Metallica Metallica is an American Thrash Metal band formed in 1981 . The original lineup was James Hetfield (Vocalist and Rhythm guitarist), Dave Mustaine (Lead Guitar), Lars Ulrich (Drums), Ron McGovney (Bassist). The group came into mainstream from their Self-Titled album and the hit single "Enter Sandman". ...read more. METALLICA! That's sums it all. World of metal would never be the same without them. They've been through it all, creating masterpieces, even had their downfall. Yet they still came back strong with stuffs like Death Magnetic. They've played pure thrash, heavy metal, ballads etc.. You name it. Black Sabbath influenced them but that's can't be a reason why they can't be better. Nobody can deny their epic products especially in 80s.. Ride The Lightning and Master of Puppets is truly masterpieces. Megadeth, Black Sabbath, Slayer, Pantera, Judas, Anthrax, Ozzy, should be place higher or at least in top 10. X Japan is a great band but their place is unacceptable. Newer band such as A7X, Disturbed, Lamb of God, Slipknot & COB should be in the list but definitely not in top 10. G&R, Korn not even metal in my humble opinion. Linkin Park can GTFO & kiss every single band asses.. Should be write off forever. Saying the world of metal would never be the same without metallica is like saying that the world of pop never be the same without Justin Bieber. It just doesn't make sense. Everyone below talking trash on Metallica listen to them. Their first FIVE albums are classics they could have quit After even lets just say Master of puppets and still would have gone down as one of if not the greatest thrash metal bands Metallica fans love to complain. They complained when the band made a video for "One" in 1989. They complained two years later when they scored a giant crossover hit with "Enter Sandman." They really went nuts a few years later when they cut their hair, put a photo of blood and semen on their album cover and recorded with Marianne Faithfull. They complained when the band waged war against Napster, and again in 2003 when they made the drums sound all crazy on St. Anger. 2008's Death Magnetic was supposed to be a return to form, but fans complained about Rick Rubin's ultra-compressed mix of the album. How does the band respond to that? They record an album with Lou Reed that most of their hardcore fans are guaranteed to hate. The band has always done exactly what they felt like doing, and it's no coincidence they still pack stadiums all over the world. They must have been doing something right all of these years. First 4 albums are good. The black album gave them a taste of "success" after that it was all down hill. Many people swoon over death magnetic but it was a sloppy mess with maybe on 1 or 2 good songs. Most of there fans only like the black album and then there big songs. Hardwired was ok.

Iron Maiden Iron Maiden are an English Heavy Metal / Hard Rock band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. The most critically acclaimed period for the band was from 1983-1989. With vocalist Bruce Dickinson, bassist Steve Harris, lead guitarist Dave Murray, rhythm ...read more. Iron Maiden is a very influential and important metal band who are successful for writing so many good albums and songs. They have produced a lot of music and they are very talented from having songs that tell stories and myths in a way. Iron Maiden, Dio, Judas Priest, Metallica and other bands remain legends for their successful work. Iron Maiden are one of the most revolutionary and original metal bands in the history of metal! Not only are they a huge role model for other bands such as Metallica but they are original in terms of lyrics and song meanings. Their songs aren't about sex and drugs but usually about mythical stories. Their signature songs captivate the audience with a slow and delicate introduction which jumps into a fitting arpeggio of melodies and riffs which makes up the concerts which are voted one of the best! Iron Maiden has been great for 40 years (maybe minus a couple for No Prayer for the Dying). Metallica was great for like 10 years and has been very lackluster over the last 30ish years (during which time they only released 5 very underwhelming albums).



In short, can't claim to be the king if you have no longevity. Maiden has longevity, consistency, and innovation. Metallica has a declining drummer, a declining vocalist, and a very short selection of actual good songs past the black album. Without Iron Maiden, Metallica wouldn't even exist. Also, unlike Metallica, Maiden's new stuff is just as badass and orgasmic as their old stuff, whereas Metallica peaked at MoP and went straight to hell after the Black Album.Even Metallica's best songs like Master of Puppets and Ride the Lighting can't hold a candle the the legendary Hallowed be thy Name and Fear of the Dark.

Black Sabbath Black Sabbath were a Heavy Metal band formed in Birmingham, England in 1968 by guitarist and songwriter Tony Iommi, singer John "Ozzy" Osbourne, bassist and main lyricist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward. ...read more. Black Sabbath, without them half these band out here would not exist. They were the founders of the original "heavy sound", go listen to albums "Black Sabbath", "Masters of Reality, "Paranoid", and "Vol.4" and tell me they don't belong in first place. Black Sabbath basically started that gloomy sound which led to the creation of the metal sounds. They have been proven consistent even to this day with their new album "13". What did Avenged Sevenfold create? From what I heard their new album is basically a rip off of the Black Album by Metallica. Black Sabbath was origin and innovative at a time where there where no other bands like them. They all came from a working class in a working town and it shows the grit in he music. Tony Iommi played with two fingertips being cut off, while Ozzy was beyond scientific marvel on the amount of drugs and alcohol he was on and yet produced some of metals best albums. The thing that people overlook about Black Sabbath is that they knew how to *not* play loud. The real genius behind Black Sabbath is that they fully understood the importance of intensity, and loudness. You look at the wave-form of an original CD release of War Pigs for instance (in Audacity perhaps), you can see visually how the band builds up slowly, there is room for the instruments to breathe, and why the second time around (Now in darkness world stops turning), seems more intense, because they held back the first time. It is something that should be taught to every mixer, sound manager, hell, every musician even. Learn from Black Sabbath. Black Sabbath didn't just invent heavy metal, they invented heavy metal *music*. Think about that. To "LPFan"-linkin park is one of the worst bands of all time and Van Halen rocks.

Sabbath should be one though no question with maiden at 2. I like Metallica a lot and think they should be in the top 10 at like 7 or 8 but if they hadn't of sold out they wouldn't be voted in the top 10 by the people on this website much less

1. And I hate the fact that people keep voting that crappy Japanese rock band x japan so high. They suck. And nu-metal is the most worthless genre of music nothing good has ever came out of nu-metal. The best band that is considered nu-metal is slipknot and I don't think they should be in the top 30 and I don't consider them nu-metal.



