Top 10 Best Metal Bands of All Time

Metal music is the ultimate expression of power, passion, and rebellion. It has been rocking the world since the late 1960s, when bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest unleashed their heavy riffs and dark lyrics.

Since then, the genre has never stopped growing and innovating, with bands like Slipknot and Avenged Sevenfold taking it to new heights of intensity and complexity.

This top ten list features the bands that have made the most impact on the metal world, with their original and influential music, their amazing live shows, and their legacy for the future of metal.

The Top Ten

  1. 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

    Metallica! That sums it all up. The world of metal would never be the same without them. They've been through it all, creating masterpieces and even experiencing their downfall. Yet, they still came back strong with albums like Death Magnetic.

    They've played pure thrash, heavy metal, ballads, and more. You name it, they've done it. Black Sabbath influenced them, but that can't be a reason why they can't be better. Nobody can deny their epic products, especially in the 80s. Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets are truly masterpieces.

    Megadeth, Black Sabbath, Slayer, Pantera, Judas Priest, Anthrax, Ozzy Osbourne should be placed higher or at least in the top 10. X Japan is a great band, but their place is unacceptable. Newer bands such as Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Lamb of God, Slipknot, and Children of Bodom should be on the list, but definitely not in the top 10. Guns N' Roses and Korn are not even metal in my humble opinion. Linkin Park can GTFO and kiss every single band's asses. They should be written off forever.

  2. 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 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 also 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 then jumps into a fitting arpeggio of melodies and riffs, making up the concerts that are voted as some of the best.

    I absolutely love everything about it. The lyrics that tell stories, the music composition that fits the lyrics, the show, and Dickinson's voice. For me, when someone says heavy metal, this band pops into my mind.

  3. 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

    They were not the original metal band. Some people tend to say that, however, the heavy or doom sounds were brought by other bands even before Black Sabbath's debut. However, they were the ones who successfully brought it to the public.

    Black Sabbath is seminal. Without them, half the bands out there would not exist. They were the founders of the original "heavy sound." Just listen to albums like "Black Sabbath," "Masters of Reality," "Paranoid," and "Vol. 4," and tell me they don't belong in first place. Black Sabbath essentially pioneered the gloomy sound that led to the creation of metal. They have remained consistent even to this day, with their new album "13."

    What did Avenged Sevenfold create? From what I've heard, their new album is essentially a rip-off of Metallica's Black Album. Black Sabbath was original and innovative at a time when there were no other bands like them. They all came from a working class in a working town, and their music reflects that grit. Tony Iommi played despite two of his fingertips being cut off. Meanwhile, Ozzy Osbourne was a scientific marvel, given the amount of drugs and alcohol he consumed. Yet, he still produced some of metal's best albums.

  4. Megadeth

    Megadeth is an American thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in 1983 by guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson, shortly after Mustaine was dismissed from Metallica. They have released 16 studio albums to date and have undergone numerous lineup changes, with... read more

    The best metal band of all time for sure, their masterpiece "Rust in Peace" album redefined the thrash metal genre with more technical and complex riffs, as well as the wonderful guitar solo works from both Dave and Marty. Also, their "Peace Sells" album is considered one of the heaviest metal albums of all time, especially considering it was released in the 80s (even heavier than Metallica's "Master of Puppets"). Lars Ulrich even admits that he liked "Peace Sells." The guitar work in all their albums, including "Risk," is brilliant if you pay extra attention to it. Dave Mustaine is a true guitar genius. If he had continued in Metallica, I believe there would not be a "Big Four" or anything. There would only be the one!

  5. Judas Priest

    Judas Priest are a British heavy metal band formed in Birmingham, England, in 1969. They are frequently ranked among the greatest metal bands of all time and are commonly called "The Metal Gods," after their song on the 1980 album British Steel. Their influence on the development of heavy metal is profound... read more

    This is a humiliation. The Metal Gods should easily be number 1. If you've heard various legendary metal bands, you should understand. Are you kidding by saying Iron Maiden are the Gods of Metal? They are more like happy metal than heavy metal. Only their mascot, Eddie, and the font-logo are true metal horror, but their music is happy metal.

    Judas Priest has a more evil sound, is more technical, and is more varied. It's funny seeing Maiden fans say they're revolutionary - what a joke! Their sound, lyrical themes, and arrangements have always been the same from the start, and it's boring. On the other hand, Judas Priest is the most revolutionary metal band ever. They have explored multiple genres, from blues rock and psychedelic rock to hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal, progressive metal, speed metal, thrash metal, groove metal, nu-metal, and even symphonic metal.

