Top 10 Greatest Rock Bands of the 21st Century

Rock music has always been about pushing boundaries, experimenting with sound, and channeling raw emotion. In the 21st century, a new generation of bands has taken up that mantle, shaping the direction of modern rock in ways that are both familiar and fresh. Some of these bands continue the legacy of the giants who came before them, while others forge their own paths, blending genres, challenging expectations, and connecting with audiences in new ways.

Your vote can help define which of these bands truly stands out. Do you lean toward groups known for their electrifying live shows? Or maybe you favor bands that experiment with new sonic textures, bringing something unexpected to the table?

The Top Ten

  1. Linkin Park

    Linkin Park is an American alternative rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The current members include Mike Shinoda (vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Brad Delson (guitar), Dave "Phoenix" Farrell (bass), Joe Hahn (DJ), Emily Armstrong (vocals), and Colin Brittain (drums). Linkin Park... read more

    In a world where hip hop is mainstream, Linkin Park has found a way to convert rap fans to Linkin Park fans by including hip hop elements in a rock band and, at the same time, impressing hardcore rock fans too. While A Thousand Suns might have been a bit of a disappointment for many, it was still great music, just a whole lot different from what they had done in the past. They've said that in their upcoming album (which will hopefully come out this year), they're getting back to their roots. Linkin Park is without a doubt the best of the 21st century and is the band to watch in 2012.

    Linkin Park is the greatest rock band of all time (after The Beatles). Why? Because they have never sung about love, drugs, alcohol, death, churches, or other meaningless things. They have never worn "stupid" rock clothes. They have never painted their faces or grown long hair.

    And the most important thing is that Chester didn't growl and he didn't scream like a stupid pig. He screamed like a demon, but a good demon. So, to those who say LP isn't one of the best, be quiet. Because they are the BEST.

  2. Green Day

    Green Day are an American pop-punk and punk rock band formed in East Bay, California, in 1987. The core members are Billie Joe Armstrong on vocals and guitar, Mike Dirnt on bass, and Tré Cool on drums, with Jason White often performing live on guitar. They blend punk rock, pop-punk, and alternative rock... read more

    Green Day truly is one of the best rock bands out there. Personally, they're my favorite band. They were excellent when 1039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours came out, all the way up to their most recent albums Uno!, Dos!, and Tre! The band knows how to create the most poetic lyrics, like in songs such as Redundant, Wake Me Up When September Ends, and Last Night on Earth, as well as powerful political songs like American Idiot, Holiday, and Know Your Enemy.

    Green Day has also influenced many bands during the 90s, and songs like When I Come Around, Brain Stew, Basket Case, and Longview are very catchy. Green Day is amazing, and I enjoy all of their albums.

  3. 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

    Lots of people question whether A7X is rock or metal. For me, their albums from City of Evil to Nightmare can be considered hard rock. The first two albums are metalcore, and Hail to the King is heavy metal. But even if we discount the metal albums, Avenged Sevenfold has the instrumental talent of old rock and metal bands like Pantera and Megadeth.

    They also possess the vocal and lyrical genius of modern rock bands like Linkin Park and Three Days Grace. Definitely should be first above Linkin Park and Green Day (who are also great bands).

    I used to not listen to any rock music, but Avenged Sevenfold got me hooked. I've listened to all their songs and can't even decide on a favorite. They're all amazing.

    The thing that makes them so amazing is that there are some hard rock bands, some heavy metal bands, some slow rock bands, and then there's Avenged Sevenfold, which combines it all into one amazing band.

  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

    Oh, please. Slipknot deserves better than 15th. Slipknot should be after Linkin Park. Their best songs, in my quick list, Psychosocial, People = S***, Sulfur, Heretic Anthem, Sic, are better than Given Up, What I've Done, and Faint.

    Amazing band. I love everything about their music. There will never be another band like them.

    Aren't there any maggots on this site?

    Slipknot are everything metal represents and more. Pleased to see them on this list.

  5. Nickelback

    Nickelback is a Canadian post-grunge band formed in 1995 in Hanna, Alberta, Canada. The band consists of guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist Ryan Peake, bassist Mike Kroeger, and drummer Daniel Adair.... read more

    They are the most successful post-grunge band and for a reason. They are so diverse in rock genres, ranging from hard rock/metal songs to ballads and post-grunge/grunge songs. Chad has an insane voice, and he creates the greatest lyrics.

