Number 10
Anthrax
Anthrax is considered one of the big four thrash metal bands of the eighties. For me, it was a toss-up between these guys and Pantera, but if you look at total impact and longevity, I think Anthrax takes the cake.
Anthrax consistently pushed the envelope, experimenting with different sounds and not being afraid to add humour and silliness to their music. They've appeared on popular TV shows such as, Married with Children and movies such as, Calendar Girls.
Anthrax formed in 1981 and released their first album in 1984. After a few successful thrash metal albums, Anthrax helped pave the way for future rap-metal fusions when they recorded an album with Public Enemy. Afterward, they fired head singer Joey Belladonna, but later reunited after their fans rebelled at the switch.
There's no denying that Anthrax is a thrash metal pioneer. They helped bring thrash metal into the spotlight, and their fearless flair for trying new things is legendary.
They're also one of my favourite thrash metal bands. They have a unique sound and their lyrics are either funny or complex and serious. My personal favourite album isPersistence of Time. I remember owning the t-shirt in high school, which had "POT" written on the front. The school wasn't too impressed, and I was sent home multiple times for it...which I was fine with. If I needed a day off school, that shirt always came in handy.
Anthrax consistently pushed the envelope, experimenting with different sounds and not being afraid to add humour and silliness to their music. They've appeared on popular TV shows such as, Married with Children and movies such as, Calendar Girls.
Anthrax formed in 1981 and released their first album in 1984. After a few successful thrash metal albums, Anthrax helped pave the way for future rap-metal fusions when they recorded an album with Public Enemy. Afterward, they fired head singer Joey Belladonna, but later reunited after their fans rebelled at the switch.
There's no denying that Anthrax is a thrash metal pioneer. They helped bring thrash metal into the spotlight, and their fearless flair for trying new things is legendary.
They're also one of my favourite thrash metal bands. They have a unique sound and their lyrics are either funny or complex and serious. My personal favourite album isPersistence of Time. I remember owning the t-shirt in high school, which had "POT" written on the front. The school wasn't too impressed, and I was sent home multiple times for it...which I was fine with. If I needed a day off school, that shirt always came in handy.
Number 9
Sepultura
Sepultura is an internationally successful band. They've created multiple platinum and gold records, and have sold over fifteen million records worldwide. They hail from Brazil, and are easily the most successful metal band to come out of that country.
Sepulltura formed in 1984 and proceeded to take the metal world by storm. Their music is hard core, and can be described as a mix of Slayer and death metal with a tribal beat that sounds like nothing else you've ever heard.
I'm not a huge fan of Sepultura, but there's little doubt in my mind that they helped pave the way for what is now described as nu-metal. They were very successful, and on my tours through cyberspace, I saw their name mentioned time and again by metal heads everywhere.
Sepultura may not be one of my favourite metal bands, but they still belong on this list in my opinion. They've been around since the mid-eighties and are still playing their brand of metal music today.
You win metal heads - Sepultura has made it to the number nine spot on my list of best metal bands.
Sepulltura formed in 1984 and proceeded to take the metal world by storm. Their music is hard core, and can be described as a mix of Slayer and death metal with a tribal beat that sounds like nothing else you've ever heard.
I'm not a huge fan of Sepultura, but there's little doubt in my mind that they helped pave the way for what is now described as nu-metal. They were very successful, and on my tours through cyberspace, I saw their name mentioned time and again by metal heads everywhere.
Sepultura may not be one of my favourite metal bands, but they still belong on this list in my opinion. They've been around since the mid-eighties and are still playing their brand of metal music today.
You win metal heads - Sepultura has made it to the number nine spot on my list of best metal bands.
Convicted in Life - Very Cool Video
Number 8
Motorhead
Aggression, bad-ass lyrics and fast and furious guitar riffs have managed to land Motorhead the number eight spot on my list of top metal bands. They're also one of the oldest metal bands around, having formed in 1975.
Although Motorhead seems to change band members more often than a hooker changes her underwear, lead singer and front-man for the band, Lemmy Kilmister, has always been there. It seems that's all that this band rally needs, because Lemmy is metal music personified. While some metal bands seem to be more about hype than substance, Lemmy seems like the real deal. Lemmy's boozing and womanizing are legendary, and his music is full of what metal heads love - in your face, hard ass music.