P.S. -Limp Bizkit is and will always be the worst band of all time Okay, Metallica and Maiden are definitely awesome bands, no doubt about it, BUT let's be honest, Iommi, Geezer, Ozzy, and Ward started it ALL! Iommi/Sabbath took Page/Zeppelin's bluesy, folksy sound to an absolutely whole new level like no one had ever done before. The "Lizard King" Morrison/Doors had some dark and forbidding music and lyrics, but still nothing like Sabbath's Iommi/Butler combination. Song after song, record after record, their first six albums: Black Sabbath, Paranoid, Master of Reality, Volume 4, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, and Sabotage are just as mind-blowing and soul-numbing as 40 years ago. EVERY metal band lists Sabbath as a major influence, if they don't they are just fooling themselves. Iommi is the undisputed GOD of the standard heavy metal riff and tuned down power chords, even with the loss of the tips of his fingers! Maiden, Metallica, and Priest, all need two guitarists to even come close to what Iommi does all by himself. And, don't even get me started on ...more

Megadeth Megadeth is an American thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California. Megadeth was formed in 1983 by guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson, shortly after Mustaine was fired from Metallica. They have released 15 studio albums to date, and have gone through many lineup changes, with Dave ...read more. Sadly this isn't higher. I think that megadeath is better than Metallica but that is because of the albums. There first album is either tied or a little lower than kill em all. Peace sells beats out ride the lightning(there are still kick ass track on there). Metallica has them on master of puppets against so far so good so what. Then rust in peace came out. That album is one of the best albums ever made. Injustice for all was a good album but against rust in peace? After that Metallica became dad rock and megadeath just plowed them. Best metal band of all times for sure, their master piece " Rust in Peace " album redefined the thrash metal genre in more technical and complex riffs besides the wonderful guitar solo works for both Dave and Marty. Also, their " Peace Sells " album is considered one of the heaviest metal albums of all time considering the 80s (even heavier than Metallica's Master of Puppets" besides, Lars Ulrich admits that he liked Peace Sells. The guitar work in all their albums, including Risk, is brilliant if you just pay extra attention to it, Dave Mustaine is truly guitar genius, if he continued in Metallica, I believe, there will not be a Big Four or anything, there will be only the one! I agree with many of the opinions on some of the top bands on here. Metallica has been through it all, but they have a lot more to dislike than some of these other bands. Top three? Sure. Iron Maiden is another arguable top notch contender. Bruce Dickinson is a mighty, mighty metal God. Other greats include Black Sabbath (we're talking the birth of metal here), Slayer, Judas Priest, Dio, Pantera, Anthrax (to a somewhat least extent). I have problems with some of the others mentioned. Slipknot was great, maybe even top 25, but come on, they fell off after their first few albums. Led is an amazing band but I can't throw them in the metal category. Same with so many others that flirt with metal (Tool, Dream Theater, System of a Down, Motorhead as a few examples). I'm trying to think of straight balls to the f'in wall metal. No experimental or progressive in my post. If we included them we'd have to include so many others. I'm not saying Megadeth is better OVERALL than Led, but when it ...more Of course, Megadeth is the best of metal, no other band can compete with Dave Mustaine's Spider riff, Marty Friedman's unique Asian music style solos, and Nick Menza's killer drum beats and drum fills. Metallica is also great but not as technical as Megadeth, Lars is too overrated, he play the drums like 4 year old kid, after all the beats he came up with, the song One is probably the only good one he made. Metallica had the best metal bass player Cliff Burton, unfortunately he was killed in a bus accident, if he is still alive, Metallica might get a chance to beat Megadeth. Kirk Harmet can play fast, but that's all he can do with guitars, no melody, no rhythm, but he did came up with few good riffs, and every guitar solo Kirk made sounds exactly the same! James Hetfield is probably my favourite member of Metallica, because I reckon he is the best metal singer.

Judas Priest Judas Priest are a British heavy metal band that formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969. They are often referred to as one of the greatest metal bands of all time, and are even commonly called “The Metal Gods”, after one of the songs on their 1980 album “British Steel”. ...read more. This is humiliation The Metal Gods should easily become number 1. If you have heard various metal legend bands you should understand. Saying Iron Maiden Gods of Metal? Are you kidding? They like happy metal than heavy metal only the mascot eddie (making them more popular and the font-logo) true metal horror but the music they are happy metal.



Judas had more evil sound, more technical, more various. Funny seeing Maiden fanboy say they revolutionary, what a joke! Their sound, lyrical theme, arrangement always same from the start and it's boring. Beside that Judas is most revolutionary Metal band ever, their has explorer multiple genre from blues rock, psychedelic rock, hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal, progressive metal, speed metal, thrash metal, groove metal, nu metal, even symphonic metal.



Don't forget Judas exist long before Maiden basically 70s band, their music and look-style is more influence for metal than Maiden. Maiden only one of other band from NWOBHM and not ...more I saw KISS back in '79 at Madison Square Garden. New England had opened for them. Later, I learned the opening band was supposed to have been Judas Priest, but because JP's star started rising, they no longer felt they needed to ride KISS' coattails anymore. New England sucked but the whole affair led me to exploring who JP was. The first album of theirs I got my hands in was Unleashed In The East: Live In Japan. It immediately blew me away - the singing, the riffs, the power seemed like no other. Little did I know that they would turn out to be among my top five favorite bands of all time which includes Rush and Yes. They truly are the sad wings of destiny if Judas Priest can't ascend to either number 2 OR number 3 at the very least.

As for the band themselves: innovative, diverse, technically sublime and the vocals of Rob Halford binds all the brilliance together in a way unequaled by any other renowned Metal based vocal range.

