Top 10 Best New Wave of American Heavy Metal Bands

You might not remember exactly when it started, but chances are, if you've cranked up the volume on your stereo sometime in the early 2000s and caught yourself somewhere between a headbang and a full-on mosh pit in your bedroom, you've felt the force of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal.

This movement wasn't just about loud riffs and screaming vocals. It was a straight-up rebellion against the overly polished sounds that dominated rock radio in the late '90s.

Tired of nu-metal's whining and grunge's hangover, a new breed of bands came storming out of garages, basements, and dive bars with a sound that was heavier, faster, and a lot more pissed off. They weren't trying to reinvent the wheel so much as strap it to a rocket and light the fuse.

The New Wave of American Heavy Metal, or NWOAHM if you're into acronyms that sound like they could summon a demon, brought together thrash revivalists, groove metal grinders, hardcore punks with something to prove, and melodic shredders who still knew their way around a good breakdown.

These bands didn't fit neatly into one category. What they did have in common was a hunger to rip metal out of the past and shove it into the future. Ready or not.

Now it's your turn to get loud. Scroll through the list, vote for the bands you think deserve the crown, and maybe even discover some new favorites in the mix.

1. Avenged Sevenfold

   

   Avenged Sevenfold is an American alternative metal band formed in 1999 in California. Their longest lineup consisted of M. Shadows (vocals), Synyster Gates (lead guitar), Zacky Vengeance (rhythm guitar), Johnny Christ (bass guitar), and The Rev (drums).... read more

   They're one of the most popular and influential metal bands today. These guys are very talented musicians and songwriters. They are technical enough to please metal fans while being catchy and melodic enough to sound good to people who aren't metal fans.

   A lot of their sound derives from their influences, but they also have their own sound. They experiment and change their genre more often than I change my underwear, and they still sound good with each change - no easy feat. Good riffs, nice dual guitar harmonies, fantastic solos, catchy and beautiful melodies, very good lyrics, and amazing vocals.

   Their albums "Waking the Fallen," "City of Evil," and "The Stage" are absolute masterpieces. I listen to many metal and rock bands, especially a lot from this list, and yet A7X still surprises me with how talented they are and how great their music is. One of the best bands of all time in my opinion, easily!

2. 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 replacing their original lead vocalist and enlisting Phil Anselmo, they signed a major record deal with... read more

   Pantera all the way for number one. They're the only REAL heavy metal band that stuck to their roots and didn't get sucked into all that mainstream stuff that happened in the '90s. They were heavy and stayed heavy. They didn't get lighter with each album.

   And I think we can all thank God that Dime stuck by his brother and didn't take the offer from Dave Mustaine to join Megadeth, or else we wouldn't have such a pure American heavy metal band.

   1. Pantera

   2. Machine Head

   3. Lamb of God

   There is no way Avenged Sevenfold should be at the top of this list. They are a great band, but it's a bit of a stretch to say they are metal. Pantera was undoubtedly metal, and if anything, they got heavier with each album they released. The guys from A7X have frequently said that Pantera was one of their biggest influences. Pantera started the NWOAHM and will always be the greatest!

3. Lamb of God

   

   Lamb of God is an American heavy metal band from Richmond, Virginia. Formed in 1994, the band originally featured Randy Blythe (vocals), Mark Morton (guitar), Willie Adler (guitar), John Campbell (bass), and Chris Adler (drums). Chris Adler departed the band in 2019 and was replaced by Art Cruz. The... read more

   I honestly think that this band is #1 on this list, not A7X, mostly because of a few reasons:

   1. They've been around longer, starting in the days they were known as Burn the Priest.

   2. Their musicianship as a whole is more complex and not watered down.

   3. They just kick ass!

   These guys have put out a ton of albums over 20 years, and they haven't budged an inch since their debut as far as heaviness goes! If you don't agree, just listen to Laid to Rest and Redneck. Oh, they also have GROOVE to them, a lot like Pantera!

   For those who disagree or don't know Lamb of God, listen to them. They are the kings, boasting songs such as Blacken the Cursed Sun, Laid to Rest, and Vigil. This band is ultimately the best New Wave of American Heavy Metal (and heavy metal) band. Can't argue with that. And if you disagree, we Lamb of God fans wouldn't bother because we're doing fine without you.

