The albums that define
alternative metal.
Our picks for where to start with alternative metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top alternative metal artists
Start with one of these.
The alternative metal essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine
A revolutionary blend of heavy riffs, hip-hop rhythms, and politically charged lyrics igniting a call to action.
Start here
Jane's Addiction
Nothing's Shocking
A raw fusion of punk energy and psychedelic textures, capturing the chaotic spirit of late '80s alternative rock.
Start here
Slipknot
Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)
A chaotic blend of aggressive rhythms and melodic undertones that encapsulates the struggle between darkness and redemption.
Start here
Slipknot
The End, So Far
A visceral blend of aggressive rhythms and haunting melodies that captures Slipknot's evolving identity.
Start here
Slipknot
We Are Not Your Kind
A visceral blend of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies, exploring themes of isolation and personal turmoil.
Start here
Slipknot
Slipknot
Raw aggression collides with intricate melodies, creating an unrelenting soundscape of chaos and catharsis.
Start here
Slipknot
All Hope Is Gone
Aggressive rhythms intertwine with melodic undertones, creating a cathartic exploration of despair and fury.
Start here
Slipknot
Iowa
A raw, relentless barrage of chaotic rhythms and visceral screams encapsulating deep emotional turmoil.
Start here
Slipknot
Adderall
Aggressive riffs and chaotic rhythms converge with introspective lyrics, revealing a darker emotional landscape.
Start here
Slipknot
.5: The Gray Chapter
A visceral blend of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies that captures both rage and vulnerability.
Start here
Soundgarden
Badmotorfinger
A raw and explosive blend of heavy riffs and introspective lyrics that defines grunge's early 90s sound.
Start here
Sevendust
Blood & Stone
A raw and introspective blend of heavy riffs and melodic hooks reflecting resilience and vulnerability.
Start here
Rage Against the Machine
The Battle of Los Angeles
A blistering fusion of rap and rock, fueled by politically charged lyrics and relentless energy.
Start here
Rage Against the Machine
Live & Rare
Raw live energy merges with politically charged lyrics, creating an explosive atmosphere of resistance and rebellion.
Start here
Rage Against the Machine
Renegades
A politically charged blend of funk, metal, and rap that confronts social injustices with fierce energy.
Start here
Bring Me the Horizon
Amo
A genre-blurring exploration of electronic, metal, and pop that pulses with emotional intensity.
Start here
Bring Me the Horizon
Post Human: NeX GEn
A chaotic fusion of metalcore and techno, layered with emotional introspection and visceral energy.
Start here
Bring Me the Horizon
Post Human: Survival Horror
A frenetic blend of metalcore aggression and electronic elements encapsulates a dystopian soundscape.
Start here
P.O.D.
Murdered Love
A raw fusion of rap metal and melodic hooks, echoing the band's struggle and resilience.
Start here
Bring Me the Horizon
That's the Spirit
A blend of soaring melodies and heavy instrumentals, balancing introspection with anthemic energy.
Start here
Bring Me the Horizon
There Is a Hell Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven Let's Keep It a Secret.
A chaotic fusion of metalcore intensity and electronic textures that captures a sense of existential turmoil.
Start here
P.O.D.
Testify
A dynamic blend of rap-rock energy and melodic metal, showcasing P.O.D.'s signature sound evolution.
Start here
Bring Me the Horizon
Music to Listen To...
An experimental soundscape blending ambient textures and melancholic themes, challenging conventional metal boundaries.
Start here
P.O.D.
Veritas
A dynamic fusion of rap metal and alternative rock that channels both aggression and introspection.
Start here