Space Wax are a San Diego, California band formed in 2014, straddling stoner, doom, and traditional heavy metal. Their sound leans into vintage-toned riffing and analogue warmth, drawing equally from classic heavy metal and the fuzzier end of the stoner/doom spectrum.

Spectra is a heavy metal band from Rubidoux, California, formed in 2016, working within the traditional heavy metal style with an emphasis on melodic songwriting and classic genre sensibilities. Their sound reflects the enduring influence of the NWOBHM and American power metal traditions.

Spellgrinder is a heavy metal band from Twentynine Palms, California, formed in 2023, playing traditional heavy metal from the high desert of the Mojave with a sound rooted in classic metal song craft.

Spinal Tap is the Los Angeles fictional heavy metal band created for Rob Reiner's 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, whose satirical portrayal of rock excess became one of the most influential comedies in music history and a touchstone for heavy metal culture worldwide.

Split Image is a heavy and thrash metal band from Campbell, California, formed in 2019, playing riff-driven traditional metal with a thrash edge rooted in the Bay Area's storied history with the genre.

SplitImage is a heavy metal band from Modesto, California, formed in 2019, playing traditional heavy metal in the Central Valley's underground scene.

St. Elmos Fire is a Sacramento, California melodic heavy metal band formed in 2015, drawing on classic metal traditions with an emphasis on strong hooks and twin-guitar arrangements.

Heavy metal band from Pleasanton, California, active since 2018, Starch deal in straightforward traditional metal with an emphasis on muscular riffing and unpretentious songwriting.

Los Angeles heavy metal band formed in 2016, rooted in the classic American heavy metal tradition with a no-frills approach to riff-driven songwriting and muscular song structures.