Motorhead also affects change. Some metal bands, such as Metallica and Slayer said that they were encouraged to speed up their own music because of Motorhead. In this case, Metallica should have taken that thought and put it in the bank. Their brand of mushy heavy metal in an effort to hit the mainstream audience helped ruin the bands credibility.
But that's a story for later. For now, suffice it to say that Motorhead is a beloved band by metal lovers everywhere. They're true pioneers, and they continue to make music today.
Although Motorhead seems to change band members more often than a hooker changes her underwear, lead singer and front-man for the band, Lemmy Kilmister, has always been there. It seems that's all that this band rally needs, because Lemmy is metal music personified. While some metal bands seem to be more about hype than substance, Lemmy seems like the real deal. Lemmy's boozing and womanizing are legendary, and his music is full of what metal heads love - in your face, hard ass music.
Motorhead also affects change. Some metal bands, such as Metallica and Slayer said that they were encouraged to speed up their own music because of Motorhead. In this case, Metallica should have taken that thought and put it in the bank. Their brand of mushy heavy metal in an effort to hit the mainstream audience helped ruin the bands credibility.
But that's a story for later. For now, suffice it to say that Motorhead is a beloved band by metal lovers everywhere. They're true pioneers, and they continue to make music today.
Number 7
Slayer
Is there a heavier heavy metal band than Slayer?
Slayer reeks of anger - Their lyrics are over the edge, controversial, and nearly unintelligible next to the furious sound of their guitars. Even the bands album art looks satanic, which helps add to their mystique. If you're not a fan of metal music, you'd probably run at the first few notes you hear blasting out of your speakers if someone were to crank on Angel of Death.
Slayer was formed in 1981 and released their first album in 1983. They are one of the first metal bands to bring thrash metal into the light of day. Although this band didn't bring their music into the light through subtlety; instead, they brought their music into our consciousness while we kicked, screamed and begged for mercy.
Slayer has been plagued by album bans, lawsuits and controversy. Some of their songs feature Nazism, which led to them being called pro-Nazi. They've also been accused of being white supremacists and Satanists, which eventually led to their albums being banned in certain countries, including India.
Despite the bad press, Slayer just keeps trucking along. They've been nominated for three Grammy Awards, and actually managed to win one. They are a driving force in the metal world. They influence many of today's hard rock bands, and they personify what heavy metal is all about.
Personally, I think Reign in Blood is my favourite Slayer album. If you want to let off some steam, that album is amazing. Slayer is also one of the first metal bands I ever heard, and they are in part responsible for my love of heavy metal. That's why they sit solidly in the number seven position.
Slayer reeks of anger - Their lyrics are over the edge, controversial, and nearly unintelligible next to the furious sound of their guitars. Even the bands album art looks satanic, which helps add to their mystique. If you're not a fan of metal music, you'd probably run at the first few notes you hear blasting out of your speakers if someone were to crank on Angel of Death.
Slayer was formed in 1981 and released their first album in 1983. They are one of the first metal bands to bring thrash metal into the light of day. Although this band didn't bring their music into the light through subtlety; instead, they brought their music into our consciousness while we kicked, screamed and begged for mercy.
Slayer has been plagued by album bans, lawsuits and controversy. Some of their songs feature Nazism, which led to them being called pro-Nazi. They've also been accused of being white supremacists and Satanists, which eventually led to their albums being banned in certain countries, including India.
Despite the bad press, Slayer just keeps trucking along. They've been nominated for three Grammy Awards, and actually managed to win one. They are a driving force in the metal world. They influence many of today's hard rock bands, and they personify what heavy metal is all about.
Personally, I think Reign in Blood is my favourite Slayer album. If you want to let off some steam, that album is amazing. Slayer is also one of the first metal bands I ever heard, and they are in part responsible for my love of heavy metal. That's why they sit solidly in the number seven position.
Raining Blood on Their Competitors
Number 6
Megadeth
Dave Mustaine is a guitar god and one of the founding members of Metallica, as well as the founder of Megadeth, which is a wildly successful band in its own right.
