahem, except Linkin Park... ), but they are far from alternative metal. We need more bands like Chevelle, Tool, and Deftones. Mainly Chevelle. ...more
Chevelle should be #1. They're by FAR my favourite band and just unlike anything else. I always think of them as 'pure rock' they're so true to themselves and unique. Every single one of their songs is different and yet still so good. Pete has an amazing voice, so much emotion. And the guitar riffs are unreal. Listen to any of their songs and vote for them! Anything off Sci Fi Crimes will blow you away. Everyone says The Red is their best song but Sleep Apnea will get you right away.
Chevelle should definitely be in top 10, if anything they should be #1. They're lyrics, sound, vocals, and music is just different from anything else. I really haven't heard any other band that can come close to how talented Chevelle really is (and I listen to a lot of different bands in different genres of rock). Listen to anyof their songs and you'll be truly amazed.
A. I love all of they're songs ( - Mexican Sun, Same Old Trip, Letter From a Thief, Vitamin R) B. Chevelle is the best band ever! B. I cannot believe they are not placing higher C. Whoever voted for Linkin Park (esp. over Chevelle, Deftones, and RATM) ought to be hit in the back of the head because anything they made after Meteora is a FAIL.
Evanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995 by singer/pianist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. The singer has such a beautiful voice. Their songs have a deep meaning which many enjoy. It doesn't make my ears burst like some other music I've heard. It soft at times, though they are still capable of making it sound like metal. Which is just awesome. Those of you who like some dark music should definitely give this band a try.
This list disgusting. Evanescence is the best Alternative metal band with Linkin Park and Amy is the best singer.
Evanescence has the most beautiful (in a heavy guitar way) songs I have ever heard.
Evanescence is the best nu metal band and alternative band.
Gothic/Nu metal bro! Evanescence all the way!
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock band, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. Are they Alt Metal? Well, they're great either way.
Soundgarden was an American grunge/alternative metal band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1984 by singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto. Chris Cornell died on May 17th, 2017. My favorite grunge band. Seriously, why haven't more people voted them up? Classic '90s band vs. Modern rock radio? I hope the choice isn't that hard.
They are much more Alt-Metal than LP, and while Chester is great, Chris Cornell is amazing! Kim Thayil is way better than Brad Delson. Overall, vote up Soundgarden!
A Perfect Circle is an American alternative rock supergroup formed in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Definitely deserves to be right behind (or in front) of TOOL! Maynard James Keenan is awesome in all his bands, A Perfect Circle needs to at least be in the top 10 as awesome as they sound and I'm sure many would agree!
MJK's main project, Tool, is well deserving of its #1 spot but to have his second of similarly incredible quality so low at #44? Disappointing. This needs to be higher.
Much better than these posers. Tool, Primus, Melvins, APC, and Helmet are the real deal folks.
The Melvins are an American sludge metal band that formed in 1983 in Montesano, Washington. They usually perform as a trio, but in recent years have performed as a four piece with two drummers. They Invented Sludge! If it wasn't for them, grunge, sludge wouldn't even exist...
Soundgarden and the Melvins should be much higher on this list.
Rammstein is a German Neue Deutsche Härte and Industrial Metal band consisting of Till Lindemann (vocals), Richard Kruspe (guitar), Paul Landers (guitar), Oliver Riedel (electric bass), Christoph Schneider (drums) and Christian Lorenz (keyboard), that formed in 1994 in Berlin . ...read more. Rammstein is my favourite band. They brought me to world of metal. German language in their songs makes it 100 percent more brutal. When you translate their lyrics you will love'em twice as much. I'm not surprised that they are forbidden in Germany (for younger than 21).
I understand why this is so low. Firstly it is German and (almost) nobody wants to listen to another language secondly it is industrial not alternate but they are still the best.
Well, I will vote for them anyways since I love Rammstein, but they are mainly Industrial Metal, so I understand why they are so low on this list.
I love German language!
White Zombie was an American heavy metal band that formed in 1985. Based in New York City, White Zombie was originally a noise rock band, and was known for its later heavy metal-oriented sound.
Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996 and based in the United States. Skillet is just such a great band with some great music.
Great band, great message!
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. Why is Bullet For My Valentine so down below here?
Listen to Tears Don't Fall (Pt 1) & Bittersweet memories
They'll blow your mind away...