Averno plays heavy metal from Donostia-San Sebastián since 2007, named after the Italian name for Avernus, the entrance to the underworld in Roman mythology. Over nearly two decades in the Basque Country's most elegant city, they have maintained a commitment to traditional heavy metal values.

Averze thrashes with heavy metal and crossover influences from Blansko in the Moravian Karst region since 2013. Over a decade of activity from this cave-country town, they have built a reputation for no-nonsense aggression.

Avian is a heavy metal band from the Ostrach and Burgweiler area of Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, formed in 2011, delivering traditional heavy metal from the rural landscape of Upper Swabia. The band carries the genre's riff-driven traditions from one of southern Germany's quieter corners.

Awaited channels heavy and thrash metal from Apatin in Vojvodina since 2019. Their anticipatory name builds tension through compositions that deliver the metallic payoff their Danube-town audience expects.

Birmingham's Awake by Design craft anthemic heavy metal with soaring vocals and driving rhythms designed to fill arenas. Since 2009, they've maintained a polished, modern approach to traditional heavy metal that prioritises hooks and emotional impact.

Aweless plays heavy metal from Scandicci near Florence since 2016. Their name, meaning without awe, carries a fearless confidence that their Tuscan heavy metal delivers through straightforward riffing and powerful vocals.

Axe Crazy plays heavy metal from Lędziny in Upper Silesia since 2014. Named after an Iron Maiden track, they carry the torch of NWOBHM-inspired heavy metal from the Silesian coal country.

Axel Rudi Pell is a veteran German heavy metal and hard rock guitarist from Bochum, whose career spans over three decades and twenty-three studio albums including Into the Storm, Risen Symbol, and the 2026 release Ghost Town recorded at Blind Guardian Studios. His long-standing lineup features vocalist Johnny Gioeli, drummer Bobby Rondinelli, bassist Volker Krawczak, and keyboardist Ferdy Doernberg, with the latest album including a collaboration with Udo Dirkschneider.

Heraklion's Axeon bring classic heavy metal fire from the island of Crete, delivering riff-driven songs with a Mediterranean energy and old-school attitude. Since 2016, they've been championing traditional metal values in the Aegean.