Top 10 Best Metal Songs of All Time
Metal music has been around since the late 1960s, and over the years it has evolved into a diverse and complex genre with a wide variety of styles and sub-genres. From the early days of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin to the modern era of bands like Metallica and Slipknot, metal has always been a powerful and intense form of music that resonates with fans all around the world.In this top ten list, we will explore some of the best metal songs of all time, from classic tracks that defined the genre to modern masterpieces that push the boundaries of what metal can be. These songs represent the best of what metal has to offer, combining crushing riffs, soaring vocals, and epic arrangements that are sure to get your blood pumping and your head banging. So without further ado, let's dive into the world of metal and discover some of the greatest songs ever recorded.

In many ways it's the archetypal metal song. It's heavier and faster than the classic Priest, Maiden, and Sabbath stuff, but it's not as heavy and fast as the subgenres that would develop later. It is in that sweet spot, which characterizes much of thrash as a whole.
This is a song that features multiple headbangable riffs, a slow, melodic section, a powerful hook, insightful lyrics about a real issue, and a shredding, yet memorable solo. Despite being relatively extreme for its time, it had enough mass appeal to generate a buzz.
It is Metallica's signature song, and I would argue that it's also metal's signature song. If one metal song had to be selected to represent metal to aliens and sent into space, this would be it.
I admit that I prefer Megadeth over Metallica for thrash metal, but I think this song individually beats stuff like Holy Wars and Hangar 18.
Right from the start with the first riff, it's like a punch to the face. The build up is to the the main riff is pure headbanging joy. Hetfield and Hammett keep unleashing riff after riff at amazing speed and punchy sound.
Together with Burton's bass and Ulrich's drums it forms an impenetrable wall of thrash metal that keeps hitting you like a slap to the face.
The lyrics are one of the best ever on a metal songs. Hetfield's angry vocals shouting 'Pain monopoly.. Ritual misery! ' all the while hitting percussive downpicks on every riff is stuff of legend.
Suddenly out of the blue comes a calm and beautiful bridge with a clean riff and a serene dual harmony followed by Hetfield's soulful solo. Hetfield has an amazing haunting blues-rock lead playing which I love.
Then in comes Hammett with his absolutely insane solo with a ear-piercing pinch harmonic. Hammett ends on the highest note on the guitar and next riff played is probably heaviest you can hear without ...more
X Japan? Laugh out loud
In order to make a masterpiece like master of puppets you need a combination perfect factors, which only exists in Metallica. Great rhythm guitar of hetfield, perfect solo by hammett, wonderful bass performance of burton and finally the overwhelming drums play of ulrich. So suck it kiddos we are the best.
Master of Puppets is easily the best song on this list. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Hallowed Be Thy Name, in fact I had quite a bit of trouble choosing between the two. However, I went with the former because Master of Puppets is simply genius. The vocals and the guitar blend like salt and pepper, and the solo is wonderful as well. This song will leave an impact on you. I promise.

Every time I hear this song it makes me want to cross the streety street without holding my parental unit's hand, this song is truly one of the songs of all time, it has drums singing guitar more guitar bass guitar bells, I mean when you listen to this song you hear music! Its truly one of the songs of all time!
I'll put it at number one on the Best Metal Song List. Why not? Sure, I can think of a couple more that would have valid rights to the top spot as well, but this song has every element a brilliant Metal song should have. The song is epic in every way. The songwriting, the musicianship, the production are all top notch and raised the bar for all Metal that followed. Hard to single out any one performance, but Bruce Dickinson's vocals on this track are unparalleled by any singer, any genre on any planet!...O.K., O.K., maybe a little over the top there, but seriously, the vox in this song are insane! (This song is also my All-Time Favorite Song regardless of genre)
Though my first Maiden song was Fear of The Dark and it's my personal metal number one as a riff, HBTN is simply bigger, more advanced and better song overall. This song has clearly everything not so brutal death, but still metal song needs - spooky opening, dark lyrics, great riff, perfectly done pass between silent part and 'go loud' part, shouted speech-like part of lyrics. And it's like one third of a song. The rest is as good as opening, which isn't quite simple. Every second of that masterpiece is both beautiful and entertaining, but this cannot be expressed in words, simply go listen to that if you didn't, don't thank me.
My choice but for the studio version. Nicko can't play it properly (as he can't play the prisoner or run to the hills... he just can't use H-hats, sorry. Watch and listen, you will see him using the ride on most of his songs. When the Hi-hat is dominent, he just destroys every songs. Same comment for Bruce's voice. I know he is an icon in Metal but seriously, do you like his voice live? I am not taking about the gymnastic he is doing and running all over the place. He can't get the right notes. Finally, the comment below about Janick Gers is not founded since his guitar is not plugged in during concert. He must be very good friend with some guys in the band to stay in. I am challenging you to watch a DVD and try to hear notes coming out from his guitar.