    They received the Billboard award for the best band for a reason! And that reason is that they're the best.

    My most favorite band, and after I saw them live, I have seen their songs differently than before. My mom introduced me to Nickelback, and I have been glued to them and their songs ever since and will be until they finish.

    Looking forward to their 10th album. Love all the last 9 albums. Also, love Bon Jovi, Queen, Guns and Roses, and Skillet.

  6. Muse

    Muse are an English alternative rock band from Teignmouth, Devon, formed in 1994. The members are Matt Bellamy (lead vocals, lead guitar, piano, keyboards), Dom Howard (drums, percussion), and Chris Wolstenholme (bass, backing vocals). They have won numerous awards, including five MTV Europe Music Awards... read more

    The amount of talent in this band could blow away all the other bands in the top 10 combined. Everyone in the band is a master at what they do, and so far, the band has produced all fantastic albums. The amount of musical diversity throughout their music is thoroughly fascinating.

    Their ability to play different genres is even more so. And unlike just about every other band in the top 10, except Linkin Park and Green Day, their fan base is not horrible.

    They should've been ranked number 1, not Linkin Park! Yes, I'm a Muser, but I try to be objective here. Muse are better live than Linkin Park, they have better songs and lyrics. Almost all Linkin Park songs sound the same.

    I know they did some experiments on 'Minutes to Midnight' till 'Living Things', but the experiments don't sound that different to me, maybe because they have a DJ and they never exclude rock in their experiments. Unlike Muse, which experiment from Alternative rock to Orchestral to Electronic and it sounds completely different. Listen to 'Stockholm Syndrome', then 'Follow Me', then 'Exogenesis Symphony' for example.

    Muse also have great guitar solos and great basslines. 'Hysteria' was voted the greatest bassline of all time in 2011. Linkin Park doesn't have any great solos or basslines. Rock music isn't complete without epic basslines and guitar solos, in my opinion. I think Linkin Park wins just because they can attract more fans. They made the LPU and whoever registers to LPU has a big chance to chat and meet and greet with them. Who doesn't want that? They also created Music for Relief to help people. Of course, they have more fans and sell more albums. So, Muse is better.

    And why should you have 6 members in a band if, in the end, you collaborate with another musician? Why should you have 6 members if most of you can play the same instrument?

  7. My Chemical Romance

    My Chemical Romance is an American rock band from New Jersey, formed in 2001. The lineup since the band's 2019 reunion includes lead vocalist Gerard Way, guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, and bassist Mikey Way, with Jarrod Alexander serving as a touring drummer. Bob Bryar was the drummer from 2004... read more

    Well, despite the fact that The Strokes and Radiohead are insultingly low on this list, when they should be in the top 5, I find it heartwarming that My Chemical Romance is here. Gerard Way is an angel. I'm a guy, and no, I'm not gay. He's an angel because he speaks to me in a way no one ever has. He gives hope, comfort, and saves all the broken.

    This is seriously the best band of all time, in my humble opinion. Not just Gerard, they are all angels of music. "Helena" is a piece of heaven. The rock part... I guess.

    My Chemical Romance is truly special because of the love and pure devotion they have shown to their huge and dedicated fan base. They are the most important band in my life, and their music has a way of reaching out and touching anyone who listens to it. Each album has its own distinct sound, making every one of them unique. If there ever was a band that truly saved people's lives, My Chemical Romance is that band.

  8. Breaking Benjamin

    Breaking Benjamin is an American alternative metal band formed in 1999. Vocalist Benjamin Burnley has remained the only constant member of the group. The band's former lineup included musicians such as Chad Szeliga on drums, Aaron Fink on guitar, and Mark Klepaski on bass.... read more

    Breaking Benjamin deserves a lot more credit than they get. Phobia is one of the greatest albums of the last decade. From So Cold to Diary Of Jane to Give Me A Sign, each of their albums has had great songs with true meaning.

