Top 10 Modern Metal and Hard Rock Bands
They brought metal to the modern day masses. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top ten modern metal and hard rock bands.
For this list, we’ve chosen bands that have been thrashing, shredding it up and continuing to be successful in the 21st century. Unfortunately, this means bands like Pantera and Rage Against the Machine are out in terms of their age, whereas bands like Dream Theater don’t fit into the category of metal we’re looking for.
#10: Tool
We start off with a band that got more experimental as the years went on. Originally grounded in heavy metal, Tool followed in the wake of the alternative metal movement with their next albums, incorporating styles like psychedelic and art rock. Gaining what many are calling a cult following with songs like “Vicarious” and “Parabola,” Tool has more than earned their spot on our list.
#9: Korn
One of the modern giants of nu metal, Korn has been going strong for more than two decades now. With two albums that topped the Billboard 200 as well as two Grammy Awards under their belts, the band has continuously produced dark, vulgar but nonetheless incredible hard rock and alternative metal tracks. No one will be forgetting songs like “Freak on a Leash” and “Here to Stay” in a hurry.
#8: Godsmack
They’ve torn it up at Ozzfest, sold over 20 million albums worldwide and are no strangers to the top of the Billboard 200. As one of the most successful hard rock bands in the United States, Godsmack has managed to stand its ground over the years and let loose some killer tracks. “I Stand Alone” remains one of their most iconic and thrilling songs, and for some, the best part about “The Scorpion King” movie.
#7: Lamb of God
Part of the new wave of American heavy metal, this band has brought satirical and political commentary to the mainstream in the form of pulse-pounding groove metal. Albums such as Ashes of the Wake and Sacrament managed to propel Lamb of God forward into the hearts of fans and critics alike. Not only is their music heavy, but it’s also deadly in its precision.
#6: Rammstein
You don’t see many European bands hitting the heavy metal mainstream, yet this German band has done just that. Rammstein isn’t only famous for creating successful heavy metal songs in their own language, but also for their killer live shows, which always come equipped with pyrotechnics. Songs like “Sonne” and “Du Hast” with added flamethrowers? Talk about win-win.
#5: Linkin Park
They’ve been voted as one of the greatest artists of the 2000s, have won multiple Grammys and are always finding new elements to implement into their sound. Starting out with a combination of nu metal and rap rock, the band has found a way to stay relevant and successful by experimenting with other genres, including electronic sounds on their later albums. With four chart-topping records, clearly Linkin Park is doing something right.
#4: Disturbed
Four of their albums have debuted at number one on the Billboard 200; so, what does that tell you? With intense shredding blended with powerful-yet-melodic vocals, Disturbed managed to skyrocket themselves to stardom, becoming one of modern metal’s greatest. With varying-yet-equally potent lyrics, ranging from real-world conflicts to dark fantasy, this band makes us want to get down with the sickness.
#3: Avenged Sevenfold
Hear that? That’s the unmistakable sound of M. Shadows and the rest of the motley crew that make up Avenged Sevenfold. Starting off with a metalcore sound, the band soon evolved into the hard rock group we know and love. With massive hits like “Nightmare” and “Almost Easy,” it’s not hard to see why they’ve won so many Golden God awards. Besides, any band that prides itself on heavy sounds and can still sing country has gotta make the list.
#2: Slipknot
In heavy metal terms, when you think of nine band members, masks and maggots, there’s only one group that comes to mind. With a multitude of instruments that range from standard percussion to turntables, along with an aggressive lyrical style that fans can’t help but mosh to, Slipknot is truly the definition of chaos in heavy metal, and we love it.
Before our number one pick lets loose some killer sounds, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Amon Amarth
- Killswitch Engage
- Hollywood Undead
- Evanescence
- Opeth
- Mastodon
#1: System of a Down
With an unmistakable sound, vocals that reach unbelievable heights, and lyrics that focus on the darker side of human nature, System of a Down has truly left their mark in metal. With songs like “B.Y.O.B,” “Aerials” and “Chop Suey!” displaying varied, puzzling-yet-incredible arrangements, it’s no wonder this Armenian-American band has managed to become such heavyweights in the industry.
Do you agree with our list? What modern heavy metal band rocks your socks off? With new top tens published everyday, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.