I have to be completely honest. Being on this website for 10ish threads, I can see how Megadeth and Metallica bias this place is. Now, my favorite Megadeth. So, I don't take offense to it. I just feel it's very hard for a band other than those two to make it in these lists. Nevertheless, I vote holy wars because it is my all time favorite song. I think it's highly underrated by people too closed minded in their favorite bands music to really think. Either way, those people have no effect on me enjoying this song. So, like I said before, I am voting for this.
Of course guys, this song is pretty awesome. But let be honest, it is not their best song. And I can't understand why here are so many Metallica songs! I listened to very many of there songs and it is annoying me just by the 30th time when I listen to it (yes I hear very much music). There are too many other great bands out there. At least one Black Sabath song should be under the top 10 (my suggestion is war pigs, it is my favorite).
So I don't want to talk much more, the last thing that I want to say is that MEGADETH is for me the greatest Metal Band in the history!
Thrash Metal as its best! No doubt this got to be number one. Friedman and Mustaine did such a good job on this one. I play guitar for 18 years now and this album contains some of the hardest things I have ever tried to handle on guitar. The difficulty of the songs got nothing to do with my vote for this album though. It is about the music everything is just perfect exept Dave's singing, if you just look on the singing in my opinion Master of Puppets deserves number 1 but I am voting for this album cause it got everything nearly perfect.
What after chop suey, again who's X-japan, this song should be #1, still can't play this song, awesome lyrics backed with the most influencing guitar works, this song is far more better than master of puppets, again this song should be #1.. MEGADETH rules...
And just when I was scrolling my mouse I found Forever winter by Antim GRahan, never thought they will be on the list it's a great song and yes I am from Nepal, people please check out Ma sano prakash by Atomic Bush, you will love it, you won't regret it..

"One" basically encapsulates every notable subgenre of metal. The more melodic parts in the opening are based on more ballad based metal songs on the softer side. The chorus with its distortion sounds a lot like sludge metal. The bridge of "Darkness! Imprisoning me! " is almost a precursor of alternative, nu, and even rap metal, and the machine-gun riff is very reminiscent of groove metal. The final two minute solo is pure thrash and speed metal goodness. And with its various parts and musical sections, the song has a strucure reminiscent of progressive metal.
"One" is not just a legendary metal song. It's the entire genre encapsulated in seven in a half minutes.
I have yet to hear a better song. The build-up from slow, pain and sorrow, to fast, heavy, rage in unbeatable. The amount of vocal meaning and the way the song is sung is just mesmerizing. Slow at first, with great guitar, building up with more and more bass and drums, then a point where the lyrics and singing style show a breaking point, from a plea, to letting all the rage out in a headbanging fashion. Then it ends out with a classic guitar solo. The flow and structure of the song is mesmerizing. Everything metallica stands for in one song ; grim lyrics, powerful vocals, amazing riffs, beat and flow gets better and better, and finally the guitar solo to finish off this masterpiece. Best metallica song, and best metal song overall.
In my opinion, the best metal song to ever exist and one of the best songs of all time. It was beautifully constructed by starting very slow and melodic and then suddenly explodes into all out heavy perfection and features one of the best guitar solos of all time. Here is my opinion of the best metal songs of all time:
1. One by Metallica
2. Hollowed Be Thy Name by Iron Maiden
3. Fade to Black by Metallica
4. Master of Puppets by Metallica
5. Holy Wars... The Punishment Due by Megadeath
6. Painkiller by Judas Priest
7. The Trooper by Iron Maiden
8. Holy Diver by Dio
9. Chop Suey! by System of a Down
10. The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden
In my opinion, this instantly deserves a number one on the list. It's my all time favourite metal song. Also the lyrics in this anti war song has meaning as it is about a ww1 soldier who is severely wounded arms, legs and jaw blown off by a landmine, blind and unable to speak or move begging God to take his life. It also contains one of the most greatest solos and riffs. This song is a very balanced metal song as it has a soft clean guitar tone at the start, then begins to build up to a thrashy, heavier song. Truly a masterpiece

