Top 10 Metal Scenes and Waves
A metal scene or wave is a fascinating phenomenon in the world of heavy metal music. It's not just a fleeting trend or a random spike in popularity. It's a seismic shift in the musical landscape. A metal scene or wave is either:
- A time when a number of bands emerge and change metal forever
- A group of bands from the same region that revolutionize metal
Think of it as a creative explosion, where artists feed off each other's energy and drive, inspiring innovation, challenging norms, and shaping the course of music history. It's like a wildfire of creativity that ignites in one area, then quickly spreads, capturing the imagination of fans and musicians around the world.
These scenes and waves have evolved over time, sprouting new subgenres and reshaping existing ones. They've brought together communities, creating bonds between fans, musicians, and industry professionals alike. From garage bands to global superstars, from underground clubs to massive festivals, these scenes are more than just music. They're movements.
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New Wave of British Heavy Metal
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Bay Area Thrash Metal Scene
It didn't create thrash, but it definitely expanded it and made it popular worldwide. The most famous thrash bands come from this region, and it was the biggest underground scene until it became globally popular in 1984. One band from this scene is even credited by some for the creation of death metal.
NOTABLE BANDS:
Metallica
Megadeth
Slayer
Testament
Exodus
Death Angel
Possessed
Heathen
Vio-Lence
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New Wave of American Heavy Metal
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East Coast Thrash Scene
This scene emerged in the early 80s alongside the Bay Area scene, but with a different flavor. The movement took place in New York City, where a hardcore punk scene was developing. These bands had more punk influence, which helped lead to the creation of crossover thrash.
NOTABLE BANDS:
Anthrax
Overkill
Nuclear Assault
Stormtroopers of Death
Toxik
Crumbsuckers
Scatterbrain
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Norwegian Black Metal Scene
After the first wave ended, Norwegian bands emerged in the early 90s, much more brutal than before. These bands defined evil. They wore corpse paint, had extreme satanic lyrics, and were involved in a string of church burnings.
NOTABLE BANDS:
Mayhem
Darkthrone
Burzum
Immortal
Emperor
Dark Funeral
Gorgoroth
Satyricon
Enslaved
The origin of some of the most amazing bands ever!
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First Wave of Black Metal
Definitely the most influential. Not only did the first wave influence black metal (duh), but it also had a significant impact on thrash and death metal.
A movement in the early to mid-80s shaped Norwegian black metal. It started with the NWOBHM band Venom releasing the album *Black Metal*. This album set the tone lyrically and coined the term black metal. Other bands then emerged that influenced black metal and shaped it into what it is today.
NOTABLE BANDS:
Venom
Bathory
Celtic Frost
Mercyful Fate
Hellhammer
Sodom
Bulldozer
Sabbat
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Florida Death Metal
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Swedish Death Metal Scene
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New Wave of Thrash Metal
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Teutonic Thrash Metal Scene
In the mid-80s, many thrash bands from Germany emerged, bringing extra brutality to the scene. While the earlier thrash bands like Slayer and Possessed were heavy, these bands one-upped them and influenced the first and second waves of black metal.
NOTABLE BANDS:
Kreator
Sodom
Destruction
Tankard
Coroner
Exumer
Holy Moses
Angel Dust
Assassin
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Brazilian Thrash Scene
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British Grindcore Scene
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New Wave of Traditional Metal
A quiet movement that began in the late 2000s and early 2010s, these bands aim to revive the heavy metal style introduced in the NWOBHM era. Some musicians from that era have shown support for this New Wave.
NOTABLE BANDS:
Icarus Witch
Enforcer
White Wizzard
Holy Grail
Cauldron
Skull Fist
Bullet