When you think of heavy music, images of raw power, defiance, and innovation come to mind—and Black creators have been at the forefront of this movement. Although often underestimated, these innovative musicians are known for their groundbreaking music, which blends punk’s rebellious spirit, metal’s intensity, and unique artistry. I’m a drummer and I’ve done Thrash, Crossover, and Death Metal projects over the years, some known, some not so much. But here in New York, I’ve grown up seeing everyone on stage. So this Black History Month, I want to show off the sounds of ten essential bands shaped by Black visionaries who have left an indelible mark on the world of heavy music. From thrash to hardcore, and everything in between. These bands embody the spirit of heavy music in all its glory.

1. Death (Proto-Punk)

Way ahead of their time, Detroit’s Death paved the way for punk rock before most even knew what punk was. Formed by the Hackney brothers in the early ’70s, their gritty, uncompromising sound—marked by biting social commentary—was too radical for the mainstream then but revered today. Rediscovered in the 2000s, with “A Band Called Death” documentary, their cult-classic …For the Whole World to See (2009) brought their visionary work to a new generation. If you want to hear the roots of rebellion, start here.
Key Albums: …For the Whole World to See (2009)

 

2. Mother’s Finest (Joyce Kennedy)

 

Imagine a band that could rock as hard as Led Zeppelin while laying down funk grooves as tight as James Brown—enter Mother’s Finest. Fronted by the powerhouse Joyce Kennedy, the band broke barriers and sound systems alike with tracks that were both fiery and soulful. Another Mother Further (1977) remains a masterclass in genre fusion, while Kennedy’s charisma and powerful presence set a blueprint for future generations.
Key Albums: Another Mother Further (1977), Iron Age (1981)

 

3. Living Colour

Few bands made an entrance as seismic as Living Colour. Their fusion of metal, funk, and hard rock—powered by Corey Glover’s commanding vocals and Vernon Reid’s searing guitar work—redefined the genre landscape. With Vivid (1988) and its Grammy-winning anthem “Cult of Personality,” they challenged both musical and societal norms. Reid had a high profile already from touring with Mick Jagger, and helping to found The Black Rock Coalition, still thriving to this day. Three decades later, Living Colour’s cutting-edge creativity and thought-provoking themes are just as urgent and relevant. Corey has been prolific with touring, sessions, Broadway, acting, and other bands such as Galactic, Ultraphonix, Sonic Universe, and Disciples of Verity.
Key Albums: Living Colour Vivid (1988), Time’s Up (1990), Stain (1993)

4. Bad Brains

With blistering Punk anthems and hypnotic Reggae interludes, Bad Brains flipped the script on hardcore punk. Led by the electrifying H.R., Darryl Jennifer, Dr. Know, and Earl Hudson, their self-titled debut (1982) and I Against I (1986) are still regarded as untouchable classics. Their musical proficiency was an early forebearer of both Thrash and Progressive metal. They put Washington DC Hardcore on the map, until they were banned in 1979, eventually relocating to NYC! If you saw Bad Brains at CBGB’s, you’ve seen some real shit go down. Their unmatched stage presence and genre-fluid sound remain an inspiration for both punk diehards and innovators across the globe.
Key Albums: Bad Brains (1982), I Against I (1986)

5. Fishbone 

Equal parts chaotic and genius, Fishbone has been smashing musical boundaries since the ’80s. Led by Angelo Moore’s theatrical presence and Norwood Fisher’s inventive bass, the band merges Ska, Punk, Funk, and Metal with infectious energy. Albums like Truth and Soul (1988) and The Reality of My Surroundings (1991) show their unmatched ability to keep both minds and mosh pits in overdrive. Also “Swim” from the Bill and Ted Bogus Journey soundtrack was my first exposure to them.
Key Albums: Truth and Soul (1988), The Reality of My Surroundings (1991)

6. Sevendust

Sevendust brings groove, grit, and emotion to modern metal like few others can. With Lajon Witherspoon’s powerful blend of soulful singing and raw aggression, the band has become a pillar of the genre. Albums like Home (1999) and Animosity (2001) showcase their ability to balance heaviness with heartfelt lyrics, making every live show a cathartic experience.
Key Albums: Sevendust (1997), Home (1999), Animosity (2001)

 

