Yurécuaro, Mexico

One of the most prolific and influential hard rock bands to come out of Latin America, Transmetal employs a lethal amalgam of speed, thrash, and death metal that invokes names like Slayer, Testament, Dark Angel, Napalm Death, and Nuclear Assault, among others. Founded in 1987 in Mexico City by brothers Lorenzo, Javier, and Juan Partida, the band has issued over 20 albums since its inception, beginning in 1988 with Muerto en la Cruz. Over the years, the band would incorporate elements of groove and melodic death metal into the mix, but their adherence to the decibel-crushing tenants of extreme metal would remain intact. ~ James Christopher Monger