4. Slipknot

   

   Slipknot is an American metal band that formed in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1996. They're recognized as a key force in the New Wave of American Alternative Metal from the late 1990s through the 2000s. The band is also known for their black and red jumpsuits and horror-inspired masks.... read more

   This is bull! How could they be at number four? They were the start of the new wave of heavy metal! There hasn't been any other band as insane as them live, even though the self-titled and Iowa era was way better than the new era (Vol. 3 and All Hope Is Gone). But they are back, alright! The Gray Chapter is their best album yet, in my opinion.

   Just a pure American heavy metal band that deserves all the recognition they have received and more. Their live performances, attention-grabbing image, and brutal yet melodic music are all unrivaled. Slipknot is one of the, if not the, most unique bands of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal.

5. Mastodon

   

   Mastodon is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. The band was formed in early 2000 and includes Troy Sanders on bass, Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher on guitars, and Brann Dailor on drums. They are known for their complex song structures and blending of multiple metal subgenres.

   By far the most original and creative of all metal bands mentioned in this list. They continue to develop their progressive/sludge-inspired sound and push their music into new territory, whereas most metal bands have failed to evolve since the last decade.

   Mastodon continues to experiment and expand the metal genre, refusing to conform to the homogeneity of the current scenes. They are a force to be reckoned with and have yet to displease critics and fans alike.

   As the guy below me stated, they are the most original metal band of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal movement. Excellent musicians with incredibly consistent albums. They are by far the best metal band post-2000.

6. Five Finger Death Punch

   

   Five Finger Death Punch, often abbreviated as 5FDP or FFDP, is an American heavy metal band from Las Vegas, Nevada. Formed in 2005, the band's name is inspired by the classic martial arts film The Five Fingers of Death. They released their debut album, The Way of the Fist, in 2007.

   What a band! Ivan Moody, the very best metal vocalist of the decade, would even give James Hetfield a run for his money. Zoltan is a great guitarist! These guys know how to put great songs together. They are true masters of metal. May you long reign! You should be number 1 without a doubt.

   Ivan Moody has one of those iconic, instantly recognized voices. He can do guttural, testosterone-laden roars, or he can do clean, baritone melodies.

   The band is musically reminiscent of more powerful yet simple bands like Motörhead or Judas Priest. 5FDP for the win!

7. Disturbed

   

   Disturbed is an American alternative metal, nu-metal, and hard rock band from Chicago, Illinois. The band consists of vocalist David Draiman, bassist John Moyer, guitarist Dan Donegan, and drummer Mike Wengren.

   They are known for hit songs such as "Down with the Sickness," "Stricken," and a powerful... read more

   Disturbed is the best of these metal bands, one of the top 3 metal bands ever, and one of the top 5 bands ever.

   Listen to Ten Thousand Fists and Asylum all the way through, and your mind will be blown.

   I just can't decide between Disturbed and Korn. I love both bands!

8. Machine Head

   

   Machine Head is an American heavy metal band from Oakland, California, formed on October 12, 1991, by vocalist and guitarist Robb Flynn and bassist Adam Duce. They've released numerous albums, with The Blackening (2007) often cited by critics as a modern metal masterpiece. The band continues to tour... read more

   Burn My Eyes and The More Things Change were fantastic and purely heavy albums. Seriously strong stuff from a band that had just begun.

   The Burning Red and Supercharger? More experimental but still heavy and solid albums by the band. Through the Ashes of Empires was a return to their older roots, and it was heavy!

   But then came The Blackening - an album so fast, so heavy, and so beautiful that it is easily the equivalent of today's Master of Puppets, Among the Living, Rust in Peace, or Reign in Blood.

   Not to forget Unto the Locust, an album that doesn't try to rival its predecessor as most bands would. Instead, it simply tries and succeeds to stand by it.

   You want the best band in the NWOAHM? This is it! MACHINE HEAD RULE!

   P.S. Machine Head should be first, and Pantera should be second... Just saying.

