List of alternative metal bands


This is a list of alternative metal artists. Alternative metal is a genre of metal music that combines heavy metal with influences from alternative rock and other genres not normally associated with metal. Alternative metal bands are often characterized by heavily downtuned, mid-paced guitar riffs, a mixture of accessible melodic vocals and harsh vocals and sometimes unconventional sounds within other heavy metal styles. The term has been in use since the 1980s, although it came into prominence in the 1990s.
BandOriginActiveNotes
10 YearsUnited StatesYesAlso classed as post-grunge and progressive metal.
12 StonesUnited StatesYesAlso classed as post-grunge, alternative rock and Christian rock.
36 CrazyfistsUnited StatesNoAlso classed as metalcore, post-hardcore and nu metal.
311United StatesYesAlso classed as reggae rock, alternative rock, rap metal, funk rock, rap rock, and funk metal.
3TeethUnited StatesYesAlso classed as industrial metal, industrial, industrial rock, electronic rock, electro-industrial, and nu metal.
40 Below SummerUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal and hard rock.
AdemaUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, alternative rock, and post-grunge.
AlcestFranceYesAlso classed as post-metal, shoegaze, blackgaze, post-black metal, and black metal.
All EndsSwedenNoAlso classed as alternative rock and hard rock.
Alice in ChainsUnited StatesYesAlso classed as grunge, heavy metal, doom metal, sludge metal, and alternative rock.
Alien Ant FarmUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock, nu metal, punk rock, and pop punk.
Alter BridgeUnited StatesYesAlso classed as hard rock, heavy metal, post-grunge, progressive metal, and alternative rock.
American Head ChargeUnited StatesNoAlso classed as nu metal and industrial metal.
American StandardsUnited StatesYesAlso classed as mathcore, metalcore, post hardcore and hardcore punk.
Anew RevolutionUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal.
A Pale Horse Named DeathUnited StatesYesAlso classed as gothic metal, doom metal, and post-grunge.
Apartment 26United KingdomNoAlso classed as nu metal. and industrial metal.
A Perfect CircleUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock, progressive rock, and art rock.
ApocalypticaFinlandYesAlso classed as neoclassical metal and symphonic metal.
ArchitectsUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as mathcore, metalcore, post-hardcore and progressive metalcore.
Art of AnarchyUnited StatesYesAlso classed as post-grunge, hard rock, and alternative rock.
Asking AlexandriaUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as electronicore, hard rock, heavy metal, metalcore and post-hardcore.
AtomshipUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock, post-grunge, and progressive rock.
At the Drive-InUnited StatesOn hiatusAlso classed as post-hardcore.
AudioslaveUnited StatesNoAlso classed as hard rock, funk rock, and alternative rock.
AvatarSwedenYesAlso classed as melodic death metal, groove metal, progressive metal, and industrial metal.
Avenged SevenfoldUnited StatesYesAlso classed as heavy metal, hard rock, progressive metal, and metalcore.
BabymetalJapanYesAlso classed as heavy metal, death metal, speed metal and j-pop.
Bad BrainsUnited StatesYes1986 album I Against I recognized as one of the first alternative metal albums. Also classed as hardcore punk and reggae rock.
Bad OmensUnited StatesYesAlso classed as metalcore.
BaronessUnited StatesYesAlso classed as sludge metal, progressive metal and post-rock.
BeartoothUnited StatesYesAlso classed as metalcore, hardcore, post-hardcore, and hard rock.
Black Veil BridesUnited StatesYesAlso classed as melodic metalcore, glam metal, heavy metal, and hard rock.
BleedUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal and shoegaze.
Breaking BenjaminUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock and post-grunge.
Bring Me the HorizonUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as alternative rock, metalcore, deathcore, and post-hardcore.
Bullet for My ValentineUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as hard rock, heavy metal, metalcore and thrash metal.
The Butterfly EffectAustraliaYesAlso classed as alternative rock and progressive rock.
Butthole SurfersUnited StatesOn hiatusAlso classed as alternative rock, neo-psychedelia, experimental rock and hardcore punk.
