53 Best 2020s Rock Bands

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In the 2020s we already plenty of rock bands that have distinguished themselves as the best of the decade. From established bands putting out new music to unsigned newcomers harnessing the power of the internet for recognition, 2020s rock bands are doing it right.

This list encompasses our list of the best 2020s rock bands so far. Leave a comment below if we missed your favorite.

Shinedown

Shinedown

Shinedown remains not only one of the best 2020s rock bands but one of the best rock bands of the 21st century.

The quartet has been nominated for seven iHeartRadio Music Awards for Rock Song and Rock Artist of the Year. They have had 17 number one singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and ranked No. 1 on the Billboard chart for Greatest of All Time Mainstream Rock Artists chart in 2021.

Their sound continues to evolve, changing up the sound of each album with a focus on pushing creative boundaries. Their 2022 album Plant Zero is a perfect example of this. The concept album is a departure from the band’s historic album releases, weaving a narrative about the human condition in a dystopian future.

The Struts

The Struts

What do you get when you cross Queen, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, My Chemical Romance, and The Killers? You get The Struts—a British rock band that continues to make waves in the global rock world.

Their most recent album peaked at No. 11 on the UK charts. A 2021 collaboration with Paris Jackson produced a funky, danceable single that showcases the band’s range and infallible energy. 

Korn

Korn

Korn may have been around for 30 years, but that doesn’t change the fact that they make it onto the best 2020s rock bands list. Their ability to bring nu metal into the mainstream consciousness has brought them incredible success, with more than 40 million records sold worldwide as of 2021.

The band released their 14th studio album in early 2022, which peaked at No. 1 on the US Top Hard Rock Albums chart, No. 2 on the US Top Rock Albums chart, and No. 1 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums chart.

Needless to say, Korn isn’t going anywhere, which is something we should all be grateful for.

Dirty Honey

Dirty Honey

Newcomers Dirty Honey have already made their mark as a must-watch 2020s rock band. Their sound is an inspiring combination of classic rock, southern blues, and alternative.

The LA-based quartet was the first unsigned band to ever have a single top the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart in 2019. Their 2021 album produced five singles, three of which peaked on the US and Canada charts.

Five Finger Death Punch

Five Finger Death Punch

Five Finger Death Punch is one of those heavy metal rock bands whose music just hits different. Lead vocalist Ivan Moody’s low, gravelly melodies bring to life songs about everything from politics and the military to mental health struggles.

FFDP’s eighth studio album, F8, was released in 2020. Their song “Living the Dream” earned them a nomination for iHeartRadio’s Rock Artist of the Year.

Sons of Silver

Sons of Silver

We would be remiss if we didn’t include indie rock legends Sons of Silver on our list of best 2020s rock bands. The five-piece American band released their newest EP, Ordinary Sex Appeal, in 2022. It combines the cleverly moody lyrics and upbeat melodies with the bluesy-grunge style fans love.

Stone Horses

Stone Horses

Alt-rock band Stone Horses create timeless rock anthems that are as easy to connect with as they are to party down to. With influences like Chris Cornell, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Johnson, and Slash, Stone Horses continue to put out groovy, rhythmic tunes their fans adore.

The band’s goal is to produce rock music of the future, embracing a variety of styles and sounds to create something brand new for the decade.

Black Stone Cherry

Black Stone Cherry

Black Stone Cherry’s band members have been playing together since they were teenagers. Over the years, they have fostered a truly unique rock sound that continues to stand the test of time. 17 of the band’s singles have charted on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.


Their 2020 album release, The Human Condition, leads off with a cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason,” giving the iconic pop song a grungy, bluesy kick that only Black Stone Cherry could accomplish. It’s a truly inspiring cover that is mellow enough to honor the original track.

The Killers

The Killers

It’s pretty difficult not to like The Killers, whether you’re a hardcore metalhead or a pop-punk kid for life. Brandon Flowers's iconic tenor combined with the band’s alternative, synth-rock sound has created numerous danceable singles and sold over 28 million albums worldwide.

They not only hold a place as one of the best rock bands of the 21st century, but they continue to produce top-quality rock jams into the 2020s.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are another top 2020s rock band with an incredible range of styles and influences. Their unique combination of funk, psychedelic rock, punk, and rap rock has earned the band six Grammy Awards and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The iconic band continues to maintain their status as the kings of California rock with their 2022 star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Greta Van Fleet

Greta Van Fleet

Frankenmuth, Michigan natives Greta Van Fleet burst onto the scene in 2017 with a chart-topping debut single, and they haven’t slowed down since. The band won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for their EP From the Fires and debuted their second studio album at No. 1 on the Billboard Rock Album charts.