Their music has evolved over the years with metal, it hasn't been stagnant like so many other bands have been; the Priest are seemingly not hindered by the fear of change. First off Rob Halford! Greatest metal vocalist of all time. No doubt about that. Powerful in all aspects. Amazing lead guitars, bass and drums. Lyrics always powerful. My number 1. However all listed here deserve a place. Get in the mood and each one hits that spot. For a all the metal lovers out there you know what I mean. Music is my Holy Grail I bet it is yours as well. How can it not be. Would love some suggested tracks from all you metal heads out there. Thanks guys

Slayer Slayer is an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California, formed in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. They rose to fame with their 1986 album Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the big four of thrash metal bands, the others being Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. ...read more. SLAYER IS EPIC! Definitely the best. People get them mistaken for being satanic which I have no clue why because first of all Tom Araya is catholic, they created those lyrics and all that stuff so Tom Araya, Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman and the drummer(s) which I have no clue who they are but the reason for those lyrics are that they can bring down their demons and destroy those exact demons that haunt them. They are heavy and for those who say Demolition Hammer was better, what are u deaf? And someone tried to criticize me that demolition hammer was better and pfff slayer was better. Hope this was a lesson to you all that underrate slayer. CUL8R. M3T4L 0N Metallica may have been more popular, Megadeth may have been more lauded, Anthrax may have been more accessible, but no one reigns (pun intended) like Slayer does over thrash and metal's perspective in general. Both 'Show No Mercy' and 'Hell Awaits' are staples of the sub-genre and their early sound, and of course the trio of 'Reign in Blood', 'South of Heaven', and 'Seasons in the Abyss' redefined what metal is and how it exists today, specifically RIB.



Slayer was (is? Still going after 30+ years, still sounding great) never meant to be something that everyone loved, that people could wrap their arms around and embrace. No, Jeff and Kerry's shredding, Tom's ferocious vocal style, and Lombardo's beating double-kick had the listener in love or loathe. The riffs were as memorable as brutal, the solos fast as imitated following their wake, everything about Slayer was different from anything that metal had seen up until that point. They took it further than imaginable and in turn ...more OK you know heres the deal. I voted for slayer but its hard to give number 1 / 2 / 3 spots when it comes to Iron Maiden, Megadeth, etc... All are Superb and very different as far as sound and musical style go. Metallica should no longer even be on this list. They are a bunch of sell out d-bags. If they stuck to the days of ride the lightning (AWESOME) and even Master of Puppets, well, you know. The fact Judas and Sabbath are here show people are thinking of roots but WHERE THE HELL IS EXODUS! If you haven't been following and you like these bands, give them a shot! Start with tempo of the damned. Blows Sevenfold out of the arena, period! Tough choice, lot of great bands that can realistically be considered the greatest. I went with Slayer because I think they define what metal is more than any other band. Sabbath and Priest were pioneers, but still sounded very rock to me with a touch of metal. Maiden is huge and 100% metal, but I prefer something a bit heavier. Metallica is the king, biggest metal band ever, but they had a few albums that veered away from true metal and were a bit rockish in the 90's. They did return with authentic thrash though in their last album, Death Magnetic. Slayer, on the other hand, has never veered. They've stayed true to who they are, even if that meant selling far fewer albums than say Metallica. Slayer is thrash at it's finest and always heavy. Their new album, due out 9-11-15, sounds great so far. Repentless single is classic Slayer. Reign in bloodis possibly the greatest thrash album ever. Slayer has been around for over 30 years and still as great as ever. And just take one look at ...more

Pantera Pantera was an American Heavy Metal band formed in 1981 by guitarist Dimebag Darrell and drummer Vinnie Paul. The band started out as a Glam Metal act in the 1980s with little success. After discarding their original lead vocalist and enlisting Phil Anselmo, the band signed a major record deal with ...read more. Dude? Okay, phil was (and probably still is) the greates voice of power metal, groove metal we any kin of metal, dimes guitar playing was just perfect, one guitar in this band, 1!? When I first listens to the I though there was two? Rex just so in time and rhythmic with his bass playing and vinnie Paul, he made them drums sous like 12 gauge shotgun blasts, I mean he was on the cover for best metal drummer at one stage! Overall panteras music was a way if letting out all of your emotions an it works even to today, the music was powerful and hard hitting but something to grove to and head bang to, that to me is one of the reasons why pantera is 1 of the greatest metal bad of all time Pantera were a glam band, a power metal band, and a thrash band. The only reason Pantera became a thrash band was because of Metallica. As for musicianship and output goes, Hammett was trained by Joe Satriani, Dave Mustaine has already been awarded the greatest guitarist of all time accolade, Cliff Burton was as good as Steve Harris, and James Hetfield's rhythms and lyrics moved mountains. The day Pantera invent a better genre than thrash and write 5 if its greatest albums is the day they're the greatest. Mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery. If your talking most popular than Metallica wins hands down. If your talking best metal band Pantera wins hands down. Was Phil in is time a better singer than James? By far. Dimebag was better than Kirk and James put together on guitar. Don't believe me than go learn some Dimebag licks if you can and then we will talk. Everybody can play like James or Kirk and make it sound the way they did. The only person could make Pantera sound the way is should sound is Dimebag. Go to utube and watch Pantera covering Metallica's No Remorse in 1988 and you will see Pantera play their own song better than them. Guess what if another band plays your song better than you do it's means their a better band. Pantrea could cover Mettalica songs all day long and it would probably sound better. If Metallica tried to cover Pantera songs it would be a total mess. People that don't know Pantera well don't understand the musical talent that was in that band. Slipnot is the most over-rated band of all time. They are tight I'll give you that but to deserve to be above Pantera or even System of A Down, Helloween or most of the bands on here... Stop being a sheep because someone tells you somethings cool... By the way they are not the innovators of anything they do. I think Mushroomhead is tight but they don't deserve this list and they both copied Kiss or better yet Alice Cooper. Sorry this probably confuses you because you never heard a metal song in your life. You all should meet Slipnot in person and ask them listened to and what metal is I'm sure they'll square you away.