ChevelleUnited StatesYesAlso classed as hard rock, post-grunge, alternative rock, nu metal, and indie rock.
CKYUnited StatesYesAlso classed as post-grunge, alternative rock, stoner rock, and hard rock.
ClawfingerSwedenYesAlso classed as rap metal, industrial metal and nu metal.
ClutchUnited StatesYesAlso classed as hard rock, stoner rock, blues rock, post-hardcore, funk metal and hardcore punk.
Coal ChamberUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, industrial metal and gothic metal.
Code OrangeUnited StatesYesAlso classed as metalcore, hardcore punk, industrial hardcore, and.
ColdUnited StatesYesAlso classed as post-grunge, hard rock and alternative rock.
ColdrainJapanYesAlso classed as alternative rock, post-hardcore, metalcore, hard rock and punk rock.
Daron Malakian and Scars on BroadwayUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock.
Decyfer DownUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock and post-grunge.
DefrageEstoniaNoAlso classed as alternative rock and post-grunge.
DeftonesUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, experimental rock, post-metal, post-hardcore, and art rock.
Demon HunterUnited StatesYesAlso classed as metalcore, nu metal, groove metal, and Christian metal.
DepswaUnited StatesOn hiatusAlso classed as nu metal.
DevilskinNew ZealandYesAlso classed as hard rock and heavy metal.
DisturbedUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, hard rock, and heavy metal.
Dir En GreyJapanYesAlso classed as industrial metal, nu metal, death metal, experimental metal, progressive metal, and extreme metal.
Dog Fashion DiscoUnited StatesYesAlso classed as experimental metal.
DopeUnited StatesYesAlso classed as industrial metal and nu metal
downset.United StatesYesAlso classed as rap metal, funk metal, hardcore punk and rapcore.
Drowning PoolUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, heavy metal, hard rock and post-grunge.
EarshotUnited StatesYesAlso classed as hard rock and post-grunge.
Earthtone9United KingdomYes
EchobrainUnited StatesNo
Enter ShikariUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as metalcore, electronicore and post-hardcore.
EvanescenceUnited StatesYesAlso classed as gothic metal, nu metal, hard rock and symphonic metal
FailureUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock, art rock, space rock and post-grunge
Fair to MidlandUnited StatesOn hiatusAlso classed as progressive rock.
Faith No MoreUnited StatesYesRecognized as one of the earliest alternative metal bands. Also classed as funk metal, experimental metal and alternative rock.
FantômasUnited StatesYesAlso classed as experimental metal.
Fear FactoryUnited StatesYesRecognized as one of the first heavy metal bands to fuse metal with industrial and electronic stylings. Also classed as industrial metal and death metal.
FightstarUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as post-hardcore, alternative rock, emo, and heavy metal.
Finger ElevenCanadaYesAlso classed as alternative rock, post-grunge, hard rock and funk metal.
FilterUnited StatesYesAlso classed as industrial rock, industrial metal and post-grunge.
Five Finger Death PunchUnited StatesYesAlso classed as groove metal, nu metal, heavy metal, and hard rock.
FlyleafUnited StatesYesAlso classed as hard rock, Christian rock and post-grunge.
From Ashes to NewUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, rap metal and rap rock.
FuelUnited StatesYesAlso classed as hard rock and post-grunge.
Fudge TunnelUnited KingdomNoAlso classed as noise rock and sludge metal.
Full Devil JacketUnited StatesYesAlso classed as post-grunge.
Full ScaleAustraliaNoAlso classed as post-grunge
Funeral for a FriendUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as emo, post-hardcore, screamo and melodic hardcore.
Future PalaceGermanyYesAlso classed as post-hardcore and alternative rock.
GlassjawUnited StatesYesAlso classed as post-hardcore, hardcore punk, progressive rock and experimental rock
GodsmackUnited StatesYesAlso classed as hard rock, heavy metal, post-grunge, and nu metal.
Green JellÿUnited StatesYesAlso classed as comedy rock.
GrinspoonAustraliaYesAlso classed as post-grunge, alternative rock and nu metal
Guano ApesGermanyYesAlso classed as alternative rock and nu metal.
