Essential groove metal listening

The albums that define groove metal.

Our picks for where to start with groove metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The groove metal essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)

Slipknot

Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)

A chaotic blend of aggressive rhythms and melodic undertones that encapsulates the struggle between darkness and redemption.

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The End, So Far

Slipknot

The End, So Far

A visceral blend of aggressive rhythms and haunting melodies that captures Slipknot's evolving identity.

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We Are Not Your Kind

Slipknot

We Are Not Your Kind

A visceral blend of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies, exploring themes of isolation and personal turmoil.

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Slipknot

Slipknot

Slipknot

Raw aggression collides with intricate melodies, creating an unrelenting soundscape of chaos and catharsis.

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All Hope Is Gone

Slipknot

All Hope Is Gone

Aggressive rhythms intertwine with melodic undertones, creating a cathartic exploration of despair and fury.

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Iowa

Slipknot

Iowa

A raw, relentless barrage of chaotic rhythms and visceral screams encapsulating deep emotional turmoil.

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Adderall

Slipknot

Adderall

Aggressive riffs and chaotic rhythms converge with introspective lyrics, revealing a darker emotional landscape.

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.5: The Gray Chapter

Slipknot

.5: The Gray Chapter

A visceral blend of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies that captures both rage and vulnerability.

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Omens

Lamb of God

Omens

An aggressive blend of groove metal riffs and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of modern turmoil.

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Of Kingdom and Crown

Machine Head

Of Kingdom and Crown

A relentless blend of thrash and groove metal, infused with emotional intensity and lyrical depth.

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Unatoned

Machine Head

Unatoned

A relentless barrage of heavy riffs and introspective lyrics, merging metal's aggression with poignant narratives.

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Terra Incognita

Gojira

Terra Incognita

A crushing blend of progressive metal and groove-laden rhythms, weaving intricate melodies through existential themes.

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Machine Messiah

Sepultura

Machine Messiah

A fusion of thrash and progressive metal with haunting melodies and incisive social commentary.

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Quadra

Sepultura

Quadra

A relentless fusion of thrash and groove metal, laced with intricate rhythms and socially charged lyrics.

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Enslaved

Soulfly

Enslaved

A relentless fusion of groove metal and thrash, laced with tribal rhythms and politically charged lyrics.

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Soulfly

Soulfly

Soulfly

A raw fusion of thrash metal aggression and tribal rhythms, pulsating with primal energy.

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3

Soulfly

3

A dynamic blend of groove metal and tribal rhythms that captures raw emotional intensity and cultural reflection.

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Savages

Soulfly

Savages

A relentless onslaught of groove-laden riffs and primal rhythms that evoke chaos and aggression.

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Omen

Soulfly

Omen

A relentless barrage of aggressive riffs and tribal rhythms reflecting the chaos of modern existence.

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Totem

Soulfly

Totem

A relentless fusion of groove and thrash metal, filled with raw energy and primal intensity.

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Prophecy

Soulfly

Prophecy

A relentless fusion of heavy riffs and tribal rhythms, echoing powerful themes of struggle and resilience.

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Resolution

Lamb of God

Resolution

A relentless barrage of groove-infused riffs and guttural vocals that defines modern metal's intensity.

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Lamb of God

Lamb of God

Lamb of God

Aggressive grooves intertwine with intricate melodies, delivering a relentless exploration of contemporary frustrations and personal struggles.

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VII: Sturm und Drang

Lamb of God

VII: Sturm und Drang

Pummeling riffs and aggressive rhythms collide with introspective lyrics, creating a visceral metal experience.

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