The band’s folksy, progressive, and blues rock style has a sound that harkens back to the days of classic 70s rock. Their passion and artistry combined with their funky vintage style are why were are certainly big things coming for Greta Van Fleet in the 2020s.

Dorothy

Dorothy

Marked by Rolling Stone as “a band you need to know” in 2014, Dorothy continues to grow in popularity into the 2020s. Led by powerhouse vocalist Dorothy Martin, the bluesy hard rock band produces catchy, hard-hitting songs about everything from drugs and alcohol to moving on from abusive relationships.

The band released its third studio album in 2022. The album’s first single, “Rest in Peace,” peaked at No. 2 on the US Mainstream Rock charts.

Goodbye June

Goodbye June

Nashville band Goodbye June started as an independent rock band before seeing mainstream success in 2017. Their 2022 album See Where the Night Goes reached No. 33 on the UK Albums Chart, No. 1 on the UK Rock Chart, and #18 on the US Top New Artist chart.

With their steadily growing popularity, it’s hard to imagine Goodbye June won’t find continued success throughout the rest of the 2020s.

Halestorm

Halestorm

Led by dynamite vocalist Lzzy Hale, the heavy rock band has made it clear they’re going to make the 2020s one of the best decades in rock music.

The band has released music since 2009, touring with bands like Theory of a Deadman, Dorothy, Shinedown, Alice Coopper, Godsmack, and Disturbed. They have put out five studio albums, the most recent of which was their 2022 album Back From the Dead.

The Pretty Reckless

The Pretty Reckless

The Pretty Reckless is a 2020s rock band with screaming guitar solos and plenty of attitudes.

Lead singer Taylor Momsen got her start in the acting world before transitioning to music full-time in 2009. Her strong, low-pitched voice pairs with the band’s gritty, post-grunge rock sound.

Their fourth album, Death by Rock and Roll, was released in 2021 and was an impressive success. It made The Pretty Reckless the first female-fronted band to have five number one singles on the Mainstream Rock Chart.

Bad Wolves

Bad Wolves

Bad Wolves are a heavy metal rock band who found initial mainstream success with their cover of The Cranberries hit “Zombie.” Since their founding in 2017, the band has hustled to produce three studio albums, including their 2021 hit Dear Monsters.

Although the band has experienced recent tumultuous lineup changes, their superb songwriting skills, heavy guitar melodies, and catchy hooks continue to propel them through the current decade.

Sleeping With Sirens

Sleeping With Sirens

Sleeping With Sirens has been rocking out skydomes and arenas since their first album release in 2009. Led by the unique vocals of Kellin Quinn, the pop-punk, alternative rock band combines pop influences with a heavier, hardcore sound and the occasional screamo lyric for a powerful listening experience every time.

The band kicked off the 2020s with the release of the deluxe version of their sixth studio album. Their most recent single, “Bloody Knuckles,” is the epitome of everything day-one fans love about the band.

Nothing More

Nothing More

Nothing More found mainstream success after their fourth studio album, spending the early years of their career grinding it out with self-funded independent albums. They have toured with bands like Shinedown, Volbeat, and Five Finger Death Punch and produced multiple No. 1 and No. 2 singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart.

They continue to be a 2020s rock band to watch with their most recent single, “Tired of Winning / Ships in the Night.”

Ghost Hounds

Ghost Hounds

Most people don’t think of bluesy rock when they think of Pittsburgh, PA, but that didn’t stop Ghost Hounds. Lead vocalist Thomas Tull’s smooth, pleasant voice tells colorful stories while his veteran band members, who have played with everyone from Led Zeppelin to ZZ Top, hammer out danceable rock tracks bursting with swagger.

There are elements of southern rock, funk, and rhythm and blues—all tied up in the Ghost Hounds’ signature sound. The band has recently toured with Bob Seger and the Rolling Stones, as well as released their second studio album, A Little Calamity.

Architects

Architects

British metalcore band Architects embrace a complex combination of sounds and influences, which makes them one of our favorite 2020s rock bands.

Their original work consisted of rough, chaotic tracks that focused heavily on beat and rhythm. As the band members matured and their success in the UK grew, they shifted their stylistic focus slightly to a more melodic approach with catchy hooks and group harmonies. Their songwriting style has also changed, moving away from exclusively political themes to broader themes.


The band’s 2021 album release topped the UK Albums Chart.

