The world of metal music has become one of the most diverse genres in modern music, proving over the years the capacity to continuously expand its audience with its repeated revivals and developments. The beauty of metal music is that it offers a countless number of subgenres, each embodying different characteristics that appeal to the tastes of many different listeners. From heavy metal being some of the original music to be born under the metal music category, to more modern sounds like alternative metal and metalcore, the metal music industry shows little sign of narrowing.

What makes metal and its subgenres stand out in the music world is its signature, heavy guitar riffs, exciting and intricate drum patterns, but there are an almost infinite numbr of different dynamics on show. Notably, one of the most obvious features of metal music is the different vocal styles that are present within each subgenre. From fry to guttural screams and every kind of harsh vocal one can imagine, to delicately soaring vocals that soften the heaviness of the instrumental background, there's a truly rich vein. And over the years, certain bands have been at the forefront of pioneering - or owning - those subgenres. Here's the best of them.

10 10. Slayer - Thrash Metal

Formed: 1981, California

Since the 1980s, thrash metal band Slayer have been a monumental, pioneering force in the thrash metal scene. Known for their fast-paced and exhilarating sound, the band's breakthrough album, Reign in Blood, remains one of the most respected records ever to be released in the thrash metal scene.

With memorable, soaring guitar solos playing the most intricate and speedy melodies to their impressive stage presence, Slayer provided a sound for an audience who craved rebellion. Some examples of other brilliant bands setting the bar for the thrash metal scene include Megadeth, Metallica, and Anthrax.

9 9. Black Sabbath - Heavy Metal

Formed: 1968, Birmingham, UK

One of the original and most famous heavy metal bands of all time is Black Sabbath, who formed in 1968 in England. The band is well-known for its iconic frontman, Ozzy Osbourne, whose haunting voice became a distinctly recognizable feature of Sabbath's songs.

The band's downtuned guitar riffs, jazz-style drumming and lyrics exploring themes of the occult, existential dread and more were revolutionary in the original heavy metal movement, and the band's worldwide success has left an inspirational mark on the metal scene. Other bands from the original heavy metal movement who still inspire the metal scene today include Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and AC/DC.

8 8. In Flames - Melodic Death Metal

Formed: 1990, Gothenburg, Sweden

Swedish melodic death metal band In Flames have played an important part in the development of this metal subgenre. Releasing albums in the '90s like The Jester Race and Whoracle, In Flames have been around for a few decades, influencing the world of melodic death metal with their melodic vocals and harmonies against technical, harmonic instrumentation.

In the early 2000s, In Flames shifted their sound from the darker melodic death metal sound to a more alternative and commercial style, with albums like Clayman and Come Clarity appealing to a wider audience. Mixing harsh vocals with melodic ones, the band's music has managed to keep listeners from their original releases, as well as garner new ones today. Other popular melodic death metal bands include Children of Bodom, Soilwork and Arch Enemy.

7 7. Rammstein - Industrial Metal

Formed: 1994, Berlin,

Rammstein are arguably one of the most successful and popular industrial metal bands of all time. Known for their signature sound that consists of heavy guitar riffs against mechanical rhythms blending with vocalist Till Lindemann's distinct, deep vocals, Rammstein have become a household name among metal fans.

Enhancing the band's unique, command-style of music are Rammstein's explosive live performances, which boast an abundance of pyrotechnics, an industrial aesthetic, and a volume that can indeed be heard from miles away. Some other bands pioneering the industrial metal scene include Nine Inch Nails, Rob Zombie, and Fear Factory.

6 6. Nightwish - Symphonic Metal

Formed: 1996, Kitee, Finland

In the late 1990s, Finnish band Nightwish were monumental in the establishment of symphonic metal as a metal subgenre. Known for their blend of heavy metal with orchestral and cinematic sounds, Nightwish always create some of the most epic and exciting compositions ever to be seen in the metal scene. The band has featured three different vocalists during its time, each enhancing the profile of Nightwish in different ways. Tarja Turunen, who sang for the band between 1996-2005, delivered an operatic style against the band's typical symphonic metal sound with her classically trained soprano voice.

