swap_horiz Dream Theater Alternatives

1

Metallica

Formed in Los Angeles in 1981, Metallica rose to prominence with their heavy metal sound characterized by complex song s...

American 80S Legendary Heavy Metal

9.1 Excellent

2

Tool

Tool is a progressive metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1990, known for its complex rhythms, philosophical lyrics, and...

American Art Rock 90S Progressive Metal

9.1 Excellent

3

Pixies

Pixies formed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1986 and are known for their intensely dynamic sound characterized by abru...

American Boston Alternative Rock 80S

9.0 Excellent

4

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth, formed in New York City in 1981, developed a distinctive sound characterized by heavily distorted guitars,...

American New York Art Rock 80S

9.0 Excellent

5

Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden is a British heavy metal band formed in 1975, recognized for its epic song structures, galloping rhythms, an...

British 80S Legendary Heavy Metal

8.9 Great

6

R.E.M.

Formed in Athens, Georgia in 1980, R.E.M. established themselves as pioneers of alternative rock with their distinctive...

American College Rock Alternative Rock Post Punk

8.9 Great

7

Husker Du

Husker Du, formed in Lincoln, Nebraska, developed a distinctive sound blending angular post-punk with hardcore punk ener...

American 80S Hardcore Minneapolis

8.8 Great

8

Black Flag

Black Flag emerged from the hardcore punk scene of Southern California in the late 1970s, developing a raw, aggressive s...

American California 80S Pioneering

8.8 Great

9

Pantera

Pantera, formed in Texas in 1981, established a highly influential and aggressive brand of groove metal characterized by...

American 90S Texas Heavy Metal

8.8 Great

10

Slayer

Slayer, formed in 1981, is an American thrash metal band renowned for their intensely aggressive and technically profici...

American 80S Heavy Metal Pioneering

8.8 Great

11

Judas Priest

Judas Priest, formed in Birmingham, England in 1969, established themselves as pioneers of heavy metal with their twin-g...

British Leather 80S Heavy Metal

8.6 Great

12

Minutemen

Minutemen were a fiercely independent San Diego punk band known for their tightly constructed, rhythmically complex song...

American California Post Punk 80S

8.4 Great

13

Bad Brains

Bad Brains are a pioneering American punk band formed in Washington D.C. in 1977, notable for blending hardcore punk wit...

American 80S Reggae Rock Washington DC

8.4 Great

14

Megadeth

Megadeth is a heavy metal band formed in 1985, recognized for its complex, technically proficient songwriting and politi...

American 80S Heavy Metal Pioneering

8.4 Great

15

Dio

Dio was a British heavy metal band formed in London in 1972, known for Ronnie James Dio’s powerful vocals and operatic i...

Classic American 80S Hard Rock

7.9 Good

16

Queensryche

Queensrÿche, formed in Seattle in 1978, is recognized for its progressive metal sound characterized by complex arrangeme...

American 80S Heavy Metal Progressive Metal

7.7 Good

17

Anthrax

Anthrax is an American thrash metal band formed in 1981, known for their aggressive sound incorporating elements of hard...

American New York 80S Heavy Metal

7.6 Good

18

Fates Warning

Fates Warning is an American progressive metal band formed in 1988, recognized for their complex compositions, intricate...

American 80S Heavy Metal Progressive Metal

7.3 Good

19

Testament

Testament emerged from the New Jersey thrash metal scene in the early 1980s, developing a signature sound characterized...

American 80S Heavy Metal Bay Area

7.3 Good

20

Danzig

Danzig, formed in 1987, is known for Glenn Danzantes’ distinctive baritone vocals and darkwave music characterized by go...

American 80S Heavy Metal Horror Rock

7.0 Good