Rule of Thumb was a death metal/deathcore band from Lommel, Limburg, Belgium, formed in 1997 and active until 2003 when vocalist Koen Vanderhoydonk's departure prompted the remaining members to reform under the name Rival. During their six-year run they established themselves within the Belgian extreme metal underground.

Milan heavy metal act formed in 2017, carrying the torch for classic metal traditions from Italy's largest city. Their commanding approach channels the authority and power of traditional heavy metal.

Heavy/groove metal band from Kristiansand, Norway, formed in 2022. Their approach combines classic heavy metal with groove metal's rhythmic drive from southern Norway.

Progressive black metal project from Nottingham, England, formed in 2020. The project pushes black metal into progressive, boundary-crossing territory from the East Midlands.

Folk metal band from Rumia, Poland, active since 2015. Their three-letter name mirrors the beginning of their hometown, and their approach delivers folk metal from the Tricity area on the Baltic coast.

Speed/thrash/folk metal band from Zagreb, Croatia, formed in 2025. Their pirate-themed approach blends high-velocity thrash with nautical folk metal revelry.

Pirate-themed folk metal band from Auchtermuchty, Scotland, active since 2018. Their humorous, sea-shanty-infused approach to folk metal has built a dedicated following with tongue-in-cheek pirate metal revelry.

Rumble Militia is a crossover thrash metal band from Bremen, Germany, reformed in 2020 with a politically conscious approach. Their 2020 album Set the World on Fire features tracks like Athens is Burning and No Nazis, delivering punked-out metal with attitude and message.

Brutal death metal band from Hartlepool, England, active since 2019. Their approach delivers punishing brutality from the northeast coast.