    Let's not forget that Judas Priest existed long before Maiden. They are basically a '70s band. Their music and look have had more influence on metal than Maiden has. Maiden is just one of many bands from NWOBHM and is not a pioneer.

    Don't get me wrong. I don't hate Iron Maiden. At first, I was a huge fan and always considered them to be number 1 in metal. But this ranking is not fair. As I began to listen to and explore other metal bands, I discovered many other perspectives. I just want others to open their eyes and not be blind before forming an appropriate opinion.

  6. Slayer

    Slayer was 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 are considered one of the Big Four of thrash metal, along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.... read more

    Metallica may have been more popular, Megadeth may have been more lauded, and Anthrax may have been more accessible, but no one reigns (pun intended) over thrash and metal's perspective like Slayer. Both 'Show No Mercy' and 'Hell Awaits' are staples of the sub-genre and their early sound. 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 with 'Reign in Blood.'

    Slayer was, or is - still going strong after 30+ years and sounding great - never meant to be universally loved. People weren't supposed to easily wrap their arms around and embrace this band. Jeff and Kerry's shredding, Tom's ferocious vocal style, and Lombardo's powerful double-kick generated love or loathing from listeners. The riffs were as memorable as they were brutal, and the solos were as fast as they were imitated. Everything about Slayer was different from anything metal had seen up to that point. They took it further than imaginable and, in turn, revolutionized extreme metal, setting the thrash benchmark for eternity. They are to the harder, harsher metal subgenres what Sabbath is to metal in general: they started a revolution.

    Slayer deserves a spot in the top three for everything they've contributed to metal. Either way, the fans win with the abundance of great bands on the list.

  7. 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 replacing their original lead vocalist and enlisting Phil Anselmo, they signed a major record deal with... read more

    If you're talking about the most popular, then Metallica wins hands down. If you're talking about the best metal band, Pantera wins hands down. Was Phil, in his time, a better singer than James? By far. Dimebag was better than Kirk and James put together on guitar. Don't believe me? Then go learn some Dimebag licks if you can, and then we will talk.

    Everyone can play like James or Kirk and make it sound the way they did. The only person who could make Pantera sound the way it should is Dimebag. Go to YouTube 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 means they're a better band. Pantera could cover Metallica songs all day long, and it would probably sound better. If Metallica tried to cover Pantera songs, it would be a total mess. People who don't know Pantera well don't understand the musical talent that was in that band.

  8. 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

    I don't like that people think you have to be a certain age to be great. Newer bands can be just as great, and even greater than bands from the '80s. Since their very first album, they've been god-like. Even when they switch up their sound, it still sounds incredible. They are 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 harmony 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 your spine.

    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 or respect.

  9. Dream Theater

    Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band from Boston, Massachusetts. The band was formed in 1985 under the name "Majesty," later changing it to Dream Theater. The original lineup consisted of John Petrucci (guitar), John Myung (bass), and Mike Portnoy (drums).... read more

    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 toward 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 Dream Theater songs send chills through me, literally, like the start of Outcry, Hell's Kitchen, and 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 Dream Theater. However, 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 people's taste in music. There should be one for individual types of metal.

  10. System of a Down

    System of a Down, formed in 1994, is an Armenian-American alternative metal band from Glendale, California. The band name is sometimes shortened to System or SOAD. They're known for their politically charged lyrics, often addressing topics such as genocide and war, in songs like Holy Mountains, Prison... read more

    Longevity, impact, and generation-spanning material are what make the best of the best. That's why Metallica, Maiden, Sabbath, Slayer, Megadeth, and Priest are the greatest of the greats, while System of a Down is 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 old and think 'Death Magnetic' is the best metal album you've ever heard. But by the age of 12, you can dig further into Metallica's back catalog and realize that 'And Justice for All...' is the best. I'm just using Metallica as an example, but the same applies to all the greats, except for System of a Down.

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Malevolence

    Malevolence is a British metalcore band formed in Sheffield, England, in 2010. Their music blends elements of hardcore, death metal, and groove metal, often incorporating heavy breakdowns and dual guitar solos.

