Boston, Massachusetts heavy metal band formed in 2014, rooted in the traditional and classic heavy metal sounds with the no-frills directness of a band committed to the genre's core appeal.

Chicago, Illinois blackened heavy metal and punk band formed in 2015, fusing the raw aggression of black metal with classic heavy metal's riff-based drive and a gritty punk undercurrent drawn from the city's DIY underground.

Detroit, Michigan heavy metal outfit formed in 2012, channeling the Motor City's storied hard rock and metal heritage into a traditional heavy metal sound rooted in riff-forward songwriting.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania thrash metal band formed in 2016, drawing on both Bay Area and East Coast thrash traditions to deliver ferocious, riff-driven material with the city's characteristic grit.

San Antonio, Texas heavy metal act with roots going back to 1989, representing the enduring Texas traditional metal scene with a style built on classic heavy metal riffs and songwriting.

Stockton, California heavy and thrash metal band also formed in 1989, blending the melodic directness of traditional heavy metal with the aggression and speed of thrash.

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Heavy metal and hard rock band from Racine, Wisconsin, formed in 2024, part of the current wave of bands reviving the straightforward, riff-driven sound of traditional heavy metal.

Los Angeles heavy metal band formed in 2014, rooted in the city's long tradition of hard-edged, street-level metal. Their Bandcamp handle "strikeforcehc" hints at a hardcore crossover influence alongside the traditional metal base.

Heavy metal band from Schertz, Texas, formed in 2012, carrying on the tradition of classic NWOBHM-influenced American heavy metal in the San Antonio area. Their sound is rooted in the twin-guitar, riff-centered approach of the genre's formative years.

Heavy metal band from New Jersey, formed in 2012, continuing the tradition of hard-driving, riff-based metal in the tri-state area's active underground scene.

Heavy and power metal band from Kent, Washington, formed in 2010, delivering melodic, guitar-driven metal in the classic American power metal tradition, part of the Pacific Northwest's active heavy metal community.

Baltimore, Maryland band formed in 2010, working across heavy, power, and thrash metal styles with a broad approach that spans the melodic grandeur of power metal and the aggressive drive of thrash.

Progressive and heavy metal band from Bowling Green, Ohio, formed in 2010, incorporating grunge and progressive rock influences alongside traditional heavy metal, yielding a sound that is more eclectic than most of their namesakes.

Heavy and power metal band from Cleveland, Ohio, formed in 1992, part of the city's established metal underground, delivering the melodic twin-guitar attack and anthemic songwriting of classic American power metal.