While there are so many amazing metal bands who have been playing for decades, there are also many awesome younger acts to keep an ear out for. Where past and present cross paths, though, is when the children of famous metal artists we enjoy end up creating their own metal bands. From Slipknot singer Corey Taylor to Metallica guitarist and singer James Hetfield, there are numerous metal celebrities who happen to have kids in great bands.
In that spirit, we thought to write up a fun list that showcases the children of famous celebrities who happen to be in metal bands. In the list below, we have included 10 bands – you may know some of these, while others may be a surprise.
–
Healing Magic
Featuring Igor Cavalera – son of Max Cavalera (Soulfly, ex-Sepultura)
With Igor performing vocals, as well as on bass and guitar duty, the band pulls from stylistic elements heard among Sepultura and Soulfly, Igor’s Healing Magic is a wicked rush of aggressive thrash meets death metal. At the time of this writing, the band have released one EP, titled Restoration.
Vended
Featuring Griffin Taylor and Simon Crahan – the sons of Corey Taylor and Shawn “Clown” Crahan, respectively (Slipknot)
The sons of Slipknot members Corey Taylor and Shawn “Clown” Crahan have joined forces for a nu metal/industrial act called Vended. Young Griffin Taylor sounds very much like his father, with Simon Crahan acting as the band’s drummer. Vended have a great aggressive sound to them – it very much reminds us of early Slipknot. At the time of this writing, the band have released one EP, titled What Is It/Kill It.
The Raven Age
Featuring George Harris – son of Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)
Having formed in 2009, The Raven Age weaves together elements of metalcore and groove metal. Very much thanks to the guitar playing of George Harris, there is an epic appeal to the band’s material, channeling somewhat of those soaring melodies we have come to know and love from Iron Maiden. At the time of this writing, the band have released three studio albums.
Bastardane
Featuring Castor Hetfield – son of James Hetfield (Metallica)
Commanding the drums, Castor Hetfield makes up one third of the incredibly bad ass Bastardane. Blending some rock and thrash into their mix, this band has a thrilling bar room rock n roll vibe (which is amplified with some solid metal elements). The band just released a new record a few months ago.
Wargasm (UK)
Featuring Sam Matlock – son of Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols)
Rather than follow in his dad’s punk rock footsteps, Sam Matlock has decided to create something a little heavier. Wargasm is an explosive fusion of punk meets nu metal meets industrial music. The band’s material offers a wild vibrancy that is perfect for those seeking adrenaline. Their unique fusion of genre allows them to cater to metalheads looking to headbang, as well as fans of electronic music looking for something to cut loose to at a rave. At the time of this writing, the band have released one studio album. Sam Matlock performs vocals and plays guitar in Wargasm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_1hPNQfSpQ&ab_channel=WARGASM
Taipei Houston
Featuring Myles and Layne Ulrich – sons of Lars Ulrich (Metallica)
The sons of Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich have a band that is just the two guys playing bass and drums, and it sounds awesome. Myles plays drums and Layne plays bass. In the video below that features a performance from them, you’ll find that their music has an intriguing techy, math-like quality to it.
OTTO
Featuring Tye Trujillo – son of Robert Trujillo (Metallica)
Blending that of thrash and funk, OTTO is an irresistibly catchy and heavy band. Tye Trujillo, the son of Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo, channels his dad’s ferocious and playful energy into his own bass performances. At the time of this writing, the band have their debut LP arriving soon.
Falset
Featuring Chance LaBrie – son of James LaBrie (Dream Theater)
Rather than follow in the footsteps of his dad’s prog rock band, Chance LaBrie’s Falset is all about metalcore and electronic pop music. With Falset, you get a delivery of both crushing and catchy music; the band offers aggressive tunes that makes one want to both headbang, but also vibe out. At the time of this writing, the band have released two studio albums. Chance LaBrie plays drums in Falset.
SHVPES
Featuring Griffin Dickinson – son of Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden)
A son of Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson is in a band (and he happens to be a vocalist too)! SHVPES formed in 2009, and at the time of this writing, they have released two studio albums. Blending together that of nu metal, metalcore, and post-hardcore, SHVPES makes for one hell of an aggressive band.
Tallah
Featuring Max Portnoy, the son of Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater)
While he takes on the role of drummer much like his old man, Max Portnoy is more interested in creating industrial nu metal through Tallah. There is an incredible energy to this music – some of the band’s stylistic elements have a Korn and Linkin Park vibe (while offering a greater industrial heaviness). At the time of this writing, Tallah have released two studio albums, and Max appears to be drumming in heavy titans, Code Orange, as of late.
–
What do you think of our list? Have you listened to any of these bands? It’s real interesting to see what these younger artists are creating (compared to the music that their parents have made). We are excited for each of these young artists and their bands to grow in their creativity and to hear what music they continue to create.