Fozzy

Fozzy


We love a contemporary rock band with a classic hard rock sound. Fozzy is often compared to classic bands like Metallica, Journey, and the Foo Fighters, showcasing a heavy sound that is balanced by their infectious, danceable melodies.

The band is led by professional wrestler and singer Chris Jericho. The band frequently puts out top-quality covers of popular songs alongside thoughtful originals. Since their founding in 2000, the band has released eight studio albums, with their most recent released in early 2022.

Spanish Love Songs

Spanish Love Songs

Spanish Love Songs is a highly underrated emo punk and indie rock band from Los Angeles. The quintet has released three studio albums since their founding in 2013, the most recent of which came out in 2020. Titled Brave Faces Everyone, the album debuted at No. 21 on the Vinyl Albums chart.

Lead singer Dylan Slocum’s warbly growl reminds us of The Mountain Goats, although their overall style is much heavier and more reminiscent of 2010s alternative punk rock.

Spanish Love Songs hasn’t cracked the mainstream rock charts yet, but we have a good feeling that the 2020s are their decade.

Three Days Grace

Three Days Grace

Album after album, single after single, Three Days Grace proves themselves as one of this century’s best rock bands.

Founded in 1997, Three Days Grace is a hard rock and alternative quartet who have put out seven incredibly received studio albums. The band has numerous platinum records and 17 No. 1 singles, in addition to several European and world tours.

The 2020s have been kind thus far to the band as well. They released their seventh album in 2021 and two powerful singles, including the heartbreaking ballad “Lifetime.”

Falling in Reverse

Falling in Reverse

Lead vocalist Ronnie Radke formed the hard rock band Falling in Reverse during his incarceration in 2008. The quartet has seen incredible success as a mainstream rock group, with their debut album going certified gold and several Billboard 200 charting singles.

The band’s style is a unique blend of pop, emo, punk, and hard rock. They frequently play with their sound, including electronic and orchestral elements as well as the occasional rapped lyric. They cite influences like Eminem, the Beastie Boys, and Blink-182.

Falling in Reverse sings about a range of topics, including Radke’s personal experiences with family members and being in jail. They also talk frequently about the corruption of their hometown.

The HU

The HU

Few of today’s rock bands have the gravitas of The Hu, and they certainly don’t have their sound. The Mongolian folk metal band uses Mongolian throat singing and traditional instruments alongside electric guitars and heavy bass. Their music is powerful and intense, with a beat you can feel in your lungs.

Their first album peaked on charts all over the world. Their popularity and their dedication to the Mongolian culture earned them the Order of Genghis Khan, which is the highest state award in Mongolia.

Keep an eye out for their second studio album Rumble of Thunder, which is set to release in September 2022.

Volbeat

Volbeat

What do you get when you fuse rockabilly, heavy metal, and psychobilly music styles? You get the inspiring rock band Volbeat. The internationally acclaimed Danish rockers have put out eight studio albums since 2001, several of which have reached gold and platinum status.

With influences like Dio, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, and Black Sabbath, Volbeat has an accessibly heavy sound that leans on gritty guitar solos and heart-pounding percussion. This, combined with lead singer Michael Poulsen’s melodic voice, makes every Volbeat song a treat for the senses.

Their most recent release in 2021 earned them a tying spot for the 10th most No. 1’s on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.

Loveless

Loveless

Classic emo-punk rock gets a contemporary, high-octane boost with Loveless’ cleverly produced songs. The duo, which formed in 2020, made a name for themselves in the rock world by harnessing the power of the internet. They successfully gathered a following of loyal fans long before the mainstream rock gods were paying any attention.

Their cover of Elley Duhe’s “Middle of the Night” in 2022 landed on the Billboard charts, launching them into the spotlight. Although they made their debut with a series of popular pop covers, the band’s releases in the next decade will likely focus more on original songwriting and composing projects.

Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons doesn’t know the meaning of the word “flop.” For over a decade, the rock band has put out hit after chart-topping hit, releasing three of the best-performing rock songs of the 2010s. Their unique pop-rock sound is chock full of flavor, from hip-hop and folk to synth-pop and electronica.

The 2020s are shaping up to be a banner decade for veteran performers. Their fifth and sixth studio albums, Mercury – Act 1 and Mercury – Act 2, were released in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters

It’s hard to imagine a time in rock music before the Foo Fighters. They are a staple of the genre, holding down the fort with an endless parade of perfect, grungy headbangers.

The band, formed in Seattle by Dave Grohl after the death of Kurt Cobain, has won 15 Grammy Awards. In 2021, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

They released their 10th studio album, Medicine at Midnight, in 2021. The album features a more pop-rock sound, which was well received by fans and critics alike.