    The band's lyrics explore themes such as resistance, societal struggles, and personal... read more

    You can argue that these guys are more of a hardcore group, but their later albums have so many groove metal elements that it's honestly hard to categorize them into one genre. They're awesome. That's all that matters.

  12. ?

    Skullflower

    Very underrated. I hope the guitarist recovers from the brutal onstage injury.

    13. The Contenders

  13. Death

    Death was an American death metal band formed in 1983 by Chuck Schuldiner. The band is widely considered one of the most influential in heavy metal and a pioneer of the death metal genre. Their debut album, Scream Bloody Gore, is regarded as the first true death metal record. Death released seven studio... read more

    Death deserves to be in the top 5. I think the only reason they aren't is that people don't give them a chance, simply because they are categorized as "death metal." However, Death isn't the kind of death metal that most people think of, where it's all just growling, screaming, satanic lyrics, and horribly sounding guitars. Chuck Schuldiner produces great solos and riffs, and their songs have meaningful lyrics.

    For anyone who hasn't listened to them, I strongly urge you to listen to these songs first to get a feel for the band:

    - Crystal Mountain

    - Voice of the Soul

    - Flesh and the Power It Holds

    - Lack of Comprehension

    - Empty Words

    - Spirit Crusher

    - Pull The Plug

    The list goes on. If you are new to death metal, I recommend listening to the album "Symbolic" first, followed by "The Sound of Perseverance," as these are their more thrashy-type albums.

  14. Slipknot

    Slipknot is an American metal band that formed in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1996. They're recognized as a key force in the New Wave of American Alternative Metal from the late 1990s through the 2000s. The band is also known for their black and red jumpsuits and horror-inspired masks.... read more

    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. 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, but the lyrics also have so much depth, power, and meaning. I mean, I like Avenged Sevenfold alright, but they're just okay. Maybe they're just not hard enough for me. But Slipknot certainly should not be number 6 on this list.

    Slipknot is the best. They're not only the best metal band but also the best band in the world. I used to hate metal, but the moment I heard Wait and Bleed, I immediately became a fan of Slipknot.

    And no doubt, Corey Taylor is the best vocalist alive. Hats off to his versatility. You just can't deny that they have taken metal to a whole new level. Eyeless, Psychosocial, People=S***, Before I Forget, The Nameless, Duality, Wait and Bleed - all these songs are epic, and you just can't beat them.

  15. Motörhead

    Motörhead were an English heavy metal band formed in June 1975 by bassist, singer, and songwriter Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister, guitarist Larry Wallis, and drummer Lucas Fox. Lemmy was the band's only constant member. Their aggressive sound, harsh vocals, and fast-paced tempos were influential in the... read more

    I just love how one of my favourite albums, Ace of Spades, was done to perfection by only three band members. Usually, if you want to make the sound really heavy, you need way more band members. Motörhead brilliantly combined punk and metal.

    Without Motörhead, none of these other bands would even be here. They heavily influenced thrash metal 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 stretch that heavily to three different genres. We all still wish he'd have stayed longer. Motörhead 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.

  16. Tool

    Tool is an American alternative and progressive metal band formed in 1990.

    The lineup includes Maynard James Keenan (vocals), Danny Carey (drums), Adam Jones (guitar), and Justin Chancellor (bass), who joined in 1995. The band is recognized for incorporating electronic influences and for their... read more

    No offense (which means get ready for an insult), but it seems like a significant number of people who listen to metal here have no regard for the suspense, mystery, and intelligibility of the songs.

    I'm not surprised that Tool is not in the top ten. Not many people appreciate them. Not many people understand them or appreciate lyrics. If you do, you'll have great regard for what they are singing. Not many have reached that significant switch of perspectives.

    I wager that many of these people don't listen to classical music. What does that have to do with Tool? It means you are not resilient. You only like metal. That is all.

  17. Anthrax

    Anthrax is an American thrash metal band from New York City, formed in 1981 by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker. The band is considered one of the Big Four of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. They are known for albums such as Among the Living and for pioneering the fusion... read more

    Anthrax at 16th? Is this a joke? Why is this amazing band so underrated? They are also in The Big Four, along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. For me, they should be 4th, just after Megadeth, Black Sabbath, and Metallica.

    Iron Maiden is a bit overrated, as is Avenged Sevenfold, but the latter is even more so. Just listen to the Among the Living or Spreading the Disease albums to hear true thrash metal. They have very heavy and awesome riffs and amazing Belladonna vocals. Come on, Anthrax deserves to be much higher.

