Wales has produced some of the UK’s most distinctive heavy metal and hard rock acts, with a scene that has evolved from the 1970s to the present day. One of the earliest and most influential Welsh bands was Budgie, formed in Cardiff in 1967, whose heavy, riff-driven style made them a cult favourite and an inspiration for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and later metal acts, including Metallica.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Wales became known for its alternative and metalcore exports, most famously Bullet for My Valentine from Bridgend, who achieved global success with their melodic yet aggressive sound.
Wales’ contribution to extreme metal includes black metal act Hecate Enthroned and the atmospheric doom of Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard.
Cardiff, Swansea, and Wrexham have served as key hubs for the Welsh metal scene, hosting both underground gigs and major touring acts.
CITIES
FAMOUS METAL BANDS FROM WALES
Budgie
Bullet for my Valentine
Desecration
Hecate Enthroned
Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard
Persian Risk
Skindred
Tigertailz
Back to Europe.