Canada has produced several bands which have gone on to make a name for themselves on the rock and heavy metal scene. Of course, Canadian bands have put their own spin on things and if you’re a keen-eared metalhead, you could probably tell some of the differences.

Chris Jericho, one of the most famous Canadians in the world, is the leader of a band called Fozzy. A former WWE superstar, Jericho now wrestles for AEW and was the new promotion’s first World Champion. What’s also great about him is fans can actually place bets on his endeavors in the ring, with most bookmakers offering odds on wrestling. This might be a bit more difficult in Canada but less traditional avenues such as MMA betting could be had from platforms such as Ontario BetMGM. Fozzy, though, isn’t a Canadian band so it isn’t listed here. But here are five rock and heavy metal bands hailing from Canada considered to be the best.

5. Kataklysm

Kataklysm has been around since the early 90s, with steady changes when it comes to drummers. While guitarist Jean Francois  Dagenais has been the only constant member, the band’s popularity has never waned.

Tours have remained frequent, of course not counting the COVID-19 era. The band has been recognized on a worldwide scale, with their music quite pleasing to metal purists.

Kataklysm, one of the most consistent groups in the business, had released 14 studio albums, an EP, and one DVD as of 2020.

4. Woods of Ypres

Woods of Ypres is no longer but was one of the biggest metal bands on the Canadian scene following its founding in 2002. The group, originally consisting of three members, was quite special in its delivery of melodious doom and gloom. 

The band spent nine years rocking crowds, releasing four studio albums and an EP.

Things fell apart for them after original member David Gold perished in a car crash at the age of 31 in 2011. His death ended plans for what would have been a first European tour in 2012, plus debuts for a few new members. Guitarist Joel Violette would announce that the band would not tour without Gold, bringing an end to affairs.

3. Cancer Bats

Cancer Bats is considered to be one of the best bands to take to modern hardcore delivery, fusing a variety of influences to create an output of remarkable dark music. 

Founded in 2004, the Canadian hardcore punk band is made up of vocalist Liam Cormier, drummer Mike Peters and bassist Jaye R. Schwarzer. Their music is similar to sludge metal and has been likened to sound coming from bands like Converge and Hatebreed. 

The members have toured and recorded as a Black Sabbath tribute under the name Bat Sabbath. Cancer Bats has released six albums to date.

2. Rush 

Rush has actually been a major influence on many of the more popular names on the rock and metal scene. Having gained popularity for their advances in progressive and heavy rock, they’ve been influential to bands like Meshuggah, Foo Fighters, Dream Theatre, and Anthrax. 

The Canadian group has been around since the late 60s, only slowing down in recent years. They own a high-energy sound accompanied by technical playing and impressive dexterity. Rush was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

1. Devin Townsend

Hailing from British Columbia, Devin Townsend is a legend in the metal world and has 25 records across his projects with bands such as Strapping Young Lad and The Devin Tons End Project, which he founded. 

He is also responsible for the introduction of Extreme Metal, a popular sub-genre. 

The 49-year-old singer, songwriter, musician, and producer owns his own label, Hevy Devy Records. He was the lead guitarist of Strapping Young Lad from 1994 to 2007 and can boast a remarkable solo career.