Hayko CepkinTurkeyYesAlso classed as heavy metal and industrial rock.
HalestormUnited StatesYesAlso classed as hard rock and alternative rock.
HandsomeUnited StatesNoAlso classed as post-hardcore.
HelmetUnited StatesYesAlso classed as post-hardcore, noise rock, alternative rock, groove metal, post-metal and experimental metal.
Hollywood UndeadUnited StatesYesAlso classed as rap rock, alternative rock, nu metal, rap metal, hard rock and hip hop.
I PrevailUnited StatesYesAlso classed as metalcore, post-hardcore, pop punk, hard rock, rap metal, and nu metal.
Ill NiñoUnited StatesYesAlso classed as Latin metal, nu metal and metalcore.
Infectious GroovesUnited StatesYesAlso classed as funk metal
In FlamesSwedenYesAlso classed as melodic death metal.
In This MomentUnited StatesYesAlso classed as metalcore, melodic metalcore, hard rock, industrial metal, gothic metal, and nu metal.
IncubusUnited StatesYesAlso classed as funk metal, nu metal, rap metal, alternative rock and art rock.
Jane's AddictionUnited StatesOn hiatusAlso classed as alternative rock and progressive rock.
Jerry CantrellUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock, heavy metal, and grunge.
Jesters of DestinyUnited StatesYesAlso classed as heavy metal, hard rock and psychedelic rock.
The Jesus LizardUnited StatesYesAlso classed as noise-rock and post-hardcore.
KarnivoolAustraliaYesAlso classed as progressive metal, progressive rock, alternative rock and nu metal
KittieCanadaYesAlso classed as nu metal, groove metal, and death metal.
Knives Out!United StatesYes
KornUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, industrial metal, rap metal, funk metal, groove metal and dark metal.
L7United StatesYesAlso classed as grunge, punk rock and riot grrrl.
Lacuna CoilItalyYesAlso classed as gothic metal and dark metal.
Life of AgonyUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock, grunge, and post-grunge.
LiferUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal.
LeprousNorwayYesAlso classed as progressive metal
Limp BizkitUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, rap metal and rap rock.
Linkin ParkUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, rap rock, electronic rock and rap metal.
Living ColourUnited StatesYesAlso classed as funk metal, heavy metal and hard rock.
LoatheUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as metalcore, melodic hardcore, nu metal, progressive metal, post-metal and shoegaze.
LostprophetsUnited KingdomNoAlso classed as alternative rock, post-hardcore and nu metal.
Love and DeathUnited StatesYesAlso classed as Christian metal and nu metal.
The Lounge KittensUnited KingdomNoAlso classed as lounge music, rock music, parody music, and comedy rock.
Machine HeadUnited StatesYesAlso classed as groove metal, thrash metal, and nu metal.
MallavoraUnited KingdomYes
Major MomentUnited StatesYes
Marilyn MansonUnited StatesYesAlso classed as industrial metal, industrial rock, shock rock and alternative rock.
MastodonUnited StatesYesAlso classed as sludge metal, progressive metal and stoner metal.
MelvinsUnited StatesYesAlso classed as various other genres, including grunge, sludge metal and doom metal.
Mind FunkUnited StatesNoAlso classed as funk metal, grunge and stoner rock.
Mind Over FourUnited StatesNoAlso classed as progressive metal.
Motionless in WhiteUnited StatesYesAlso classed as industrial metal, metalcore, gothic metal, and nu metal.
Mother Love BoneUnited StatesNoAlso classed as grunge, glam metal, glam punk, hard rock, funk metal and heavy metal.
Mr. BungleUnited StatesYesAlso classed as various other genres, including avant-garde and funk metal.
Mt. HeliumUnited StatesNoAlso classed as progressive metal, post-grunge and nu metal. Formerly known as The Apex Theory.
MudvayneUnited StatesYesAlso classed as heavy metal, nu metal, progressive metal, math metal and groove metal.
MushroomheadUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, industrial metal, experimental metal and electro-industrial.
NebulaUnited StatesOn hiatusAlso classed as stoner rock, heavy metal and psychedelic rock.
