What Is Death Metal?
Death Metal is a genre of heavy metal music that typically features growled or screamed vocals, aggressive sounding, loud guitar riffs, lightning-fast drums and fast tempos.
The sound emerged in the early 1980s as a fusion of hardcore punk and thrash metal and has since evolved into a distinct style characterized by heavily distorted guitars, complex song structures, and extreme tempos.
The aggressive style of music also gave birth to subgenres including technical, melodic, blackened, progressive, slam, doom and more.
Many modern bands in the genre incorporate elements of grindcore, which is characterized by short, fast, and intense songs. Some bands also incorporate elements of black metal or deathcore, which is a fusion of death and hardcore punk.
Despite its dark-sounding name, this style of metal is often quite technical and virtuosic in its musicianship. Some acts are even known for their intricate playing abilities.
Why Is It So Popular?
Firstly, death is a very aggressive and intense form of metal that appeals to people’s darker side. Like many genres, It is world music and embraced by metalheads across the globe.
Secondly, the style of metal is often quite technical and virtuosic in its musicianship, which makes it a very interesting and an enjoyable genre to listen to.
Made up of blast beats and aggressive guitar tone delivered mercilessly fast and coupled with either clean vocals or ominous gutturals that sound like they’re emanating from the deepest pits of hell, is what gives this form of metal it’s unique sound.
And we can’t forget the insane song and album titles like “Hammer Smashed Face“, “Scream Bloody Gore” and “Left Hand Path” or band names like “WITCH VOMIT“, “CATTLE DECAPITATION” and “THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER“, which just solidifies this type of metal in all it’s brutal glory as pure audio extremism.
Finally, it is the perfect genre for headbangers. Plain and simple. Fans are some of the most loyal, not just in metal and rock, but in all forms of music. The genre’s fans are passionate, dedicated and unbelievably loyal to their music.
Death Metal’s 13 Best Bands Of All Time
We here at Loaded Radio and Loadedradio.com have been tabulating your votes for who you, the metal fan, think are the top band(s) of this extreme genre.
We have done all the tabulation through on-site voting, incoming emails and on-air requests, so we would like to personally thank every one of you who took the time to vote.
It was a rather lengthy process, but we have now narrowed down the ‘Top 13’ Death Metal bands of all time as voted by you.
You can find them below.
Number 13 – DYING FETUS
DYING FETUS is a band from Baltimore, Maryland that formed in 1991 and remains one of the most brutal bands out there today.
The group is known for its extremely heavy and aggressive-sounding music, as well as its politically charged lyrics. They have released 8 studio albums to date and have toured extensively throughout the world.
DYING FETUS‘s musical style can be best described as a mix of death, grindcore, and deathcore.
The band’s songs are typically short and fast-paced and are known for their extreme heaviness and brutality. Their songs frequently concentrate on social and political issues such as war, abortion, and genocide.
This Baltimore, Maryland extreme metal collective is considered one of the pioneers of the deathcore genre and remain one of the most popular bands in extreme metal worldwide.
Number 12 – AUTOPSY
AUTOPSY formed in San Francisco, California back in 1987.
The band is considered one of the pioneers of the extreme metal genre and are known for their extremely heavy and aggressive audio attack, whether it be in the studio or onstage.
AUTOPSY have released 8 studio albums to date and have toured extensively throughout the planet.
The legendary metal band’s musical style can best be described as a mix of death, grindcore, and deathcore with songs that are typically short and fast-paced. AUTOPSY are known for their extreme heaviness and brutality and deliver it in spades.
AUTOPSY‘s lyrics often deal with social and political issues, such as death, violence, addiction, and insanity.
The band are considered to be one of the most influential metal bands of all time. If you have yet to experience this outfit’s sheer brutality, we would strongly recommend starting out with the band’s 1991 album “Mental Funeral“.
Number 11 – NILE
NILE are an American band from Greenville, South Carolina who have been around since 1993. And they are absolutely awesome.
The band are regarded as one of the founders of the extreme metal genre due to their extremely loud and aggressive audio attack. In all certainty this band will tear you apart with a sheer bludgeoning of crunchy guitars and insane drums.
NILE have released 9 studio albums to date and deliver a music style that can be best described as a mix of death, black metal, tech death and deathcore. NILE songs are typically long and slow-paced and are known for their extreme heaviness and brutality.
The band’s lyrics often deal with social and political issues, such as death, violence, religion, and mythology.
They are considered one of the most influential extreme metal bands of all time and have been cited as an influence by numerous metal luminaries, including the likes of MORBID ANGEL, CANNIBAL CORPSE and DEICIDE. But we’ll get to them later.
Number 10 – NAPALM DEATH
The original grindcore band, NAPALM DEATH are extreme metal royalty. This British group formed in England in 1981 and continue to barrage fans with their pulverizing tracks to this very day.
Few bands can be considered as one of the pioneers of the extreme metal (and grindcore) genre and still maintain their importance, integrity and absolute brutality in the way that NAPALM DEATH do.
NAPALM DEATH have released 16 full-length albums, as well as one EP and has conquered stages across the world on numerous massive tours.
