15 Metal Bands That Need To Reunite
The heavy music landscape is currently thriving, yet a sense of something missing lingers for fans of several influential bands. While the genre continues to evolve, the potential return of these groups sparks considerable anticipation within the community. Here’s a look at acts whose reunion could significantly impact the scene, and the circumstances surrounding their current status.
Angelcorpse
Active intermittently between 1996 and 2017, Angelcorpse left an indelible mark with their relentlessly fast death metal. Their 1998 record, Exterminate, featuring the drumming of John Longstreth, remains a benchmark for the genre. A reunion would undoubtedly reignite interest in their uniquely aggressive sound.
Arsis
Arsis currently exists in a nebulous state, somewhere between disbandment and potential reactivation. The Virginia-based melodic death metal band released Visitant in 2018 and played their last show in January 2019, after which all activity ceased. Considered one of the premier American melodic death metal acts, their return would be welcomed by many.
Blotted Science
Blotted Science, a project comprised of Cannibal Corpse bassist Alex Webster, Watchtower guitarist Ron Jarzombek, and Alkaloid drummer Hannes Grossmann, released their sole album, The Machinations of Dementia, in 2007, followed by an EP, The Animation of Entomology, in 2011. The band then fell silent, leaving a small but dedicated fanbase hoping for more.
Bolt Thrower
Bolt Thrower’s plans for a follow-up to 2005’s Those Once Loyal were abandoned in June 2008 due to dissatisfaction with the new material. The band entered a hiatus following the unexpected death of drummer Martin Kearns in 2015. On the first anniversary of Kearns’ passing, September 14, 2016, the band announced their permanent dissolution. While a reunion appears unlikely, the legacy of Bolt Thrower continues to resonate.
Burning Inside
Burning Inside, featuring drummer Richard Christy (formerly of Control Denied and Death), released a demo in 1995 and two albums in 1999 and 2001. They later released a digital EP in 2007 before disbanding. Their technical death metal style remains highly regarded within the genre.
Dead in the Dirt
Atlanta-based grind band Dead in the Dirt released their only album, The Blind Hole, in 2013. The album’s intensity reportedly impacted the band’s trajectory, though the exact circumstances of their inactivity remain unclear. A return would be a welcome surprise for fans of extreme metal.
Every Time I Die
A reunion for Every Time I Die appears improbable. Former members Keith Buckley (Many Eyes), Jordan Buckley, Stephen Micciche, and Clayton Holyoak (Better Lovers) are currently pursuing other projects, with a reported lack of communication between Keith Buckley and the rest of the group. Despite this, the prospect of an Every Time I Die show remains a tantalizing thought for fans.
Faith No More
Faith No More faced setbacks with canceled 2021 tour dates due to Mike Patton’s mental health struggles, leading to a year-long hiatus in 2022. While Mr. Bungle has since resumed activity, Faith No More has not. Roddy Bottum stated, “I don’t think anyone’s sort of up for it at this point,” suggesting a reunion is not currently in the cards.
In Solitude
In Solitude, pioneers of the occult rock sound, released three critically acclaimed albums between 2008 and 2013 before disbanding. The band stated their departure was amicable, leaving open the possibility of a future reunion.
Kyuss
Kyuss has not reunited since their 1995 breakup, despite occasional suggestions from Josh Homme. In 2020, Homme indicated a reunion might be possible, and drummer Brant Bjork responded positively, but communication stalled. The band reportedly receives frequent offers for festival appearances, potentially paving the way for a future reunion.
Necrophagist
The continued absence of Necrophagist remains a point of contention for fans.
Repugnant
Ghost frontman Tobias Forge previously fronted the death metal band Repugnant (originally Mary Goore), which released their only album, Epitome Of Darkness, in 2006. A return to this project could offer a different facet of Forge’s musical talent.
Skeletonwitch
Skeletonwitch has not officially disbanded but has been inactive since 2018. Following the release of Devouring Radiant Light, drummer Dustin Boltjes departed, and vocalist Chance Garnette had already been replaced in 2015. A recent fan inquiry received a response indicating the band is “still a thing” and “taking our time on the next one.”
Sleep
Sleep has experienced periods of activity and inactivity, from 1990 to 1998, 2009 to 2019, and then 2022 onward. In January 2025, drummer Jason Roeder announced his firing from the band via Instagram, stating he had not spoken to other members for months. The band’s current status and future plans remain uncertain.
Trap Them
Trap Them, lauded as one of the best American metal bands, played three farewell shows in 2017 and subsequently ceased activity without issuing a formal statement. Their unique blend of hardcore punk and death metal is sorely missed by fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Bolt Thrower to disband?
Bolt Thrower initially scrapped plans for a new album in 2008 due to dissatisfaction with the material. The death of drummer Martin Kearns in 2015 and the subsequent announcement of the band’s dissolution on the anniversary of his passing ultimately led to their permanent breakup.
Is there any hope for an Every Time I Die reunion?
A reunion for Every Time I Die appears unlikely due to reported communication issues and the current involvement of former members in other projects.
What is the current status of Sleep?
Sleep announced a return to live shows in April 2022, but drummer Jason Roeder was fired in November 2024. The band’s current status is unclear.
Which of these bands do you feel has the most compelling reason to reunite, and why?