- April 11, 2025
A foundational band in death metal, Morbid Angel’s blend of intricate riffs, demonic atmosphere, and Trey Azagthoth’s shredding solos redefined the genre. Since 1983, they have released landmark albums like Altars of Madness and Covenant, securing their place as one of the most influential extreme metal acts.
A death metal supergroup featuring members of Katatonia, Opeth, and Paradise Lost, Bloodbath delivers old-school death metal brutality with modern intensity. Since 1998, albums like Nightmares Made Flesh and The Arrow of Satan Is Drawn have paid homage to the genre’s raw, uncompromising roots.
Often credited as the first true death metal band, Possessed set the foundation for the genre with their 1985 classic Seven Churches. Led by Jeff Becerra, they fuse thrash aggression with proto-death metal brutality, making them one of the most historically significant extreme metal bands.
One of the most notorious death metal bands, Deicide is known for their blasphemous themes and brutal sound. Since 1987, Glen Benton’s guttural vocals and Steve Asheim’s relentless drumming have fueled albums like Legion and Once Upon the Cross, solidifying them as a key player in extreme metal.
Synonymous with brutal death metal, Cannibal Corpse has been delivering relentless, gore-infused sonic assaults since 1988. Known for their graphic lyrics, unrelenting riffage, and George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher’s monstrous vocals, they have maintained their status as one of the most influential bands in extreme metal. Albums like Tomb of the Mutilated and Kill solidified their legacy, inspiring countless death metal acts over the decades.