Metal is a global phenomenon, thriving in every language and culture. Black Sabbath may have started the genre, but Metal is not sung only in English. Here are ten of the top non-English metal bands from around the world, each bringing their native language and unique sound to the heavy music scene. From Mongolian throat singing to Japanese kawaii metal, these artists prove that metal knows no borders.
1. The HU (Mongolian)
The HU blend traditional Mongolian instruments and throat singing with crushing metal riffs, creating their signature “Hunnu Rock.” Their music is predominantly in Mongolian.
2. BABYMETAL (Japanese)
Japan’s BABYMETAL are pioneers of “kawaii metal,” fusing J-pop idol energy with heavy metal thunder, all sung in Japanese.
3. Rammstein (German)
Rammstein are legendary for their industrial metal sound and theatrical live shows, all delivered in their native German.
4. Chthonic (Mandarin/Chinese)
Taiwan’s Chthonic combine melodic death metal with black and folk influences, often singing in Mandarin and local aboriginal languages.
5. Bloodywood (Hindi/Punjabi)
From India, Bloodywood mix metal with Indian folk and rap, delivering powerful messages in Hindi, Punjabi, and English.
6. Eluveitie (Gaulish/Swiss German)
Swiss folk metal band Eluveitie are known for their use of ancient Gaulish and Swiss German in their lyrics.
7. Dir En Grey (Japanese)
Dir En Grey are a Japanese metal band blending extreme metal with avant-garde elements, performing almost entirely in Japanese.
8. Grima (Russian)
Grima are a Russian atmospheric black metal duo whose haunting music is rooted in Siberian folklore and sung in Russian.
9. Feuerschwanz (German)
Germany’s Feuerschwanz deliver medieval-themed folk metal with lyrics in German, known for their energetic and humorous style.
10. Cemican (Spanish/Nahuatl)
Cemican from Mexico blend death metal with pre-Hispanic instruments and themes, singing in Spanish and Nahuatl, an indigenous Mexican language.
Did we miss your favorite non-English metal band? Let us know in the comments below!
