Arthur Rizk is not only one of the hottest producers in metal right now, he's also the guitarist in New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal faithfuls Sumerlands and Eternal Champion. And he's here to share in the glory by schooling you in 10 Killer New Age Bands Playing Classic Heavy Metal.

Around the time I was 8 years old, I was exposed to heavy metal and hard rock via my older cousins from Lebanon. When I learned to play guitar, the first things I learned were Iron Maiden, Scorpions and Metallica and that is the path I’ve stayed on. I’ve been obsessed with a variety of different music since then, but my love for what you would call “classic metal” is eternal.

I’ve picked out 10 bands (all of which are currently active) who play classic metal in the modern day, which is sometimes categorized as NWOTHM (New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal). I prefer to just say “heavy metal” because in 100 years, these bands may be considered just the “heavy metal” era alongside Judas Priest and Black Sabbath. After all, Mozart and Beethoven existed over 30 years apart from each other but are considered to be from the same period and they get labeled the same!

Since I am also a producer who works in this genre, I left all the bands I have worked with off of the list out of respect for journalistic integrity and to avoid conflict of interest. I also tried to avoid a lot of obvious bands and highlighted a few that do not have a lot of worldwide recognition.

The NWOTHM playlist Loudwire put together NWOTHM is a killer assortment of current shit from our era and features some I have worked with. It also includes the new Sumerlands single, "Dreamkiller.” Wink, wink!

Okay! Without droning on any further, and in no particular order, here is my list of 10 Killer New Age Bands Playing Classic Heavy Metal!

Thanks to Arthur Rizk for answering the call to defend true steel. Get your copy of Sumerlands' 'Dreamkiller' album here (out now on Relapse) and follow the band on Instagram, Facebook, Bandcamp and Spotify. And blast Sumerlands' "Dreamkiller" below while checking out Rizk's picks.

Sumerlands, "Dreamkiller"

Head here to listen to Loudwire's NWOTHM (New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal) playlist.

10 Killer New Age Bands Playing Classic Heavy Metal, Chosen by Sumerlands' Arthur Rizk

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