Traditional heavy metal: This is the original style of metal music, which originated in the 1970s. Traditional heavy metal bands typically have a loud, distorted guitar sound, powerful vocals, and simple song structures. Some examples of traditional heavy metal bands include Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden.
Speed metal: This subgenre of metal music is characterized by its fast tempo and aggressive sound. Speed metal bands often use double bass drumming and guitar solos that are played at a very high speed. Some examples of speed metal bands include Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.
Thrash metal: Thrash metal is a more extreme form of metal music that emerged in the 1980s. Thrash metal bands typically have a very aggressive sound, with fast tempos, distorted guitars, and harsh vocals. Some examples of thrash metal bands include Megadeth, Slayer, and Metallica.
Death metal: Death metal is one of the most extreme subgenres of metal music. Death metal bands typically have a very heavy, dark sound, with guttural vocals, distorted guitars, and blast beats (a very fast drumming style). Some examples of death metal bands include Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, and Death.
Black metal: Black metal is another extreme form of metal music that originated in the 1980s. Black metal bands typically have a very dark, atmospheric sound, with tremolo-picked guitars, harsh vocals, and lyrics that often deal with Satanism or paganism. Some examples of black metal bands include Mayhem, Darkthrone, and Burzum.
Doom metal: Doom metal is a subgenre of metal music that is characterized by its slow tempo and heavy, crushing sound. Doom metal bands often use distorted guitars, rumbling bass lines, and clean vocals. Some examples of doom metal bands include Black Sabbath, Candlemass, and My Dying Bride.
Power metal: Power metal is a subgenre of metal music that is characterized by its upbeat, energetic sound. Power metal bands typically have soaring vocals, fast-paced guitar solos, and lyrics that often deal with fantasy or heroism. Some examples of power metal bands include Helloween, Gamma Ray, and DragonForce.
Symphonic metal: Symphonic metal is a subgenre of metal music that combines elements of metal music with classical music. Symphonic metal bands often use keyboards, violins, cellos, and other orchestral instruments to create a more epic, grandiose sound. Some examples of symphonic metal bands include Nightwish, Within Temptation, and Epica.