9. KoRn

   

   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, along with Ray Luzier, who replaced original drummer David Silveria in 2007. Korn... read more

   If it wasn't for Korn, none of these bands would exist. Deal with it! Korn is the band that started the new wave of American heavy metal. The vocalist from Korn, Jonathan Davis, was the first person to start singing about emotions. Before, it was just lame lyrics. They were also the first really heavy band with 7-string guitars and 5-string basses. What I love about them is that they don't use ugly solos and they don't scream their guts out.

   Undeniably, KoRn was the driving force behind nu metal's rise in the late '90s. On the scene since the start of that decade, they were a startlingly unique underground phenomenon whose grassroots beginnings gave the genre a fresh, DIY edge that had been lost since the rise of mainstream radio rock in the post-grunge era.

10. System of a Down

    

    System of a Down, formed in 1994, is an Armenian-American alternative metal band from Glendale, California. The band name is sometimes shortened to System or SOAD. They're known for their politically charged lyrics, often addressing topics such as genocide and war, in songs like Holy Mountains, Prison... read more

    Got to be one of the best bands ever. Completely original music with a style that ranges from the softer vocals and instrumentation of Roulette to the really harsh vocals and unpredictable format of Suite-Pee.

    Really? No System of a Down on here yet? They have a completely unique sound and influenced some of the bands on this list. They rank among Slipknot and Disturbed as pioneers of a new wave of insane metal.

    Had to vote for it. Pantera first, System of a Down second.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Between the Buried and Me

    

    Between the Buried and Me is an American progressive metal band from Raleigh, North Carolina. Formed in 2000, the band originally featured vocalist and keyboardist Tommy Giles Rogers Jr.

    The group is known for blending progressive, technical, and metalcore elements, and their conceptual albums... read more

12. ?

    Sevendust

    

    Sevendust is an American alternative metal band from Atlanta, formed in 1994.

    Initially founded by bassist Vince Hornsby and drummer Morgan Rose as Snake Nation, the lineup later expanded to include guitarist John Connolly, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon, and guitarist Clint Lowery. After cycling... read more

The Contenders

13. Trivium

    

    Trivium is an American heavy metal band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 1999. The band's most consistent members are frontman Matt Heafy, lead guitarist Corey Beaulieu, and bassist Paulo Gregoletto, all of whom have appeared on every album since joining.... read more

    The band that will carry the metal torch into the future! This band needs to be on the top because of their last album alone, The Sin and the Sentence. Their unique sound is constantly evolving, and they are an amazing live band that sounds better in person.

    Beast band that totally deserves to be in the top 10. It's a pity that it is so underrated. This band makes divine music and is by far the most consistent band from the top 10 list, along with Disturbed, Slipknot, and A7X.

    Trivium is one of my favorite heavy metal bands. I like all of their songs and hope to see them in Liverpool. My favorite songs are Wake (The End Is Nigh), In Waves, and At the End of This War.

14. Killswitch Engage

    

    Killswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts. The band was formed in 1999 after the breakup of Overcast and Aftershock. They are considered one of the pioneering bands of the metalcore genre.

    Great stuff.

    Great guitars, and I prefer the singer Jesse Leach.

    So take a look at Times Of Grace too, another band of Jesse Leach and Adam Dutkiewicz (guitarist of Killswitch Engage).

    There's a very special and unique sound and presence in every song, and it's awesome.

15. As I Lay Dying

    

    As I Lay Dying is an American metalcore band from San Diego, California. The band was founded in 2000 by vocalist Tim Lambesis, and its first full lineup, including drummer Jordan Mancino, came together in 2001. As of 2024, the band has released seven studio albums, including Shaped by Fire, along with... read more

16. Black Label Society

    

    Black Label Society is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1998 by Zakk Wylde. Wylde, who had previously played guitar for Ozzy Osbourne, created the band as a vehicle for his own musical vision. The group is known for its blend of heavy riffs and southern rock influences... read more

    BLS is a band formed out of Ozzy, and they can play just about anything. Their concerts are extreme, and their CDs are excellent ear candy.

    Zakk Wylde has to be one of the greatest guitarists in the world.

    Zakk is mighty Thor. Greetings from the land of Vikings, Sweden.

