Death metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music known for its aggressive and extreme style, characterized by distorted guitars, guttural vocals, and often dark or morbid lyrical themes. Many death metal bands have made significant contributions to the genre over the years. Here are nine of the most influential death metal bands, listed in no particular order:

1. Death: Often considered one of the pioneers of death metal, Chuck Schuldiner and his band, Death, helped define the genre with albums like “Scream Bloody Gore” and “Human.” They incorporated complex song structures and technical prowess into their music.
2. Cannibal Corpse: Known for their graphic and explicit lyrics, Cannibal Corpse has been a prominent figure in the death metal scene. Their album “Tomb of the Mutilated” is a classic in the genre.
3. Morbid Angel: Morbid Angel is known for their innovative and influential albums like “Altars of Madness” and “Blessed Are the Sick,” which helped shape the early development of death metal.
4. Obituary: Obituary is celebrated for their unique, sludgy, and heavy sound. Their debut album, “Slowly We Rot,” and subsequent releases had a profound impact on the genre.
5. Suffocation: Suffocation is often credited with pioneering the subgenre of brutal death metal. Their technical prowess and distinctive guttural vocals have influenced countless bands in the genre.
6. Deicide: Fronted by Glen Benton, Deicide is known for their anti-religious and blasphemous themes, which have made them a controversial but influential band in the death metal scene.
7. Entombed: Hailing from Sweden, Entombed played a crucial role in the development of the Swedish death metal sound. Their album “Left Hand Path” is considered a classic.
8. At the Gates: At the Gates is often associated with the melodic death metal subgenre, but their album “Slaughter of the Soul” had a significant impact on both death metal and the broader metal scene.
9. Possessed: Often considered one of the earliest death metal bands, Possessed released “Seven Churches” in 1985, which is widely regarded as one of the first death metal albums and had a profound influence on the genre’s development.

These are just some of influential death metal bands that have left their mark on the genre. There are many more bands that have contributed to the growth and evolution of death metal over the years. Seek ’em out, and enjoy.