New Years DayUnited StatesYesAlso classed as gothic metal/rock, alternative rock, and pop-punk.
Nine Inch NailsUnited StatesYesAlso classed as industrial rock, industrial metal, dark ambient, and alternative rock.
NonpointUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, hard rock, rap metal and groove metal.
NothingfaceUnited StatesNoAlso classed as nu metal.
Nothing MoreUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock, hard rock, and progressive rock/metal.
Norma JeanUnited StatesYesAlso classed as metalcore, sludge metal and post-metal.
NorthlaneAustraliaYesAlso classed as djent, industrial metal, metalcore, nu metal and progressive metalcore.
Odd CrewBulgariaYesAlso classed as groove metal.
Only Living WitnessUnited StatesNoAlso classed as hardcore punk and grunge.
Orange 9mmUnited StatesYesAlso classed as post-hardcore, nu metal and rap metal.
OrangutangUnited StatesNoAlso classed as pop rock, and alternative rock.
OrgyUnited StatesYesAlso classed as industrial rock, industrial metal, nu metal, electronic rock and electropunk.
OtepUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal and death metal.
P.O.D.United StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, rap metal, Christian metal, reggae rock.
Papa RoachUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, alternative rock, hard rock, rap metal, and glam metal.
PassengerSwedenNoAlso classed as nu metal.
PawUnited StatesNoAlso classed as grunge and alternative rock.
PhoxjawUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as post-hardcore and alternative rock.
Pist.OnUnited StatesYesAlso classed as gothic metal.
PitchshifterUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as industrial rock, nu metal and industrial metal.
Polkadot CadaverUnited StatesYesAlso classed as avant-garde/experimental metal.
Porcupine TreeUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as progressive rock, progressive metal, alternative rock, psychedelic rock, and experimental rock.
Powerman 5000United StatesYesAlso classed as industrial metal, rap metal, nu metal, thrash metal, funk metal, electronic rock, alternative rock, and punk rock.
PresidentUnited KingdomYes
PrimusUnited StatesYesAlso classed as funk metal, alternative rock, experimental rock, funk rock, progressive rock, progressive metal, jam and nu metal.
Project 86United StatesYesAlso classed as Christian rock, Christian metal, alternative rock, nu metal, post-hardcore, and rapcore.
Psycho SynnerUnited StatesNoAlso classed as industrial metal, hard rock, nu metal and gothic rock.
ProngUnited StatesYesAlso classed as industrial metal, thrash metal, groove metal and hardcore punk.
Puddle of MuddUnited StatesYesAlso classed as post-grunge, hard rock, alternative rock and nu metal.
PyogenesisGermanyYesAlso classed as death metal, doom metal, gothic metal, alternative rock, and pop-punk.
QuicksandUnited StatesYesAlso classed as post-hardcore.
Rage Against the MachineUnited StatesNoAlso classed as rap metal, nu metal, and funk metal
RedUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock, hard rock, christian rock, and post-grunge.
Red Hot Chili PeppersUnited StatesYesAlso classed as funk rock, alternative rock, funk metal and rap rock.
ReubenUnited KingdomNoAlso classed as alternative rock, hard rock, and post-hardcore.
Rob ZombieUnited StatesYesAlso classed as heavy metal, industrial metal, groove metal, industrial rock and nu metal.
Rollins BandUnited StatesNoAlso classed as hard rock, post-hardcore, funk metal and jazz fusion.
Roses Are RedUnited StatesNoAlso classed as emo and alternative rock.
Scar the MartyrUnited StatesNoAlso classed as post-grunge.
Scum of the EarthUnited StatesYesAlso classed as heavy metal.
SeetherSouth AfricaYesAlso classed as post-grunge.
September MourningUnited StatesYes
SepulturaBrazilYesAlso classed as groove metal, death metal, and thrash metal.
Serj TankianUnited StatesYesAlso classed as progressive rock, experimental rock, art rock and classical.
SevendustUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal and heavy metal.
ShihadNew ZealandYesAlso classed as alternative rock, hard rock, and industrial rock.
ShinedownUnited StatesYesAlso classed as hard rock, post-grunge and alternative rock.
