San Francisco heavy metal band formed in 2019, rooted in the classic traditions of the genre and operating within the Bay Area's historically rich metal landscape.

Stormblade is a traditional heavy metal band from Santa Ana, California, formed in 2017, drawing from the classic NWOBHM and American heavy metal playbook with sharp, melodic riffwork.

Stockton, California heavy and thrash metal band also formed in 1989, blending the melodic directness of traditional heavy metal with the aggression and speed of thrash.

Iconic Christian heavy metal band from Orange County, California, originally formed in 1983 and among the most commercially successful acts in the genre's history, known for their yellow-and-black imagery, arena-ready anthems, and outspoken faith-based lyrical content. The band experienced a significant resurgence after reuniting in the 2000s, continuing to record and tour into the 2020s.

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Surrender is a heavy metal band from Pasadena, California, formed in 2011, rooted in the classic heavy metal sound of Southern California's historically fertile underground with a straightforward, riff-centered approach.

Suspicion is a San Diego, California heavy metal band formed in 2016, rooted in traditional heavy metal before evolving toward a harder rock direction over the course of their career.

Sutrero is a San Francisco, California band formed in 2013 that layers heavy and stoner metal with hard rock influence, delivering thick, fuzz-drenched riffs grounded in the Bay Area's heavy music tradition.

Los Angeles heavy metal band formed in 2024, rooted in the classic and traditional metal idiom of the city that helped define the genre's commercial and underground branches alike.