7. God Forbid

During the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, God Forbid stood out with their technical prowess and socially aware lyrics. Led by Byron Davis, guitarist Doc Coyle, and drummer Corey Pierce (also of Disciples of Verity) their blend of thrash, metalcore, and melodic death metal hit hard both sonically and intellectually. Albums like Gone Forever (2004) and IV: Constitution of Treason (2005) are still hailed as essential listens for fans of modern metal.
Key Albums: Gone Forever (2004), IV: Constitution of Treason (2005)

 

8. Oceans of Slumber

Oceans of Slumber, led by the mesmerizing Cammie Gilbert, blends Doom, Progressive, and Gothic metal into a darkly beautiful soundscape. Gilbert’s deeply emotional and dynamic voice anchors albums like The Banished Heart (2018), earning critical acclaim for their powerful storytelling and sonic depth. The band is one of the leaders of Modern Progressive metal, but can still craft more laid-back and moody tracks when they want to.
Key Albums: The Banished Heart (2018), Oceans of Slumber (2020), Starlight And Ash (2022)

9. Candiria

Brooklyn’s Candiria defies genre boundaries with their audacious blend of metal, jazz, hardcore, and hip-hop. Vocalist Carley Coma leads the charge with dynamic intensity across records like Beyond Reasonable Doubt (1997). Their refusal to be boxed in has made them a favorite of both experimental music fans and hardcore enthusiasts.
Key Albums: Beyond Reasonable Doubt (1997), 300 Percent Density (2001)

10. Zeal & Ardor

 

No one sounds quite like Zeal & Ardor. Created by Manuel Gagneux, the project fuses Black Metal with African-American spirituals and blues, creating hauntingly powerful anthems of rebellion and liberation. Albums like Stranger Fruit (2018) continue to push genre boundaries while tackling themes of identity, oppression, and resistance.
Key Albums: Stranger Fruit (2018), Zeal & Ardor (2022)

BONUS:

Thin Lizzy
Maybe the most underrated band of the Classic Rock generation, Thin Lizzy was always more than a hit machine act. Embodying the spirit of Irish culture through the hardscrabble life of leader Phil Lynott, with his complicated childhood as a multi-racial kid in the UK. Phylo was one of his generation’s greatest storytellers. He was not only an incredible bassist and songwriter, he was a tremendous singer. The list of guitar greats that came through the band is long and legendary (RIP John Sykes), and while their best-known songs make for good bar music, the band’s deep cuts ring the truest.
Key Albums: Fighting (1975), Jailbreak (1976), Johnny The Fox (1976), Bad Reputation (1977), Chinatown (1980), Thunder and Lighting (1983)

Alice In Chains (William Duvall)
Yes, Alice In Chains is a household name, but William Duvall has been a huge reason the band was able to mount one of the biggest comebacks in rock history! As one of the cornerstones of nineties heavy music, Alice In Chains, has 35 years in the game overall, but since joining the band nearly 20 years ago, William has had the impossible job of stepping in for the dearly departed Layne Staley (RIP). Not only has William covered Layne’s parts every show, on newer material, his lead and harmony vocals, along with his writing and guitar playing have been the perfect compliment to Jerry Cantrell’s deft songcraft. Also, check out his self-released acoustic album One Alone on his own DVL Records.
Key Albums: Black Gives Way To Blue (2009), The Devil Put The Dinosaurs Here (2013), Rainier Fog (2018). Solo: One Alone (2020)

That list barely scratches the surface! We couldn’t stop at just ten! Black musicians have been shaking up the world of metal and heavy music for decades, fearlessly breaking boundaries, defying expectations, and creating some of the most powerful, genre-bending music out there. From Thrash to Death Metal, Progressive masterpieces to Hardcore anthems, these creators keep proving that heavy music thrives on diversity. Here’s another 10 or so bands and artists you need to know in no particular order!

Rage Against The Machine (Tom Morello)
Arguably one of the most unique and influential guitar players since the nineties, Tom Morello has long been an activist and a musical visionary. In addition to his epic riffs and wizardly soloing on Rage Against The Machine’s classic material, Tom and some of his RATM cohorts co-founded Audioslave with Chris Cornell, launched a solo career, led the Rap-Metal supergroup Prophets of Rage (with Public Enemy and Cypress Hill members), solo work as The Nightwatchmen, Street Sweeper Social Club (with Boots Riley of The Coup), all until RATM’s last reunion and final tour. For an encore, he was a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band and wrote songs with “The Boss.” All while championing disenfranchised people around the world with political actions and paying it forward while celebrating his heroes; musical or otherwise.
Key Albums: Rage Against The Machine (1992), Evil Empire (1996), The Battle of Los Angeles (1999), Audioslave (2002), The Atlas Underground (2018)