Mammoth WVH

Mammoth WVH


Mammoth WVH is one of the newest hard rock bands to come up in the industry. However, don’t let the unfamiliar name fool you. The band is made up of veteran performers, including Wolfgang Van Halen, son of Eddie Van Halen, and career guitarist Frank Sidoris.

The band released its first album in June of 2021. The self-titled debut album saw instant success, peaking at No. 1 on several US Rock charts. Their high-energy, melodic style has a hint of classical influence, primarily from bands like Van Halen and Foo Fighters.

Muse

Muse

We would be fools if we didn’t include the English progressive rock band Muse on our list of 2020s rock bands. For almost 30 years, the trio has created energetic, romantic, and moody tracks sung with Matt Bellamy’s trademark melancholy falsetto. They have achieved commercial success around the globe, selling over 30 million records and winning two Grammy Awards.

The band isn’t slowing down in the 2020s. Their most recent singles are leading to the release of their ninth studio album.

Rise Against

Rise Against

The 2020s have been a tumultuous decade. Rise Against, known for their social and political commentary, is the band we all need to see through.

For more than 30 years, Rise Against has spoken out about animal rights, homophobia, war, environmental disasters, and more. Their sound has evolved from a rough, metal chaos to a more refined, melodic style. One thing that hasn’t changed is their passion and dedication to being a voice for the voiceless.

Their 2021 album release peaked at No. 39 on the US Billboard 200 charts.

Veio

Veio

Veio is a Portland-based rock band with a penchant for soaring songs with meaningful lyrics. Their newest album is a deluxe reimaging of their 2020 album Vitruvian. It features a powerful track listing that explores a variety of deep themes, with a focus on the message rather than the music behind it.

The band has seen moderate commercial success in the late 2010s and early 2020s, with a Top 10 Metal single under their belts. Their recent stripped-back work has brought in a new host of loyal fans, which makes them a top 2020s rock band in our book.

Papa Roach

Papa Roach

Papa Roach has seen a handful of band members come and go throughout their 30 years in the industry. However, lead vocalist Jacoby Shaddix keeps it all together with his iconic punk voice. The band’s style and influences have shifted over the years as well, with occasional dips into djent, alt-metal, punk rock, and pop.

The band has continued its mainstream success into the 2020s. Their music today is just as angsty and catchy as their classic tracks but with a level of maturity that only comes from decades of experience.

Memphis May Fire

Memphis May Fire

Memphis May Fire is one of the alternative rock scene’s most beloved bands, despite its continually shifting lineup. Their 2020s music has seen a return to their earlier sound, featuring heavier instrumentation and lyrics.

They have released five singles in preparation for their seventh studio album, which released in June 2022.

Beartooth

Beartooth

No one does melodic hardcore punk quite like Beartooth. They can create infuriatingly catchy songs regardless of whether their sound is thrashy or bleeds more into punk rock. The overall themes are intense and dark but with an undeniable lightness that makes their songs must-listens every time.

The band, which was formed in 2012, has put out four successful studio albums, the most recent of which came out in 2021.

The Violent

The Violent

Indie rock band The Violent brings an exciting new take on the idea of “anonymous” rockers. In the same vein as Slipknot and Ghost, the band claims to be well-known rockers from older bands who wanted to work on a new project.


Their music focuses on bridging the divide between religion and politics, elements that keep humanity struggling and disconnected from one another.

Underoath

Underoath

Once considered a Christian metal group, Underoath is a beloved rock band with direct ties to screamo, emo, and metalcore genres. They disbanded in 2013 despite numerous Billboard charting singles and reunited in 2015.

The band kicked off the 2020s with their ninth studio album, Voyeurist.

MESSER

MESSER

Messer’s high-energy, positive songs are their calling card. The modern rock band is well-known for engaging live concerts and producing quality, catchy rock songs that make you feel glad to be alive.

Their newest work is meant to be a light of hope in the darkness of the early 2020s. Several singles discuss the idea of finding peace and harmony in an angry, divided world.

Their infectious positivity has provided a lifeline for many fans over the years. Messer is sure to inspire a host of new fans with their work as a 2020s rock band.

Like Machines

Like Machines

Like Machine is a hard rock trio who has been playing music together since high school. Their sound is heavily influenced by classic metal bands like Black Sabbath and Guns N’ Roses but with a focus on tackling important social issues through their lyrics.

Grin Cynic

One brief listen to Grin Cynic is enough to gather this band takes its influences directly from the Prince of Darkness himself. Haunting, echoey voices lay over gritty guitar melodies and inspiring atypical riffs.

