Entombed is a Swedish death metal band formed in 1987 under the name of Nihilist. Entombed began their career as an early pioneer of Scandinavian death metal which initially differed from its American counterpart by its distinct "buzzsaw" guitar tone. However, by the early 1990s their sound had broadened to include garage rock and other influences. This new style would eventually be described as death 'n' roll. Entombed's main influences include bands such as Obituary, Napalm Death, GBH, Suicidal Tendencies, the Stupids, Atheist, Executioner, Dirty Rotten Imbeciles, Slayer, Celtic Frost, Repulsion, and Autopsy. Along with Dismember, Grave and Unleashed, Entombed has been referred to as one of the "big four" of Swedish death metal.
Dismember is a Swedish death metal band formed in 1988. They split up in 2011 but reunited in 2019. Pioneers of Swedish death metal, Dismember is now considered one of the country's "big four", alongside Entombed, Grave, and Unleashed.
Morbid Angel is an American death metal band based in Tampa, Florida, formed in 1983 by guitarist, primary composer and sole remaining original member Trey Azagthoth, vocalist and bassist Dallas Ward, and drummer Mike Browning. Widely considered one of the most influential bands in the genre and important in the transition of death metal from its thrash metal roots, they were one of the first bands to incorporate guttural vocals, up-tempo blast beats, multiple tempo changes and a dark atmosphere. They have been described as one of "the most influential and emulated bands in death metal", alongside Obituary, Death, Cynic, Autopsy and Deicide, and have been cited as an influence by many later bands. They were also the first death metal band to experience mainstream success in connection with being signed to Giant Records in 1992, heavy rotation of their music videos on MTV, and having the music video for the song "God of Emptiness" shown on an episode of Beavis and Butt-Head. Their first three albums – Altars of Madness (1989), Blessed Are the Sick (1991), and Covenant (1993) – are considered classics in the death metal genre.
Cryptopsy is a Canadian death metal band from Montreal, formed in 1988.
Vader is a Polish death metal band from Olsztyn. Formed in 1983, the group was founded by then-bassist Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek and guitarist Zbigniew "Vika" Wróblewski. Vader went through several lineup changes over the years, with Wiwczarek as the only constant member. Since 2022, the band has comprised Wiwczarek on lead guitar and vocals, rhythm guitarist Marek "Spider" Pająk, bassist Tomasz "Hal" Halicki, and drummer Michał Andrzejczyk.
Grave Digger is a German heavy metal band that was first formed in 1980 by Chris Boltendahl and Peter Masson. Emerging from the early-to-mid 1980s heavy metal scene of their native country, Grave Digger has been referred to as one of the so-called "big four" of German power metal, along with Helloween, Rage and Running Wild.
Unleashed is a Swedish death metal band that was formed in 1989 by Johnny Hedlund in Stockholm. Common lyrical themes found in the band's music include Viking culture, recollection of a pre-Christian world, and Norse folklore. A number of their recent songs also contain references to J. R. R. Tolkien. Unleashed is considered one of the "big four" of Swedish death metal.
Jörgen Sandström is a Swedish musician. He provided vocals, bass and guitar for Grave on their first three albums and played with Entombed, on bass and backing vocals, between 1995 and 2004. He has also been involved with bands such as Krux, Vicious Art, The Project Hate MCMXCIX and Torture Division. He also did guest vocals on Nasum's Helvete and on Death Breath's Stinking up the Night.
Into the Grave is the debut album by Swedish death metal band Grave. It was released in 1991 on Century Media. It was re-released 17 September 2001 with additional tracks from the Tremendous Pain EP and some demo tracks.
The Absence is an American melodic death metal band from Tampa, Florida. Their style has been described as aggressive thrash metal with Scandinavian metal influences. They were previously signed to Metal Blade Records and are now signed to M-Theory Audio.
You'll Never See… is the second studio album by Swedish death metal band Grave. It was released in 1992 on Century Media.
Soulless is the third album by Swedish death metal band Grave. The band adopted a slower and deeper sound for this album, blending more experimental and industrial tones. A video for the title track was filmed.
Back from the Grave is the fifth album by the Swedish death metal band Grave. It was released in 2002 on Century Media after a long hiatus.
As Rapture Comes is the seventh studio album by Swedish death metal band Grave. It was released on 25 July 2006 through Century Media Records.
Extremely Rotten Live is a live album by Swedish death metal band Grave, was released in 1997.
...And Here I Die... Satisfied is an EP by Swedish death metal band Grave, released in February 1993 on Century Media Records.
Burial Ground is the ninth studio album by Swedish death metal band Grave. It was released on 14 June 2010 through Regain Records.
Endless Procession of Souls is the tenth studio album by Swedish death metal band Grave. It was released on 27 August 2012 through Century Media Records.
I Am Morbid are an American death metal band formed in late 2016, by bassist/vocalist David Vincent and drummer Tim Yeung, both former members of Morbid Angel.