Snarling vocals, intricate guitar riffs and abundant anger are the trademarks of this metal band. Dave Mustaine was kicked out of Metallica about two months before the release of Kill em All because of drug use, anger problems and alcohol abuse. Fuelled by rage and thoughts of revenge, Dave formed Megadeth and tried to outdo Metallica. While he never did really succeed in upstaging Metallica, he did manage to create one of the best heavy metal bands of the 80's, which is no mean feat.
Since 1983, Megadeth has sold over twenty million albums, making them one of the most successful heavy metal acts out there. On top of that, they are just one of the bands who helped bring thrash metal to the masses.
Megadeth has gone platinum in no fewer than six albums, received multiple awards and nominations and succeeded in popularizing what was at the time, a little known and young genre of music.
Just for the record, my favourite albums were Rust in Peace and Countdown to Extinction. In my opinion, those are two of the best heavy metal albums out there. Although Megadeth's other stuff doesn't suck either.
Snarling vocals, intricate guitar riffs and abundant anger are the trademarks of this metal band. Dave Mustaine was kicked out of Metallica about two months before the release of Kill em All because of drug use, anger problems and alcohol abuse. Fuelled by rage and thoughts of revenge, Dave formed Megadeth and tried to outdo Metallica. While he never did really succeed in upstaging Metallica, he did manage to create one of the best heavy metal bands of the 80's, which is no mean feat.
Since 1983, Megadeth has sold over twenty million albums, making them one of the most successful heavy metal acts out there. On top of that, they are just one of the bands who helped bring thrash metal to the masses.
Megadeth has gone platinum in no fewer than six albums, received multiple awards and nominations and succeeded in popularizing what was at the time, a little known and young genre of music.
Just for the record, my favourite albums were Rust in Peace and Countdown to Extinction. In my opinion, those are two of the best heavy metal albums out there. Although Megadeth's other stuff doesn't suck either.
Number 5
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden spearheaded the British heavy metal wave in the 80's. They helped carve out a niche, and they sold a whack load of albums doing it. In fact, they've sold over seventy million albums since they formed in 1975, and are one of the most recognizable bands on the list. Not only do metal enthusiasts like them, but the masses are acquainted with them to, giving them the number five spot on this list.
Paul Di'Anno was the first lead singer to lead this band, but because of excessive drug use which caused friction between the band members, he was fired and replaced with Bruce Dickenson. In most bands, the loss of the lead singer would signal the end of the band, but not in Iron Maidens case. In fact, it was probably the best move that they could have made. Instead of failure, Iron Maiden flourished beneath Bruce Dickenson, and saw very real success in North America.
Since then Iron Maiden has put out some memorable albums, including The Number of The Beast and Somewhere in Time. They've released fourteen studio albums, sold millions of records and helped pave the way for future heavy metal bands.
One of the things that set Iron Maiden apart from other heavy metal bands is the fact that their music doesn't revolve around anger, revenge or gore. Instead, they create songs that explore different areas, including Greek mythology and Hell.
Personally, I loved Iron Maiden when I was growing up. I remember my cousin showing me the album cover of Number of The Beast, and thinking that it was cool. I also remember rocking out to Iron Maiden, especially Number of The Beast.
The only thing I don't like about Iron Maiden is that while they have a string of good songs, their music tends to be long and sometimes boring. Power ballads about weird subjects aren't really my cup of tea.
However, Iron Maiden definitely belongs on this list of the best, most influential metal bands to ever rock a stage.
Paul Di'Anno was the first lead singer to lead this band, but because of excessive drug use which caused friction between the band members, he was fired and replaced with Bruce Dickenson. In most bands, the loss of the lead singer would signal the end of the band, but not in Iron Maidens case. In fact, it was probably the best move that they could have made. Instead of failure, Iron Maiden flourished beneath Bruce Dickenson, and saw very real success in North America.
Since then Iron Maiden has put out some memorable albums, including The Number of The Beast and Somewhere in Time. They've released fourteen studio albums, sold millions of records and helped pave the way for future heavy metal bands.
One of the things that set Iron Maiden apart from other heavy metal bands is the fact that their music doesn't revolve around anger, revenge or gore. Instead, they create songs that explore different areas, including Greek mythology and Hell.
