France’s heavy metal history began taking shape in the late 1970s and early 1980s during the European boom of hard rock and heavy metal. Early bands such as Trust — famous for their politically charged lyrics and for touring with Iron Maiden — helped pave the way for a national scene. The 1980s also saw the rise of cult acts like Sortilège, Blasphème, and ADX, blending traditional heavy metal with melodic and speed metal elements.

In the 1990s and 2000s, France became known for its diverse underground, producing influential black metal acts such as Deathspell Omega and Blut Aus Nord, death metal pioneers Loudblast and Massacra, and the theatrical symphonic metal of Penumbra. The 2000s also brought international attention to modern, genre-defying bands like Gojira, whose technical and environmental-themed metal has earned worldwide acclaim.

Today, France’s scene is thriving with a mix of traditional, extreme, and experimental acts, supported by major festivals such as Hellfest, Motocultor, and Fall of Summer, which attract fans from all over the world.

CITIES

Aix-en-Provence
Bordeaux
Clisson
Lyon
Montségur
Paris

FAMOUS METAL BANDS FROM FRANCE

ADX
Alcest
Anorexia Nervosa
Benighted
Blasphème
Blut aus Nord
Dagoba
Deathspell Omega
Gojira
Loudblast
Massacra
Nightmare
No Return
Penumbra
Sortilège
Trust

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