- Judas Priest (formed in 1969): One of the pioneers of heavy metal and widely considered one of the genre's most influential bands. Known for their iconic songs like "Breaking the Law" and "Living After Midnight."
- Black Sabbath (formed in 1968): Regarded as the original fathers of heavy metal, Black Sabbath's dark and ominous sound defined the genre from its early stages. Songs like "Paranoid" and "War Pigs" are metal anthems.
- The Stone Roses (formed in 1984): While primarily associated with the Madchester scene and alternative rock, The Stone Roses incorporated heavy guitar riffs and psychedelic influences into their music, pushing the boundaries of traditional rock music.
- The Fall (formed in 1976): Known for their post-punk and experimental style, The Fall occasionally delved into heavy metal-influenced tracks, most notably on albums like "This Nation's Saving Grace" and "Hex Enduction Hour."
- Helloween (formed in 1978): Although a German band, Helloween formed while guitarist Michael Weikath was a student in Manchester. They went on to become one of the most prominent power metal bands of all time.
- Carcass (formed in 1985): A pioneering force in extreme metal, Carcass emerged from Manchester and gained notoriety for their gore-infused grindcore and melodic death metal sound.
- Napalm Death (formed in 1981): Another Manchester band that made significant contributions to the extreme metal scene, Napalm Death are credited as one of the originators of the grindcore genre.
- Venom (formed in 1979): Although hailing from Newcastle upon Tyne, Venom had close ties to Manchester's music scene. Their early works, like "Welcome to Hell," are regarded as essential black metal albums.
- The Sisters of Mercy (formed in 1980): Known for their dark, gothic rock style, The Sisters of Mercy incorporated heavy guitar sounds into some of their songs, blurring the lines between rock, goth, and metal.
These bands have had a profound impact on the heavy metal genre and continue to inspire and influence countless musicians worldwide.