    Are you kidding me? Breaking Benjamin is the best. They deserve to be number 1. Songs like Dear Agony, Anthem of the Angels, and Give Me A Sign are great songs with true meaning.

    These guys deserve to be number 1. They are by far the best band to ever form, with A7X right behind them, and they deserve to be recognized more.

  9. Foo Fighters

    Foo Fighters are an American alternative rock band formed in Seattle in 1994. The band was founded by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl after Kurt Cobain's death and Nirvana's breakup. The current lineup consists of Dave Grohl (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, primary songwriter), Pat Smear (rhythm guitar... read more

    Each to their own opinion, but in my opinion, the Foo Fighters are not only my favorite band of the 21st century by a huge margin, but they are also my favorite musicians of all time. When I hear songs like 'Bridge Burning' (one of many, many exceptional FF songs), I HAVE to get up and headbang.

    Number 22? Are you people serious? These guys are so much better than Green Day, Linkin Park, Three Days Grace, and Nickelback (especially Nickelback), and Dave Grohl is simply a legend. Listen to kickass songs like Pretender, Everlong, and Walk and you'll be hooked.

  10. Three Days Grace

    Three Days Grace is a Canadian post-grunge and alternative rock band formed in Norwood, Ontario, in 1992. The original lineup consisted of guitarist and lead vocalist Adam Gontier, drummer and backing vocalist Neil Sanderson, and bassist Brad Walst. Initially named Groundswell, the band changed its name... read more

    This is the greatest rock band of the 21st century, with all its albums being very consistent.

    Three Days Grace are the musical therapists. The new singer is also decent.

    I love all their albums. Adam Gontier's voice is addictive.

    Meaningful lyrics and kickass instrumental. Their new album, "Transit of Venus," is amazing.

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Tame Impala

    Tame Impala is an Australian psychedelic music project founded by Kevin Parker in 2007. It began as a home-recording project for Parker, who writes, records, performs, and produces the studio music. Tame Impala is known for its genre-blending sound and albums such as Lonerism and Currents.

    This band honestly deserves all the fame that Imagine Dragons gets. Their entire discography is superior to every song by them, and they are far and away more creative than those hacks ever will be.

  12. ?

    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 metal, technical metal, and metalcore elements, and its conceptual albums... read more

    An extremely technical and interesting band with extreme diversity throughout.

    13. The Contenders

  13. Red Hot Chili Peppers

    The Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American funk-rock and alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1982. The current lineup includes Anthony Kiedis, Michael "Flea" Balzary, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante.

    They're considered one of the most influential funk-rock bands, achieving mainstream... read more

    This band has been around for a long time, and their music hasn't died. In fact, they're better than ever. Flea's tremendous bass licks, Anthony Kiedis' singing and rapping, and Chad Smith always with the best rhythm have made the sound of RHCP what it has been forever.

    Blood Sugar Sex Magik shows off their funkiness and sex-driven music, while Californication expresses their beautiful songwriting.

    The most important band in my life, they have influenced and motivated me a lot. No words can perfectly describe how brilliant, emotional, and true their art is.

  14. Blink-182

    Blink-182 is an American pop-punk band formed in 1992. The original lineup featured Mark Hoppus on bass and vocals, Tom DeLonge on guitar and vocals, and Scott Raynor on drums. Raynor was replaced by Travis Barker in 1998. The band rose to mainstream success with the album Enema of the State and has... read more

    Dude, Blink-182 got me through some tough times. They are literally the best band in the history of life itself. I love their lyrics. Hands down, they are number 1.

    They are the idols of many bands that are named here. Blink-182 are just the best.

    Blink-182 is the best. The drums are so tight, and Adam's Song is a work of art.

  15. Fall Out Boy

    Fall Out Boy is an American pop-punk band formed in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, in 2001. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley.... read more

    Fall Out Boy is the type of band that becomes your favorite for a while, and you find yourself playing their music over and over again. Then, you slowly grow out of them until you hear "Sugar, We're Goin Down" on the radio and you go crazy because you remember how much you love them.

    Fall Out Boy is my favorite band ever. I also like a lot of other bands like Green Day, Linkin Park, Panic! at the Disco, Paramore, and many other alternative bands. I love FOB's music the most because it's original and can make you feel alive. I absolutely adore Patrick's voice.

