PAIN is an industrial metal project created in Sweden by musician and producer Peter Tägtgren in 1997. Known for hits like Shut Your Mouth and Same Old Song, the one-man studio project evolved into a prominent touring band.
Formed in Solingen, Germany, heavy metal pioneers Accept helped forge the speed metal genre. Renowned for anthems like "Balls to the Wall" and "Fast as a Shark," the band commands global festival stages, driven by shredding guitar riffs on acclaimed albums from "Metal Heart" to "Humanoid."
Emil Bulls is a German alternative metal band, formed in 1995 in Munich, Bavaria. Renowned for heavy riffs, melodic choruses, and high-energy live shows, their style blends nu metal and alternative rock. Popular songs include "Take On Me" and "Survivor." Notable albums are "Sacrifice to Venus," which hit #6 on German charts, and "Love Will Fix It." They have collaborated with Doro.
Dutch singer, songwriter and producer Charlotte Wessels is best known as the former frontwoman of Delain. Blending alternative metal, progressive metal and dark pop, she launched her solo career with self-produced albums and later formed a full band.
Formed in 2004 and officially announced in 2010, Soen is a melodic, heavy, and intricate group featuring drummer Martin Lopez and vocalist Joel Ekelöf. They released their debut album, Cognitive, in 2012 to positive reviews.
Founded in Florida by Thomas Youngblood, Kamelot is an American, German, and Swedish metal band known for blending symphonic, power, and progressive metal. Their notable releases include Epica, Ghost Opera, and Haven.
Crypta is a Brazilian death metal band formed in 2019. Known for their powerful, raw sound blending death and thrash, their albums "Echoes of the Soul" (2021) and "Shades of Sorrow" (2023) feature popular songs like "From The Ashes" and "Lord of Ruins." The all-female quartet, including Fernanda Lira, Luana Dametto, Tainá Bergamaschi, and Victoria Villareal, is recognized for technical prowess and genre-pushing.
Eclipse is a Swedish melodic hard rock band, formed in Stockholm in the late 1990s. Known for their precision riffs, towering choruses, and catchy hooks, they have become a prominent act in the genre. The band is actively touring in 2026, delivering high-energy live performances. Their discography includes popular tracks like "Viva la victoria" and "Roses on Your Grave".
Formed in Switzerland in 1992, hard rock band Gotthard is known for 16 number-one albums, 3.5 million sales, and over 2,000 concerts. The multi-platinum group features founding members Leo Leoni and Marc Lynn, alongside Freddy Scherer, Nic Maeder, and Flavio Mezzodi.
Helsinki heavy metal band Battle Beast blends classic metal, symphonic elements, and 80s hard rock. Known for energetic shows and soaring vocals, the sextet released their debut album Steel in 2011 and scored four consecutive Finnish chart-toppers, including 2022's Circus of Doom.
Tri State Corner blends hard rock with Greek Bouzouki, reflecting their German, Polish, and Greek roots. They've shared stages with Evanescence and Nightwish and worked with producers like Fabio Trentini. Known for their unique sound and social commentary, they've won competitions and appeared on various shows.
Israel-born (formed 1991) “Oriental metal” pioneers blending heavy riffs with Middle Eastern themes; peace-driven concept albums; Metal Hammer Global Metal Award 2014; collabs: Steve Hackett, Hansi Kürsch, Tomas Lindberg.
German symphonic metal band Beyond the Black broke through with 2015 debut Songs Of Love And Death (Metal Hammer Award Best Debut). Albums include Lost In Forever (#4 DE), Horizons (#3), and Beyond the Black (2023, #2 DE). Toured Europe and played Wacken.
New York City's Anthrax, formed in 1981, is a thrash metal pioneer and a "Big Four" member. Known for aggressive riffs, humor, and high-energy shows, they delivered classic albums like "Among the Living" and collaborated with Public Enemy on "Bring the Noise." They have multiple Gold certifications and Grammy nominations.
Freedom Call, formed in Nuremberg in 1998, is a German melodic power metal band known for classic prog-influenced style. Founded by Chris Bay, they debuted with "Stairway to Fairyland" and share the scene with Gamma Ray and Blind Guardian.
German symphonic power metal project led by Edguy’s Tobias Sammet; fantasy concept albums, huge guest cast. Hits “The Metal Opera”; Moonglow #1; Ghostlights gold.
Crematory sind Pioniere des deutschen Gothic Metal. Nach über drei Jahrzehnten Einfluss in der internationalen Metal-Szene unterschrieben sie bei ROAR. Drummer Markus Jüllich nennt ihren Sound einen Mix aus Illusions, Act Seven und Revolution.
Formed in Brazil, influential metal band Sepultura boasts a career spanning over four decades, 14 gold records, and performances in more than 80 countries. Known for their pioneering sound, they conclude their monumental journey with the final release The Cloud of Unknowing.
