Metallian reached out to a diverse group of metal musicians and industry insiders to pose two key questions about the current state and future of extreme music and the people who keep it alive. This panel discussion brings together their perspectives on the questions. See how these voices from the heart of the metal world answered. – 09.2025

Metal’s Extreme Evolution: How Far Can it Go?	Metal music has become progressively heavier and heavier. When Metallica released Kill ‘Em All the world thought this is it! Then Napalm Death appeared and the noise levels took everyone by surprise again, etc. etc. How much heavier and faster do you reckon things can become?	In general, is there a limit to human power? Or is it a progressive concept where things become more and more advanced? What are the limits of human horsepower?
Mike Juliano – Manager For Horror Pain Gore Death	That’s a great question… I don’t think that pushing the boundaries creates better music. You are seeing more and more bands having a stripped down approach with more atmosphere rather than adding strings to guitars, tuning lower and playing fast. Since genres and subgenres are already defined I don’t expect anything more extreme to happen, but I do see more mainstream music fans becoming interested. Much like when Cannibal Corpse appeared in Ace Ventura, it’s a gateway into the underground.	Yes definitely… Being proficient and extremely tight is not necessarily what you want from music. Sometimes being loose and unorthodox creates a more sinister tone. Seeing some bands perform like they are machines is boring to me.
Jonas Lindblood – Singer And Guitarist For Puteraeon	We will always find new extremes. The day will come when the right two extremes combine and form a new kind of monster (laughs).	There is no limit to the human mind. Face your fears and dive into the abyss!
Spermain – Bassist For Brutal Sphincter	I believe that we can make it more extreme, but I don’t have it on my mind. I’m not the person that will do it because it’s not my purpose, so I have no idea where it can go until it goes there. So, I guess it must be possible, but as I don’t have the imagination for it, I cannot figure it out somehow, if you understand what I mean. I do understand and it’s a logical answer though. I’m just looking at history.	I mean yes humanity is probably pushing the the limit of technology and improving everything, but is that a gift to the earth? I have some doubts.
Nocturnus II – Guitarist For Margantha	With digital technology and modern production techniques, I think we’ve only scratched the surface. Sounds are getting heavier, tighter and more compressed. Just think, 15 years ago, the sound of Meshuggah would’ve seemed like science fiction. Now, you have talented bands crafting devastating tracks in home studios for a fraction of the cost.	I believe human potential is virtually limitless. Technological progress in recent decades has been staggering – almost like science fiction made real. If used wisely, AI and similar tools could elevate human development in amazing ways. That said, there’s real danger when power is concentrated in the hands of a few. Right now, humanity is at a crossroads. We’ll have to decide which path we’re taking.
Zachariah – Singer And Guitarist For Kratornas	It’s not about being heavier or faster. Too many bands choose the safe route for acceptance and are scared to take risks. That’s why we only have one Kill ’Em All, while the rest just sound like Kill ’Em All.	No limit. Unless passivity is the limit. People get comfortable with what works, then complain that all bands sound the same. I like the swarm of young bands and the tech that surrounds them. My only hope is that if they form in 2022, for example, they write songs that sound like 2022; not just a rehash of Hellhammer.