They are often stereotyped as rebels and delinquents, which make our parents despise their image, their music and us… when we become too much like them. We love our moms and dads, but we can’t stop loving these guys as well who can’t seem to live without projecting distorted hymns. Who do you think among them should be worthy of being called, the best heavy metal band?
Metallica
Often cited by many younger rockers as their number 1 influence, this band has created a monumental achievement in the field of music by establishing the word 'metal' in pop culture. Where rock music is often regarded as just noise and the devil's handiwork, Metallica effortlessly redefined the way rock music is percived while earning various Grammy awards in the process.
From: California, USA, 1981
Popular Songs: Master of Puppets, Enter Sandman, Nothing Else Matters
Members: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo, Dave Mustaine, Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton, Jason Newsted
Iron Maiden
Most artists rely heavily on TV and radio airplay to gain popularity. But with these English rockers however, they didn't need such a thing. Choosing the name of a torture device for their group, their music gives an opposite impression as it gives a joyous elation to metal lovers everywhere.
From: London, England, 1975
Popular Songs: The Trooper, Hollowed Be Thy Name, The Number of The Beast
Members: Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Bruce Dickinson, Nicko McBrain, Janick Gers
AC/DC
With a kind of music that electrifies listeners and fellow rockers at the same time, AC/DC really deserves the name they have chosen. Cited as not only one of the best rock bands but as one of the best music artists as well, these Aussies refused to be called a heavy metal band, claiming that their music is 'simply rock n' roll.'
From: Sydney, Australia, 1973
Popular Songs: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Highway to Hell, Back in Black
Members: Angus Young, Cliff Williams, Stevie Young, Chris Slade
Pantera
Starting as a glam metal band, Pantera later evolved into projecting the kind of music that their hearts were dictating all along – heavy metal. In the process of doing so, they were instrumental to the conception of other rock music branches that young rockers today are so busy toying with.
From: Texas, USA, 1981
Popular Songs: Walk, Cemetery Gates, Revolution is My Name
Members: Phil Anselmo, Vinnie Paul, Dimebag Darrell, Rex Brown.
Black Sabbath
Known for incorporating blues into metal and for decapitating a lot of birds' heads onstage, Black Sabbath was hailed as the heavy metal kings of the 70's. Despised by some critics and radio stations, the band still managed to sell albums in great amounts in their career.
From: Birmingham, England, 1968
Popular Songs: The Wizard, Changes, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
Members: Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne.
Tool
Formed in a time when when traditional rock begins to fade in popularity, Tool is a band torn between 2 worlds: heavy metal and alternative rock. Having transcended from the former into the latter, they are considered to be one of the strongest founders of the modern rock that we know today.
From: California, USA, 1990
Popular Songs: Sober, Lateralus, Rosetta Stoned
Members: Danny Carey, Adam Jones, Maynard James Keenan, Justin Chancellor
Korn
A relative newcomer among the other bands on this list, Jonathan Davis and his crew are more like an alternative band rather than a heavy metal one. With the various musical experimentations that the band went through, they became one of the most notable founders of "nu metal", a hybrid of heavy metal and alternative rock.
From: California, USA, 1993
Popular Songs: Freak on a Leash, Blind, Coming Undone
Members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, Brian "Head" Welch, Ray Luzier
Megadeth
Declared as one of the biggest names in trash metal along with Metallica and Slayer, Megadeth greatly helped shape up a much fiercer branch of rock music – death metal. Though their lyrical and musical approach have caused concert and album delays, these guys still managed to be one of the most influential rock bands in history.
From: California, USA, 1984
Popular Songs: Sweating Bullets, Symphony of Destruction, In My Darkest Hour
Members: Dave Mustaine, David Ellefson, Kiko Loureiro, Dirk Verbeuren
Motorhead
Most people, specially rocker songwriters are fond of promoting promiscuity. Motorhead are no different... except the fact that their lyrics are more promiscuous, than any other band in their generation. With a style that is louder and faster than any other rock band, they are a big part of the British wave that re-energized heavy metal during the 70's and 80's.
From: London, England, 1975
Popular Songs: Stone Dead Forever, Brotherhood of Man, The Road Crew
Members: Ian Kilmister, Larry Wallis, Lucas Fox, Phil Taylor, Eddie Clarke, Brian Robertson, Phil Campbell, Michael Burston, Pete Gill, Mikkey Dee
Slayer
Earning the disrespect of many religious groups with the demonic motifs that they embellish their music with, Slayer still emerged as one of the biggest names in the heavy metal music movement. With a kind of music signatured by double-bass drumming, shouting and overblown riffing scales, Slayer has really slayed for themselves a level of fame that make other bands green with envy.
From: California, USA, 1981
Popular Songs: Altar of Sacrifice, Skeletons of Society, At Dawn They Sleep
Members: Kerry King, Tom Araya, Paul Bostaph, Gary Holt, Jeff Hanneman, Dave Lombardo, Jon Dette
Who do you think among them should be ranked as number 1?
Great article, keep it up.