SiameseDenmarkYesAlso classed as alternative rock.
Sick PuppiesAustraliaYesAlso classed as alternative rock, hard rock, and post-grunge.
Simon SaysUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal.
SkilletUnited StatesYesAlso classed as Christian rock, Christian metal, post-grunge, alternative rock, hard rock, nu metal, symphonic metal and industrial metal.
SkindredUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as ragga and nu metal
Slaves on DopeCanadaYesAlso classed as nu metal.
Sleep TokenUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as indie pop/rock, post-metal, and progressive metal.
SlipknotUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal.
The Smashing PumpkinsUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock, gothic rock, psychedelic rock, dream pop, grunge, progressive metal, progressive rock and shoegazing.
Smash into PiecesSwedenYesAlso classed as pop-rock and alternative rock.
SnotUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, hardcore punk, and funk metal.
SOiLUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, hard rock, heavy metal, groove metal and post-grunge.
SoundgardenUnited StatesNoAlso classed as grunge, heavy metal, alternative rock, and garage punk.
SpiritboxCanadaYesAlso classed as djent, metalcore, nu metal, progressive metal and post-metal.
Sum 41United StatesNoAlso classed as punk rock, pop punk, alternative rock, and skate punk.
Stabbing WestwardUnited StatesYesAlso classed as industrial rock and alternative rock.
StaindUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal and post-grunge
Static-XUnited StatesYesAlso classed as industrial metal and nu metal.
StereomudUnited StatesNoAlso classed as hard rock and nu metal.
Stone SourUnited StatesOn hiatusAlso classed as post-grunge, hard rock and heavy metal.
Stone Temple PilotsUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock, hard rock, grunge and neo-psychedelia
Stuck MojoUnited StatesYesAlso classed as rap metal and nu metal.
SugarComaUnited KingdomNoAlso classed as nu metal.
System of a DownUnited StatesYesAlso classed as heavy metal, nu metal, progressive rock, progressive metal, hard rock, alternative rock, experimental rock, and art rock.
TadUnited StatesNoAlso classed as grunge, groove metal and alternative rock.
TallahUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, metalcore, hardcore punk, industrial metal, rap metal, and nu metalcore.
TaprootUnited StatesYesAlso classed as nu metal, alternative rock and post-grunge.
Therapy?United KingdomYesAlso classed as alternative rock, punk rock, and noise rock.
ThornhillAustraliaYesAlso classed as metalcore and nu metal.
TomahawkUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock, experimental rock, progressive rock and Native American music.
The Veer UnionCanadaYesAlso classed as alternative rock, post-grunge, melodic metal, and hard rock
Three Days GraceCanadaYesAlso classed as alternative rock, post-grunge, and hard rock
ToolUnited StatesYesAlso classed as progressive metal, progressive rock, heavy metal, and art rock.
TraptUnited StatesYesAlso classed as hard rock, post-grunge and nu metal.
TremontiUnited StatesYesAlso classed as thrash metal and speed metal.
Twelve Foot NinjaAustraliaNoAlso classed as experimental rock, funk metal and djent
Ugly Kid JoeUnited StatesYesAlso classed as hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal and funk metal.
Vampires Everywhere!United StatesYesAlso classed as post-hardcore, metalcore, gothic metal, shock rock, industrial metal and horror punk.
VimicUnited StatesOn hiatusAlso classed as groove metal.
WaltariFinlandYesAlso classed as progressive metal, crossover thrash, hard rock, avant-garde metal, death metal, punk rock, symphonic metal, pop rock, and techno.
Warrior SoulUnited StatesYesAlso classed as hard rock.
We Came as RomansUnited StatesYesAlso classed as metalcore, post-hardcore, melodic hardcore, symphonic metal, and electronicore.
White ZombieUnited StatesNoAlso classed as groove metal, industrial metal, and noise rock.
While She SleepsUnited KingdomYesAlso classed as metalcore.
Within TemptationNetherlandsYesAlso classed as symphonic metal and gothic metal.
Zug IzlandUnited StatesYesAlso classed as alternative rock