Category 7 is a Los Angeles heavy metal and thrash band delivering a high-energy mix of crunching riffs, muscular rhythms, and a melodic edge that draws from both classic metal and the American power-thrash tradition.

Oakland heavy metal band rooted in traditional metal songwriting and hard-rocking riff craft, drawing from the deep well of classic American and British heavy metal.

Oakland speed metal outfit Charger tears through high-velocity riffs with a raw, street-level aggression rooted in the Bay Area's blue-collar heavy metal tradition. Their sound sits at the crossroads of classic NWOBHM-influenced heavy metal and the breakneck energy of early speed metal.

Northern California's Cheap Evil plays heavy-thrash with a rough, basement-forged energy that reflects Arcata's distance from the polished commercial metal scenes further south. Their material values speed, grit, and a defiant DIY spirit.

Ventura legends Cirith Ungol helped define American doom and epic heavy metal in the late 1970s and '80s with their dark, Tolkien-inspired sound and Tim Baker's instantly recognizable wail. Rediscovered by a new generation of doom devotees, they reunited in 2015 and continue to record.

Los Angeles speed/heavy metal outfit City Kings channel the spirit of NWOBHM and early American power metal into high-octane anthems built on galloping riffs and sky-high energy. They play classic metal with conviction and swagger.

Los Angeles heavy metal outfit Cloak Creature bring a lurking, shadowy energy to the LA metal scene, drawing on classic heavy metal tradition filtered through the city's expansive underground. Their music is riff-driven and deliberate, favoring menace over flash.

Oakland, California thrash and heavy metal band Cobweb pull from the Bay Area's legendary thrash tradition while keeping one foot in classic metal territory. Their music has the gritty, street-level intensity that Oakland's underground is known for.

Sonoma County, California heavy metal band Coffin Hunters bring a traditional heavy metal approach to the Bay Area's wine country, with riff-forward songwriting and a classic sensibility. They represent the enduring appeal of no-frills heavy metal in Northern California.