Spanish viking/folk metal band from Palma on the island of Mallorca, formed in 2015. They channel Norse-inspired folk metal from the sun-drenched Balearic Islands.

French black metal band from Poissy near Paris, formed in 2014. They channel horn-blasting black metal from the western Parisian suburbs.

Finnish epic symphonic metal band from Lappeenranta, active since 1999. With over two-and-a-half decades of Tolkien-inspired epic metal, they are one of Finland's most established symphonic metal acts.

Luleå-based black metal act active since 2024, channeling the genre's core tenets of tremolo-driven riffing and blast-beat fury through a Swedish lens. Their recordings maintain a commitment to the raw, unvarnished aesthetic that defines underground black metal.

Athens-based epic power metal act active since 2014, crafting heroic compositions that blend galloping riffs with folk-influenced melodies and larger-than-life choruses. Their music channels the spirit of sword-and-sorcery through anthemic heavy metal.

German melodic death metal band from the Viersen-Cologne region, active since 1999 and self-described as holding the banner of melodic death metal high for over two decades. Their extensive catalog from Failing in Triumph through their 25th anniversary album (XX)V - Of Tales and Tragedies showcases a distinctive blend of Scandinavian melodeath influence with their own powerful style.

Thrash metal outfit from Maribor, formed in 2016. Their compositions hit with the urgent intensity that defines the genre at its best: fast, tight, and unapologetically aggressive.

London-based heavy metal band with roots stretching back to 1999, evolving from traditional heavy metal into heavier groove metal territory over the years. A long-standing presence in the UK metal underground.

German thrash/death metal band from Aurich in East Frisia, formed in 2019. They combine thrash metal's velocity with death metal's crushing heaviness from the North Sea coast.