Linkin Park — A defining band of the early 2000s, Linkin Park brought nu-metal and rap-rock into the mainstream with hits like In the End, Numb, and Crawling. The emotional vocals of Chester Bennington combined with Mike Shinoda’s rap delivery gave their music a raw, relatable edge—tackling themes like pain, identity, and personal struggle.

System of a Down — A fusion of chaos and commentary, SOAD stood out with politically charged lyrics and unpredictable song structures. Tracks like Chop Suey!, Toxicity, and B.Y.O.B. blend intensity with poetic protest, while Serj Tankian’s theatrical vocals made every performance feel urgent and unique.

Metallica — Titans of thrash metal, Metallica set the standard with iconic anthems like Master of Puppets, Enter Sandman, and One. Their complex guitar work, aggressive energy, and dark themes reshaped heavy metal—and decades later, they remain one of the genre’s most influential forces.