Recommended hard rock and heavy metal

[Extreme Music] A roundup of recommended extreme metal bands

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Even within heavy metal, there are so many subgenres that it’s hard to keep track of them all, and everyone has their own tastes.

Some people love melodic metal, while others find that the more extreme it is, the better—which is fascinating, isn’t it?

This article focuses on “extreme metal,” a part of heavy metal that is often aggressive and intense, with dark and underground themes.

While there’s no strict definition, we introduce bands—particularly among death metal, black metal, and thrash metal—that are frequently described as “extreme metal.” If you enjoy intense music, be sure to check it out!

[Extreme Music] Recommended Extreme Metal Bands Roundup (11–20)

When All Is Said And DoneNapalm Death

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

When All Is Said And DoneNapalm Death

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.

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He Will Fight SavagelyVITRIOL

VITRIOL – He Will Fight Savagely (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

He Will Fight SavagelyVITRIOL

Portland-based extreme death metal band VITRIOL crafts a unique sound world where abyssal darkness merges with razor-sharp technical performance.

Since emerging on the scene with their 2013 demo “Antichrist,” they have continually pushed the boundaries of their music.

Their 2019 album, “To Bathe from the Throat of Cowardice,” captivated many fans with its intensity and virtuosity.

VITRIOL’s appeal lies not only in its extremity, but also in its profound emotional expression and high level of musicality.

In the spring of 2024, they are set to join the Chaos and Carnage tour, unveiling a further evolved sound.

Highly recommended for those seeking both punishing heaviness and deep emotional resonance.

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, the bands introduced this time are representative groups of so-called extreme metal, but there are countless bands around the world playing intense, truly extreme metal. Rather than searching under the broad label of extreme metal, I recommend using this article as a springboard to dig deeper into subgenres like black metal and death metal.