Who are the ‘Big 4’ of masked rock and metal bands?There’s a rich and storied history of heavy bands going beyond imagery within the music to punch up and complete their vision. Even without masks, it’s common to see some sort of visual identity onstage with customized clothing that presents a unified and a thematic look.Some rock and metal fans (who can’t just relax and have fun) are quick to brand these theatrics a gimmick, but it’s not. It’s not at all. Art is complex and nuanced and these visual elements are how certain bands choose to express themselves and their artistic vision.READ MORE: 22 Makeup Trends That Define the History of Rock + MetalFor different reasons, musicians don a mask. Whether it’s to simply conceal their identity, create a dramatic back story or round out a direct and clear theme, it’s an integral part of a band’s lore and makes it irresistibly intriguing for newcomers overtaken by the imagery and an urgent need to hear what the music sounds like.Today, it feels like masked and costumed personas are becoming increasingly popular, which plays well with modern social media and content creation trends. World-building is more critical than ever, creating something wholly immersive that brings fans together.So, let’s take a look at the ‘Big 4’ of masked rock and metal bands!The ‘Big 4’ of Masked Rock + Metal BandsWho are the ‘Big 4’ of masked rock and metal bands? That’s the question we aim to answer!Gallery Credit: Joe DiVitaThe ‘Big 4’ of 17 Metal SubgenresEveryone knows the ‘Big 4’ of thrash metal, but what about some other styles of metal?Gallery Credit: Jordan BlumThe ‘Big 4’ of 10 Rock + Punk SubgenresGallery Credit: by Jordan BlumFollow Loudwire on Spotify for dozens of rock and metal playlists!