Heavy metal places a huge emphasis on imagery. Music is an art form and does not simply have to stop at just one sense. We’re all aware of the stereotypical denim and leather fashion sense within the genre, but for some bands, the visual aesthetic doesn’t always hault at the band members themselves. Mascots are often employed to assault the visual sense and further the heavy metal imagery.

Mascots help to define a band and make them immediately recognizable among the flock. Branding goes beyond a band logo and these figures have helped to serve as an icon to give bands a larger-than-life feel. The figures that represent these groups have taken on their own persona, which fans readily embrace and buy up everything with their favorite mascots on it. Check out the 10 Best Metal Mascots: