Explore California Metal

Browse California Metal Bands

27 bands found
Fresno · 2016–present · active
Fresno, California NWOTHM project whose 2016 single channels classic heavy metal from California's Central Valley. A grassroots contribution to the state's vast traditional metal ecosystem.
Los Angeles · 2004–present · active
NWOTHM act that migrated from Antioch, Illinois to Los Angeles. Their 2004 EP Fire In The Sky captures the classic heavy metal energy of the early NWOTHM wave, predating the movement's broader recognition.
Los Angeles · 2019–present · active
Los Angeles NWOTHM project adding to the city's vast traditional metal roster. The name evokes medieval weaponry — fitting for a band committed to heavy metal's timeless warfare.
Santa Cruz · 2009–present · active
Santa Cruz heavy metal revivalists flying the NWOTHM flag from California's coast, delivering classic twin-guitar harmonies and galloping riffs with the swagger of the genre's golden era.
Los Angeles · 1991–present · active
Los Angeles heavy metal legends active since the early '80s, among the most respected traditional metal bands in American history. Eight releases spanning decades — including La Raza and the live Carpe Noctum — document a band that helped define the LA metal sound alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth, anchored by vocalist John Bush's iconic pipes.
San Francisco · 2001–present · active
San Francisco's action-adventure heavy metal band, delivering tongue-in-cheek anthems inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger films with the riff-driven swagger of classic NWOBHM and a healthy dose of absurdist charm.
Newark · 1982–present · active
Newark, California NWOTHM act flying the flag of classic heavy metal from the East Bay, delivering galloping riffs and soaring leads in the tradition of the genre's golden age.
Los Angeles · 2014–present · active
Los Angeles NWOTHM project. The cinematic, action-movie name promises heavy metal with blockbuster energy from the entertainment capital.
Fullerton · 2010–present · active
Fullerton, California NWOTHM band from Orange County, delivering classic heavy metal revival from the same suburban sprawl that spawned iconic punk and metal acts.

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California Metal Index indexes hundreds of California heavy metal bands across every subgenre — death metal, black metal, thrash metal, doom metal, metalcore, hardcore punk, grindcore, sludge, stoner metal, and more. Browse heavy metal bands by genre, city, or state.
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California Metal Index is an index of California heavy metal bands — death metal, black metal, thrash metal, doom metal, metalcore, hardcore punk, and all heavy music. Browse bands by genre, find metal concerts near you, and discover the California metal scene.