Top 10 Best Hard Rock Bands of All Time

This is bad-to-the-bone hard rock. No emo-screamo or happy joy joy, so you can take your pansy little flute and go home.

The Top Ten

AC/DC

AC/DC is an Australian hard rock band founded in November 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Bon Scott was the lead singer until his death in 1980 from alcohol poisoning. He was succeeded by Brian Johnson.
The band is known for its blues-influenced rock sound and enduring hits such as Highway... read more

If they are not the best rock band of all time, then why do so many TV shows, commercials, and movies play their music? Why? Because they draw attention with their riffs, and the lead singer's raspy voice. Oh, by the way, what other rock band in history has lost their lead singer and produced as many hits as AC/DC?
They were becoming the most popular rock band with Bon Scott, then he passed away. Guess what? They carried on, never seeming to lose any kind of magic. All you naysayers, please recognize the best band to ever take the stage.
Oh, by the way, my 5 and 7-year-old boys are hardcore AC/DC fanatics.

I met Brian Johnson before the first show of the Ballbreaker Tour in 1996. I ran into him in the hotel elevator as he was going to the show. The band was staying in the same hotel. He was the nicest, most humble guy. I gave him his space and was respectful, and he didn't mind chatting at all at the hotel bar.
A few other people came up and were respectful as well. If he came from another planet, he would never stick out in a crowd. Just an awesome guy and rock star, as is the rest of the band.
Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin was an English hard rock band formed in London in 1968 as the New Yardbirds. The group consisted of Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (bass, keyboard), and John Bonham (drums). The band was largely the brainchild of Jimmy Page, who even financed their first tour... read more

I am not that much of a Zeppelin guy, but they kick Guns N' Roses. Axl Rose is such a douchebag. Hate their music, no wonder why Slash left. Zeppelin made Stairway to Heaven, which is by far one of the greatest songs of all time.
(My favorite song of all time is definitely One by Metallica). I am going to play Stairway to Heaven at my dad's funeral. Also, Zeppelin is one of the founding members of hard rock and very early heavy metal. So without them, I don't know if I would listen to many rock bands.

Led Zeppelin are undoubtedly the best rock band, with so many classics such as Whole Lotta Love, Kashmir, Immigrant Song, Black Dog, Rock and Roll, and let's not forget the best song ever written, Stairway to Heaven.
All their albums are masterpieces, but Led Zeppelin IV is my personal favorite and is definitely one of the best rock albums, if not the best rock album ever written.
Warfaze

Warfaze is a Bangladeshi hard rock band founded in 1984. The current lineup includes Palash Noor (vocals), Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal (lead guitar), Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu (drums and percussion), Samir Hafiz (guitar), Shams Mansoor Ghani (keyboards and vocals), and Naim Haque Roger (bass).... read more

With the release of their debut album in 1991, Warfaze introduced rock and heavy metal music in the Bengali language in Bangladesh. Warfaze has released songs with many variations, enriched with twin guitar harmonies, keyboards, bass solos, and melodious wide-range vocals. They have created many hit songs and adventurous music as well.
Though not in the English language, Warfaze captured the hearts of rock music lovers with their brilliant compositions in the universal language of music. Their lyrics are always exceptional, addressing reality, social problems, and human emotions. Warfaze is a pride of Bangladesh and the Bengali-speaking community of the Indian subcontinent. Thanks.
Guns N' Roses

Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles formed in 1985. The classic lineup, signed to Geffen Records in 1986, consisted of vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan, and drummer Steven Adler. In addition to hard rock, they are also... read more

Guns N' Roses is by far one of the greatest collections of musicians who have ever lived. Slash, Izzy, Duff, Steven, Gilby, Matt, Dizzy, and Axl have so much chemistry that even their bad songs have immense depth and playability. It doesn't matter how easy it is to play one of Slash's solos or how much you critique their work, they came up with some of the most influential and interesting music to date, and I have no doubts in my mind that no one would be able to compose a piece that is as good as a Guns N' Roses song. Eddie Van Halen may be a great guitarist, but his music doesn't even come close to having the amount of soul that even the worst Guns N' Roses song does.
Metallica

