15 Best Death Metal Bands Ever

Death Metal. Two words that immediately conjure up a whole array of images in your mind.

For non-fans it represents darkness, intimidation and extreme brutality. For hardcore followers of the genre however, it represents expression and, well... extreme brutality.

Not to be confused with black metal, death metal can exist in a number of forms and despite contrary belief, is more than just blast beats and harrowing, beckoning vocals. There are dozens of sub-genres and splinter genres that are attached to death metal like death-doom, goregrind, slam death metal, technical death metal, the list goes on.

Because of its (for some) surprising variety and subtle diversity, selecting the genres best ever names is an extremely difficult task. With a history spanning over several decades and an uncountable amount of sub-genres, this list could easily be extended to a top 50.

However, after extensive research we name 15 of the biggest, heaviest and most influential death metal bands of all time.

Forming in 1993, Nile are seen by many as pioneering figures in technical death metal, especially in their native country.

Throughout their near three decade career, Nile has seen a catalogue of line-up changes, hosting no less than 13 permanent members, not including session musicians and exclusive live performers.

However, all these line-up changes have no faltered the band's growth, as they are now viewed as pivotal figures in the death metal scene. Nile released their first record, 'Amongst the Catacombs of Nephren-Ka', in 1998 and saw the band instantly breakthrough to metal fame. As their careers and style progressed, Nile's songs grew longer and more intricate compared to shorter, more punctual take of their debut album.

Nile have now released a total of nine records, with the most recent of which being 2019's 'Vile Nilotic Rites'.