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)

Piss AngelPig Destroyer

PIG DESTROYER – “Piss Angel” (Official Music Video)

Piss AngelPig Destroyer

Pig Destroyer is an American grindcore band renowned for their truly extreme musical style.

Since forming in Virginia in 1997, they have established a solid presence in the underground scene.

When their debut album, Explosions in Ward 6, was released in 1998, its aggressive sound and dynamic performances captivated discerning listeners.

This reflects a musical identity that spans diverse genres, including grindcore, heavy metal, death metal, and hardcore punk.

As exemplified by 2001’s Prowler in the Yard, they consistently convey intense themes and sharp social messages through their music.

They have performed in Japan, and are well known among Japanese fans of extreme music, so if you haven’t heard them yet, be sure to check them out!

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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.