Metallica is one of the most iconic and influential heavy metal bands of all time. With their distinctive sound, electrifying live shows, and groundbreaking albums, they have won over millions of fans around the world.
If you’re a die-hard Metallica fan, then you’re probably always on the lookout for new music that channels the same spirit of aggression, technical prowess, and creative flair. We’ve compiled a list of 10 other metal bands that are sure to appeal to Metallica fans who crave the relentless energy and raw intensity of this genre.
Exodus
With their crushing riffs, powerful vocals, and epic lyrics, Exodus has been a driving force in thrash metal since the late 1970s. If you’re a Metallica fan who likes heavy, intense, and imaginative music, then you won’t want to miss Exodus’s classic albums like “Bonded by Blood” and “Fabulous Disaster.”
Testament
With their dynamic sound, impassioned vocals, and innovative songwriting, Testament has been a standout band in thrash metal since the mid-1980s. If you’re a Metallica fan who likes powerful, progressive, and passionate music, then you’ll love Testament’s classic albums like “The Legacy” and “The Gathering.”
Overkill
With their relentless energy, thundering riffs, and raw intensity, Overkill has been a fan favorite in thrash metal since the early 1980s. If you’re a Metallica fan who likes aggressive, fast-paced, and relentless music, then you won’t want to miss Overkill’s classic albums like “Taking Over” and “The Years of Decay.”
Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage is a well-known American metalcore band that is often appreciated by Metallica fans. The band is known for their heavy riffs, powerful vocals, and intense live performances. They have also been recognized for their creative songwriting and their fusion of metal and hard rock elements. Killswitch Engage’s albums, such as “The End of Heartache” and “As Daylight Dies,” have received critical acclaim and have solidified the band’s place in the metalcore genre. If you’re a Metallica fan who loves thrash metal, you’ll likely enjoy Killswitch Engage’s unique sound and energy.
Slayer
With their blazing fast riffs, haunting vocals, and violent lyrics, Slayer has been a dominant force in thrash metal since the early 1980s. If you’re a Metallica fan who loves fast, brutal, and chaotic music, then you won’t want to miss their classic albums like “Reign in Blood,” “Seasons in the Abyss,” and “World Painted Blood.”
Anthrax
With their catchy choruses, punk-infused energy, and innovative style, Anthrax has been a key player in the thrash metal scene since the early 1980s. If you’re a Metallica fan who likes to dance, sing along, and have a good time, then you’ll love Anthrax’s classic albums like “Among the Living” and “State of Euphoria.”
Megadeth
With frontman Dave Mustaine at the helm, Megadeth has been delivering complex, intricate thrash metal since the mid-1980s. If you’re a Metallica fan who likes intricate musicianship, thoughtful lyrics, and powerful vocals, then you’ll love Megadeth’s classic albums like “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?” and “Countdown to Extinction.”
Motörhead
The band, fronted by the legendary Lemmy Kilmister, was a pioneer in the heavy metal genre and often incorporated elements of punk and rock and roll into their music. With high-energy performances and rebellious attitude, Motorhead was a major influence on many thrash metal bands, including Metallica. Their iconic album “Ace of Spades” is considered a classic in the heavy metal world and is still popular among fans today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CME5BP5fZg4
Judas Priest
Judas Priest is a highly influential and well-regarded heavy metal band that is often mentioned in the same breath as Metallica. The band formed in Birmingham, England in 1969 and is widely considered to be one of the pioneers of the heavy metal genre. Known for their powerful and dynamic vocals, intricate guitar work, and thunderous drumming, Judas Priest has been entertaining fans with their brand of heavy metal for over five decades. With classic albums like “British Steel,” “Screaming for Vengeance,” and “Painkiller,” Judas Priest has earned their place among the all-time great heavy metal bands and is a must-listen for any Metallica fan.
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden is another band that Metallica fans might enjoy. Like Metallica, Iron Maiden is known for their powerful sound, intricate guitar work, and heavy use of double bass drumming. Iron Maiden’s lead singer, Bruce Dickinson, is known for his operatic vocal style and larger-than-life stage presence, which have become hallmarks of the band’s sound. Iron Maiden’s imaginative and epic storytelling is a staple of their songwriting, and is sure to appeal to fans of Metallica’s storytelling as well. Whether it’s Iron Maiden’s classic tracks like “Hallowed Be Thy Name” or more recent hits like “Fear of the Dark,” there is something for every metal fan in Iron Maiden’s extensive discography.