10 Modern Metal Artists You Need To Catch At Sonic Temple 2025

With Sonic Temple less than a week away, make sure you’ve packed your SPF and that you picked up those in-soles you’ve been meaning to get for your shoes – it’s about to be four days of pure and utter chaos.

There are very few tickets remaining, and it’s not a surprise considering the stacked line-up – we’re talking Korn, Metallica, and Linkin Park as headliner. So, before you pack your bags, we wanted to bring your attention to the wave of metal that is following in our headliner’s footsteps and creating classics in their own right. Check out what we think are 10 modern metal artists you need to catch at the festival this year.

Get your tickets for Sonic Temple here before it kicks off on May 8.

I Prevail

The Grammy-nominated hard rock group had a rough 2024: frontman Brian Burkheiser had to have surgery due to complications from Eagle syndrome, a condition that directly impacts his jaw and mouth. But, the band appear to be back in action and ready to absolutely throw the fuck down at Sonic Temple. While Eric Vanlerberghe‘s in-person vocals are absolutely not to be missed, the band is also known for their raunchy breakdowns, Vanlerberghe‘s random facts, and their killer drummer, Gabe Helguera. We’re sure you can come to expect classic tracks like “Bow Down,” “Bad Things,” and maybe even “Scars.”

Wind Walkers

For those who want to whine about it not being ‘metal enough,’ just move onto the next artist. Because Wind Walkers truly deserve nothing but good energy at their set. They acknowledge they used to be heavier, but they’re able to mix dark electro-pop and metal pretty meticulously. Impossible to say they’re reminiscent of any popular band at the moment as they pave their own little path in the metal scene. They still have some killer breakdowns, a nice riff or two, and some crunchy dirty vocals. Their newest single, “The End Aesthetic,” is a must-see.

The Plot In You

The Plot In You has also been branching out into more electronic sounds, finding a weird blend between post-punk and post-hardcore amidst electro-backgrounds. It’s easy to dismiss a band for branching out from their metal roots, but The Plot In You feel as if they’re known for their ability to try new sounds and see what feels right. It’s an impressive feat, to be a band that is so shamelessly and unapologetically themselves. And while their newest single might not be all that metal – and leans more into the punk category – don’t worry, we predict they’ll play their hits “Pretend” and “FEEL NOTHING.”

Fit For A King

Intense, heavy, in your face, emotionally charged – what more could you want from Fit For A King? A really nice blend of the newer techniques that have been integrated into metal while still maintaining the internal structure and integrity of the genre, Fit For A King‘s set is bound to be filled with endless moshing, and several walls of death. It’s what their music calls for, and deserves. Fit For A King are destined to serve up performances of tracks like “TECHNIUM” – a collaboration with the aforementioned The Plot In You – and “When Everything Means Nothing,” a personal favourite.

Arch Enemy

Arch Enemy – classic, guttural screaming, mind-twisting metal. Their newest album released in March of this year to pretty widespread acclaim. Vocalist Alissa White–Gluz roars and bellows across 11 relentless tracks that truly don’t give you a break. Looking to have some bones broken during a good mosh session? Check out Arch Enemy‘s set, they’re bound to go hard with tracks like “Dream Stealer” and “War Eternal” in their discography. Plenty of blast-beats and thrash guitars to go around.

Asking Alexandria

One of the more established bands on this list, Asking Alexandria didn’t quite get the love they deserved for their 2023 release, Where Do We Go From Here?. A fully-conceptualised and cohesive piece of work, it’s a killer record with hit singles like “Psycho” and “Dark Void.” But, their discography is extensive, so there’s no real prediction to be made about the setlist. “Alone In A Room” is currently the band’s most popular song on Spotify, and we would be lying if we said we didn’t pray to whatever higher power that it’s on their setlist for Sonic Temple.

Bad Omens

One of the frontrunners of our modern metal scene at the moment, Bad Omens blew the fuck up in 2022 with their record, THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND. After a rigorous touring schedule, the band pulled out of all of their summer performances in 2024. Now, it seems like the band is revving their engines to start up again. There’s no inkling of new music currently, but Bad Omens‘ exceptional record will definitely be showcased. Praying for “ARTIFICIAL SUICIDE.” They’re known for their immersive sets and their inclusion of storyline throughout their performances. So, long story short, it’s gonna be a killer set.

Deafheaven

The black-metal experimentalist titans are fresh off the release of their record, Lonely People With Power. Known for their ability to push boundaries as to what classifies as black metal, the band started incorporating their previously explored shoegaze sound into their more classic sound. Striking some kind of chord between one of the heaviest genres of metal and one of the softest versions of rock, Deafheaven are bound to be an absolutely fascinating performance, especially with their orchestration.

Silly Goose

Known was a “rap rock nu-metal hip hop extravaganza,” Silly Goose is certainly a set that seems like it would be interesting to catch. The band doesn’t take themselves too seriously, poking fun at their popularity, and genuinely appearing unaffected, but in a good way. Funky, weird, and out there, Silly Goose feels like an appropriate name for such an act. The band just dropped their EP Bad Behaviour in 2024. Think about 90s rap mixed with old nu-metal. It’s a fun time. “Bad Behaviour” is a good track to get acquainted with ahead of a ridiculous set.

Underoath

Underoath tread this fine line. They’re respected in the way that old metal is, but they’re also incredibly modern, fresh and new. Yes, the band have been around for a while, but with their newest record absolutely pushing the envelope of who Underoath is, it pushes them into the modern sphere with their socially enraged record. For those who have a lot of anger about what’s going on at the moment, Underoath‘s set will be as cathartic as it gets.