Metallica is an American heavy and thrash metal band formed in 1981. The original lineup included James Hetfield (vocals and rhythm guitar), Dave Mustaine (lead guitar), Lars Ulrich (drums), and Ron McGovney (bass). They first gained mainstream fame with their 1991 self-titled album (The Black Album... read more

I really like the sharp and quick guitar work, as well as the crisp drums. The lead singer also has a great voice.
There is just something about Metallica that is just outright awesome, something I don't see in other bands like AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, and Iron Maiden. By the way, Of Wolf And Man is my favorite song.

I agree that technically it isn't now a metal band, but since it was classified as such, I think it should stay. Metallica has amazing solos. James Hetfield sang great. Kirk Hammett is one of the greatest guitarists ever. Metallica for life.
Queen

Queen is an English rock band formed in London in 1970. The original lineup was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar). Before Queen, May and Taylor had played together in a band named Smile. Freddie Mercury, a fan... read more

Queen are just brilliant, from their feel-good Hammer to Fall all the way to their beautiful slow moods and melodies demonstrated in songs like Love of My Life. Freddie Mercury's divine voice is the best rock has ever seen.

AC/DC should never be placed ahead of Queen. Queen were so much more talented, and their singer had a much more beautiful voice than the screaming, shouting singer of AC/DC.

The most harmonic hard rock band ever! All band members are very talented in musicality. Freddie's vocal is so hypnotizing!
Van Halen

Van Halen was an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. From 1974 until 1985, the band's lineup consisted of guitarist Eddie Van Halen, vocalist David Lee Roth, drummer Alex Van Halen, and bassist Michael Anthony.... read more

How in the name of God is Van Halen this low? Many people have deemed them the successors of Led Zeppelin, and if you listen to songs like "Panama," "Hot for Teacher," and "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love," you will see that they are well-deserving of that title. Plus, their songs are so catchy, and all instruments are always in sync with each other.
Van Halen is simply a monster of rock, especially hard rock, with Eddie's guitar riffs, Alex's thundering drumming beats, Michael's thudding bass lines, and Diamond Dave's wide and enthusiastic vocals. Van Halen should be in the top five at least because they are simply awesome, and I will never stop loving them.
Sure, all the other bands on here are good, but some, like Iron Maiden, should not be above Van Halen because they are heavy metal, not hard rock. Van Halen also ruled the airwaves in the 1980s, because of their awesomeness. Also, on their most recent album "A Different Kind of Truth" from 2012, Van Halen has not lost their legendary sound one bit, even after a long break from releasing albums and material to the public. Long live Van Halen!
Aerosmith

Aerosmith is an American rock band formed in Boston in 1970. The group consists of Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass), Joey Kramer (drums), and Brad Whitford (guitar).
Their style, rooted in blues-based hard rock, also incorporates elements of pop rock, heavy metal... read more

Most people hear Cryin', Miss a Thing, and Sweet Emotion, then say they suck. But they have so much more that truly makes them America's greatest rock and roll band!
Toys in the Attic, Rocks, and Get Your Wings are some of the best albums ever, topped only by Appetite for Destruction.

Kidding? Aerosmith is called "The best hard rock band of all time," and they're not without a reason. Steven Tyler is the most awesome singer in hard rock history!
They've been awesome since the '70s, and they still fill awesome concerts. Guns N' Roses doesn't, Van Halen doesn't... But Aerosmith really does!
Deep Purple

Deep Purple is an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. They are regarded as pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical style has changed over the years. They originally played progressive rock, but shifted to a heavier sound around 1970.... read more

I would have voted for Zeppelin, but I had to vote for Deep Purple because the fact that they are not in the top five, let alone the top ten, is just ludicrous. They are one of the hardest-rocking bands of all time, and they were (and are) extremely influential. Machine Head is packed full of extremely well-known and perfect rock riffs.
I would seriously put Deep Purple up there just for In Rock and Machine Head, but they also had a plethora of other great songs. Not to mention, every guy in that band is one of the best instrumentalists or vocalists respective to their instruments (for Marks II, III, and IV at least).
They just need to be way higher on this list.
Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi is a hard rock and pop rock band formed in 1983. The original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Jon Bon Jovi, guitarist Richie Sambora (who left in 2013), bassist Alec John Such (who left in 1994), keyboardist David Bryan, and drummer Tico Torres.... read more

They are the best because of always releasing new songs and successful hits, showing respect to their fans, and staying almost 30 years with the same lineup.