Personally, I loved Iron Maiden when I was growing up. I remember my cousin showing me the album cover of Number of The Beast, and thinking that it was cool. I also remember rocking out to Iron Maiden, especially Number of The Beast.
The only thing I don't like about Iron Maiden is that while they have a string of good songs, their music tends to be long and sometimes boring. Power ballads about weird subjects aren't really my cup of tea.
However, Iron Maiden definitely belongs on this list of the best, most influential metal bands to ever rock a stage.
Number 4
Judas Priest
Judas Priest formed in 1969, and were huge in the seventies and eighties. In fact, they were probably the most popular heavy metal band of their time. Their influence is felt in music, but it was also Judas Priest, particularly the lead singer, Rob Halford, who started up the 'metal look'. Chains, biker leathers and a scowl were his hallmarks, and he routinely road his motorcycle onto the stage in concerts. His wailing voice has filled hundreds of stadiums and homes, and Judas priest helped define the metal genre.
MTV named Judas Priest the second best metal band of all time, although I've reserved that spot for another band. They've sold over thirty five million albums, and shown future metal bands how to become successful.
Many of Judas Priests albums have gone platinum and gold, and they created heavy metal anthems such as, Breaking the Law, which is still played on rock stations around the world. In many ways, Judas Priest brought metal to a whole new level, which is just one reason why they belong on this list.
MTV named Judas Priest the second best metal band of all time, although I've reserved that spot for another band. They've sold over thirty five million albums, and shown future metal bands how to become successful.
Many of Judas Priests albums have gone platinum and gold, and they created heavy metal anthems such as, Breaking the Law, which is still played on rock stations around the world. In many ways, Judas Priest brought metal to a whole new level, which is just one reason why they belong on this list.
Number 3
AC/DC
AC/DC isn't just one of the biggest heavy metal bands, but one of the biggest and best bands ever. They've sold well over two hundred million records, and built a huge fan base. They've overcome the death of their lead singer, Bon Scott, only to come back bigger and meaner than ever, recording their best selling hits with new singer, Brian Johnson.
If you don't know who AC/DC is, you've been living under a rock.
AC/DC took metal music and stripped it raw. They added uncomplicated lyrics, catchy beats, wailing vocals and amazing guitar solos to create music that stands above the crowd. While Judas Priest and some of the other metal bands intimidated fans, AC/DC embraced them, making metal music fun to listen to.
Instead of a guitar player that frowned and waved his long hair at the crowd, Angus Young strutted around in a school boy outfit, while ripping out solos that left your head spinning. They're a mainstay in the metal industry, and their music will last well after the time that they're dust. Their music and showmanship have helped make AC/DC a metal icon.
It just goes to show that sometimes excess can be outdone by uncomplicated, uncluttered music. Just look at AC/DC and you'll see that's true. While Judas Priest helped pave the way, I think that AC/DC helped make it a super highway and they deserve the number three position when it comes to the best metal groups of all time.
Like most of you, I love AC/DC. There really is no better air guitar music, and they are probably the band I'd most like to see in concert. I remember I was at a concert a year or two ago, and they played AC/DC over the loudspeaker, and even that was enough to get the crowd singing and cheering. Hell, they weren't even there!
If you don't know who AC/DC is, you've been living under a rock.
AC/DC took metal music and stripped it raw. They added uncomplicated lyrics, catchy beats, wailing vocals and amazing guitar solos to create music that stands above the crowd. While Judas Priest and some of the other metal bands intimidated fans, AC/DC embraced them, making metal music fun to listen to.
Instead of a guitar player that frowned and waved his long hair at the crowd, Angus Young strutted around in a school boy outfit, while ripping out solos that left your head spinning. They're a mainstay in the metal industry, and their music will last well after the time that they're dust. Their music and showmanship have helped make AC/DC a metal icon.
It just goes to show that sometimes excess can be outdone by uncomplicated, uncluttered music. Just look at AC/DC and you'll see that's true. While Judas Priest helped pave the way, I think that AC/DC helped make it a super highway and they deserve the number three position when it comes to the best metal groups of all time.
Like most of you, I love AC/DC. There really is no better air guitar music, and they are probably the band I'd most like to see in concert. I remember I was at a concert a year or two ago, and they played AC/DC over the loudspeaker, and even that was enough to get the crowd singing and cheering. Hell, they weren't even there!