In 2007, Anette Olzon performed as Nightwish's vocalist. She brought a more commercially appealing vocal style to the band, which allowed Nightwish to gain a wider audience due to their more accessible sound. Olzon's vocals were a significant contribution to Nightwish on their successful albums Dark ion Play and Imaginaerum.

Olzon parted ways with the band in 2012, and in 2013, appraised Dutch vocalist Floor Jansen became the vocalist for the band as it is today. Her versatile vocal range creates a hybrid mix between the singing styles of Turunen and Olzon, creating a sweet spot for many Nightwish fans. Some other bands setting an excellent example within the symphonic metal sphere include Within Temptation, Epica, and Delain.

5 5. Blind Guardian - Power Metal

Formed: 1984, Krefeld,

Formed in in 1984, Blind Guardian has set the bar in the power metal world. Deriving lyrical inspiration from German folklore, fantasy literature and particularly J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit, Blind Guardian's epic signature sound has become globally recognizable. The band's vocal mixes blend an array of classic rock-style harmonies with soaring guitar sounds against a backdrop of folkloric storytelling.

From albums like Nightfall in Middle-Earth to the band's more orchestral endeavors in their album Legacy of the Dark Lands, Blind Guardian has continuously proven to be a staple in the power metal scene. Some other power metal bands who have paved the way in this metal subgenre include Sabaton, Helloween and Stratovarious.

4 4. Periphery - Progressive Metal

Formed: 2005, Washington, DC

Djent innovators, Periphery, are one of the world's leading progressive metal bands in modern music. Known for their distorted, downtuned guitars, intricate precision, technical drums and a variety of polyrhythms, Periphery consistently showcase a form of metal that pushes the boundaries of creativity.

The band's choice of unconventional chord progressions and unexpected jazz chords makes Periphery's music continuously exciting for listeners, while Spencer Sotelo's impressive vocal range elevates many of the songs to boast a commercial appeal. Periphery's innovative songwriting is inspirational to other artists, while other bands in the progressive metal scene like Animals as Leaders, Tesseract, and Opeth are doing the same.

3 3. Korn - Nu-Metal

Formed: 1993, California

A band who has been behind the pioneering of the nu-metal movement of the 1990s/early 2000s is none other than Korn. Their signature sound is known for heavy and catchy guitar riffs, breakbeat-style drums, and lead vocalist Jonathan Davis' unique and distinct vocals. The band is still growing in popularity to this day, with an audience that is widening given the band's consistent presence in the nu-metal scene.

One of the features of Korn's music that has made the band one of the most successful nu-metal bands of all time is their emotional lyrics that explore themes of alienation and confusion, resonating with many listeners. Some other pioneers of nu-metal include renowned bands Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and Static-X.

2 2. Spiritbox - Alternative Metal

Formed: 2017, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

One of the most monumental bands to emerge within the last few years is Spiritbox. Concocting a string of successful releases, Spiritbox's songs blend elements of modern metal with elements that make them more commercially accessible. Lead vocalist, Courtney LaPlante, is arguably one of the most talented metal vocalists in modern metal, known for her powerful ability to effortlessly swap between crystal clear singing vocals and her wide variety of harsh vocal styles.

Spiritbox also combine elements of progressive metal into their music, including intricate technical instrumentation, while still achieving songs with a global appeal. Some other bands who are currently thriving in the alternative metal scene include Bad Omens, Sleep Token, and Poppy.

1 1. Bring Me The Horizon - Metalcore

Formed: 2004, Sheffield, UK

Originally releasing music more in the style of deathcore, Bring Me The Horizon formed in 2004 and exploded into the metal scene in September that year with their debut EP, This Is What the Edge of Your Seat Was Made For. Their hit album, Suicide Season, marked the band's shift in style to a more metalcore sound, which paved the way for their current music, which appeals to a broader audience with its heavy, yet commercial, appeal.

Bring Me The Horizon have always had their lyrical matter focus on subjects like mental health and contemporary issues, continuously channeling themes that are relatable to their audience. Some other metalcore bands who have significantly influenced the genre include Killswitch Engage, Architects, and Trivium.