I think this is one of the greatest bands in history because they have been active for a long time. Hope Richie comes back.

Amazing, like kings of melodic rock. Enough said.

The Newcomers

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Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They gained international acclaim with their innovative, conceptual music blending progressive rock and psychedelia. The classic lineup included Syd Barrett (vocals and guitar), David Gilmour (vocals and guitar), Nick... read more

They have hard rock songs too, and most of these songs are badass.

Their hard rock songs are great. They should be in the top 20.
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Motley Crüe

Mötley Crüe is an American metal band formed in Los Angeles, California on January 17, 1981. The group was founded by bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, along with lead vocalist Vince Neil and lead guitarist Mick Mars. They are known for their hedonistic lifestyle and iconic albums such as Dr... read more

The Contenders

Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Their most critically acclaimed period is widely considered to be from 1983 to 1989, during which they released landmark albums like Piece of Mind, Powerslave, Somewhere... read more

Iron Maiden is unique and a trendsetter. Not to mention "Empire of the Clouds" from these days and the first 9 albums. They are musically extremely rich, and only after researching a song can you really judge the superiority of their music. And the double harmonies on guitar.
Fan for 35 years. They are Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal...everything. But not pop.

They should be ahead of Queen, Metallica, and Warfaze. At least top 5. Listen to their songs such as Hallowed Be Thy Name, Number of the Beast, Run to the Hills, and 2 Minutes to Midnight, and you will fall in love with this band.
Avenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold is an American alternative metal band formed in 1999 in California. Their longest lineup consisted of M. Shadows (vocals), Synyster Gates (lead guitar), Zacky Vengeance (rhythm guitar), Johnny Christ (bass guitar), and The Rev (drums).... read more

They are awesome! Shadows has an amazing voice, Syn shreds like a pro, Zacky's unique because he's a left-handed guitarist, and the guitar duels they perform are amazing. Johnny's sexy as hell with his bass, and Arin's just an amazing drummer.
Rest in Peace Jimmy 'The Rev' because he's the greatest drummer for me! Their new album Hail to the King has amazing tracks worth hearing!

You guys are the best. I love your hard rock music. Keep making more, please. My name is Justus Crum, and I am 15 years old. My height is 6'2. I love basketball, but the best motivation for hard rock is your music.
That's right, I'm talking to you, Avenged Sevenfold, you're one of the best hard rock bands I listen to.
KISS

Kiss, often stylized as KISS, was an American rock band formed in New York City in 1973. The original members were Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals). Known for their face paint and elaborate stage... read more

KISS is easily top ten - there is no Stairway to Heaven or Won't Get Fooled Again in their catalogue, but no band has produced as many good hard rock songs as KISS. They could play an entirely different set list for seven straight days, and all would be good.

What! KISS is the best band ever! How can Rise Against be 10th and KISS 14th? Rise Against is not even a hard rock band! They are melodic hardcore... KISS ARMY forever!

Not only is the music awesome, KISS puts on the greatest shows. They have what I believe to be the greatest fan base as well.
Nirvana

Nirvana was an American grunge band formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. The band consisted of Kurt Cobain (vocals, guitar), Krist Novoselic (bass), and Dave Grohl (drums), who joined in 1990. Nirvana disbanded following Cobain's death by suicide in 1994.... read more

Nirvana should be in the top 5 at least. Kurt Cobain was a legend, and they created many outstanding tracks in such a short period of time. Whenever I feel lonely, I always listen to Nirvana songs. It's like my best friend.

