Austin, Texas NWOTHM project named after the newspaper advice section. Classic metal from the Live Music Capital.

Airacobra is a band from Champaign, Illinois that has evolved from metalcore and heavy metal into blackened heavy metal territory. Their 2022 full-length "Midwestern Steel" lives up to its title — a blue-collar blackened metal album rooted firmly in the Midwest.

Airstrike is a heavy metal band from Lincoln, Nebraska. With nine releases spanning 2012 to 2025, the band has been a remarkably consistent presence in one of the most underrepresented states in American metal.

AK-47 is a heavy metal band from Portland, Oregon with roots stretching back to 1980. One of the longest-running underground metal acts in the Pacific Northwest, the band's recent output includes 2024's "in the Neutron Stew Continuum" — forty-four years into a career that has outlasted countless scenes and trends.

Akasha is a melodic heavy metal and hard rock band originally from Brownsville, Texas, now based in Memphis, Tennessee. With five releases in 2024-2025 alone — including the Spanish-language EP "Huellas" and single "Santa Cecilia" — the band bridges Latin American musical identity with classic heavy metal.

Akeron is a heavy metal band from Washington state. Their 2017 EP "Enfants de la lune" (Children of the Moon) hints at French-language influences within a traditional heavy metal framework.

Dallas, Texas NWOTHM project. The Spanish name — 'black wings' — adds Latin American flavor to DFW traditional metal.

Los Angeles NWOTHM legends featuring guitar virtuosos from Yngwie Malmsteen to Steve Vai. One of the most historically significant classic metal acts to emerge from the '80s LA scene.

Detroit NWOTHM project named after Aleister Crowley. Occult classic metal from the Motor City.

Solo symphonic heavy metal project blending orchestral arrangement with traditional metal guitar work. An emerging artist with a cinematic approach to heavy music.

Prolific Hudson, Ohio solo project from composer Alexander Brandon, spanning heavy metal, electronic, and soundtrack work across a massive catalog. More video game composer than metal band, but the heaviest corners of the discography bring genuine riff worship.

Brandon, Florida heavy metal/hard rock project in its earliest stages. An emerging act from the Tampa Bay area metal scene.

Seattle grunge and heavy metal icons who helped define the sound of the Pacific Northwest alongside Nirvana and Pearl Jam. One of the most important bands in American rock history.

New York City heavy metal/hard rock project with an enormous 2025-2026 output — twelve releases in under two years. A hyper-prolific solo endeavor pushing out volume at a pace that dwarfs most full bands.

Detroit heavy metal act that arrived in 2025 with WRATHBERRY, a substantial debut full-length. Motor City metal with enough swagger and riff-driven energy to honor the city's hard rock legacy.