Let’s start with an indisputable fact: There are so many rock bands out there that we’ll never hear them all. With this in mind, the scene is currently flourishing, with an increasing number of groups challenging and stretching the very definition of what “rock” sounds like in 2025. Naturally, we asked our readers to tell us the best rock bands right now, and their answers were on point. They reached back to veterans and newer acts alike, rattling off hundreds of answers. Find the top fan picks ranked below.
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5. Spiritbox
Ever since releasing 2021’s Eternal Blue, Spiritbox have been on their way up. Their blend of crushing heaviness with heavenly melodies is one of a kind, made even more impressive when witnessed live. Though it’s been a busy time for the band, between touring with Korn, going viral at the Grammys, and jumping on a song with Megan Thee Stallion, their hard work pays off on their newly released (and wholly great) second album, Tsunami Sea. Spiritbox are easily one of the most exciting bands right now, in heavy music and otherwise, so of course they made this list.
4. Bad Omens
Bad Omens always offer depth, intention, and heaviness to everything they do, challenging us to be more thoughtful listeners, so it’s no wonder that our readers named them one of the best rock bands right now. They’ve been on a tear lately, supporting Bring Me the Horizon on tour, collaborating with Poppy on the pulsing “V.A.N.,” and releasing CONCRETE JUNGLE [THE OST] — the “experimental extension” to 2022’s THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND. Given the extent of that expansive, collaboration-heavy project, we’re certainly ready for whatever they have in store for us next.
3. My Chemical Romance
What’s left to say about My Chemical Romance that hasn’t already? Throughout their four studio albums, the band have proved that they bring imagination and relentless ambition to whatever space they’re in. No two MCR albums sound the same, but all represent a distinct headspace that has inspired hundreds of imitators. As far away as their 2019 reunion feels, the fact that they are still active — headlining festivals and preparing to tour their 2006 rock opera The Black Parade in full this summer — is a celebration in and of itself.
2. Bring Me the Horizon
If you’ve seen Bring Me the Horizon live within the past few years, you’ll know why they made this list. The band have transformed into headlining giants, bringing crushing theatrics to their shows and delivering a truly unforgettable experience. Beyond that, BMTH have been traveling down a heavier and more experimental path as of late, creating their own distinct sound that fuses metalcore, digicore, electronica, and pop punk. Whether they’re collaborating with Daryl Palumbo or Lil Uzi Vert, BMTH continue to challenge expectations and deliver something totally unexpected.
1. ONE OK ROCK
Given their name, can you really be surprised? Across their 20-year career, ONE OK ROCK have impressed Warped Tour crowds, released a documentary, and played huge venues, in and outside of their native Japan. It’s earned them a fervent fanbase, who rallied to make them a part of this list. Beyond those successes, though, the Tokyo four-piece released their 11th studio album, DETOX, last month (frontman Takahiro Moriuchi even filled us in on his favorite track), stressing the need for positivity, rest, and mindfulness in an increasingly chaotic world. Needless to say, releasing that many albums, and staying together for as long as they have, is a massive accomplishment that our readers recognize.