Whether you’re driving down the road, getting ready to best your max bench press, or sitting in your room to get some space, no music genre can deliver like heavy metal. Heavy metal bands have been selling out concerts and inspiring their fans for decades.
The base, the electric guitar, the drum solos, the screaming. There’s so much depth to every heavy metal band out there, nearly all of them deserve to be on a “best heavy metal bands” list. However, we’re going to dive into the best of the best.
The Best Heavy Metal Bands
While there are many purists out there who only believe in the classic heavy metal bands like ACDC, Metallica, and Ozzy, our list will be a little more universal. We have everything from the fathers of metal to new age bands. Keep reading for our top five picks.
1. Metallica
Metallica is one of the best heavy metal bands to ever grace multiple generations. The band was formed almost 40 years ago in 1981 in Los Angeles. The band boasts countless albums, with more than 125 million sales.
Some of their most amazing and unforgettable songs include Unforgiven I-III, Whisky in the Jar, Enter Sandman, Master of Puppets, Nothing Else Matters, and many more. Fans can find amazing memorabilia like OldSchoolTees.com Metallica shirts online and in other locations throughout the world.
2. Slipknot
Slipknot is one of the best heavy metal bands from a more modern era. The band was formed in 1995 in Des Moines, Iowa by veteran musicians from other heavy metal bands like Atomic Opera and Modifidious.
Some of Slipknot’s best songs include Psychosocial, Vermillion, and Before I Forget. However, one of the most amazing things about Slipknot is the way Corey Taylor can hit fans hard with softer songs like Snuff.
3. Black Sabbath
The band members of Black Sabbath are often referred to as the pioneers or forefathers of heavy metal. Formed back in 1968, the band was paramount in defining the heavy metal genre.
Some of their top songs include the legendary Iron Man, War Pigs, and Symptom of the Universe.
4. Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold is a staple heavy metal band for most headbangers. The band formed in Huntington Beach, California in 1999 and still has the majority of its original band members. Sadly, The Rev, their drummer died in 2009.
Despite the band’s consistency in members, every album is different from the last, yet always with the same touch of theatrics.
5. DevilDriver
Formed in 2002, this heavy metal band from Santa Barbara has produced several albums. Each album has its own unique sound, primarily because the band members change so frequently. The only original member of the band is the lead singer, Dez Fafara.
With amazing hits like Self-Afflicted and Cry for Me Sky, DevilDriver became popular among heavy metal enthusiasts around the world. However, they also have amazing remakes of songs like Sail, Wasted Years, and many more.
Looking for More?
As you know, it’s impossible to whittle down the list of the best heavy metal bands when there are so many top contenders. Though, we hope we got a few of your personal favorite bands on our list!
But if you’re looking for more great information or advice, be sure to check out some of our other articles before you go.