Avenged Sevenfold Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band, that was formed 1999 in California. Their longest lineup of members was M. Shadows (Vocals), Synyster Gates (Lead Guitar), Zacky Vengeance (Rhythm Guitar), Johnny Christ (Bass Guitar), and The Rev (Drums). ...read more. I don't like it that people think that in order to be great, you have to be such and such years old. Newer bands can be just as great and even greater than these bands from the 80's. Since their very first album they've been god-like. Even when they switch up their sound, it still sounds incredible. Great performers, great people, and definitely one of the greatest bands ever. Every single person in this band has unbelievable talent. They may not be considered "classic, " but Jimmy can lay down the same rapid beats as any famous drummer in history. Synyster rips on the guitar. Zacky's rhythm weaves in perfect harmonies with Syn's. Johnny's bass is the foundation of their songs. Matt has a beautiful singing voice, and yet, he can still scream in a way that sends shivers down the spines of all. They're dedicated musicians who suffered the death of their best friend for life, and still managed to finish touring and put out another album. Their music is unique, they experiment with all different sounds, and they rock my face off. Besides that, once you fall in love with the band's music, you fall in love with the members too. Every fan has an intimate relationship with them, because they're impossible not to like/respect. I absolutely love this band. There is so much I could say on why they're my favourite band, but I just love everything about them. Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance are just a brilliant guitar duo, M Shadows has such an amazing powerful voice, as well as soft when he wants it to be, but barely screams, which is really not good after hearing screaming too much. Johnny Christ, probably the least amount I could say about him, he's a great bassist and is an absolute legend, and The Rev, rest his soul, was an amazing drummer, and his vocals just adding to M Shadows' vocals, were fantastic. Sounds so wicked and also powerful. I hate how people think that a band has to be a certain amount years old, just as someone else said, they shouldn't be classed as anything to do with these bands like Asking Alexandria and such, it's not fair and it's arrogant how people will just not even hear you out. They are bigger than ever now so I'm sure they'll get through. The reason why Avenged Sevenfold is great, is because they evolve their style and experiment. Get this, people love it. In the beginning, they have a metalcore sound, before they became a heavy metal/hard rock band. Nowadays, they have been going to the roots of metal by trying out the sounds that are above this band on the list. Even then, they still scream (God Hates Us) and still try those new styles. Before people say that they aren't even metal, they have distorted guitars, double bass, chugging riffs, what's not metal about that? Avenged Sevenfold doesn't deserve to be number one, but it definitely does deserve to stay where it's at right now, in the top ten.

Dream Theater Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band from Boston, Massachusetts. The band was formed in 1985 under the name of "Majesty", only to change its name to Dream Theater later. ...read more. I never felt this much comfort while listening to other metal musicians... This band gives me the feeling that there's always hope... But I should win it on my own... I mean come on, their lyricists are poets... They bleed their adventures to their songs... Look at "the count of tuscany", petrucci wrote that song because of he felt he's gonna be murdered that day by some count in Italy, while they were touring Europe.. And yet that song is a masterpiece... You should try this band... Don't rush it, give it time, take you time and feel the musicality.. You'll start to think about the true meaning of life.. Well I understand why Dream Theater is not number one in this list, its because they are not mainstream and that is really better for me. Because some of the bands here really are and I bet most of the people who voted them have only heard like 10 of their songs and only say they are amazing because everybody says so. But nobody knows who dream theater is and that is a shame, not for them but for you cause you're never going to hear the amazing beautiful sound that the gods of modern music make. They are outstanding I mean every instrumentalist in the band is the best at their instrument (in the world) and the chemistry between them is amazing. Every album is a work of art and every song is a beautiful crafted piece of music. I think you have to be really mature to understand them and they are the fact that metal isn't all about screaming and headbanging but it's a brutal yet equally beautiful piece of art so I don't want to argue anymore because we metalheads are one although I wish ...more "not mainstream"

"nobody knows who dream theater is"



To be honest, they're the most popular progressive metal band, and progressive metal is voted the second best metal subgenre on this site. But they have to be above Avenged Sevenfold I agree Dream theater is second best in metal songs to me, but this poll doesn't seem to be fair. People who like different types of metal tend towards different bands. Dream theater songs are great in tune and actually have a lot of meaning in them compared to other bands which have songs talking about ways to die and other meaningless songs. Many DT songs send chills through me literally, like the start of outcry, hell's kitchen, nearing the end of goodnight kiss, if you know what I mean... While metallica to me... Can't be simply described. Their songs don't send chills through me and I don't really appreciate their lyrics as I do with DT, but their songs somehow have a great quality that keeps me listening to them. The first time I listened to enter sandman I repeatedly listened to it over and over again just because the whole song was so great. Their songs give me the classic, orthodox metal feeling that I like. This poll goes according to peoples taste for music, should have one for ...more Well, in my opinion, Dream Theater are the best. Their music is the most amazing ever: guitar solos, bass, drums, and keyboard. However, all the members had won prices, such as the first guitarist in the world, first bassist, first drummer, first keyboardist. And still their keyboardist Jordan Rudess the number one wich he maid his own progressive keyboard. Plus, their 2011 "A Dramatic Turn Of Events"'s single "On The Backs Of Angels" (which every single person should listen) nominated them to the Grammy Award. To finish, I've never heard in my life some amazing solos and riffs as much as I heard in DT's songs. And their lyrical theme is the best and most epic.

Death Death was an American death metal band formed in 1983 by Chuck Schuldiner. Death is considered to be one of the most influential bands in heavy metal and a pioneering force in death metal. Its debut album, Scream Bloody Gore, has been widely regarded as the first death metal record, while the band's ...read more. 10 They are by far the best death metal band to date and are probably even the best metal band. They don't have a single bad album. Chuck's overall technicality in his guitar playing is some of the best. They basically created death metal and are influential on metal even today. It's a crime that a mainstream commercial rip off of Metallica (Avenged Sevenfold) is in front of them. How is a pop rock core band like avenged in front of Death. Chuck is the father of death metal and one of the best metal guitarists. They are one of the best and most brutal and evil bands ever. They might not be as heavy as like Cannibal Corpse or Nile, but they are still awesome. The world came to know about the possibilities of extreme-genre music with the advent of Death in the late 1980s. With record-smashing albums like "Human" and"Scream Bloody Gore", they showed the world the best form of pure, unadulterated death metal. If it were not for God's whim to listen this pure form, Mr. Schuldiner would still be seen rocking over the world. As many, including me, clearly acknowledge him as the "Godfather of Death Metal", he was truly one of the greatest visionaries of metal music. Anyone who hasn't heard of this band, I bid you look them up. Simply one of the greatest ever, and a pioneer of the death metal genre. They combined meaningful lyrics, and amazing instrumental. Some of their best works are "Pull the Plug, Crystal Mountain, Symbolic, Spirit Crusher, Scavenger of Human Sorrow, Voice of the Soul, and Sacred Serenity." Chuck was one of the greatest guitarists ever, up there with guys like Tony Iommi, Van Halen and Jimi Hendrix. Rest in peace Chuck.

