[Extreme Music] A roundup of recommended extreme metal bands

Where Dead Angels LieDissection

Dissection – Where Dead Angels Lie

Emerging from Sweden, Dissection left a distinctive mark on the world of extreme metal.

Formed in 1989 around the late Jon Nödtveidt, who passed away at 31, they opened up new horizons in fusing black metal and death metal, especially with the two albums The Somberlain and Storm of the Light’s Bane.

Their melodic elements and dark atmosphere blend superbly, compellingly expanding the scope of metal’s aesthetic.

The band’s history was tumultuous—marked by multiple breakups and reformations—yet they continued to draw attention for their musical vision.

As pioneers of symphonic black metal, boldly featuring grand, beautiful symphonic elements despite their extremity, they’re a must-listen for anyone seeking intense music.

Black MetalVenom

Venom – Black Metal (Official Video)

The appeal of Venom, who can be called pioneers of extreme metal, lies in their extremity and the innovation of their sound.

The primitive yet aggressive playing evident from their 1981 debut album, Welcome to Hell, had a tremendous impact on the later metal scene.

In particular, their 1982 album Black Metal solidified a name that would become a genre in its own right.

Venom’s music is known for its satanic imagery and has long been shocking, but it’s also worth noting the meticulous compositional techniques that have cultivated a devoted core fanbase.

After Conrad Lant took on vocals and bass, the band’s musical depth grew even further.

When you listen to Venom, you can feel the raw energy that metal possesses.

By all means, take a peek into their unique world.

Incarnated Solvent AbuseCarcass

Carcass – Incarnated Solvent Abuse [Official Video]

Pioneers of death metal, Carcass are the perfect band for those seeking extreme music.

Ever since their 1987 debut album Reek of Putrefaction, they have consistently pursued an aggressive, raw sound.

In 1988, Symphonies of Sickness solidified their style.

The 1993 classic Heartwork, which marked their transformation into melodic death metal, remains beloved by many fans.

Centered around Bill Steer and Jeff Walker, their history is unmissable: starting with grindcore, moving into death metal, and—following the addition of Michael Amott, later famous for Arch Enemy—evolving into a pioneering melodic death metal band.

If you’re looking for especially extreme music, be sure to check out their first two releases!

Woman of Dark DesiresBathory

Bathory – Woman of Dark Desires

Formed in Sweden in 1983, Bathory is a legendary presence in the extreme metal scene.

The innovative black metal created by Quorthon forged a unique world with its dark, aggressive sound and raw recordings.

In particular, the 1988 album Blood Fire Death stands as a foundational work for what came to be called black metal, and Quorthon’s scream-like shouts greatly influenced subsequent artists.

What’s remarkable about Bathory is that rather than repeating a purely black metal sound, from the 1990 masterpiece Hammerheart onward they crafted a style that became the blueprint for what would later be called Viking metal.

The band ended with Quorthon’s passing, but their influence continues to be carried on by successor bands.

If you’re a fan of extreme metal, this band’s music is sure to strike a chord with you!

L’Enfant SauvageGOJIRA

GOJIRA – L’Enfant Sauvage [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Gojira, whose name resounds from France to the world, stands apart from being just another heavy metal band.

Since their formation in 1996, the group has evolved around brothers Joe Duplantier and Mario Duplantier, distinguished by lyrics with profound messages centered on the natural environment.

After navigating legal issues, they adopted the name “Gojira,” and while rooted in death metal and thrash metal, they also incorporate elements of progressive metal.

Their sound world is defined by massive, impactful riffs, and on 2021’s Fortitude they showcased new experimentation by incorporating instruments of Brazil’s Indigenous peoples.

Already a major influence on many bands, their music—though extreme—is highly dramatic and includes melodic passages, making it relatively approachable.

Immerse yourself in Gojira’s unique music, including their strongly message-driven lyrics.

When All Is Said And DoneNapalm Death

NAPALM DEATH – When All Is Said And Done (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Born in the UK, Napalm Death has made a resounding name for itself in the extreme music scene since its 1981 debut.

Although the lineup was fluid and unstable for a while, their fundamental sound—grindcore—was established with their second album, From Enslavement to Obliteration, released in 1988.

The 1.316-second track You Suffer, recognized by the Guinness Book as the world’s shortest song, is quite well-known in Japan, partly thanks to TV features.

Of course, their sound isn’t for everyone; while incorporating influences from death metal and beyond, they continue to pack socio-political messages into their ferocious music and remain highly active even in the 2020s—truly living legends of the extreme music world.

They also tour Japan frequently, so if you get the chance, you should definitely experience their live show.

Ghost of PerditionOpeth

Opeth – Ghost of Perdition [Live at The Roundhouse Tapes DVD] HD

In the realm of extreme metal, Opeth has captured fans’ hearts with a uniquely progressive approach.

Formed in Sweden in 1990 and moving through early works like Orchid and Morningrise, it’s no exaggeration to say that Blackwater Park propelled them to the pinnacle of the metal scene.

Centered around Mikael Åkerfeldt—the guitarist and vocalist who remains the sole original member—the band’s ability to weave death metal, gothic rock, and prog into a dark, dramatic whole has continued to exert a profound influence on subsequent bands.

In recent years they’ve gravitated toward progressive rock, but their singular, artful sound is sure to captivate not only progressive metal fans but also new listeners.

If you want to experience their music from an extreme metal perspective, you’d do well to start with the early releases and the 2008 masterpiece Watershed.