17. Mudvayne

    

    Mudvayne was an American nu-metal and alternative metal band that formed in Peoria, Illinois, in 1996. Although originally from Bloomington, Illinois, the band became known for its unique musical style and theatrical performances. They used experimental sounds, innovative album art, and distinctive visuals... read more

    They're a good band. They kinda deserve 17 because they are not the most popular. I like their sound, and I love their song Not Falling. And I like any band that is friends with Slipknot.

    Mudvayne is my favorite band because they have an incredible sound and extraordinary members.

18. Godsmack

    

    Godsmack is an American alternative metal and hard rock band from Lawrence, Massachusetts, formed in 1995. The band consists of founder, frontman, and songwriter Sully Erna, guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill, and drummer Shannon Larkin. They have released multiple platinum albums and are... read more

    Listen to I Stand Alone, Awake, Keep Away, Voodoo, Enemy, and Saints and Sinners. Then listen to more of their songs after you've heard those and totally gotten into them.

    Godsmack deserves to be ranked higher on this list.

19. All That Remains

    

    All That Remains is an American heavy metal band from Springfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1998. They have released nine studio albums, including The Fall of Ideals and Victim of the New Disease. The band has sold over a million records worldwide and is known for blending metalcore with melodic elements... read more

    All That Remains and Godsmack should be in the top ten. They are two of the best right now.

20. Shadows Fall

    

    Shadows Fall is an American heavy metal band from Springfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1995. Although the band has gone through several lineup changes, for most of its recording career it featured Jonathan Donais, Matt Bachand, Paul Romanko, Brian Fair, and Jason Bittner.... read more

    This band, Lamb of God, and Killswitch Engage are considered the "big three" of NWOAHM. They should be WAY higher than #20! Every album is amazing. They have been on hiatus for a few years and have kind of fallen out of the spotlight, but to be honest, I think out of those three listed above, as good as they are, I enjoy Shadows Fall the most.

    The modern-age Metallica. They are the closest to thrash metal in a modern sense. I don't see them as purely metalcore nor thrash. If you need riffs that you can bang your head to, then this is the band. They also have great solos.

21. Demon Hunter

    

    Demon Hunter is an American Christian metal band from Seattle, Washington, founded in 2000 by brothers Don Clark and Ryan Clark. Although the brothers launched the band together, Don eventually left to focus on his family and design work. Ryan remains the frontman, and the band has released several albums... read more

22. Byzantine

23. Hatebreed

    

    Hatebreed is an American metalcore and hardcore band from Bridgeport, Connecticut, formed in 1994. They have released eight studio albums, with the most recent being Weight of the False Self, which came out on November 27, 2020. Their music combines the aggression of heavy metal with the intensity and... read more

24. Mushroomhead

    

    Mushroomhead is an American nu metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1993 in the Cleveland Warehouse District, the band is known for their avant-garde sound, which combines heavy metal, art rock, and electro-industrial influences. They are also recognized for their elaborate masks, costumes, and... read more

    Top 15 American heavy metal band, at least.

    I really like this band!

25. Suicide Silence

    

    Suicide Silence is an American deathcore band from Riverside, California, formed in 2002. As of 2025, the band has released seven full-length studio albums, one EP, and numerous music videos. They are known for their aggressive sound and have been influential in the deathcore genre.

    I was looking through the list of bands you guys have listed here, and I didn't see Suicide Silence. Mitch Lucker was an amazing vocalist, and his vocals went great with the music. May he stomp on!

26. Drowning Pool

    

    Drowning Pool is an American nu-metal band formed in Dallas, Texas, in 1996. The band was named after the 1975 film The Drowning Pool.

    Their biggest hit was the song Bodies, released in 2001 from their debut album, Sinner.... read more

    Their music is so close to perfection. But still not on this list?

27. Down

    

    Down is an American heavy metal supergroup that formed in 1991 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The band's current lineup includes vocalist Phil Anselmo, guitarist Pepper Keenan, guitarist Bobby Landgraf, bassist Pat Bruders, and drummer Jimmy Bower. They are known for blending elements of doom metal, sludge... read more