Top 10 Worst Wannabe Tough Guy Bands
Bands that try to sound badass but fall flat on their face. From shoddy lyricism, to generic tough guy attitudes in general. Some bands fail at it more than others. So, without further to do let's take a look at the worst wannabe tough guy bands in existence. What do you consider to be the worst wannabe tough guy band?The Top Ten
Five Finger Death Punch, often shortened to Five Finger or Death Punch, also abbreviated as 5FDP or FFDP, is an American Alternative Metal/Alternative Rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada. Formed in 2005, the band's name comes from the kung fu movie The Five Fingers of Death. They do all of the generic wannabe tough guy things multiplied by a thousand. From their mundane riffs, overdramatic vocals, and really bad songs throughout. How anyone can tolerate this band let ALONE like them is a mystery to me. - BlueTelegraph
That name is racist against the disabled with only four fingers
They made ONE good song. ONE. Now they're not just "tough" but their ego is up there. - Cyri
Actually, Bad Company's also a good song, in my opinion. Only those 2 songs are good. - NickelodeonYesAddminNo
Sounds like an 8 year old boy made that name - BananaBrain
Limp Bizkit is an American nu metal band from Jacksonville, Florida, formed in 1994. Their lineup consists of Fred Durst, Sam Rivers, John Otto, and Wes Borland. This list wouldn't be complete without one of the pioneers of generic tough wannabe tough guy music. Fred Durst comes off as corny more than intimidating in all honesty. "Break Stuff" is your typical generic wannabe tough guy song a really bad one at that as well. - BlueTelegraph
The favourite band for every Kyle, especially the ones from the 2000's - DarkBoi-X
If there was a list of Wannabe Tough Guy Musicians or Rappers, he would be at the top. - RogerMcBaloney
Limp Bizkit is a great band for pussies that are wannabe metalhead tough guys
Saliva is an American rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. Saliva released their self-titled debut album on August 26, 1997, through Rockingchair Records, a record label owned and operated by Mark Yoshida, who recorded and produced the release at his studio, Rockingchair Studios. "Click Click Boom", and "Badass" are average generic wannabe tough guy songs. Not good ones either, but once again that's not surprising. Not as bad as others in the pack but not that interesting either. - BlueTelegraph
One of the most generic rock bands I've ever heard. Nothing interesting from any of the band members either
Godsmack is an American rock band from Lawrence, Massachusetts, formed in 1995. The band is composed of founder, frontman and songwriter Sully Erna, guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill, and drummer Shannon Larkin. I didn't comment on this. I swear someone is impersonating me. ~ Userguy44
Godsmack is a good band. They don't deserve to be on here and I hope their haters burn in hell. ~ Userguy44
Wow hoping that someone "burns in hell" is a very immature say to thing. - BlueTelegraph
Songs like "I Effing Hate You", and "Cryin' Like a Bitch" scream generic tough guy music. Not only that but they fail at it half of the time. One of the only few bands that pulled off the tough guy thing is Pantera to be honest. - BlueTelegraph
Disturbed is an American nu metal/ alternative rock/ alternative 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" . I remember that during art class in high school, there was this guy that always put on Disturbed songs (the teacher let us put whatever music we wanted on the speakers) and the guy really looked like he felt like he was the toughest man in the room. It just looked pathetic to be honest. - RogerMcBaloney
I like Disturbed but yeah they try too hard to be badass at many times. But they do have some songs where they're not ALL that wannabe tough.
