Having developed over the years, many aspects of the genre exist, sofor new listeners to metal, this list provides a wide range of what it offers. Early pioneers of the genre began experimenting with the sound in the late ’60s, taking elements from rock bands such as thehit-making Rolling Stones. From there, the genre grew with bands redefining the sound with10/10 albums in the 1980s, showcasing various subgenres.
Things continued to evolve in the ’90s and into the 2000s, with bands such asSlipknot influencing even further with their biggest hits. From there, other subgenres were incorporated, like metalcore, which presented a more aggressive side to the concept. Now, in the 2020s, it continues to evolve, with diverse vocalists demonstrating what is possible with the sound. Metal has become a complex genre, withmany great musicians contributing to its tremendous growth.
10Gojira - Stranded
Album: Magma (2016)
The song “Stranded” comes from the French heavy metal band Gojira’s sixth studio album,Magma.This song exemplifies how the band blended many metal genres together on this record, including experimental, groove, progressive, and post. Each genre has unique elements that contribute to the band’s technical mastery.
It remains a classic journey from a band that demonstrates that metal is international and inspiring worldwide.
When you listen to this song, perhaps the first thing that is noticeable is the groove it possesses. In many ways,it is similar to the sound heard by classic metal bands such as Deep Purple. However, with this song debuting in 2016, there is much more to it than ever before. Now, it remains a great journey from a band that demonstrates that metal is international and inspiring worldwide.
9Deep Purple - Smoke On The Water
When the conversation about pioneers of metal is held, Deep Purple is always part of it. One of their finest contributions to the genre is their song “Smoke on the Water.” The riff from this song has becomeone of the most iconic of all time. It is what many beginners start by learning, and many professionals have played around with it to create something new.
Back in 1972, the song reached the Top 5 on theBillboardHot 100. Since then, it hasn’t lost its magic as the band continues to create new things with it, such as their animated music video. Even though the song has been remastered many times, it still retains its ’70s edge. No matter which version you hear,you can pick up on the defining elements that were crucial in shaping the genre.
Album: Unto The Locust (2011)
Formed in 1991, Machine Head arrived at a time when some of the best metal bands were performing at their highest level. This only made the band work harder as they perfected their own unique sound. One of the band’s most popular albums was released in 2011. On it was the song “Who We Are,“which was a perfect example of what they do best.
The band utilized the instrumental to help tell the story of the lyrics. Through the seven minutes, one of the most mesmerizing parts starts with just over a minute left. Here the band slows things down to build to a climactic ending. It is a perfect example of howthe metal genre is able to truly use instruments to their advantage, creating an orchestra-like feel.
7Spiritbox - Circle With Me
Album: Eternal Blue (2021)
While metal consists of many male lead vocalists,there are also plenty of females who have left their mark on the genre. One of the newest examples is Courtney LaPlante, who has been showcasing her talents for many years. Recently, her newest band, Spiritbox, has become one of the most well-known, with her voice leading the way.
The song “Circle With Me” is a perfect example of everything she can do and the way much of metal sounds today. Throughout it, she demonstrates her powerful vocals throughboth singing and screaming. This mixture is common now because, when done right, it enhances the song tremendously. This track, along with the others, not only showcases LaPlante’s talents but also the band’s focus on drawing inspiration from the past while creating their own legacy.
6Godsmack - I Stand Alone
Album: The Scorpion King Soundtrack (2002)
In the early 2000s, one of the most popular subgenres was nu metal. This was a mix of heavy metal with genres such as funk, hip-hop, and grunge. A great example of this is “I Stand Alone” by Godsmack. The song begins with an iconic guitar riff and then takes listeners on a journey throughout. It’s the type of song that makes you want to move, andthat’s a core value of nu metal.
You’ll find many songs like this used throughout pop culture during that era, as it provides a feeling no one can deny.
Additionally, the song was used for the movie The Scorpion King, which starred Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. This film was meant to be tough and grizzled,making a song like this a perfect theme for it. This genre became so popular at the time that you’ll find many songs like this used throughout pop culture during that era, as it provides a feeling no one can deny.
5Judas Priest - Breaking The Law
Album: British Steel (1980)
When Judas Priest first started, the band focused more on a blues rock sound. Over the course of a few albums in the 70s, their sound slowly transformed untilthey perfected their signature heavy metal style with their 1980 album,British Steel. At this point, not only did their songs sound the part, but they also dressed the part.
One of their signature tunes was “Breaking the Law.” A main highlight of the song was its rebellious lyrics. While many may think of the punk rock genre as the one to incorporate this, heavy metal had its fair share of songs that did not hold back. The overall sound became an inspiration for many,adding yet another reason why Judas Priest was a pioneering band of new wave British heavy metal.
4Pantera - 10s
Album: The Great Southern Trendkill (1996)
While some perceptions of metal may see the genre as fast and loud, that is not always the case. Pantera is one band that showed that this kind of music can be much more when you add some groove to it. For many of the band’s songs, they would slow things down. A perfect example of this is “10s,“which showcases their tremendous storytelling abilities.
In some ways, their vision of allowing things to settle in more made these songs resonate even further than others in the genre. “10s” shows howthey used the instrumental to elevate the words. You can feel each riff and beat, building a foundation as the lyrics begin to rise. It demonstrates the genre’s power and how it can change the mood of a room.
Album: Metallica/The Black Album (1991)
Over the course of their careers, Metallica has become one of the most important bands in music. Their songs have resonated with audiences across the globe, and a great example of that is the song “Sad But True.“The song is vintage Metallica, with their aggressive sound that holds its own against their powerful lyrics.
The music video makes things even better, as it shows the tune being performed live. The crowd is going crazy, almost unable to control themselves, butthat’s the power of metal. It creates a force inside the body that listeners can’t help but move to. This is a primary reason why Metallica is a favorite at sporting events, among other places that need to turn up the energy.
2Mötley Crüe - Wild Side
Album: Girls, Girls, Girls (1987)
The 1980s saw the rise of one of the most significant subgenres, glam metal. Mötley Crüe was one of the bands at the forefront, where one’s attire was just as important as the songs they created. Additionally, it demanded the most spectacular onstage performances, creating an overall theatrical feel.Their song “Wild Side” embodied each aspect of this, as it became a defining piece of theMTV Generation.
The song has an edge, renowned for its powerful vocals and instrumental. The music video, which was an MTV staple, was yet another example of a band showcasing their live performance. The difference withthis type of metal is that the crowd tends to be more upbeat. This isn’t traditional headbanging; there is more fluid movement to it, almost like a dance.
1Black Sabbath - Paranoid
Album: Paranoid (1970)
When it comes to heavy metal, there is no way to tell the story without Black Sabbath. Not only were they pioneers of the genre, but between Ozzy’s solo career and what the other members have done as well, they have contributed decades of important pieces. One of their biggest songs is “Paranoid,“a track that landed them their first placement on theBillboardHot 100.
This was a huge deal as it continued to expose an international audience to the budding genre in 1970. The song had a commanding intensity, a driving rhythm, and lyrics that resonated in a dark way. It had all the makings of what metal could be. When you hear the songs that came after this,you can see even the slightest elements that partly originated from this tune.
