Black Sabbath’s Final Show Is Coming- Here Are New Bands Carrying Ozzy Osbourne’s Doom Metal Torch
As Black Sabbath prepares for their historic final concert, Back to the Beginning, on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham- the band’s birthplace and widely considered the birthplace of heavy metal itself- fans worldwide are reflecting on the legendary group’s monumental legacy. Led by the “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy Osbourne, this one-day farewell show reunites the original lineup for the first time in 20 years. If you’re a soon-to-be-mourning fan looking for something new and exciting to reignite that spark of doom and fire, here are some modern acts (formed in the last 20 years- that’s 2005, not 1980… I know!) that channel the spirit of Ozzy and Black Sabbath’s groundbreaking music.
Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats
Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats channel the spirit of early Black Sabbath through their vintage sound and macabre, psychedelic storytelling. Formed in 2009, this UK band embraces the occult and horror themes that Sabbath helped pioneer. Their music feels like an indie horror soundtrack from the early '70s, filled with creepy melodies and heavy, distorted riffs. Sabbath fans will appreciate Uncle Acid’s ability to blend dark, Sabbath-inspired doom with a modern flair, offering a bluesy heaviness and eerie atmosphere.
Pallbearer
Pallbearer’s doom metal sound is steeped in emotional depth and melodies reminiscent of Sabbath’s slower, heavier work. Since forming in 2008, this American band has frequently cited Sabbath as a major influence. Their music captures the sombre side of Sabbath’s legacy, combining it with a grand, cinematic quality—making them a perfect choice for fans looking for their next heavy fix.
Green Lung
Green Lung formed in 2017 and are one of the greener (pardon the pun) bands on this list. This British quintet wear their Sabbath influence proudly, both sonically and thematically. With their theatrical, occult-inspired lyrics and vintage rock sound, they channel Black Sabbath’s mystical storytelling and riff-heavy foundation. Their style draws from classic doom and psychedelic rock and is often compared to Sabbath during their earlier years. For fans of Sabbath’s dark, mystical vibe, Green Lung’s energetic stoner doom sound delivers a fresh yet familiar experience. They have also been likened to Queen and Deep Purple.
Kadavar
German trio Kadavar, formed in 2010, are known for their raw, retro rock sound that channels the bluesy riff mastery of Black Sabbath. While they blend classic rock and a bit of Zeppelin-esque swagger, their thick, fuzzed-out guitar work closely resembles Sabbath’s early material. Drawing from a range of ’70s influences, their vibe and vintage production give fans a direct line to that classic doom and hard rock sound, making Kadavar a must-listen for anyone missing that era of rock.
Windhand
Emerging from Virginia in 2009, Windhand combines a crushing doom sound with a psychedelic atmosphere led by the powerful vocals of Dorthia Cottrell. They openly cite Sabbath among their influences, and it’s certainly not difficult to hear upon first play. Their sound leans heavily on slow, hypnotic grooves and dense, fuzzy guitar work. Sabbath fans will appreciate this blend of doom and psychedelia, finding it familiar and deeply satisfying.
Monolord
Swedish trio Monolord, formed in 2013, deliver thick, heavily distorted riffs from slow, melodic, down-tuned guitars. Like many others on this list, they have acknowledged Sabbath as a key influence, channelling the songwriting and style of founding member Tony Iommi and combining it with a raw, powerful modern delivery. For fans of weighty, immersive soundscapes, Monolord carry that legacy forward, offering a modern yet unmistakably old-school doom experience.
Honourable Mention: Electric Wizard
Electric Wizard, formed in 1993, are often considered the spiritual heirs of Black Sabbath. Frequently brought up in conversations about bands resembling the iconic group, Electric Wizard have cited Sabbath as a key inspiration. An honourable mention because they formed earlier than the others, Electric Wizard’s psychedelic horror-themed aesthetic has defined modern doom metal for decades. Sabbath fans will appreciate their sludgy sound, which takes the Sabbath blueprint and pushes it into murkier, darker depths.
Black Sabbath’s and Ozzy Osbourne’s influence remains as powerful as ever. While the original lineup bids farewell on stage, bands like Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats, Pallbearer, and Windhand carry the Sabbath torch forward, blending heavy doom metal with fresh energy and eerie atmospheres- keeping Sabbath’s legacy and spirit alive.
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