They maybe not be as bad as FFDP. But, that doesn't make them any good either. "Guarded" although one of their few tolerable songs is a generic wannabe tough guy song. Don't get me started on Down With the Sickness either a wannabe tough guy song that screams pathetic. - BlueTelegraph
This band just screams "wannabe Metal" - DarkBoi-X
Slipknot is an American Heavy Metal band formed in 1995 from Iowa. The band is best known as one of the pioneers of the New Wave of American Heavy 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. I've really grown out of this band lately. Not hard to see why either, they come off as a diet sounding Slayer. With lots of generic wannabe tough guy elements thrown into the mix. Wait and Bleed is one of the biggest examples that comes to mind. - BlueTelegraph
Not really "tough guy" image. More "Guys you wouldn't want to find in a dark alley." - Cyri
Music for middle school bullies. - DarkBoi-X
In 6th grade everyone loves Slipknot
Can confirm. Used to play Wait And Bleed, Spit It Out and Left Behind a lot last year. - DarkBoi-X
Theory of a Deadman is a Canadian post-grunge band. Formed in 2001, the band is currently signed to Roadrunner Records as well as 604 Records. They were discovered by Nickelback lead singer Chad Kroeger. They try to sound badass but really aren't. It doesn't help that they're misogynist either. "No Way Out", "Crutch", and more is some of their several wannabe tough guy songs by them. It's kinda ironic how soft they made their music lately. - BlueTelegraph
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). ...read more. Eh, somehow I don't see them as a wannabe tough guy band. It might just be because I haven't listen to their songs much, but they just look like guys making Heavy Metal or Hard Rock music to me. - RogerMcBaloney
Somewhat but not entirely. - BlueTelegraph
Breaking Benjamin is a American post-grunge/alternative metal 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). ...read more. They try to pull it off but fail. With songs like "You Fight Me", "Lights Out", and etc. really bad wannabe tough guy music. Benjamin Burnley tries to be intimidating but really isn't. He comes off as corny and hard to take seriously. - BlueTelegraph
They sound like every other Hard Alternative band ever. - DarkBoi-X
I disagree with them being labeled as a tough guy band. - Soulstealer
Not a fan of them, either. Only one song by them is okay. - NickelodeonYesAddminNo
Trapt is an American rock band that formed in Los Gatos, California in 1995, best known for their 2002 single "Headstrong". The one hit wonder behind "Headstrong" generic wannabe tough guy music at its worst. Doesn't help that the singer comes off as bland either. Not a impressive band to say of the least. But, any wannabe tough guy band isn't impressive. - BlueTelegraph
Not gonna lie, I actually like Trapt. I respect your opinion, though. - NickelodeonYesAddminNo
The Contenders
My Darkest Days is a Canadian rock band based in Peterborough, Ontario consisting of lead singer Matt Walst, bassist Brendan McMillan, drummer Doug Oliver, and keyboardist Reid Henry. Matt Walst left the band in 2013 to become the lead singer of Three Days Grace. Their last album that came out was in ...read more. Not really. - BlueTelegraph
Hinder is an American rock band from Oklahoma that was formed in 2001 by drummer Cody Hanson, lead singer Austin Winkler and guitarist Joe "Blower" Garvey.
Bullet for My Valentine are a Welsh metalcore/emo 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 ...read more.
Nickelback is a Canadian rock band formed in 1995 in Hanna, Alberta, Canada. The band is composed of guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist Ryan Peake, bassist Mike Kroeger, and drummer Daniel Adair. Not really, most of their songs are soft sounding ballads. At worst they're top 40 radio rock not wannabe tough guys. - BlueTelegraph
Volbeat are a Danish heavy metal band formed in Copenhagen in 2001. They play a fusion of rock and roll, heavy metal and rockabilly.
Emmure is an American metalcore band formed in 2003. Originally based in New Fairfield, Connecticut, but now residing in Queens, New York, the group has a total of seven releases, with their first public release being a 2006 EP entitled The Complete Guide to Needlework.
Attila is an American metalcore band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 2005. Frontman Chris Fronzak started the band in high school and, not wanting to use typical death metal terms, adopted the name from Attila the Hun, which he came across in a book. If Limp Bizkit made Deathcore and Metalcore rather than Nu Metal - DarkBoi-X
Shinedown is an American hard rock band from Jacksonville, Florida, formed in 2001 and founded by members Brent Smith, Brad Stewart, Jasin Todd, and Barry Kerch.
