1. Metallica: Metallica remains one of the most prominent metal bands globally, with a career spanning over four decades and a significant impact on the evolution of heavy metal music.
2. Iron Maiden: Iron Maiden stands as a legendary rock and heavy metal band, known for their classic hits and impressive live performances.
3. Guns N' Roses: With their combination of hard rock and heavy metal elements, Guns N' Roses achieved massive success in the late 80s and 90s and continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
4. Slipknot: Slipknot emerged as a highly successful heavy metal band, characterized by their unique sound and intense performances featuring masks and theatrics.
5. Bring Me the Horizon: This UK band has gained significant popularity in recent years with their blend of metalcore, electronicore, and alternative rock.
6. Disturbed: Known for their heavy riffs and powerful vocals, Disturbed has consistently delivered influential metal albums throughout their career.
7. Ghost: Ghost gained attention with its unique style, blending heavy metal with elements of theatricality and a distinct visual identity.
8. Five Finger Death Punch: FFDP rose to fame with their modern metal sound, combining powerful riffs with catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics.
9. Dream Theater: Dream Theater stands as one of the most acclaimed progressive metal bands, showcasing their technical prowess and complex compositions.
10. Korn: Korn is recognized as a significant force in the world of nu-metal, fusing elements of heavy metal, hip-hop, and industrial music.
11. Avenged Sevenfold: With their signature melodic style and dynamic performances, Avenged Sevenfold has earned a prominent position in the rock and heavy metal scene.
12. Rammstein: This German band gained popularity worldwide for their distinctive combination of heavy metal and industrial music, along with elaborate stage performances.
13. Bullet for My Valentine: Bullet for My Valentine emerged as one of the leaders of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement with their aggressive sound and successful albums.
14. Asking Alexandria: Asking Alexandria rose to fame with their metalcore sound, featuring clean and harsh vocals and a blend of melodic and aggressive elements.
15. Halestorm: Fronted by the talented vocalist Lzzy Hale, Halestorm has made waves with their hard rock and heavy metal style, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
These are just a few examples of the many rock and heavy metal bands currently enjoying popularity and influencing the music scene.