If only Kurt hadn't killed himself. I wish he could see the imprint that he left on the music world. Nevermind is a top three album of the 90s without a shadow of a doubt.

Nirvana is boss! They are one of the best bands ever, and Kurt is a legend.
Def Leppard

Def Leppard are an English hard rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield as part of the new wave of British heavy metal movement.
The band rose to international fame with albums like Pyromania (1983) and Hysteria (1987), the latter of which sold over 20 million copies worldwide. They were inducted... read more

The best band of the second British Invasion, or the 1980s as Americans like to call it! They never split and still thrive! I wish Steve Clark was still alive!

I'm not familiar with six of the bands ranked ahead, but Def Leppard and Motley Crue should both be rated higher.

On here because of the one-armed drummer, and, I guess it was cool to be successful even without two arms.
Scorpions

Scorpions are a German rock band formed in 1965 in Hanover by guitarist Rudolf Schenker. Early members included vocalist Klaus Meine and guitarist Michael Schenker, later replaced by Matthias Jabs. The band first gained international attention in the late 1970s, and has since explored styles ranging... read more

Scorpions should be in the top ten, if not top five, in this list. Metallica and A7X shouldn't even be here, not that I'm not a fan.

The Scorpions being ranked behind Nirvana has got to be a joke. This band is top 5 for sure.

Great vocals, great guitarist, great songs, everything is great!
Nogor Baul

Though primarily they are a psychedelic rock band, they have done a bunch of hard rock stuff. They are considered the pioneer of psychedelic rock in Bangladesh. Bandleader James is an awesome lead guitar player, composer, lyricist, and vocalist.
In its golden days, he was accompanied by the legendary Funty on drums and percussions, Babu on bass guitar, and Asad on keyboards. The lineup has changed so many times over its almost 40-year journey, but the power is still the same. Especially live, they are still the best in Bangladesh.

There are other bands like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Aerosmith. The list goes on and on. Then why Nogor Baul? The answer is simple. Nogor Baul started it all.
I wasn't into rock music. This is the band that got me into rock music and inspired me to pick up the guitar. Joy guru joy.
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. Their self-titled debut album received mixed reviews, but they quickly gained a strong following... read more

You've got to be kidding me! How are they not top 3? Songs like War Pigs, Iron Man, Paranoid, and Hand of Doom will be forever remembered. Ozzy is classic, and don't forget Ronnie James Dio took over after him. R.I.P. Dio.

Black Sabbath invented the genre. Who votes for some of these so-called bands?

Pioneers of heavy metal, and Ozzy is just as good flying solo as he is in a band.
The Who

The Who is an English rock band formed in London, England, in 1964. The most recognizable lineup consisted of Roger Daltrey (lead vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar), John Entwistle (bass guitar), and Keith Moon (drums). They are best known for their live performances and hit songs "Baba O'Riley," "My Generation... read more

All of the members of the band - Keith Moon, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Roger Daltrey - are on Rolling Stone's list of greatest drummers, guitarists, bassists, and singers. John Entwistle was voted the greatest bassist of all time, Pete Townshend was voted the 10th greatest guitarist, Keith Moon was voted the 2nd greatest drummer of all time, and Roger Daltrey was voted the 62nd greatest singer of all time.
Come on.

I prefer AC/DC, but it's a travesty The Who is this low! Better than Guns N' Roses up there at number 1! Seriously. Remove Appetite from Guns N' Roses's repertoire, and they're an average rock band at best!
Aurthohin

Aurthohin is a Bangladeshi hard rock and metal band formed in 1998 by bassist, singer, and songwriter Sumon. He is the only founding member still active in the band. Aurthohin is known for their blend of melodic acoustic tracks and heavy metal songs, with albums often featuring extensive use of bass... read more

Aurthohin is clearly a hard rock band. No doubt about it. They have played many good songs. And the bassist here, Sumon, is called "Bassbaba" for a reason. By the way, Bassbaba means father of bass. He can play bass solos. I know he is less popular, and if there are some musicians who are on the underrated list, then this is Sumon. He plays bass solos. Geddy Lee and this guy have tough competition, to me. But this guy wins because he has a better voice than Geddy Lee.

