Los Angeles post-metal and progressive project whose 2016 debut Temporal explores the nature of time through atmospheric, boundary-crossing heaviness. Cerebral LA metal.

Alameda, California black metal and speed metal project whose releases channel the Bay Area's fog-shrouded atmosphere through raw extremity since 2012. The German-inflected name adds a martial edge.

San Mateo, California thrash metal project — distinct from Alameda's Atomikrieg — whose twin 2016 demos promise apocalyptic thrash from the Peninsula suburbs. Two projects with nearly identical names operating in the same Bay Area.

Oakland/San Francisco sludge metal project with deep roots stretching back to 2003. Five releases including the lowercase-titled atone summer beats and beyond the clouds reveal a veteran act that has evolved from pure sludge into more atmospheric territory across two decades.

Oakland black metal and crust punk fusion whose 2016 debut Eternal Downfall merges the fury of D-beat punk with black metal's atmospheric extremity. A key voice in the Bay Area's thriving blackened crust scene.

Orange County's Atreyu helped shape the metalcore landscape of the early 2000s with their dual-vocal attack and melodic sensibility on albums like 'The Curse' and 'A Death-Grip on Yesterday.' Named after the hero of The Neverending Story, the band's anthemic choruses and Alex Varkatzas's fierce screams made them staples of the Ozzfest and Taste of Chaos touring circuit.

Colfax, California speed/thrash metal act from the Sierra Nevada foothills, channeling Gold Country's rugged frontier spirit into relentless, old-school aggression.

Pleasanton, California black metal project whose Latin name translates to 'dark wind,' channeling atmospheric bleakness from the Bay Area's suburban East Bay.

Los Angeles NWOTHM project. The cinematic, action-movie name promises heavy metal with blockbuster energy from the entertainment capital.