The Newcomers

? Labyrinth

The Contenders

System of a Down System of a Down formed in 1994 as an Armenian-American Alternative Metal group from Glendale, California. The band name is sometimes shortened to System or SOAD. ...read more. 11 System of a Down truly represent what Alternative Metal is. It's actually pretty hard to classify them since they much different from your straight forward Alt Metal bands with their Progressive and Avant Garde undertones in some of their songs and influences from many genres and bands.

Serj Tankian is my favourite singer and the rest of the band members such as Shavo, Daron Malakian and John are all fantastic musicians too. It has a unique style that is just oddly present to listen to. Not to mention they spread important anti war messages and other sorts of messages like that.. Greatest band ever. They have souls dedicated to music. They most likely love the world and they try as hard as possible to be true musicians. When they play live, they just put there soul into the music and make everything so like it's so great. Daron malakian doesn't shred like a psycho, but he puts his souls into them, as serj tankian sings and screams, not even caring if he misses the note, as long as he feels it, we feel it, and shavo dances so great to his music, you can tell he can live the moment, and john is great he never misses beats, and sounds PERFECT live, almost as if it's made by a computer, and his timing is perfect. They deserve to be #1 greatest metal band Longevity, impact, and generational-spanning material is what makes the best of the best the best. That's why Metallica, Maiden, Sabbath, Slayer, Megadeth, Priest etc. Are the greatest of the greats, whilst System of a Down are not. Whatever happened to the true giants of metal is irrelevant, because they're still viable, valid, and visible to this day. You can be 10 years-of-age and think 'Death Magnetic' is the best metal album you've ever heard, but at 12 you can dig further into Metallica's back catalogue and realise that 'And Justice For All...' is the best. I'm just using Metallica as an example, but the same applies to all the greats, but not System...

Slipknot Slipknot is an American Alternative/ Nu Metal band formed in 1995 from Iowa. The band is best known as one of the pioneers of the New Wave of American Alternative Metal during the late 1990s - 2000s and are distinguishable by the band's clothing choices, consisting of black/red jumpsuits and horror ...read more. 12 I love their style overall. The mood, tone, atmosphere, meanings, attitude, and why.



Not only are they a great band to listen to when you wanna get pumped or just wanna rock out, they are also an amazing band to be relative to what you've been through. They also don't give two about if you hate them or why. They do it to have fun and reach out. Yeah, even celebrities like to have fun guys. News flash. At the last night of summers last stand tour, they just did what they wanted. They call the fans family, cause they are all so similar. Not just the fans of slipknot, the fans of metal and meaningful songs.



They have only five albums, but they made a difference with them. I haven't heard X Japan, but I can't believe Avenged Sevenfold is above Slipknot! All of Slipknot's members are so unbelievably talented because if most people tried to form a metal band with nine members, they wouldn't be able to combine that many instruments and make it sound NEARLY as good as Slipknot. Not only are the instrumentals excellent, the lyrics have so much depth, power, and meaning. I mean, I like Avenged Sevenfold ALRIGHT, but they're just ok. Maybe they're just not hard enough for me. But Slipknot certainly should not be number 6 on this list. As like as what I said there is no words for explain that how could this band be legendary and immortal and absolutely awesome I can't tell any thing about that about croy about mike about james about the other these guys are the legends I said I can't say anything and the slupknot is the best band I have ever heard in my opinion perfect band in all I can say thanks! And we can found the best and legendary singer screamer drummer guitarist & every thing else you can imagine and they songs are hardcore and fresh still today and they are gods of metal I said there is no world to explain that how could be... I'm an 80's/90's guy. not that I don't like 70's metal, but it just didn't kick enough ass for me. Sabbath, Priest, etc are very talented bands,but to me there are hard rock bands that were just as heavy. When Slayer came around they showed what metal was supposed to be, then Pantera came around and were just incredible, but then at the end of the 90's... SLIPKNOT breaks onto the scene, and just destroyed everything in its path. First it was Sabbath who were the top metal band, then maybe Priest, then Maiden, then Metallica took over and dominated, but Slayer was the hardcore metal hands favorite band, then Pantera took over, then some 90's bands like Korn, Tool, SOD became really popular, but then slipknot comes outand it's really been their era ever since. No other metal band has come around to dethrone them. They have been the top metal band since 1999. And there are other great bands out there,but Slipknot remains the best... best ever

Dio Dio was an American heavy metal band formed in 1982 and led by vocalist Ronnie James Dio, after he left Black Sabbath with intentions to form a new band with fellow former Black Sabbath member, drummer Vinny Appice. 13 With songs like 'Rainbow in the dark" and "Holy diver" this band had won my heart over funny story: back when I was young and "rainbow in the dark" was on the radio, I thought it was a song from The Scorpions, god I was so stupid back then! Simply . The greatest vocalist I have ever heard out of each and every genre . even tho I don't like the riffs . but the vocals . DAAMN Oh yes, its makes so much sense that Dio would not be in the top 10. Definitely did not start the devil horns in metal or write one of the most recognizable metal songs ever. Why is Avenged Sevenfold higher than Dio? come on guys Correct. The list is about the greatest metal bands of all time, hence Metallica at 1, Iron Maiden at 2, and Black Sabbath at 3. This is not a 'Top Ten Solo Vocalist Of All Time' list, so that's why Dio is where he is. Start talking about Dio the band and he'd be way further down the list. Incredible gun for hire vocalist though, no question.

