The genre and world ofmetalis constantly evolving, continuously being reshaped emerging new artists and evolving sounds that push the genre’s boundaries. Not only istoday’s metal sceneexciting, but it is also incredibly diverse, with many different sounds challenging what it means to be a metal artist in this day and age. From the genre’s signature heavy riffs and double kicks to experimental fusions of music like pop, hip-hop, and electronic, there is a consistent stream of new styles and takes on metal music for every metalhead to explore.
Manygreat metal songs released in 2024, and there’s a huge number of artists currently carving out their own unique places in the alternative scene.Every one of these artists knows exactly how to introduce their own signature styleand aesthetic, songwriting, and music production in a way that captivates fans. From show-stopping live performances to deeply personal and raw lyrics, the modern metal scene today demonstrates the unique and rough style that originally made metal popular. Whether you’re a seasoned metalhead or a newcomer to the genre, here are ten awesome modern metal artists that should be on any metal fan’s radar.
10Scene Queen
Pop-Punk Queen of Metal
An artist who has taken the alt-metal world by storm with their very own genre, “bimbocore”,Scene Queen has earned their rightful place in today’s thriving modern metal scene.Singing lyrics that challenge societal norms often by evoking themes of self-empowerment, Scene Queen’s presence in the alternative metal industry boasts a raw intensity.
10 Incredible Women Singers Who Are Leading The Modern Metal Scene
From Vana to Fleur Jansen to Poppy, there are several women whose vocals are now at the forefront of metal music and deserve to be celebrated.
Creating a vibrant aesthetic to coincide with her provocative, yet infectious songs, Scene Queen’s live performances are additionally as good- if not even better- than her recordings. The “plastic and fantastic” artist is breaking boundaries in the world of metal and it’s worth keeping an eye on.
9Izzy Reign
Heavy Riffs & Powerful Vocals
Blending an exciting mix of metalcore, hardcore and electronic pop, Izzy Reign is a rising star that any fan of modern metal cannot ignore. With infectious songs like “Sandman” and “The Sunken Place” making waves in 2024, Izzy Reign has carved out a commercially accessible, yet heavy sound within the modern metal scene.
Not only will this artist’s music appeal to different metal fans, but also to fans of electronic pop, given Izzy Reign’s unique and dynamic range as a modern metal act.
With an ability to deliver a variety of different harsh vocals and raspy melodic tones,the artist is an exceptional example of what it means to be a modern metal vocalist. Not only will this artist’s music appeal to different metal fans, but also to fans of electronic pop, given Izzy Reign’s unique and dynamic range as a modern metal act.
8Vana
Melodic Metal With A Dark Twist
Vana burst onto the modern metal scene with their breakthrough hit single “Beg!” in 2024, and released their highly anticipated Trial &TerrorEP shortly afterward. Creating a sound that blends melodic metalcore with elements of commercial pop,Vana knows exactly how to create a modern metal track that has the ability to resonate with fans all over the world.
Continuously growing her social media presence and fanbase,Vana captivates audiences at her live shows with her haunting presence,powerful vocal delivery, and glorious fry screams, with every track hitting even harder than the last.
7Kid Bookie
UK Rap Meets Metal
Kid Bookie is a modern metal artist who knows how to seamlessly blend the genre with elements of rap and alt-rock. Utilizing introspective lyrics and creating tracks that are as raw as they are polished, Kid Bookie is an expert at delivering explosive and infectious songs that resonate with a modern metal audience.
Key collaborations include tracks with Slipknot’s Corey Taylor, which highlight Kid Bookie’s talent and ability to bridge the gap between metal and hip-hop.
The artist’s fearlessness when it comes to experimenting with different styles while holding a commitment to authenticity is what sets Kid Bookie apart inthe modern metal scene.
6Deijuvhs
Experimental Metal Fusion
Deijuvhs, a pioneer of avant-garde metal with haunting elements of electronic and alt-rock sounds, is a rising star in the modern metal scene. Supporting renowned nu-metal acts like Limp Bizkit, Deijuvhs is an artist worth keeping an eye on.