The band’s willingness to experiment with their sound has kept them relevant for over three decades, and they are still considered to be one of the most extreme metal bands in the world.
NAPALM DEATH‘s live shows are always a furious assault on the senses, and their fans are some of the most diehard within the scene.
If you’re looking for a metal band that will test your limits, look no further than NAPALM DEATH. A great place to start would be at the beginning, with the “Scum” album.
Number 9 – DEICIDE
DEICIDE are an American extreme metal band who formed in Tampa, Florida in 1987. This band easily remain one of the absolute best brutal metal bands of the modern era.
The group is fronted by Glen Benton, who is known for his controversial lyrics and outspoken nature.
DEICIDE have seen several lineup changes over the years, with the most recent being the addition of guitarist Taylor Nordberg in 2022.
The Tampa, Florida extreme metal collective is one of those bands known for their aggressive volumes coupled with angry riffs which often include blasphemous lyrics. This band will seriously piss off your mom.
DEICIDE have been involved in numerous controversies throughout their career, which includes allegations of animal cruelty and Satanism.
The group have released 12 studio albums to date and continue to tour extensively, spreading their ferocity wherever they descend. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
Number 8 – ENTOMBED
ENTOMBED are a Swedish metal band that formed in Stockholm, Sweden in 1987.
Among the most well-known names in extreme metal, ENTOMBED are recognized for their thick guitar riffs and bellowing vocals.
The band has undergone numerous lineup changes over the years, yet have endured throughout, with guitarist Alex Hellid remaining the only constant member. Some of the group’s personnell would return, while some would go on to form the off-shoot band ENTOMBED A.D. amidst ENTOMBED‘s short lived break-up in 2014.
With 9 studio albums having been released by ENTOMBED thus far, the band continues to tour to throngs of rabid crowds worldwide. Their 1990 debut album, “Left Hand Path“, is considered essential extreme metal listening.
Number 7 – OBITUARY
OBITUARY are an American metal band who formed in Tampa, Florida in 1984 and are considered to be one of the best brutal metal bands of all time.
The group is notable for their intense and aggressive sound, which has helped the subgenre gain massive worldwide popularity. OBITUARY have released 11 studio albums to date and continue to tour extensively.
OBITUARY‘s sound can be best described as a mix of death, groove metal and thrash metal.
The group, along with the band DEATH, are often credited with creating the “Florida Death Metal” sound, which is characterized by its fast tempos and brutal riffs.
OBITUARY‘s lyrics often deal with social and political issues, such as death, violence, addiction, and insanity. I cannot speak highly enough about OBITUARY and the incredible amount of influence they carry on extreme metal as a whole.
Number 6 – CARCASS
CARCASS are a British metal band who have been delivering pulverizing, extreme metal since 1985.
They are one of the first bands from the extreme metal subgenre and remain well-known for their excessively loud and aggressive live assault. Their lyrics are also gore-ridden and outright unsettling.
CARCASS have released 7 full-length studio albums to date – with the latest being 2021’s “Torn Arteries” – and have continued to tour extensively.
Their unique sound can be described as a mix of death, grindcore and death doom and are well known for their twisted sense of humor and dark lyrics, which often deal with death, violence and disease.
If body-horror was a metal band, it would be CARCASS.
CARCASS remain one of the most influential metal bands of all time and are rightfully credited with helping to develop the entire extreme metal genre.
Number 5 – SUFFOCATION
SUFFOCATION are an American extreme metal band from Yonkers, New York who came together in 1988. This group is absolutely revered as one of the best extreme metal bands in music today. And rightfully so.
Initially formed by vocalist Frank Mullen, guitarists Guy Marchais and Todd German and bassist Josh Barohn, none of these members remain with the group today, with the departure of Mullen in 2019, yet they endure with longtime shredder Terrance Hobbs (who joined the fold in 1991) at the helm.
SUFFOCATION have released 8 studio albums to date, and continue to be a relentless attack of sheer, brutal metal with hints of grindcore, death doom and deathcore elements.
If you’re looking for some straight-up, good ol’ American brutality coupled with extreme guttural vocals, we would suggest a healthy order of SUFFOCATION.
Number 4 – BOLT THROWER
BOLT THROWER was an extreme metal band from Coventry, England who formed in 1986.
The group’s debut record, “In Battle There Is No Law” came out in 1988 on Vinyl Solution. The group thereafter moved to Earache Records, where they eventually became one of the best-selling acts on the label.
The group had a succession of members throughout their 30-year career, releasing 8 studio albums, three EPs, one live album, three compilation albums and two demos.
BOLT THROWER would call it quits on 14 September 2016 following the death of drummer Martin Kearns the previous year.
The band’s sound is a relentless attack of sheer, brutal metal with hints of grindcore, tech death and deathcore elements. Seriously essential listening for those exploring the roots of extreme metal.
What made BOLT THROWER so special is their ability to seamlessly mix death with an almost early grindcore sound, creating an incredibly brutal and heavy audio assault. They had also been known to experiment with what you could classify as deathcore elements on some of their later albums, resulting in a more modern conception while still retaining their classic metal roots.
