Uniontown, Ohio death metal outfit whose 2005 debut Human Meat Gluttony announces its intentions from the title alone. Brutal, unsubtle, and committed to the gory end of the death metal spectrum.

Dayton death metal project from the Ohio underground.

Worthington black metal project from the Ohio underground.

Columbus, Ohio death metal act that emerged in 2024 and wasted no time — a demo followed quickly by the full-length Systematic Torture in 2025. The title promises exactly what it delivers: methodical, punishing death metal from the heart of the Midwest.

North Royalton, Ohio power metal project with a sense of humor and four releases since 2015. From the provocatively titled Electric Male Discharge to the noise-referencing Harsh Metal Wall, they blend power metal bombast with irreverent energy from the Cleveland suburbs.

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.