King’s X (Doug Pinnick)
Blending Progressive Rock, Metal, Funk, and Soul, King’s X stands in a league of its own. Led by Doug Pinnick’s soulful, blues-infused voice and thunderous bass lines, the band became a key influence on grunge and alternative metal. Albums like Gretchen Goes to Nebraska (1989) and Dogman (1994) showcase their stunning harmonies, thought-provoking lyrics, and genre-defying sound. The band was featured at Woodstock 1994, and continues to have a die-hard following to this day. Doug was also proudly out as a gay man in 1998, a rarity at the time in heavy music, speaking frankly about his experiences with racism and homophobia in a hyper-masculine scene.
Key Albums: Gretchen Goes to Nebraska (1989), Dogman (1994), Ogre Tones (2005)

FEVER333
Fronted by letlive. leader Jason Alon Butler – he has used the band as his weapon of choice and foil to rail against injustices and to overcome personal adversity. Singing, screaming, dropping fire bars, Jason can do it all vocally. He is also inspirational and deep lyrically, in a time of throwaway music. One of the greatest performers in modern times, a Fever333 show is a real vibe, with the entire crowd screaming along, moshing, dancing, and losing their minds!
Key Albums: Strength In Numb333rs (2019), Darker White (2024)

Skunk Anansie (Skin)
Commanding, fierce, and endlessly dynamic, Skin has been an unstoppable force with Skunk Anansie since the nineties. Her mix of emotional vulnerability and raw power helped push the band’s alt-metal sound to new heights. Some fans outside of the UK might know Skin from their insane feature vocal performance on Sevendust’s track “Licking Cream” in 1999. Albums like Paranoid & Sunburnt (1995) are politically charged, heartfelt, and still pack a punch today. Skin was awarded one of the UK’s highest honors – OBE from King Charles in 2023, and the band has new music coming out in 2025! 
Key Albums: Paranoid & Sunburnt (1995), Post Orgasmic Chill (1999)

Animals as Leaders (Tosin Abasi)
Think you’ve heard it all when it comes to metal guitar? Think again. Tosin Abasi turned the genre on its head with his project Animals as Leaders. His blend of virtuoso shredding, polyrhythms, and genre-defying compositions has inspired a whole generation of musicians. This is progressive metal reimagined at its most forward-thinking.
Key Albums: Animals as Leaders (2009), Weightless (2011), Parrhesia (2022)

 

The Cure (Andy Anderson)
The Cure isn’t Metal, but they’re Goth and Alternative Rock royalty, and Andy Anderson played a key role in shaping their sound. His drumming on The Top and Concert (both 1984) brought energy and texture that helped define their moody, atmospheric style. He remains a vital figure in post-punk and alternative music. Andy also played with Steve Hillage, Iggy Pop, Jimmy Sommerville, Issac Hayes, and Peter Gabriel, before his untimely passing in 2019.
Key Albums: The Top (1984), Concert: The Cure Live (1984)

Aantar Lee Coates (Diabolic, Unholy Ghost)

Floridian Death Metal wouldn’t be the same without Aantar Lee Coates. His drumming on Diabolic’s Supreme Evil (1998) set a brutal pace for the scene with unrelenting blast beats and surgical precision. If you’re craving punishing death metal, this is your guy.
Key Albums: Supreme Evil (1998), Subterraneal Magnitude (2001)

Suffocation (Mike Smith, Terrance Hobbs)

 

Few bands can match the technical mastery and intensity of Suffocation. Founding drummer Mike Smith and lead guitarist Terrance Hobbs helped pioneer the brutal Technical Death Metal sound that became a blueprint for the genre. Albums like Effigy of the Forgotten (1991) hit like a sledgehammer and remain genre-defining to this day.
Key Albums: Effigy of the Forgotten (1991), Pierced from Within (1995) Self-titled (2006)

Fire From The Gods (AJ Channer)
Metalcore meets Reggae and Hip-Hop in the powerful, genre-blending music of Fire from the Gods. With AJ Channer’s emotionally charged vocals, the band tackles themes like inequality and personal struggle. Their anthems on American Sun (2019) are as thought-provoking as they are heavy.
Key Albums: Narrative (2016), Soul Revolution (2022)

 

Killswitch Engage/Light The Torch (Howard Jones)

