10 UK Metal Bands That Are Defining the Genre Right Now

The UK has always been a breeding ground for influential metal bands, shaping the genre with innovative sounds and unforgettable anthems. These bands have played a major part in defining the genre, which is why we’ve have highlighted ten of them.

The bands we’ve chosen not only carry the torch of their forebears but also push the boundaries of metal into new territories. Their cult followings are a testament to their unique contributions to the genre, making them stand out in a sea of heavy hitters. This brings us to the list of the best UK metal bands currently defining the genre.

1. Architects 

Architects made waves with their 2018 album “Holy Hell,” a masterclass in blending melodic metalcore with progressive elements. The raw emotion and technical prowess they showed on tracks like “Doomsday” and “Hereafter” showcase why they’re at the forefront of their genre. The band has been praised for their ability to tackle personal and societal issues with depth and intensity.

Personally, I’m drawn to their relentless energy and innovative soundscapes, which set them apart from their peers. Looking ahead, Architects are gearing up for their “Seeing Red” tour, promising an electrifying live experience that fans won’t want to miss.

2. While She Sleeps

While she sleeps, she carved out a niche with their album “So What?”. The album was the band’s way of offering a fresh, aggressive yet catchy take on metalcore. Songs like “Anti-Social” and “The Guilty Party” highlight their knack for anthemic choruses and riff-heavy breakdowns. The band’s approach to addressing political and social themes connects well with their dedicated fanbase.

From my perspective, their DIY ethos and community-focused attitude make them incredibly authentic and relatable. They’re currently working on a new project, rumoured to be titled “Self Hell,” which promises to further solidify their status in the metal scene.

3. Creeper

Creeper brings a theatrical flair to punk-infused gothic rock with their album “Eternity, In Your Arms.” Tracks like “Misery” and “Black Rain” are perfect examples of their ability to craft dark, catchy narratives. Their theatrical live shows and deeply conceptual albums have gained them a cult following, with fans praising their storytelling and aesthetic.

I find their blend of punk energy and gothic melodrama utterly captivating, setting them apart in a crowded field. Creeper is set to embark on a tour around the UK, supporting their latest album,” Sanguivore,” which explores new depths of their gothic narrative.

4. Loathe

Loathe hit it big with their 2020 album “I Let It In, And It Took Everything,” an ambitious blend of djent, shoegaze, and nu-metal. Tracks like “Two-Way Mirror” and “Aggressive Evolution” helped them establish their trademark of genre-bending sound. The band’s experimental approach has earned acclaim for its originality and emotional depth.

Personally, I’m impressed by their willingness to explore and push boundaries, making them one of the most exciting bands in the scene. Loathe has announced their new tour, “Knock Loose”. Beginning in Detroit in April, it will span up until September, when they end in St. Petersburg, Florida. It promises to be a groundbreaking fusion of their styles.

5. Employed To Serve

Whenever Employed To Serve gets on stage, they captivate with their ferocious mix of hardcore and metal. They got their big break with their album “Conquering”, which was elected by Loudwire as the 41st best rock/metal album of 2021.

Songs like “Force Fed” and “Harsh Truth” are relentless in their intensity, showcasing the band’s tight musicianship and aggressive vocals. They’ve quickly risen through the ranks thanks to their energetic live shows and socially conscious lyrics. I admire their no-holds-barred approach and commitment to authenticity, which makes their music resonate on a deeper level. Employed To Serve is gearing up to perform at Takedown Festival 2024, promising yet another melodically chaotic performance.

 6. Bring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon has transcended its early deathcore beginnings to become a genre-defying giant. Albums like “Sempiternal” and “That’s the Spirit” made the metal world sit up and take notice. People have realized that they can indeed blend metal with electronic and pop elements in a way that’s both accessible and deeply complex.

Critics and fans alike praise their ability to innovate, while I find their fearless experimentation a breath of fresh air in a sometimes stagnant genre. They’re currently on their 12-country tour, delivering an immersive live experience everywhere they go.

7. Bullet For My Valentine

Living up to their name, the band consistently hit the target with hard-hitting anthems since their debut. With albums like “The Poison” and “Gravity,” they’ve mastered the art of melodic metalcore, combining catchy hooks with shredding solos. Their technical proficiency and emotional depth have earned them a loyal fanbase. Personally, their relentless energy and lyrical sincerity have always struck a chord with me.

After announcing that 2024 will be to unwind, their frontman Matt Tuck has hinted at a 2025 tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of the band’s classic debut album, 2005’s “The Poison”

8. Dragon Force

DragonForce is synonymous with lightning-fast guitar solos and epic fantasy-themed lyrics. Albums like “Inhuman Rampage” and “Reaching into Infinity” are testaments to their virtuosity and creativity.

They’re celebrated for their live performances, where they manage to replicate their complex studio sound. I’ve always admired their technical skill and the sheer joy they bring to their music. Fans are eagerly awaiting their next album, “Warp Speed Warrior” set to showcase their unmatched speed and melody.

9. Alestorm

Alestorm has carved out a niche for themselves with their pirate-themed metal, a blend of folk instruments and power metal riffs. Albums like “No Grave But The Sea” and “Curse of the Crystal Coconut” are filled with anthemic choruses and whimsical lyrics.

Their fun approach to music and live shows, complete with pirate attire and props, has garnered a cult following. From my perspective, Alestorm’s ability to not take themselves too seriously while delivering musically is incredibly refreshing. Alestorm has announced its Tour Of The Dead Maraude, which kicks off in Cincinnati, OH, on March 19, 2024, promising new songs and the same rowdy atmosphere.

10. Orange Goblin

Lastly, Orange Goblin stands out with their stoner metal sound, heavy riffs, and psychedelic influences. Albums like “A Eulogy for the Damned” and “The Wolf Bites Back” demonstrate their prowess in crafting dense, atmospheric tracks.

They’ve built a reputation for their dynamic live shows and dedication to the underground scene. Personally, I appreciate their gritty, no-frills approach to metal and their commitment to keeping the spirit of the genre alive. Orange Goblin has announced their first Australian and New Zealand tour in 11 years for April 2024, bringing their thunderous sound to fans, old and new.