The maestros of jaw-dropping guitar riffs, flashing drum work, and spellbinding bass attacks made this band reign over the rock kingdom of Bangladesh. Where other bands struggle to hold their reputation, Aurthohin made rock a religion where passion for creation is a signature any listener can taste.
Alter Bridge

Alter Bridge is an American hard rock and alternative metal band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 2004. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Myles Kennedy, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips. The group was formed after the... read more

These guys are composers, point blank. The way these guys construct their songs is amazing! Every single member is on point with interesting musical lines and lyrics, and they never repeat themselves. Everything they write is fresh, and the emotions in the songs are second to none. These guys are musical geniuses, and it's a shame that more people haven't heard of them. They're the best band I have ever heard, and I'm a fan for life.

Personally, I love bands like Metallica and Iron Maiden, but they aren't hard rock, they're metal. Alter Bridge is the best hard rock band in the world at this time. Every album they bring out is breathtaking, the perfect mix of heavy riffs with Myles' soothing vocals.
Rush

Rush is a Canadian progressive rock band that was formed in 1968. The band's most iconic lineup consisted of guitarist Alex Lifeson, bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee, and drummer Neil Peart, who joined in 1974. Following Peart's death from brain cancer on January 7, 2020, Lee and Lifeson announced in October... read more

Rush should be #2 or #3! They have the greatest musicianship out of all these bands, other than Zeppelin. Remember, there are only 3 guys in Rush, with the sickest, oddest time signatures known to man!
If you haven't seen these guys live and you call yourself a musician or music lover, then you should be ashamed of yourself! They could outplay the whole list of bands! I promise!

I agree with the comment below. Their musical talent at their respective instruments is unmatched! I have seen them live many times, and each time they're better than before. They should be WAY further up on this list!
Breaking Benjamin

Breaking Benjamin is an American alternative metal band formed in 1999. Vocalist Benjamin Burnley has remained the only constant member of the group. The band's former lineup included musicians such as Chad Szeliga on drums, Aaron Fink on guitar, and Mark Klepaski on bass.... read more

I agree they should be at least top 20. However, not top 10. They are not as aggressive as other bands, and their overall sound is a little too rounded, so to speak. But 43? Come on.

Seriously, Breaking Benjamin is ranked lower than Skillet! This is ridiculous. They should be way up on the list.

Breaking Benjamin is a great band to listen to when you're bored.
Three Days Grace

Three Days Grace is a Canadian post-grunge and alternative rock band formed in Norwood, Ontario, in 1992. The original lineup consisted of guitarist and lead vocalist Adam Gontier, drummer and backing vocalist Neil Sanderson, and bassist Brad Walst. Initially named Groundswell, the band changed its name... read more

I love this band so much! Three Days Grace are lifesavers because their songs saved me from ending my life. They also explain ways I have felt before, and it helped me deal with the pain and all these other feelings I have felt in the past. I really recommend this band for people who are going through a rough time.
Three Days Grace is and always will be my favorite band!

Come on! I know these guys are newer, but their sound is just amazing, and no other band has a sound like this. Respect!

Only Three Days Grace has a point in their songs. And the music is good too. They deserve top ten.
Dio

Dio was an American heavy metal band formed in 1982 by vocalist Ronnie James Dio after he left Black Sabbath. The band was also co-founded by drummer Vinny Appice, who had played with Dio in Black Sabbath. Dio released several acclaimed albums, including Holy Diver and The Last in Line, and remained... read more

I am 49 now, and I consider Dio as a Hard and Heavy Rock band because they are unique, from the legendary vocalist Ronnie James Dio to the great other members! They should be on the top of the list. Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Led Zeppelin, Journey, AC/DC, Iron Maiden (Heavy but Melodic), Kiss, Aerosmith, etc., should be on the top also!

Ronnie James Dio has the greatest singing voice rock has ever known. Nothing compares.