    The reason Anthrax is so low on the list is because they're inconsistent. Spreading the Disease is a monster, as is Among the Living, though it has poor attempts at humor.

    Their subsequent two albums are forgettable, although Sound of White Noise was pretty good. Fast forward 20 years, and they're back in form with Worship Music. They can be as good as anyone when they want to be.

  18. Disturbed

    Disturbed is an American alternative metal, nu-metal, and hard rock band from Chicago, Illinois. The band consists of vocalist David Draiman, bassist John Moyer, guitarist Dan Donegan, and drummer Mike Wengren.

    They are known for hit songs such as "Down with the Sickness," "Stricken," and a powerful... read more

    Disturbed is definitely one of the better "newer" metal bands. They have their own sound, which is what I like about them. The guitar riffs are dark and melodic at the same time. The lyrics and vocals are very good.

    The best songs by Disturbed, in my opinion, are "Stricken," "Inside the Fire," "Land of Confusion" (cover), and of course, their iconic song "Down With the Sickness."

    In my opinion, Disturbed is number 1, and Metallica is number 2. After that, you guys can decide. Disturbed has been my favorite band for over 6 years now. Since 4th grade, they have gotten me through a lot with their music.

    Disturbed got me into metal, and without them, I wouldn't have even dared to listen to metal or rock. I think, and this is very important to understand, Disturbed has done something only Metallica and one other band (which I forgot) have done: gotten 4 number 1's on the Billboard charts in a row. They are destined for greatness, and I hope one day they save metal and get back together. Disturbed has been, is, and always will be my favorite band.

  19. 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

    The absolute best! His solo records epitomize heavy metal songwriting. The sheer talent in every faction of the Dio band should be recognized for its virtuosity and showmanship. This is the template for all who dare to step into this ring. Holy Diver is the Bible, and Dio is God!

    This is the only thing on the list I'm annoyed to see where it is. Even though Iron Maiden is better than Metallica, I can tolerate it being first. What I can't tolerate is Dio being so low on the list. I don't know why he isn't as appreciated as some of the others ranked higher. Maybe it's just me.

  20. Opeth

    Opeth is a Swedish progressive metal band from Stockholm, formed in 1990 by David Isberg, who invited Mikael Åkerfeldt into the band as a bassist. Isberg ended up leaving the band, which led to Åkerfeldt becoming the band's vocalist, guitarist, principal songwriter, and driving force.... read more

    Good music is playable over and over again, with something new to be discovered nearly every time in either complexity or simply feeling. This is Opeth. It is ALWAYS in my playlist.

    Especially appreciative of truly talented musicians and writers such as Opeth are other musicians. Conversely, it scares me to think there are such high numbers of mindless, tone-deaf, laggard souls out there to vote garbage like Metallica and Sevendust to the top.

    If you haven't given Opeth a listen yet, their earlier music is on the death metal side and their newer music is on the progressive psychedelic side. They mature and grow in depth with every album. Thank you, Opeth, for the countless hours of enjoyment you bring to so many ears and souls!

  21. 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, along with Ray Luzier, who replaced original drummer David Silveria in 2007. Korn... read more

    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 and can do a wide range of different things with it. And it's not just about their overplayed songs. I'm talking about the songs you don't hear much.

    There is so much emotion put into their music. You can literally feel the anger and pain in some of their harder and softer pieces. The crazy things they do with their instruments really make their music very different. Fieldy slaps his bass like a pro, and Munky is an exceptional guitarist who takes different approaches. And no matter who was playing the drums at the time, they were amazing. I just think this band should be a bit higher on the list.

  22. Rammstein

    Rammstein is a German Neue Deutsche Härte and industrial metal band formed in 1994 in Berlin. The band consists of Till Lindemann (vocals), Richard Kruspe (guitar), Paul Landers (guitar), Oliver Riedel (bass), Christoph Schneider (drums), and Christian Lorenz (keyboard).... read more

    Why is the greatest industrial metal band ever ranked so low? Their live shows are out of this world, and they write and perform amazing songs such as Sonne, Mutter, Du hast, and Ohne Dich.

    They have made history throughout the world and deserve far greater respect on this poll. Till Lindemann has such a deep and powerful voice that is perfectly suited to the genre. They should be in the top three.