Hollywood Undead is an American rap rock band from Los Angeles, California, United States. They released their debut album, Swan Songs, on September 2, 2008, and their live CD/DVD Desperate Measures, on November 10, 2009. Their second studio album, American Tragedy, was released April 5, 2011. All of ...read more. This I can agree on. - BlueTelegraph
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 discarding their original lead vocalist and enlisting Phil Anselmo, the band signed a major record deal with ...read more. They're the only band that pulls off the tough guy thing though. - BlueTelegraph
Pantera is basically the opposite of a wannabe tough guy band. - RogerMcBaloney
Music for drunk truck drivers and 17 year old car mechanics - Alkadikce
That better be an opinion or ima go live on Facebook, scream, and check this list for MISTAKES LIKE FRACTURES! - XxSEVEREDHUMANITYxX
Really? - TuxIsAPerson
Crazy Town is an American rap rock band, formed in 1995 by Bret Mazur and Seth Binzer. Crazy Town is best known for their 2000 hit single, "Butterfly", which reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and helped their debut album, The Gift of Game sell over 1.5 million units. I doubt that “Butterfly” sounds tough but some others maybe - XxSEVEREDHUMANITYxX
Seether are a South African hard rock band founded in May 1999 in Pretoria, South Africa. The band originally performed under the name Saron Gas until 2002, when they adopted the Seether name. A band that tries to sound like a edgier version of Nirvana. They fill the generic wannabe tough guy quota well. Another thing that doesn't surprise me. Probably the more tolerable one of the bunch though which is why they're pretty low. - BlueTelegraph
Fake it sounds like a tough guy song that's it really - BananaBrain
Metallica is an American Thrash Metal band formed in 1981 . The original lineup was James Hetfield (Vocalist and Rhythm guitarist), Dave Mustaine (Lead Guitar), Lars Ulrich (Drums), Ron McGovney (Bassist). The group came into mainstream from their Self-Titled album and the hit single "Enter Sandman". ...read more. Not really a tough guy band for the most part. - BlueTelegraph
Iron Maiden are an English Heavy Metal / Hard Rock band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. The most critically acclaimed period for the band was from 1983-1989. With vocalist Bruce Dickinson, bassist Steve Harris, lead guitarist Dave Murray, rhythm ...read more. Iron Maiden is one of the metal bands with the best musicianship ever. - RogerMcBaloney
Okay, I admit that The Number of the Beast is pretty tough-guy sounding, and I don't like that song at all - Alkadikce
They don't belong on this list at all. - BlueTelegraph
How are they wannabe tough guy?
Cannibal Corpse is a American death metal band from Buffalo, New York, formed in 1988. The band is known for their graphic album covers, explicitly violent lyrics and song titles like "I C** Blood" The group got into mainstream after performing the song "Hammer Smashed Face" in the 1994 film Ace Ventura: ...read more. Just because they are a death metal band and that their music is very aggressive sounding doesn't make them a wannabe tough guy band. Whoever added them probably thinks Metal bands in general just try to act tough instead of wanting to make music and express themselves. - RogerMcBaloney
Their lyrics scream "wannabe tough guy band". - RiverVibeZ
Now this is the definition of wannabe tough guy music. I mean they literally have a song called “Hammer Smashed Face”. ~ Userguy44
Papa Roach is an American rock band from Vacaville, California. Formed in 1993, their first major-label release was the triple-platinum album Infest. Wannabe emos. ~ Userguy44
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. More angsty than wannabe though guy to me. ~ Userguy44
Bring Me the Horizon is a British rock band from Sheffield, Yorkshire. Formed in 2004, the group currently consists of vocalist Oliver Sykes, guitarist Lee Malia, bassist Matt Kean, drummer Matt Nicholls, and keyboardist Jordan Fish. They are signed to RCA Records globally and Columbia Records exclusively ...read more. Not sure about this one. - BlueTelegraph
They're just a bunch of emos. - NickelodeonYesAddminNo
Used to be good... why BMTH WHYY - XxSEVEREDHUMANITYxX
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. Nah I'd classify them as more of a "Mental breakdown" band than a "tough guy" band. - BlueTelegraph
I doubt Daddy sounds like a generic tough guy song
Blood on the Dance Floor is an American scene duo currently consisting of Dahvie Vanity and Fallon Vendetta that formed in 2006. Former members include Jayy von Monroe (2009-2016) and Garrett Ecstasy (2009). All of them provided vocals to the project. ...read more. They look like dangerous clowns, but their music is extremely immature and gross. - NickelodeonYesAddminNo
They look like if the Joker had an emo phase. - RogerMcBaloney
Danzig is an American heavy metal band, formed in 1987 in Lodi, New Jersey, United States. The band is the musical outlet for singer and songwriter Glenn Danzig, preceded by the horror punk bands the Misfits and Samhain. No, their songs are more rebellious - XxSEVEREDHUMANITYxX
Slayer is an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California, formed in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. They rose to fame with their 1986 album Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the big four of thrash metal bands, the others being Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. ...read more. Again, another band that doesn't fit on this list. - RogerMcBaloney
