The albums that define
death metal.
Our picks for where to start with death metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top death metal artists
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The death metal essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Sepultura
Roorback
A raw, aggressive fusion of thrash and groove metal that channels social discontent through relentless rhythms and visceral lyrics.
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Sepultura
Morbid Visions
Raw, aggressive riffs collide with primal rhythms, embodying the fierce energy of early Brazilian extreme metal.
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Fear Factory
Soul of a New Machine
A relentless fusion of death metal and industrial elements, marked by aggressive rhythms and haunting melodies.
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Fear Factory
Aggression Continuum
A relentless fusion of industrial and groove metal, characterized by aggressive riffs and mechanized rhythms that evoke a dystopian future.
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Babymetal
Metal Forth
A vibrant fusion of pop melodies and heavy metal instrumentation that redefines kawaii metal for a new generation.
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Babymetal
Metal Resistance
An exhilarating fusion of J-pop and heavy metal that balances sugary vocals with thunderous instrumentals.
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Runemagick
On Funeral Wings
This album showcases Runemagick's ability to meld atmospheric heaviness with intricate riffing. It serves as a introduction to their sonic landscape while maintaining a strong narrative throughout.
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Runemagick
Resurrection in Blood
A relentless barrage of dark riffs and guttural growls that conjures images of a haunted underworld.
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Immortal
At the Heart of Winter
Majestic black metal intertwines with haunting melodies and relentless riffs, creating an immersive atmosphere of winter's desolation.
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Immortal
Battles in the North
Frostbitten riffs and relentless drumming create an icy atmosphere that embodies the essence of Norwegian black metal.
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Obituary
Xecutioner's Return
A relentless assault of guttural vocals and thunderous riffs, embodying the raw intensity of classic death metal.
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Obituary
Frozen in Time
A relentless barrage of guttural vocals and thunderous riffs, embodying the essence of classic death metal.
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Cannibal Corpse
Chaos Horrific
A relentless barrage of guttural vocals and thunderous riffs, pushing the boundaries of death metal's intensity and brutality.
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Cannibal Corpse
Cannibal Corpse
A relentless barrage of guttural growls and frenzied riffs creates an unyielding atmosphere of horror and violence.
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Opeth
Sorceress
A blend of haunting melodies and intricate arrangements that traverse the boundaries between progressive rock and metal.
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Opeth
Pale Communion
A blend of haunting melodies and intricate musicianship, merging progressive rock with death metal's intensity in a beautifully atmospheric landscape.
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Krisiun
Forged in Fury (Krisiun Album)
Relentless blast beats and guttural vocals intertwine with intricate guitar work, creating an intense auditory assault that defines Krisiun's relentless style.
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Krisiun
Works of Carnage
Fierce blast beats and guttural vocals intertwine with intricate guitar work, creating a relentless barrage of death metal intensity.
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Kataklysm
In the Arms of Devastation
A relentless barrage of intricate riffs and thunderous drums, melding brutality with melodic undertones.
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Kataklysm
The Mystical Gate of Reincarnation
Aggressive riffs and relentless drumming create a visceral soundscape that explores themes of life, death, and the supernatural.
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Necrophobic
The Third Antichrist
A relentless assault of blistering riffs and haunting melodies, embodying the chaos of blackened death metal.
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Necrophobic
The Nocturnal Silence
'The Nocturnal Silence' is pivotal in showcasing the band's ability to fuse black and death metal elements seamlessly. Its energetic tracks set the stage for understanding their musical evolution.
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Theatre of Tragedy
Theatre of Tragedy
A fusion of gothic metal and doom, layered with atmospheric synths and hauntingly melodic vocals.
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Theatre of Tragedy
A Rose for the Dead
Gothic metal intertwines with electronic elements, creating a haunting soundscape that evokes both despair and beauty.
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By decade
Where death metal landed in each era.