Number 3 – MORBID ANGEL
Tampa, Florida’s MORBID ANGEL is one band that you don’t want to mess with.
MORBID ANGEL formed in 1983 and immediately showcased a signature sound that is both dark and brutal, and they aren’t afraid to show it. With albums like “Altars of Madness” and “Blessed Are The Sick“, MORBID ANGEL have cemented their place among metal’s elite.
Being one of the genre’s most influential bands, MORBID ANGEL helped to develop extreme music with their fast, aggressive sound and dark, Satanic lyrics. The band’s early work is considered some of extreme metal’s most important and influential material.
The band have recorded 9 studio albums since their formation, and continue to be a deadly barrage of raw, savage metal with grindcore undertones.
What also makes MORBID ANGEL so special is their ability to create a truly unique sound.
The band’s early albums were heavily influenced by grindcore acts like NAPALM DEATH and CARCASS, and this influence is still evident in their music today. However, MORBID ANGEL have also been known to experiment with certain elements of deathcore in some of their work.
This is a band that is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. If you’re looking for something dark and brutal, then look no further than MORBID ANGEL.
Number 2 – CANNIBAL CORPSE
CANNIBAL CORPSE are one of the most well-known death metal bands in the world, rightfully credited with helping to develop the subgenre as a whole.
Formed in Buffalo, New York in 1988, the group have unleashed a total of 15 studio albums to date.
CANNIBAL CORPSE‘s form of metal is characterized by its fast tempos, technical abilities and brutal riffs, coupled with their lyrics often dealing with death, violence, addiction, horror and insanity.
Since their formation in 1988, CANNIBAL CORPSE have had a total of 15 different members. This high turnover rate is partially due to some members going off to join other metal acts, or simply because they no longer fit into the extreme collective of the technically sound group. Most notably, the switch from original CORPSE vocalist Chris Barnes, who went on to form SIX FEET UNDER, to George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher, the band’s current vocalist, who would carry out the difficult responsibility of replacing a singer and boosting the band’s success with his booming, guttural vocal attack.
CANNIBAL CORPSE have the stunning amount of talent and brutal creativity to produce some of the most revered extreme music out there. With releases like “Butchered at Birth” and “Torture“, they have set the standard for metal brutality, and they continue to push the envelope within the metal scene with each new release.
If you’re looking for something that will make your ears bleed, then look no further than CANNIBAL CORPSE. (We recommend starting out with the classic Barnes-era “Butchered at Birth“, but honestly anything they’ve released works.)
Number 1 – DEATH
DEATH are widely considered to be the pioneers of the genre, and they are rightly credited with helping to develop the extreme metal sound.
Hailing from Altamonte Springs, Florida DEATH came together in 1984, and released a total of 7 albums.
DEATH‘s music is characterized by its fast tempos and heavy riffs, with the lyrical content usually dealing with subjects like death, violence, addiction, and insanity. The 1987 album “Scream Bloody Gore” is credited by many to be the pinnacle of the then burgeoning extreme metal subgenre along with “Seven Churches“, the debut album from POSSESSED.
DEATH frontman Chuck Schuldiner is credited with creating and developing extreme metal as a whole. Working alongside an almost revolving door of bandmates, Schuldiner remained the one constant member until his untimely death from a brain tumor in 2001 at the age of 34.
Chuck’s legacy lives on however, and he is considered to be one of the most important metal musicians of all time.
DEATH is the reason this list is here. Seriously though. Listen to “Scream Bloody Gore“. An awesome debut album for not just a band but a whole subgenre. Just pure, old-school death metal at it’s finest.
Final Words
Death metal is one of the most misunderstood and maligned subgenres of music in the world. It’s often seen as brutal, savage, and without talent or creativity. However, it is one of the most vital subgenres in today’s music world and should be given a chance by anyone interested in heavier styles of music.
Whether it be melodic, technical, old school or some progressive metal band with crust punk and black metal elements whose second album just speaks to you in a way you just can’t and don’t feel like explaining to anyone, all it takes is one band or one song or one album to send a shiver down your spine and fill you with adrenaline to get you hooked to the beautiful brutality.
Some other notable bands who we did want to mention who came very close to being on this list via your votes are THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, MALEVOLENT CREATION, DARK TRANQUILLITY, DEAD CONGREGATION, MISERY INDEX, BLOOD INCANTATION and many more.
The bands on this list are some of the best this type of music has to offer, and they represent everything that extreme metal stands for: brutality, creativity, technical ability, and pure savagery.
Even today’s death metal bands like OUTER HEAVEN, TOMB MOLD, RIVERS OF NIHIL and others are crushing ravenous crowds every night, pummeling them into oblivion with their raw, aggressive audio attack.
Simply, if you’re looking for something heavy to listen to, or maybe your usual heavy metal fix just isn’t filling that void inside, then this is a genre you should investigate.
These bands offer a wide variety of pulverizing sounds, so there’s something for everyone.
And remember, death metal is all about giving in to the dark side and feeling the power of the riff flowing through your veins.