Saliva of the 80s. Worst of the big 4. Sorry not sorry. - ReturnOfScorpio
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. Not a "wannabe tough guy" band in the slightest. - BlueTelegraph
HECK NO this band on the list should be in NOPETOWN - XxSEVEREDHUMANITYxX
Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Developed from an earlier group, the Rain, the band originally consisted of Liam Gallagher (vocals and tambourine), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan, and Tony McCarroll. Oasis doesn't quite fit that description. Considering how their biggest criticism is that they're Beatles knock offs. - BlueTelegraph
Green Day are an American pop punk, punk rock, and alternative rock band formed in East Bay, California in 1986. The members include Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals and guitar), Mike Dirnt (bass), Tré Cool (drums) and Jason White (guitar) . Green Day are associated with punk rock, pop punk and alternative ...read more. They aren't a tough guy band in the slightest. They might have some aggressive songs... but the "wannabe tough guy" band description doesn't really suite them. - BlueTelegraph
I wouldn't call them a wannabe tough guy band at all. - TuxIsAPerson
Blink-182 are a Pop Punk band formed in 1992. Original lineup were Mark Hoppus (Bass Guitar, Vocals) ...read more. Nope. They're soft as hell and don't even try to sound aggressive. - BlueTelegraph
Blink-182's just a whiny emo band without anything heavy. - NickelodeonYesAddminNo
I just can't stand the band that's all
Buckcherry is an American rock band from Anaheim, California, formed in 1995. The band released two albums, Buckcherry and Time Bomb, before dissolving in 2002. In 2005, lead vocalist Josh Todd and lead guitarist Keith Nelson reformed Buckcherry with a new lineup and released a new album in 2006, 15. ...read more.
Good Charlotte is an American rock band from Waldorf, Maryland that formed in 1996. Since 1998, the band's constant members have been lead vocalist Joel Madden, lead guitarist and vocalist Benji Madden, bassist Paul Thomas, rhythm guitarist and keyboardist Billy Martin and drummer Dean Butterworth, ...read more. They sound like ever other pop punk band ever. Boring, generic, and soft as hell. Don't think they qualify for this list. - BlueTelegraph
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 includes influence from heavy metal, art rock and electro-industrial and their imagery which features masks and costumes as well as ...read more. I guess they are similar to Slipknot in a way, but I don't really see them as a wannabe tough guy band. More like a "Let's make everyday Halloween" or "We're into scary things" type band. - RogerMcBaloney
Black Flag was an American punk rock band formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California. Initially called Panic, the band was established by Greg Ginn, the guitarist, primary songwriter, and sole continuous member through multiple personnel changes in the band. They are widely considered to be one of ...read more. Nah I disagree, T.S.O.L. was the “Wannabe Tough Guy Band” when it came to So. Cal Punk. - THC13
Megadeth is an American thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California. Megadeth was formed in 1983 by guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson, shortly after Mustaine was fired from Metallica. They have released 15 studio albums to date, and have gone through many lineup changes, with Dave ...read more.
Black Sabbath were a Heavy Metal band formed in Birmingham, England in 1968 by guitarist and songwriter Tony Iommi, singer John "Ozzy" Osbourne, bassist and main lyricist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward. ...read more. They might be one of the heaviest bands of the 1970s but as I see it, their fans listen to them for the music itself, so they aren't wannabe tough guy, same for Megadeth - Alkadikce
That name alone screams wannabe tough guy material. - BlueTelegraph
Suicide Silence is an American deathcore band from Riverside, California. Formed in 2002, the band has released four full-length studio albums, one EP and eleven music videos.
Asking Alexandria are an English metalcore band from York, North Yorkshire formed initially in 2008 by lead guitarist Ben Bruce along with former lead singer Danny Worsnop, bassist Joe Lancaster, keyboardist and synth player Ryan Binns, and current members drummer James Cassells and rhythm guitarist ...read more.
Mayhem is a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1984 in Oslo, regarded as one of the pioneers of the Norwegian black metal scene. The band is also known for the infamous events surrounding them including the 1991 suicide of vocalist Dead (in which former guitarist Euronymous took pictures of Dead's ...read more.
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although they initially lasted just two and a half years and produced only four singles and one studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, they are considered one of the most influential acts in the history ...read more.
Thirty Seconds to Mars (commonly stylized as 30 Seconds to Mars) is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1998. The band currently consists of brothers Jared and Shannon Leto. Sorta but not really? - BlueTelegraph