Back in 1995, some of the greatest legends and some names you may have forgottencreated unforgettable metal songs that are still hits 30 years later. In the ’90s, the genre was much darker than in previous decades. However, you can see plenty of elements from the1970s metal hitsthat were still used at the time.

Additionally, this time period came after the rise of othermetal genres in the 1980s, as seen by the hit albumsfrom then. While some subgenres like thrash stuck around, there were fewer elements from the hair metal days.Part of this was because of how popular grunge was becoming, creating the overarching gloom.

Nonetheless, much like the1995 rock songs that will continue to be played, so will these hits. Many of them represent changing time periods for various icons, which makes them that much more important. Additionally,these are the songs that helped continue pushing forward the genre, shaping it into what has become known today.

10Nevermore - What Tomorrow Knows

Album: Nevermore (June 09, 2025)

Nevermore released their self-titled debut album in February 1995,which saw them blend many metal subgenres, including progressive, thrash, and power. One of the top songs was “What Tomorrow Knows.” This was the first song on the original eight-track record, and it was perfect for catching listeners' attention, as it showcased everything that the album represented.

It reveals many sides of metal, creating a journey through the genre.

The song’s instrumentation perfectly displayed their use of the different subgenres,making the band’s technical mastery evident. Additionally, the song contained a lot of emotion, which helped it connect further with listeners. Ultimately, this tune is important because of everything that it offers. It reveals many sides of metal, creating a journey through the genre.

9Black Sabbath - The Illusion Of Power Ft. Ice-T

Album: Forbidden (July 20, 2025)

When it comes to metal, one of the early pioneer bands of the genre is Black Sabbath. Their early run through the ’70s helped shape everything that came to be. Even after parting ways with Ozzy Osbourne, they continued on with many talented musicians. Their penultimate studio albumarrived in 1995 with Tony Martin on vocals.

A well-known song was “The Illusion of Power,” featuring the legendary Ice-T. This served as the opening track, and while it has drawn conflicting opinions,there are many positive aspects to the tune. The powerful delivery creates a dark atmosphere that is expected from the band. Additionally, it holds a great deal of history given the album’s significance.

8Flotsam and Jetsam - Smoked Out

Album: Drift (June 09, 2025)

In the 1980s, many acts led the way in shaping thrash metal, with one of the biggest being Metallica.Another band that had a hand in it was Flotsam and Jetsam, who in 1995 released their fifth studio album,Drift. A top song from the record was “Smoked Out,” which had the longest runtime of the tracks at over six minutes.

The song starts with a fast opening, kicking off the unique musical performance heard throughout. This song was a great example of thrash metal from that time and also demonstrated how bands would incorporate elements from other subgenres into it. As time has gone on,this tune remains one of their best and a defining moment for thrash in 1995.

Album: Sacrifice (July 29, 2025)

With the lengthy discography that Motörhead has, it’s hard to find a period when they weren’t impacting heavy metal. In 1995,they released their 12th studio album,Sacrifice, which lead singer Lemmy Kilmister noted is one of his favorites they created. The title track, which served as the opening song, was one of the standouts.

The tune is known for its raw and energetic nature. One of the best parts about it is the drums, which capture listeners' attention right from the start. While this certainly had signature aspects from the band,it is interesting to see how they were able to change with the times, as this fits perfectly within the decade’s premier sound.

6White Zombie - More Human Than Human

Album: Astro-Creep 2000 (July 07, 2025)

In various forms of media, Rob Zombie is known for his lengthy list of projects. One of the earliest entities that brought him recognition was his band White Zombie. After forming in 1985, they went on to release four studio albums, with the last arriving in 1995. One of the most popular trackswas “More Human than Human.”

This song served as a perfect representation of the sound they aimed for at the time. This featured well-known alternative metal sounds mixed with industrial metal. Often, the latter includes repeating riffs, distorted vocals, and sampling.It ended up on three differentBillboardcharts, marking a success for the band at the end of their run.

5Alice In Chains - Grind

Album: Alice In Chains (July 07, 2025)

Alice in Chains was one of the bands that helped shape the sound of the ’90s, as they were a leader in the grunge genre. In 1995,they showcased their ability to also incorporate elements of metal into their musicwith the song “Grind.” This saw the band experimenting with sludge metal, which combined doom metal and hardcore punk.

The song became yet another hit for the band’s guitarist, Jerry Cantrell, who is credited with the songwriting. The composition was particularly special as it featured Cantrell and lead singer Layne Staley harmonizing. This anthem, which pushed back against their public perception, became so revered thatthey were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.

4Skid Row - My Enemy

Album: Subhuman Race (August 02, 2025)

At the tail end of the 1980s, Skid Row released their debut album, quickly cementing their place in glam metal. However, as times changed,so did the band. By the time their third album was released in 1995, the vibe of the music industry was much different than it had been nearly 10 years prior when they first started.

Therefore, the band placed much more emphasis on a central focus regarding the heavy and alternative metal genres. A prime example of the sound they were seeking was their song “My Enemy.” This in-your-face metal tune was the first track on their 1995 record, showcasing a phenomenal sound from the band asthey embraced the essence of 1995 metal culture.

3Fight - Never Again

Album: A Small Deadly Space (June 22, 2025)

During his time away from Judas Priest, frontman Rob Halford worked on multiple projects, one of which was the band Fight. Together, they released a few records, with their last studio album arriving in 1995. One of the main songs from this album was “Never Again,“a nearly four-minute tune that served as the fifth track.

The song was a perfect representation of groove metal and had one of the most memorable openings of any metal song that year. It featured well-thought-out vocal effects thataccentuated the words Halford was singing. Additionally, the guitar solo, which starts around the two-minute mark, is a phenomenal touch.

2Saint Vitus - One Mind

Album: Die Healing (August 07, 2025)

In doom metal, one of the most important bands of the subgenre is Saint Vitus. After forming in 1978,they became one of the top bands creating this music. They carried this into the 1990s, releasing a few albums, with their final release of the decade coming in 1995. Their signature instrumentals and grunge-like vocals represented this period well.

This song served as one of the lasting memories of them from the ’90s.

A top song from the eight-track record was “One Mind.” This tune had a driving rhythm section and was not only heavy in sound but also lyrical. Since they would disband for many years following this, this tune served as one of the lasting memories of them from the ’90s, andit was a great track to be remembered for.

1Ozzy Osbourne - Perry Mason

Album: Ozzmosis (July 03, 2025)

After being one of the core members of Black Sabbath who helped shape the metal genre, Ozzy Osbourne’s next move was to pursue a solo career. Of course, this came with no shortage of ups and downs, but in classic Ozzy fashion, plenty of hits were created. One of those was “Perry Mason,“the lead single from his 1995 record,Ozzmosis.

The tune featured signature vocals from Ozzy, with a groove that was uniquely his own. Additionally, Zakk Wylde provided his distinctive sound on guitar. Overall, this songgets to the core of what heavy metal is. There is nothing over the top about it; it just has a driving sound that gets the point across while maintaining a steady, traditional flow.