  16. Coldplay

    Coldplay is a British rock band formed in 1996. The group includes Chris Martin (lead vocals, piano), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Guy Berryman (bass), and Will Champion (drums, backing vocals). Their manager, Phil Harvey, is often referred to as the unofficial fifth member.... read more

    Listen to all Coldplay songs (you can skip the Music of the Spheres album). At least listen to the first 20 seconds, and keep going if you like it.

    I promise you won't be disappointed.

    Coldplay is, put simply, the best band in the world! Their music is fantastic and can easily be sung. Their world tours have mesmerized us all. And every fan is respected by this fantastic collection that is Coldplay!

    The best band should be in the top ten! They have made so many hits, and many of their best songs are their most underrated. They are incredibly talented, and their meaningful lyrics bring their songs to a new level.

  17. Evanescence

    Evanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1994 by singer and keyboardist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. The group rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their debut studio album Fallen (2003), which included the hit singles Bring Me to Life and My Immortal.... read more

    Evanescence brings a unique style of rock music with every album they make, providing classical, metal, and electronic influences led by the powerful vocals of Amy Lee. Their most recent album, 'Evanescence,' released in 2011, is as fantastic and mesmerizing as ever.

    They never cease to amaze me with their composition in every song. I always look forward to every new piece of content from each of the members and will support them until the end.

    Evanescence has really come a long way with their new album, titled 'Evanescence', as a demonstration that the new lineup is more united and intense than ever. At the heart of the band will always be Amy Lee, the voice and founder, and the only remaining original member.

  18. Rise Against

    Rise Against is an American punk rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1999. The current lineup includes Tim McIlrath on vocals and rhythm guitar, Zach Blair on lead guitar, Joe Principe on bass, and Brandon Barnes on drums. The band is known for blending a punk sound with politically and socially... read more

    My vote goes for them because they are by far my favorite band. However, to be honest, they are not the most skilled musicians compared to some of those above. I would still love to see them higher on this list.

    Definitely deserve to be higher up on this list! Extremely well-written songs with lyrics that actually mean something!

    Best punk band around, and they deserve the number 1 spot. Them or Alter Bridge.

  19. Metallica

    Metallica is an American heavy and thrash metal band formed in 1981. The original lineup included James Hetfield (vocals and rhythm guitar), Dave Mustaine (lead guitar), Lars Ulrich (drums), and Ron McGovney (bass). They first gained mainstream fame with their 1991 self-titled album (The Black Album... read more

    Metallica defines, greater than any other counterpart, the essence of metal.

  20. 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 songs such as "Down with the Sickness" and "Stricken," as well as... read more

    I'm a girl. I like pink, but I also like black. I enjoy heavy rock, and if you like to bang your head to some heavy rock, see and hear a cool-looking guy sing some awesome lyrics, and the band play some totally cool songs with incredible riffs on the guitar and wild drumming, then you've got to check them out if you've never heard them. If you like Metallica, Slipknot, or any heavy metal bands, you'll love these guys! They're one of my all-time favorites now. My husband laughs when I come home and he can hear it playing in the car!

    How is Disturbed so low? I don't even like this band, and I still think they should be in the top ten. They're so much more successful and popular than 3DG, Muse, and My Chemical Romance.

    What is this list? Is Trump voting here?

  21. Skillet

    Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1996. The band has released multiple albums and is known for its energetic live performances and crossover success in both Christian and mainstream rock markets. Skillet was founded by John Cooper and Ken Steorts, while Korey... read more

    This is one uniquely talented band who have managed to break stereotypes around bands with Christian members. John Cooper is an excellent bassist, singer, and songwriter with a very talented couple of ladies to back him up. Their lead guitarist, Seth Morrison, is very good, too.

    Listen to Circus For A Psycho if you don't believe me. Great lyrics and powerful music are what they stand for.

    Whoa! I just checked all the bands above Skillet, and none, not even one of them, can beat this band. Hero, Awake and Alive, Rebirthing, Comatose, Rise, What I Believe, Not Gonna Die, Fingernails... I can't name them all. All their songs are just amazing.