    X-Club Japan? Laugh out loud - who are they compared to Rammstein? Rammstein attracts massive audiences everywhere they go and always give 100%.

    The band successfully brought and recreated metal after its death in the early '90s and brought it to the public without digging into a "pop sound."

  23. Lamb Of God

    Lamb of God is an American heavy metal band from Richmond, Virginia. Formed in 1994, the band originally featured Randy Blythe (vocals), Mark Morton (guitar), Willie Adler (guitar), John Campbell (bass), and Chris Adler (drums). Chris Adler departed the band in 2019 and was replaced by Art Cruz. The... read more

    In my opinion, every band I've seen so far deserves to be acknowledged on this list. Every band I've heard on it is brilliant. Maybe some wouldn't be considered metal, but those bands are still awesome.

    Lamb of God are one of the best. I think that the new and old types of metal on this list should be divided up, as they do sound very different. The bands that stand out to me the most have to be Slipknot and LOG at the moment, although that doesn't mean the others are bad. Randy Blythe's scream is by far the best here!

    Listen to the songs Set to Fail and Now You've Got Something to Die For. Trust me, if you're a true metal fan, you will love them. Oh, and by the way, Linkin Park are in fact nu-metal - well, Hybrid Theory and Meteora anyway - and they are an excellent band.

  24. Rage Against the Machine

    Rage Against the Machine is an American rap metal band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1991. The lineup consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello, and drummer Brad Wilk.

    Their politically charged music, which blended rock, hip-hop, and funk, debuted... read more

    Agreed, why the hell is this band down at 44? They are one of the most important bands not only of the 90s, but of all time. Very political and very heavy. Definitely heavier than most of the bands on this list, and the lyrics are also controversial and heavy. Only Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden match up to these guys.

    Half the groups above this one in this ranking aren't even metal groups... Rage Against the Machine should doubtlessly be at least Top 15, even though it's not as known as A7X, Metallica, and all these. I also think Rammstein should be Top 5, along with Slipknot.

    KNOW YOUR ENEMY!

  25. Testament

    Testament is an American thrash metal band from Berkeley, California. Formed in 1983 under the name Legacy, the band currently consists of vocalist Chuck Billy, guitarists Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick, bassist Steve DiGiorgio, and drummer Gene Hoglan. Testament's lineup has varied over the years,... read more

    The combination of Alex Skolnick and Chuck Billy makes Testament a force to be reckoned with. They should be the fifth member of the "Big 4." For those who don't know, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax are considered the "Big 4" of thrash metal.

    Testament has been writing great music since the '80s, and they are still producing great music. They are one of my favorite bands.

    Chuck Billy and Testament won human indigenous rights awards for their video for 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.

  26. Trivium

    Trivium is an American heavy metal band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 1999. The band's most consistent members are frontman Matt Heafy, lead guitarist Corey Beaulieu, and bassist Paulo Gregoletto, all of whom have appeared on every album since joining.... read more

    First of all, most of you are really inconsiderate just because your favorite band is not higher on this list. People don't have to share the same excellent musical taste as yours. That's why everyone should start respecting each other and stop insulting bands or even people.

    Additionally, I vote for Trivium because I like their music. All of their albums are simply magnificent, in my opinion, and the mixing and production are absolutely amazing. I like and listen to almost every band on this list, but my favorite 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 deserves Top 10, then Trivium does too.

    Nothing against A7X, but Trivium are simply more metal. Also, when it comes to deciding between Iron Maiden, Metallica, and others, it's just pure preference. Let's make sure we get all the legends into the Top 10 and all the rising legends into the Top 20 at least.

    Trivium being 36 is a disaster, and they're even behind some bands who aren't metal, which shouldn't even be possible in the first place.

  27. Blind Guardian

    Blind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in the mid-1980s in West Germany. They are widely credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power and speed metal subgenres. Heavily influenced by Queen, they use the technique of overdubbing and incorporate extensive orchestral... read more

    Blind Guardian should be cruising in the top five, at least, below only the true greats like Iron Maiden, Sabbath, and Metallica. Blind Guardian is one of the only bands I know that actually tells a good story in their music (Maiden is one of the others). All the other bands are pretty much just 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, in Guardian's best album, Nightfall in Middle Earth, each song tells a different part of one of the greatest fantasy books in existence, The Lord of the Rings' 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 strife between Morgoth and Ungoliant over the Silmarils they had just stolen.

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