Number 2
Metallica
Metallica's first four albums were some of the best heavy metal music ever. They raised the bar for every other metal band out there, and brought new life to the metal genre. Before them, metal was apart from the rest of music, and enjoyed by select individuals who liked it. However, Metallica changed all that and practically invented thrash music as it is today.
After the release of their first four albums, Metallica curtailed the energy of their music and created more mainstream metal music in an attempt to get more airplay. It worked. Even though their fan base rebelled at the softer sound of Metallica, they did sell millions upon millions of albums. They've sold over one hundred million albums worldwide and are one of the most recognized names in metal music today, despite their mainstream ideals.
Going mainstream wasn't enough for Metallica. They also decided to take on Napster singlehandedly, which made them look greedy and ungrateful to music lovers everywhere. Yet, despite all of the negativity that has swirled around Metallica recently, they are one of the best, most influential bands in the metal industry. Albums like Master of Puppets, Justice for All and Kill em All helped cement them in the number two place.
Besides their success being a factor, Metallica was one of my favourite bands growing up. The video below is one of the most amazing videos I've ever seen. Is Lars the drummer even human? At times it seems like his drum stick is moving at light speed.
After the release of their first four albums, Metallica curtailed the energy of their music and created more mainstream metal music in an attempt to get more airplay. It worked. Even though their fan base rebelled at the softer sound of Metallica, they did sell millions upon millions of albums. They've sold over one hundred million albums worldwide and are one of the most recognized names in metal music today, despite their mainstream ideals.
Going mainstream wasn't enough for Metallica. They also decided to take on Napster singlehandedly, which made them look greedy and ungrateful to music lovers everywhere. Yet, despite all of the negativity that has swirled around Metallica recently, they are one of the best, most influential bands in the metal industry. Albums like Master of Puppets, Justice for All and Kill em All helped cement them in the number two place.
Besides their success being a factor, Metallica was one of my favourite bands growing up. The video below is one of the most amazing videos I've ever seen. Is Lars the drummer even human? At times it seems like his drum stick is moving at light speed.
Number 1
Black Sabbath
The granddaddy of them all, Black Sabbath, is my number one choice for best, most influential metal band of all time. If Elvis created rock 'n' roll, it could be said that Black Sabbath created metal music. Before them no one had ever heard a sound quite like them.
Black Sabbath has released multiple multiplatinum and gold records, are still heard today, and are widely remembered as the band that started it all. Their biggest downfall was firing lead singer, Ozzy Osbourne, who then moved on and created for himself a successful solo career.
When Sabbath first came on the scene, it marked the end of the flower power era, and ushered in a new age. Ozzy Osbourne's unique voice, hippy, crazy look, coupled with powerfully distorted guitar work by Tony Iommi and heavy Bass work by Geezer Butler, resonated with people of their era and subsequent eras as well.
They released album after album filled with hits, which didn't let up until Ozzy was let go from the band. It was downhill from there.
Black Sabbath's insanity has earmarked them as the greatest, most influential metal band of all time. They're also my personal favourite. Not only do I enjoy the music of Black Sabbath, but Ozzy is my favourite musician of all time. They are a groundbreaking band that won't go away, which is great if you're a fan of heavy metal music like I am.
Black Sabbath has released multiple multiplatinum and gold records, are still heard today, and are widely remembered as the band that started it all. Their biggest downfall was firing lead singer, Ozzy Osbourne, who then moved on and created for himself a successful solo career.
When Sabbath first came on the scene, it marked the end of the flower power era, and ushered in a new age. Ozzy Osbourne's unique voice, hippy, crazy look, coupled with powerfully distorted guitar work by Tony Iommi and heavy Bass work by Geezer Butler, resonated with people of their era and subsequent eras as well.
They released album after album filled with hits, which didn't let up until Ozzy was let go from the band. It was downhill from there.
Black Sabbath's insanity has earmarked them as the greatest, most influential metal band of all time. They're also my personal favourite. Not only do I enjoy the music of Black Sabbath, but Ozzy is my favourite musician of all time. They are a groundbreaking band that won't go away, which is great if you're a fan of heavy metal music like I am.