Priest just define the term heavy metal,
I'm also a big fan of Metallica but they wouldn't be half the band they are without the influence of judas priest. Can also remember seeing iron maiden supporting them, think it was the British Steel tour, has to go down as one of my favourite gigs of all time
When this song came out in 1990 the first thought I had was Priest came to rip the metal crown from Metallica's head. The song and album was so good the band broke up. How could they top this album? I wonder if that's the reason Rob left? They really nailed it.
Wow, is this a sad list. Judas Priest is one of my all time favorite metal bands, and while this is not my favorite metal song, it is my favorite on the list, next to Master of Puppets and Hallowed Be Thy Name.
This is one of the most powerful songs I've ever heard. A masterpiece in the heavy metal genre! You don't live if this song doesn't give you shivers.

Whoever says that Black Sabbath isn't metal can get out right now. Black Sabbath are the pioneers of metal and should be respected that way. Paranoid is an iconic song; it should be higher on this list. I think Black Sabbath and Judas Priest are on the same playing field since they came out around the same time. Paranoid is ORIGINAL metal. Although, I do also agree that Master of Puppets is a God-tier song.
Best Black Sabbath song in my mind. I love the way Ozzy sings this song and how he bobs his head when he does. also love the guitar rift
You guys are all wrong. The best song is the one which started it all. And that is what Paranoid is. It really sucks that bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Korn, Slipknot and even Linkin Park (who I don't see how, can be classified as Metal) are ranked ahead of Black Sabbath-the band who were the godfathers of Metal
This was almost an afterthought originally for sabbath, but thanks to care with its guitar riffs, memorable vocals, and cultural impact, this song basically created metal. Would consider MoP a distant second though, and that song is AMAZING. Great job sabbath.

First off, Master of Puppets got me into music in general. It's the first song I tried to learn on guitar. I worship this song. But... we are talking about IRON MAN. Without it, there would be no metal. The riff heard around the world. I have seen some truely atorious things on this sight, but with this I draw the line. Iron Man deserves nothing less than Number 1. Number 6 is an outrage. The songs "rated" above it are all phenomenal, and deserve a spot on this list, but selling short Iron Man is about as metal as voting Lil Wayne as the greatest metal artist ever. It's just WRONG.
Even if I'm not a big fan of black sabbath I would say I'm a bigger fan of S.O.A. D iron man is not only a great song but it's a song from black sabbath one of the best metal bands ever so they deserve to have a song in top 10 also I saw chop suey that why I commneted System of a Down... I agree a really great song but come on not even a metal one an nu metal or hard rock one.. And no solo no nothing great song but it doesn't deserve the top 10
How is this not number one? I mean, Metallica rocks hard and all, but on the other hand it's IRON MAN BY Black Sabbath. Without this song, there would BE no metal. It should at least be top 3. Seeing it at number 19 makes it hard to take this poll seriously.
Black Sabbath is the father of all metal. This Should be way higher along with many other great songs by them.N.I. B, Symptom of the Universe, Paranoid, Supernaut, and even their new stuff is pretty good. If you haven't listened to their new 13 album I would definitely recommend checking it out.

The best example of Heavy Metal in all ways. Musically, rhythmically, lyrically and pretty much in every meaningful way, this song represents everything you need to know about Heavy Metal regardless if you're new to the genre or a veteran, followed in my opinion by Iron Man and Painkiller.
This song is TOO good not to be in the top ten. Although my favorite Maiden song is Infinite Dreams, I say that The Trooper should be in the top ten because of how legendary, and just how recognizable, it is. And come on, is there anything better than The Trooper live? No one forgets the moment Bruce runs on stage in the red jacket waving the Union Jack!
"Into the valley of Death, rode the six hundred. Cannons to right of them, cannons to left of them, volley'd and thunder'd.. THE TROOPER! " - just unforgettable introduction by Bruce at Rock In Rio 2001
Anyway this is classic. In my opinion it has the best guitar riff ever written and the intro played live by Madien is just eargasmic.
It's classic Iron Maiden, so grab their fans attention and tell them to stop endlessly going on about Hallowed Be Thy Name as though it's the only great track they've written. Look where Rime of the Ancient Mariner is.