Motörhead Motörhead were an English heavy metal band formed in June 1975 by bassist, singer, and songwriter Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister, who was the sole constant member; guitarist and songwriter Larry Wallis; and drummer Lucas Fox. The band's harsh vocals and fast paced tempos helped inspire speed metal and ...read more. 14 Without motorhead, none of these other bands would even be here. They influenced thrash metal heavily, and basically pioneered the whole speed metal genre. Lemmy is truly the epitome of a badass who does things his own way, makes them work, and makes the task easier and better for everyone to come. The whole metal, punk, AND rock communities honored his passing, which is a huge feat when your influences stretched that heavily to three different genres. We all still wish he’d have stayed longer. Motorhead were innovators, icons, and a true titan of the genre. Ian may have gone to the next life, but Lemmy will live forever. Anyway, he’s probably making the afterlife even better than paradise. True, Lemmy says that he doesn't think Motörhead is metal. But that doesn't necessarily mean he's right. Listen to an album like overkill or ace of spades, and tell me that isn't heavy metal! They were the pioneers of speed metal. Plus the punk influence they had served as a thrash metal inspiration. They are easily one of the most influential metal bands of all time I think this band is overrated as hell, lemmy sings terrible and their songs are boring as hell, I don't know why they get so much fans, this band is terrible. Anyway, if you like it, it's your problem, I can respect that but for me it's a bad band. The only musical group with God as the lead singer. A pioneer of metal, and the loudest band of the loudest decade. No band could tour like Motorhead, and everyone from Metallica to Maiden have cited Motorhead as a massive influence.

Anthrax Anthrax is an American thrash metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. 15 Anthrax 16th?! Is it a joke? Why is this amazing band so underrated? It is also in The Big Four not only Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer. For me, it should be 4th just after Megadeth, Black Sabbath and Metallica. Iron Maiden is a little bit overrated, the same with Avenged Sevenfold, but they are even more overrated. Just listen to Among the Living or Spreading the Disease albums to hear true thrash metal. Very heavy and awesome riffs, amazing Belladonna vocals. Come on, Anthrax deserves to be much higher. The reason Anthrax are so low on the list is because they're patchy. 'Spreading the Disease' is a monster. 'Among the Living' is a monster - with crap attempts at humour. Their following 2 are forgettable, though 'Sound of White Noise' was pretty good. Fast-forward 20-years and they're back in form with 'Worship Music'. They're as good as anyone when they want to be. Ok, Spreading The Disease rules, as did Among The Living, but the quality of the next two didn't live up to personal expectations. However, Sound of White Noise was pretty good with John Bush at the helm. He muscled-up their vocals and created a rocking album. Anthrax at their best were excellent, but a little board short-lived. Come on. At least the top ten. Nirvana, van halen, red hot chili peppers are all not metal. I'm not saying that they are bad bands but this is a metal band list. Also, how the hell are slipknot and linkin park above Anthrax. The most underratted band in the big four.

Tool Tool is an American progressive/alternative/post-metal band, that was formed in 1990. ...read more. 16 No Offense, (which means get ready for an insult) but it seems like a profound number of people who listen to Metal here has no regard to the suspense mystery and intelligibility of the songs.



I am not surprised that Tool is not in the Top Ten; not many people appreciate them, not many people understand them, not many people appreciate lyrics (if you do you will have great regard to what the hell they are singing), and not many of them has reached that great switch of perspectives...



I wager many of these people don't listen to classical music.

What does it have anything to do with Tool?

It means you are not resilient. You only like Metal. That is all. Progressive Alternative Metal? That's what Tool does and as a result they make one of the best music of all time in their mixing of Prog, Alternative and Metal.

Yes, Maynard can mutter a lot but it sure fits with the mood of many Tool fans and when he does sing, it's truly amazing. The rest of the members are also fantastic too. What Tool have done for me surpasses what any artist has ever produced. Maybe they don't get enough credit or recognition. Than again, I don't think they want it, which only adds to the respect I have for them. It has been and always will be Tool, by Tool, for Tool. I'm sure they're grateful to their fans, but I believe they do it for the love of creating art, no more and no less. If they climb any higher on this list it only means Tool fans have more numbers and solidarity than previously thought. That knowledge alone is probably the only good thing that can come from these popularity contests. Hypothetically, let's say both Tool and Metallica are metal bands. I personally don't think the latter is, but they have won metal accolades. I think it would be fair to say they are both the greatest progressive metal bands of all time, and are borderline undefinable, and are in fact spiritual cousins. Tool cite Tori Amos and Janis Joplin, whilst Metallica cite Lou Reed, Nick Cave etc. Tool just have the luxury of not being so damn famous and remain beyond criticism unlike the fan boy mentality that undermines Metallica's greatness.

Disturbed Disturbed is an American nu metal/ alternative rock/ alternative metal band from Chicago, Illinois. The band comprises vocalist David Draiman, bassist John Moyer, guitarist Dan Donegan, and drummer Mike Wengren. They are known for songs like "Down With the Sickness" and "Stricken" . 17 In my opinion DISTURBED IS 1 METALLICA IS 2 AFTER THAT YOU GUYS CAN DECIDE. Disturbed has been my favorite band for over 6 years now.. Since 4th grade they have gotten my through a lot with there music. Disturbed got me into metal and with out them I wouldn't have even dared to listen to metal or rock.. I think.. And this is very very important to understand disturbed has done something only metallica and (I forgot) have done. Got 4 number 1's on the billboard in a row. They are destined for greatness and I hope one day they save metal and get back together disturbed has is and always will be my favorite band ah yes, my number 1 pic, the main inspiration for my band, their songs are great!

favorite songs: "the light" "Stricken"

"The infection" "Legion of monsters"

"Land of confusion"

"Who taught you how to hate" "Stupify"

"shout 2000" "indestructible"

"Ten thousand fists" "I'm Alive"

and "The night"

one of he best things metal music gave to us I like some newer rock bands but my favorite are the oldies and new bands that sound like them. I'm not really into the techno stuff people are calling metal now :/ Dan donegan is not only the best guitarist I have heard but the best cover artist I have heard. Good bands aren't only ones that can write good songs but are also able to cover extremely well and disturbed do an awesome job of this listen to songs like land of confusion by genesis then disturbed cover and I have to say that is the first cover I have heard that sounds better than The original