    They try to reach out to people with the lyrics, instruments, and their voices. This band keeps getting better and better, and they won't fade anytime soon. They are the best.

  22. 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

    The first album is hardcore, then the second album was their best album (Toxicity, Chop Suey), then their leaked album (Toxicity II) was renamed Steal This Album. Then their double album, Mezmerize/Hypnotize, for which they won a Grammy for the song B.Y.O.B... And so much more.

    Nowadays, they are touring around the globe, and they will make another album around 2013.

    The best band ever. All songs by System of a Down are special. They always can fix my mood. Just listen to one song and I'm a happy person. I just love them!

    Best bands of all time with amazing music and voice. The best song of all time is Toxicity.

  23. 30 Seconds to Mars

    Thirty Seconds to Mars (stylized as 30 Seconds to Mars) is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1998. The band currently consists of brothers Jared and Shannon Leto.

    They released their first album, 30 Seconds to Mars, in 2002. It was a self-titled album with... read more

    Quite simply, everything to me. Literally the reason I'm still alive today.

    To me, that makes them the best band in the world. Their music saved me from myself. I've never heard anything else that's evoked such emotion and a willingness to fight. My heroes.

    I've loved 30 Seconds to Mars since before I ever knew about them. My brother used to burn their songs onto blank discs, and whenever one of their songs came on in the car, I demanded that the volume be turned up.

    This band just keeps getting better and better. They have elevated the level of rock performances and have escalated it to a new high level of philosophic and meaningful songwriting.

  24. Bon Jovi

    Bon Jovi is a hard rock and pop rock band formed in 1983. The original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Richie Sambora (who left in 2013), bassist Alec John Such (who left in 1994), keyboardist David Bryan, and drummer Tico Torres.... read more

    I know most of his songs are from the 80s, but he is still one of the greatest rock and roll artists of all time. I love his music. His best songs are Livin' on a Prayer and It's My Life. I don't understand why he is not even in the top 20 on this list. When will the minimum quantity reach?

  25. Kiss

    Kiss, commonly stylized as KISS, is an American rock band formed in New York City in 1973. The original members were Paul Stanley on vocals and rhythm guitar, Gene Simmons on vocals and bass guitar, Ace Frehley on lead guitar and vocals, and Peter Criss on drums and vocals. Known for their face paint... read more

  26. Paramore

    Paramore is an American rock band from Franklin, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Hayley Williams, guitarist Taylor York, and drummer Zac Farro. They rose to fame with albums like Riot! (2007) and Brand New Eyes (2009), known for blending pop-punk and alternative... read more

    My favourite band is in 17th place. It's not possible. Best vocals by Hayley, best music by Taylor and Jeremy. It should be at number one. Green Day is a good band but not better than Paramore. All albums are good, and my favourite album is Brand New Eyes. So please vote for Paramore. It really deserves the number 1 place.

    They had a breakup, but they stayed strong and released a new song in 2011. "Monster" was part of the Transformers movie soundtrack and was a YouTube hit.

    Excuse me, 30 Seconds to Mars and Muse. You are standing in the way of the true biggest Rock Band today! Paramore deserves to be on top, not just because of Hayley's awesome voice and equally awesome hair, but because of their songs that reflect the feelings of teenagers in the present generation.

    Now, please step aside because Paramore is the only one truly at the number one spot.

  27. Arctic Monkeys

    The Arctic Monkeys, also known by the pseudonym Death Ramps, are a British indie rock band formed in 2002 in Sheffield, England. The lineup includes Alex Turner (lead vocalist, songwriter, electric and rhythm guitarist), Jamie Cook (electric and rhythm guitarist, songwriter), Matt Helders (drummer, backing... read more

    It's a shame they are so low. Such a talented group. While most people nowadays only know them for AM, every single album they have is amazing. Alex Turner is easily one of the greatest lyricists of the 21st century. Their music never gets old.

    From the UK, Alex Turner has led the band to some fantastic things. Their song "I Bet You Look Good On the Dancefloor" has been a dancing favorite, and their new album "AM" shows off their musical creativity.

    Pioneering rock music through the 21st century, AM's innovative integration of other rock genres shows pure creativity and extensive musicianship. They are the Rolling Stones of our generation.

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