Grin Cynic has spent the early 2020s opening for big names like Nita Strauss. We think they’ve got the endless potential to make something truly breathtaking.

Blacklite District

Blacklite District

Blacklite District is led by 32-year-old singer-songwriter Kyle Pfeiffer. His alternative rock style of music has met with incredible success online. Some of his work has surpassed 500 million streams on YouTube in addition to peaking on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

Blacklite District’s 2021 single “Gotta Get Outta Here” was a Top 40 rock hit.

State Champs 

State Champs

Pop punk band State Champs expertly balances the genre’s signature angst alongside genuinely joyful, energetic songs. Influenced by popular bands like Fall Out Boy and New Found Glory, their music consists of strong harmonies and expert guitar work. Their fourth album, Kings of the New Age, was released in 2022.

ColdWards

ColdWards

ColdWards is a five-piece rock band out of Houston, Texas. Their alternative-metal music is percussion-heavy with a focus on deep, meaningful lyrics that have found plenty of success on the radio.

The 2020s are shaping up to be the decade that makes ColdWards contemporary rock legends. Their 2022 debut album Bloodwork is slated to be a nu-metal masterpiece.

Trivium

Trivium

With over 20 singles and 10 studio albums under their belts and one million records sold, veteran heavy metal rockers Trivium easily make the list of our favorite 2020s rock bands.

The band combines growly screams, dueling guitar riffs, and complex bass patterns for a thrash, new wave metal sound all their own. Their 2020 and 2021 albums showcase their superior songwriting and composing skills.

Plush

Plush

Plush is a rock quartet of 18 to 21-year-old passionate, powerhouse women. Their high-octane anthems are written with the intent to bring classic heavy metal sounds back into the music industry’s focus.

Their self-titled debut album was released in 2021. It features heavy-hitting tracks with catchy hooks and guitar riffs reminiscent of Halestorm and Nita Strauss.

Pop Evil

Pop Evil

Hailing from Muskegon, Michigan, Pop Evil is a hard rock band that pulls no punches. In addition to touring with huge names like Drowning Pool, Finger Eleven, and 3 Doors Down, they have released six albums. Their most recent album was well-received by both fans and critics. 

Maneskin

Maneskin

Glam rock’s popularity may have peaked in the 70s, but that doesn’t mean it’s dead. Italian glam rock band Maneskin brought their post-modern pop rock and funk sound to the global stage. In addition to releasing two studio albums in the past five years, Maneskin has won numerous awards for Best International New Artist and Best Rock Group.

The Black Keys

The Black Keys

The Black Keys' grungy, bluesy, southern-style rock sound has earned them countless critical and commercial success. The duo has earned a handful of Grammy Awards and chart-topping singles throughout the 2010s.

They also play around with style and sound. The band’s 10th album, which was released in 2021, featured a series of country blues covers that peaked on charts around the globe.

Hurry

Hurry

What started as a side project turned into an indie, pop punk sensation. Hurry’s work is heavily inspired by early-90s bands like Weezer, with a focus on suffocating their catchy melodies with sound.

Hurry is still on their way to major commercial success, but it’s hard to imagine the 2020s won’t do them justice.

Mastodon

Mastodon

Mastodon has been a heavy metal rock band for over 20 years. They have been busy in the 2020s, releasing back-to-back studio albums in 2021 and 2022. Both albums were well-received by critics and fans. Many of the tracks were celebrated for their boundless creativity and inoffensive authenticity, in addition to an abundance of energy.

Of Mice & Men

Of Mice & Men

As a 2020s rock band, Of Mice & Men has released three EPs and one full-length album. Their seventh album, released in 2021, features an alluring mixture of hard rock, nu metal, and alternative genres. They have retained their original metalcore audience but branched out into melodic hardcore and arena rock as well.

Broadside

Despite the numerous lineup changes since the band’s inception in 2010, Broadside has maintained a presence in the pop-punk world. Their songs focus on growing up and the humorous but genuine struggles of young adults. Their well-received fourth album was released in July 2020.

Top 2020s Rock Bands, Final Thoughts

2020s rock music is still developing. However, both veteran performers and brand new bands are putting out music that is sure to bring fans endless joy.

Want to learn more about the best rock bands in history? Check out our list of 90s rock bands and 2000s rock bands.

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One Comment

  1. Gotta check out White Reaper. Def belong on this list. After the recent release, I think Paramore needs to be on an updated list too! They’d belong in 2000’s, 2010’s and 2020’s!

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