With vocals that stick with any listener,the artist’s compositions have the ability to transport fans into an atmospheric soundscape holding up heavy, downtuned guitar riffs and nu-metal style drums. Writing lyrics from a place deep within, the artist is not afraid to experiment with interesting melodies and sounds, carving a unique space for themselves within the modern metal scene today.
5Master Boot Record
Technical Metal Mastery
Infusing elements of chiptune and 8-bit sounds with metal, Master Boot Record is a very exciting one-man project that will appeal to fans of video games.With an impressive live performance with electronic and retro-gaming sounds bouncing all around a venue, the artist’s music is purely instrumental, combining elements of heavy metal with progressive metal and more.
With shredding, intricate guitars against an electronic backdrop of retro-inspired synths,Master Boot Record’s music is the perfect soundtrack to throw on while gaming, or simply to make travelling on public transport feel more like an adventure.
4Poppy
Alternative Metal Pop Star
Since the beginning of their career as an artist, Poppy has experienced an impressive transformation from a popstar to one of the world’s leading forces in the modern metal scene.Poppy continues to grow in terms of their creativity as they deliver different styles of vocals in every track they release, from her signature sugary sweet melodic vocals to her infectious screams.
Her ability to push boundaries with the modern metal scene is what has made her one of the most innovative artists in the industry today.
Defying sticking to one genre,Poppy’s music and journey as an artist is so exciting because no one can truly know which musical direction she is heading in next.Her ability to push boundaries with the modern metal scene is what has made her one of the most innovative artists in the industry today.
3Plini
Instrumental Prog Metal Virtuoso
Hailing from the progressive metal scene in Australia, Plini has become a staple favorite among many guitar fanatics in the progressive metal community. A virtuoso guitarist pushing boundaries against traditional metal music,Plini’s works incorporate elements of metal, ambient, and jazz styles of music.
The guitarist’s technical skills are extremely impressive, as is his ability to compose melodies and songs that are as complex as they are accessible. Additionally, Plini’s live shows are nothing short of an experience, with his laid-back stage presence making his music even more relaxing to listen to.
2Mick Gordon
Metal for Gamers
Best known for creating one of the most popular gaming soundtracks in recent years,Mick Gordon is, of course, the mastermind behind the soundtrack forDOOM. His influence on the modern metal scene has been monumental, inspiring a new generation of metal fans to compose and create exciting modern metal music. Gordon knows exactly how to write some of the heaviest riffs of all time, and is able to blend them with a variety of exciting low end elements like riveting double kicks and bass to deliver an exciting piece of work. Collaborating with other modern metal acts, Gordon has solidified his place as not just a composer, but an important artist in the modern metal scene.
With Gordon’s iconicDOOMcompositions, not only are they a well-known and very exciting accompaniment to the game, but they are also a masterclass in modern metal.His ability to create tension and hooks through unconventional recording techniquesand layers of industrial sounds has allowed his music to stand out in the scene, demonstrating new levels of innovation. Gordon’s incredibly inventive approach to composing and producing modern metal music has not only allowed him to accumulate praise from fans of metal, but from those in the gaming community as well, proving his music to appeal to an even broader audience.
1Devin Townsend
Progressive Metal Legend
Known as a legendary figure in the modern metal scene today, Devin Townsend is known for his genre-defying, theatrical signature sound. With a career spanning over three decades, Townsend’s career has had a significant impact on the modern metal scene. With a maestro guitar style and introspective lyrics touching on a broad variety of topics,Townsend’s unique metal sound is often mixed with elements of ambient, new age, electronic, and sometimes pop music.Townsend’s music is well known for its theatrics and emotional intensity, influencing a new generation of modern metal artists.
Ultimately, the modern metal scene today is a dynamic and diverse genre driven by many awesome artists who aren’t afraid to express themselves through the art of experimentation and innovation. While each of the artists featured on this list does showcase the ever-evolving nature ofmetal, there are many others who are doing the same. Whether someone is drawn to the raw intensity that fuels the metal world or the experimental fused nature of many of its subgenres, exploring the modern metal scene includes something for everyone to listen to while the future of the genre unfolds.