Opeth Opeth is a Swedish progressive death metal band from Stockholm, formed in 1990 by David Isberg, who invited Mikael Akerfeldt into the band as a bassist. Isberg ended up leaving the band, which lead to Mikael becoming the band's vocalist, guitarist, principal songwriter, and driving force. Along with ...read more. 18 A fantastic Progressive Metal band with one of the best singers and musicians of all time. They have also have some great Death Metal stuff that someone who would normally dislike it, would enjoy due to the progressive style/playing and the melodic parts in many of them. Speaking of, Opeth are one of the best bands when it comes to bending melodic and aggressive parts. Not my favourite band of all time, but I consider them to be super talented managing multiple genres in an atmospheric mood. Definitely top 5 for me. Opeth rules! Anyone who think A7X and Bullet For My Valentine is metal should be decapitated and mutilated! Bullet For My Valentine and A7X are NOT metal. They are both metalcore and metalcore is not metal metalcore is hardcore hardrock both of those are not metal and combining two non genres of metal together does NOT give you metal. And no just because wikipedia says metalcore has extreme metal influences and hardcore punk doesn't mean it's true. HCP is black flag and misfits and EM is cradle of filth and new dimmu borgir and metalcore has non of these. Trivium, As I lay Dying, Unearth and Killswitch engage are the only metalcore bands that are actually metal. The completness of apparent uniform uneducated/uninformed nature of the community voting on this list is the most apparent by Opeth's exclusion from the top 3. Easily the best band on this list, although to all the Metallica haters, you are kidding yourselves if dismiss the incredible legacy left by that band's first 4 albums. Opeth itself initially sounded like a similar ( much more complex) Metallica clone as so many other bands have. To call metallics entire career in summation equal to the #1 spot is ludicrous though. Opeth's consistency in producing excellent music that demands and rewards repeat listens is unrivsled

KoRn Korn is an American Nu-Metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The band's current lineup includes founding members Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Brian "Head" Welch, and Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, with the addition of Ray Luzier, who replaced the band's original member, David ...read more. 19 Okay as far as a list goes I don't know exactly where the placement of KoRn should be. But I know one thing, personally it should be just a bit higher than this. Jonathan Davis has an amazing voice. He can do a wide range of different things with his voice. And not only that but have you heard a lot of their music?! And no I am not talking about all of their overplayed songs. I am talking about the songs that you don't hear much. There is so much emotion put into the music. You can literally feel the anger, and the pain in some of their harder and softer stuff. And the crazy things they do with their instruments really makes their music very different. With Fieldy slapping his bass like a pro. And Munky is a exceptional guitarist. And takes different approaches to things. And the drums no matter who it was that was playing them at the time were amazing. I just think this band should be up a bit more on the list. Surprised they aren't that hated since a lot of metalheads hate Nu Metal but Korn is great though. They were the creators of it and the angst they had managed to feel genuine compared to bands in the genre that would try to sound like them.

Plus their songs are huge bangers. Korn is great indeed. My #1. Best nu-metal band ever, great vox, awesome riffs and so much emotion and understanding. No words for the work of this band. I have goosebumps every time I hear the voice of Jonathan Davis. It's just embarrassing that KoRn wasn't in this top 200 before I added it. Their latest album, tPoT, is the best album ever made. The mix of Dubstep and Metal is just perfect. They're great inventors in the field of music. Much love and respect for this band. There top 25. That's about right. Johnathan Davis, and the rest of the band are great. For the most part all of their albums are underrated, by people that aren't big korn fans, but a bit overrated for the people who are big korn fans. Their debut alum was fantastic, not too many metal or nu-metal albums that are as good as their debut.

Testament Testament is an American thrash metal band from Berkeley, California. Formed in 1983 under the name Legacy, the band consists of vocalist Chuck Billy, guitarists Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick, bassist Steve DiGiorgio and drummer Gene Hoglan. 20 The combination of Alex Skolnick and Chuck Billy make Testament a force to be reckoned with. They should be the fifth member of the "big 4." (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, considered the "big 4" of thrash metal, for those who don't know) They have been writing great music since the 80s and they are still writing great music. One of my favorite bands. The reason they aren't in the big four:



They released their debut album in 1987. The big four did in 1983-1985. If I wanted, I could find 50 thrash bands for each member of the big four they influenced. Testament was "late to the party", they didn't take part neither in revolutionizing nor in popularizing the thrash genre, they aren't among the "essentials" as many would say. Their style isn't as distinctive from Metallica and at points Slayer as the big four's is from each other.



Besides, Metallica's supposed "golden age" is the first four albums. Slayer: the first five. Megadeth: first four, five or six, depending on which fan you ask. Anthrax: first five, maybe except for the debut. Only the first 2 or 3 albums of Testament are considered true classics of the genre. This Big 4 business is all marketing bollocks. I don't want my Testament all pretty in an evening gown accepting some asinine Big 4 trophy. I want them and their fans to forget about the Miss Universe pageant and keep delivering high quality Bay Area thrash, so stop bit-torrenting their music and support these giants of thrash. Chuck Billy and Testament won human indigenous rights awards for their video to Native Blood. That alone makes them great and further enhances metal's reputation, despite those who attempt to undermine it. Crushing Bay Area thrash doesn't harm the cause either. This Big 4 issue was a recently concocted pile of BS. That terminology never existed 5-years ago. If you like Testament, Exodus, Slayer, Overkill, Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Forbidden, Vio-Lence, Heathen, Defiance, Kreator...grab a 4 TB external HD and create your own Big 25 playlist. Talk about marketing gone mad.

