Martins Ferry, Ohio thrash metal act operating from the state's eastern edge along the Ohio River. A contribution to the Rust Belt's heavy metal tradition from one of its most economically battered corners.

Toledo, Ohio death metal project named after the inability to feel pleasure — fitting for music this relentlessly punishing. Eight releases since 2019 demonstrate a prolific commitment to extremity, with Abandon Lust and Ash Wednesday anchoring a substantial catalog from the Glass City.

Columbus death metal project from the Ohio underground.

Cincinnati heavy metal project whose 2020 single 2 Nights delivers straightforward NWOTHM energy from the Queen City. No pretension, just classic metal built on riffs and attitude.

Columbus death metal project from the Ohio underground.

Black metal project that migrated from Raleigh to Columbus, Ohio. Their 2020 debut features a Greek-language title — The Forbidden Carnival — hinting at Mediterranean literary influences channeled through American black metal.

Canton, Ohio groove metal project named after a Between the Buried and Me track, emerging in 2025 with two releases. Doomworld Technologik blends industrial and metal influences for a sound that matches their dystopian name.

Xenia, Ohio death metal project whose name evokes both domestic horror and a near-miss on the number of the beast. Minimal output from a small Ohio city known more for tornadoes than extreme music.

Cincinnati power metal project from the Ohio underground.