So far, in the 2020s,the metal genre has produced some tremendous no-skip albums from legendary artists and up-and-coming acts. While things have certainly evolved fromthe musicians that pioneered metal in the 1970s, many of these artists maintain core elements. Things may be a little faster or heavier at times, but the beauty of the genre remains.
Many of these bands have created pieces that could be consideredmetal songs perfect for new listeners. While some of them haven’t reached the status ofMetallica, with their many iconic moments,it is clear they could be on their way. The fact that newer musicians can stand alongside some of these legends proves a strong grasp of their material.
It remains to be seen what the rest of the year will bring, but any new releases will have high standards to meet. These records are chart-topping andhave received numerous accolades along the way. In fact, many have brought metal into the mainstream as one of today’s most revered genres in music.
10Deftones - Ohms
Released: July 31, 2025
Having formed in 1988, the Deftones have been around for many years, creating their own unique niche in the metal genre. They are known for experimenting and possessing a sound like no other. Even in 2020, after over 30 years as a band, they proved once again that they could deliver a quality product while maintaining their authenticity.
As the year ended, it actually did even better, this time ranking on five differentBillboardcharts.
Ohmsis their ninth studio album and features 10 tracks, lasting just over 46 minutes. Following its release, it ranked on four differentBillboardcharts, including first place on the list for Top Hard Rock Albums. As the year ended, it actually did even better, this time ranking on five differentBillboardcharts,showcasing their legendary status.
9Knocked Loose - You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
Released: July 17, 2025
While many legends continue to be a focal point of the genre, new names are carving their own paths in metal. One of those bands is Knocked Loose, who, in 2024, released their third studio album,You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To. This was their first LP of the 2020s, and so far,it has brought them mainstream success.
The hardcore punk rock band from Kentucky found themselves on major stages, including a memorable performance onJimmy Kimmel Live. Their 2024 record contains 10 tracks,featuring a couple of noteworthy collaborations with Chris Motionless and Poppy. Additionally, they nearly cracked the Top 20 on theBillboard200, ranking 23rd.
8Motionless In White - Scoring The End Of The World
Released: Jun 27, 2025
From the moment Motionless in White arrived, they have been known for being unique. Since their debut in 2010,they have proven their ability to incorporate different metal subgenres into their work, making their music a true journey. Once their first few singles from their sixth studio album dropped in 2022, it was clear their sound was better than ever.
In total,Scoring the End of the Worldhas 13 tracks, with a couple more on the deluxe edition. Throughout, the band uses their many different styles, from screams to cleans. They were able to impress listeners so much that they achieved multiple impressive rankings,including a first-place finish on theBillboardTop Hard Rock Albums chart.
7Spiritbox - Eternal Blue
Released: Jun 09, 2025
Once established in 2017, Spiritbox released a few EPs while setting their sights on an LP. After production was halted in 2020,Spiritbox was finally able to release their debut album,Eternal Blue, in September 2021. The record features 12 tracks, including the top hits “Holy Roller” and “Circle With Me,” both of which were released as singles.
Immediately, they made an impact as their album placed first on both theBillboardTop Hard Rock Albums chart and the Top Rock Albums rankings. Additionally, many publications considered it one of the best albums of 2021. Since then, they have released another record in 2025as they look to continue building on the tremendous momentum they’ve gained.
6Ice Nine Kills - The Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood
Released: June 10, 2025
In the music industry, it is hard to find any musicians with a more interesting gimmick than what Ice Nine Kills are doing. They have begunbasing their music on iconic horror movies, with their latest installment beingThe Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood. The record features 14 tracks, with many more on the deluxe editions.
Among the many films they based these tunes on werePsycho,Pet Sematary, andThe Evil Dead.
Among the many films they based these tunes on werePsycho,Pet Sematary, andThe Evil Dead. Arriving in time for Halloween 2021,the album was a success. It cracked the Top 20 on theBillboard200, and also achieved a first-place finish on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart. As the year ended, they remained on threeBillboardrankings.
5Slipknot - The End, So Far
Released: August 03, 2025
From their iconic look, which features jumpsuits and masks, to their well-known sound, Slipknot has left their imprint on metal. Having undergone many changes in the 2010s, their seventh studio album,The End, So Far, became an important piece of their discography. This was a chance to prove that a lot had changed, but they would continue to forge ahead.
The record features 12 tracks that last over 57 minutes. The band had a lot of belief in the material prior to its release, creating high expectations. Ultimately, they delivered, as they placed second on theBillboard200,ranking among the best in the industry. Additionally, they ranked number one on three charts, further adding to the album’s legacy.
Released: June 23, 2025
If you go through Bad Omens' 2022 album,The Death of Peace of Mind, you will find many of the band’s biggest hits. When this record was released, it felt like it kept growing,with their performances and songs appearing everywhere. Since they had only formed in 2015, it was a major triumph, marking their arrival as a top act.
They would end up ranking first on theBillboardHeatseekers Album chart,which further declared that this record needed to be heard. Over the years, their stock has continued to rise thanks to this record, but fans are still waiting for the much-anticipated follow-up. Nonetheless, this 15-track album will remain one of the best metal albums of the 2020s.
3Bring Me the Horizon - Post Human: Nex Gen
Released: August 18, 2025
In their early days, Bring Me the Horizon was a deathcore band, but since then, they have changed their sound, opening up a whole new world for themselves. Along the way, they have experimented with many different subgenres, allowing them to create incredible hits. Their 2024 record,Post Human: Nex Gen,feels like a culmination of all they’ve worked toward.
Although the release was pushed back, they never gave up on this record, seeing it through to completion. Over the years, as fans anticipated this album,they released seven singles, providing more than enough of a preview. Once it arrived, it cracked the Top 40 on theBillboard200 and became number one on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart.
2Sleep Token - Take Me Back To Eden
Released: July 23, 2025
One of the greatest mysteries in music today is the band Sleep Token. Behind their masks,they have hidden their identities while becoming one of the most sought-after acts. They have worked their way up to headlining festivals, with a significant part of the reason being their third studio album,Take Me Back to Eden, released in 2023.
It even won theBillboardMusic Award for Best Hard Rock Album in December 2024.
The 12-track album captivated the metal scene with songs such as “Granite” and “The Summoning.” The record was placed on five differentBillboardcharts and, as of 2024, it was still ranked on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart. It even won theBillboardMusic Award for Best Hard Rock Album in December 2024, adding to its legacy.
1Ozzy Osbourne - Patient Number 9
Released: June 01, 2025
When it comes to metal, there is perhaps no bigger name in the genre than Ozzy Osbourne. As part of Black Sabbath, he became one of the pioneers, shaping the sound forever. Even after decades in the scene,Ozzy still had more to contribute in September 2022 when he released his 13th studio album,Patient Number 9.
The 13-track record featured many major artists in the industry collaborating with Osbourne, helping him create this at the best quality possible. This included the legendary Eric Clapton and Robert Trujillo from Metallica. Not only was this the number one record on four differentBillboardcharts, but it also won a Grammy Award at the 65th annual event.