When Howard Jones joined Killswitch Engage, he brought a whole new level of melody and emotional intensity to metalcore. His blend of soaring clean vocals and devastating screams on tracks like “The End of Heartache” made him a fan favorite. Now fronting Light The Torch, Jones continues to dominate with his signature voice.
Key Albums: Killswitch Engage: The End of Heartache (2004) As Daylight Dies (2006), Light The Torch: Revival (2018)

 

Sepultura (Derrick Green)

Taking over for Max Cavalera in 1998, Derrick Green gave Sepultura a new lease on life. His massive, growling vocals brought fresh energy to the band, and albums like Quadra (2020) showcase his evolution as one of the best frontmen in modern metal. Sepultura is calling it a day in 2025 with their final tour dates, so Derrick deserves his flowers. Let’s see what he does next!
Key Albums: Against (1998), Nation (2001), Dante XXI (2006), Machine Messiah (2017) Quadra (2020)

Body Count (Ice-T, Ernie C)

A band that demands your attention, Body Count blends Hardcore, Thrash, and Punk with raw, unflinching commentary on racism and violence. Led by Hip-Hop legend, actor, and cultural icon Ice-T and guitarist Ernie C, the band’s politically charged anthems like “Cop Killer” and “Black Hoodie” continue to spark both controversy and acclaim. In addition to having been a one-man freedom of speech champion, the band’s recent run of killer albums for Century Media have all garnered Grammy Awards, an impressive feat for any legacy metal band.
Key Albums: Body Count (1992), Bloodlust (2017), Carnivore (2020), Merciless (2024),

Hirax (Katon W. De Pena)

In the thrash metal underground, Hirax is legendary. Frontman Katon W. De Pena delivers ferocious vocals with unrelenting intensity, making albums like Raging Violence (1985) essential for any thrash fan. Their high-octane performances and DIY ethic have cemented their cult status. The band is dropping a new album in 2025!
Key Albums: Raging Violence (1985), The New Age of Terror (2004)

The Mars Volta (Thomas Pridgen)

If you like your music chaotic and mind-bending, The Mars Volta is your jam. Drummer Thomas Pridgen brought explosive energy to The Bedlam in Goliath (2008), elevating the band’s frenetic prog-rock madness with jaw-dropping technique. Among his countless sessions, albums, and tours, Thomas has been a past member of Suicidal Tendencies, and a current member of Fever333! 
Key Albums: The Bedlam in Goliath (2008)

Suicidal Tendencies (Dean Pleasants)
For nearly twenty years, Dean Pleasants has been holding it down on ryhtm and lead gear for classic and respected Los Angeles Hardcore Punk and Crossover Thrash leaders Suicidal Tendencies. Originally part of ST affiliates Infectious Grooves with Cyko Myko and Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Dean followed fellow rocker Rocky George in ST, and while their soloing styles differ, Dean has evolved his chops over the years to match his great songwriting. In addition to relentless touring and making a new ST album for 2025, Infectious Grooves toured again in 2024 and may yet release new music.
Key Albums: Infectious Grooves: The Plague That Makes Your Booty Move… It’s the Infectious Grooves (1991) Sarsippius’ Ark (1993) ST: 13 (2013), World Gone Mad (2016)

Benji Webbe (Skindred/Dub War)
Even on this list of unbridled greats, few can say they spearheaded entire genres across generations with two internationally known bands. Clive John “Benji” Webbe was born in Wales, molded by the streets, and first gained notice in Newport, UK with Dub War a groundbreaking fusion of modern Metal, Rap, Punk, Reggae, and no-holds-barred political lyrics. Fans of a certain age still recite the bangers from Pain, and Wrong Side of Beautiful. After Dub War disbanded and a brief side-project (Mass Mental with Robert Trujillo), Benji founded Skindred, adding a dash of arena rock and a funky party vibe to the mix! Skindred has been a chart-topping band now for almost 20 years. With both Dub War reactivated and Skindred as a huge draw as ever with their popular anthems, Webbe remains a creative firebrand.
Key Albums: Dub War:  Pain (1995), Wrong Side of Beautiful (1996), Skindred: Babylon (2006), Roots Rock Riot (2009), Union Black (2011) Smile (2023).

 

This is just the tip of the iceberg—Black musicians have been tearing up the heavy music world for decades, pushing limits and inspiring generations. Your ears can’t see who’s playing, so open your mind and enjoy some good music

OJAYY CORDY
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