Overkill Overkill is an American thrash metal band, formed in 1980 in New Jersey. They have gone through many line-up changes, with singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. 21 What can I say? They've been thrashing since the 1980s with no selling out whatsoever, and with 16 (16! ) albums to their credit, they are clearly showing no signs of slowing down. They are better than every single band in the big 4, and deserve much more credit than they get. Incredibly consistent, excellent musicians, and a sound that never grows tiresome, Overkill is easily one of the best thrash metal bands of all time. I LOVE THEM! Overkill are very consistent, well respected, and have been fortunate enough to make a living doing what they do without compromise. Do they deserve to be in the top 10 metal bands of all time? Yes, for effort. No, for impact. They are solidly placed because they play solid thrash. I'm a fan. I love Overkill, but the great Hetfield-inspired whiz kid guitarist Bobby Gustafson, who featured on all their best albums - Years of Decay particularly - was ousted. What on Earth were they thinking? That guy was such a freak that even Mustaine wanted him. Either way, Overkill are great. Overkill is an amazing band and everything and they are one of my favorites but I disagree with the person who said they are better than every band in the BIG 4. Metallica and Slayer are better than Ovverkill. But they are just a little better than Megadeth and and Anthrax.

Trivium Trivium is an American Heavy Metal band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 1999. Their frontman, Matt Heafy, lead guitarist Corey Beaulieu and Bassist Paulo Gregoletto are the band's most consistent members and have appeared in every album since. ...read more. 22 First of all, most of you guys are really inconsiderate because your favourite band is not higher on this list. People doesn't have to share the same excellent musical taste of yours. That's why everyone should start respecting each other and stop insulting bands or even people. Additionally; I vote Trivium because I like their music. All of their albums are simply magnificent, in my opinion, and the mixing and production is absolutely amazing. I like and listen to almost every band on this list but my favourite is Trivium. I'm not voting for Trivium because I think they're the best metal band but because they have to be higher on this list. If A7X deserve Top 10 then Trivium do too. Nothing against A7X but Trivium are just simply more metal.

Also when it comes to deciding between Iron Maiden, Metallica and so on, it is just pure preference. Let's just make sure that we get all the legends into the Top 10 and all the uprising legends into the Top 20 at least. Trivium being 36 is a desaster and they're even behind some bands who aren't metal which shouldn't even be possible in the first place. I see Trivium as more of a Heavy/Thrash Metal band than Metalcore. And this is one of the most versatile bands I've seen for their genre. Their progression and maturity over the years is very commendable and their work never disappoints, or at least highlights a level of growth for the band. They might become one of those bands people would be looking up to highly as influences by the next decade. Trivium is terrible. Nearly all of their songs are rip-offs of other artists. Just listen to Anthem (We Are The Never), it's a rip off of Skin O My Teeth - Megadeth. Unrepentant rips off Through The Never - Metallica, and Pull Harder On The Strings Of Your Martyr rips of Corporal Jigsore Quandary - Carcass. And yet apparently they're the "saviours of metal. Give me a break...

Iced Earth Iced Earth is an American heavy metal band from Tampa, Florida. It was formed in 1985 under the name Purgatory by guitarist and main songwriter Jon Schaffer and original drummer Greg Seymour. 23 I am sorry if I make a lot of people to get angry, but honestly I think that Iced Earth are 2 classes above every other band metal or not even classics as Iron Maiden and Metallica.

Dantes Inferno, A Question of Heaven, Coming Curse, Damien, I Walk Alone, Travel In Stygian, Gettysburg, Declaration Day, Pure Evil, Cast In Stone, The Hunter, A Charge To Keep, When Stars Collide, Anthem, Dystopia, Burning Times... Favorite metal band ever. They've got some of my favorite songs out there, and they're a great balance between iron maiden and Metallica. Great lyrics in all their songs and tons of meaning in their lyrics. Highly recommend listening to their night of the storm rider album or the glorious burden I vote for the very best band in the whole world, all that some of those top bands have that Iced Earth doesn't is a lot of people knowing them, there should way be more iced earth fans out there, because they are and will allways be my favourite ever. There is not a single song I would complain as weak. I enjoy Iced Earth, and no-one palm-mutes like Jon. But there is too big a disparity between their good and bad that prevents them competing with the best. 'Horror Show' and 'Something Wicked...' are of considerable quality though.

Blind Guardian Blind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in the mid-1980s in West Germany. They are often credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power metal and speed metal subgenres. Heavily influenced by Queen, they use the technique of overdubbing. They also incorporate large ...read more. 24 Blind Guardian should be cruising in the top five at least, below only the true greats like iron maiden, sabbath, and metallic. Blind Guardian one the only bands I know that actually tell a good story in their music (Maiden one of the others), all the other bands are pretty just much meaningless mainstream stuff with no story behind their music. The best kind of metal is the kind that can tell a tale from an old masterpiece in an intense and epic way, for example, Guardian's best album, nightfall in middle earth, each song tells a different part of one the greatest fantasy books in existence, The Lord of the Rings's predecessor, The Silmarillion. For example, Time Stands Still tells of a one on one battle between the elf king Fingolfin, and the dark lord Morgoth, Mirror Mirror, tells of the founding of the hidden kingdom of Gondolin, Into the storm, tells of the strive between Morgoth and Ungoliant over the Silmarils they had just stolen. They are the only metal band I know that has been improving over time - every next album was better than the previous one. Altogether 10 albums and almost 30 years of exemplary musicianship. I just listened to their 2015 album and what can I say? - I have nothing but admiration for them! Similarly to other people, I'm also beginning to think that Blind Guardian are comparable to Maiden and Priest in terms of quality and consistency. And seeing them in #43 breaks my heart. Metallica released the 5th greatest heavy metal record in heavy metal history 2-years after the death of Cliff Burton, and then proceeded to make the 10th greatest heavy metal album in heavy metal history after Cliff Burton died. Those two beasts own every album on this thread bar their material with Cliff Burton. Metallica were not only brilliant but also resilient after the great man's death. Untouchable. Easily the best metal band out there, Every song is a pure master piece and it just keeps getting better, they spin fantastic yarns that take you to a different universe, there music fits to anything you do, I can listen to them while at the gym, playing video games or even while blasting out a 10000 word essay for uni. Blind guardian and Dio / Sabbath should be battling for the top spot not Metallica and maiden.