This was almost Metallica's best song but fell just short. I love the way all the vocals are and how it is written. I also love how the theme of this song is night.
This is my favorate song of all time and I think it should be at least on the top 5. I m a great fan of Metallica and I even love master of puppets. But personally this is my opinion. I Mean this song has everything. The Intro, the solo, the lyrics, the drums. IT Is PERFECT!
This song is just awesome!
Superb intro, pre-chorus? Check.
Great vocals? Check.
Good lyrics? Check.
Guitar solo? ' awesome.
This should at least be in the top five! Come on, guys!
Finally on top ten! I just love this song! One of the best! And why there's no Pantera on the Top Ten?

There's way more to a metal song, than how heavy it is - and that's what most people ("metal-heads") tend to forget, or choose to ignore. War Pigs is the best metal song (in my opinion), purely because of how powerful it is. I'm no Vietnam War buff, but I think everyone knows that America made a huge mistake of invading Vietnam, and War Pigs takes advantage of this. It makes America look evil and stupid, which was, of course, bound to be embarrassing to America, hence why the name of the album was then changed to "Paranoid". The song was powerful enough to force the band to change the name of the album, which is just the start of why this is the best metal song.
Top 5 metal songs are War Pigs (Sabbath), Holy Wars (Megadeth), Hallowed Be Thy Name (Maiden), In My Darkest Hour (Megadeth again), and The Four Horsemen (Metallica) in my opinion of course.
A few songs that I would consider including are right on the border between hard rock and heavy metal, such as Ain't Talking' 'Bout Love (Van Halen), Achilles Last Stand (Led Zeppelin), and In My Time Of Dying (also Zeppelin).
Think about when this was written. 1969. When the world thought love and peace would save all. Then came Black Sabbath to tell us all that it is not all daisys and rainbows out there and politicians of all kinds are evil. By far the greatest metal song of all time. It seriously changed the sound of music.
Best Black Sabbath's song and for all who didn't know, they wanted to call 'War Pigs' to their album Paranoid but they weren't allowed. This is probably the most influential song of heavy metal and for sure one of the greatest, if not the best.
The Newcomers



How in the hell is this not number one? This song is amazing, one of the best in history, Dio is a Rock/Metal Legend, in my opinion. His voice is just amazing that you can hear it for hours and not get tired of it, it's such a unique voice that you can hear it anywhere and know who's Singing. I honestly think this should be higher on the list.
R.I.P. Dio. We miss and Love you.
When I first heard this song it was the cover done by Killswitch engage, seen it on spotify and absolutely loved it, it wasnt until like 5 years later that I looked up "holy diver" on youtube and seen that Dio had made the original, this was the song that got me into dio and solidified him on my list of easily top 10 metal artists ever.
A great song with such a simple, yet complex riff. It uses five power chords and it is written in the key of Cm. Ronnie James Dio's first solo album was a masterpiece. Somehow, this song worked its way to the top of an album crowded with great songs.
I have no idea what Dio is going on about lyrically in this classic, but as the great Henry Rollins said: Dio's voice makes you want to put on a cape and fly like Superman. And he's right.

The best metal song hands down, this is the only band that has several amazing songs, other bands only got like one. They are very underrated, and super unique, they like to combine other genres into their music. Chop suey has a staggering 640 million views while Metallica best song is only at 140, Serj and Daron make the most powerful songs and love their people, and their voices are amazing with serj screaming and slow melody and Daron nice soothing high pitches voice. And Shavo is CRAZY. This dude is flipping his fingers all over his bass and it's amazing, finishing the best noises into any song. And finally, John is the best drummer alive there's no question he makes the best transitions to beats in music it's unbelievable
In an interview, Daron Malakian explained, "The song is about how we are regarded differently depending on how we pass. Everyone deserves to die. Like, if I were now to die from drug abuse, they might say I deserved it because I abused dangerous drugs. Hence the line, ' 'I cry when angels deserve to die'. The lyric passages 'Father, into your hands I commend my spirit' and 'why have you forsaken me? ' are a reference to Jesus' death on the cross, as, according to the Gospels, it was one of the seven things Jesus said while dying. "
We all know that there isn't a better song then Chop Suey!.
First:the voice. Serj Tankian has a paradisiacal voice, he could sing at a death metal concert and at a opera with the same powerful voice. Second:the instrumental parts. Guitar, bass and drums blend beautifully. Third:the words. This is the most touching lyric that I've ever heard.
System of a Down is a nu-metal band. I think they shouldn't be here on the list with Iron Maiden and Metallica. All System of a Down does is scream and make noise. I love their riffs though but they shouldn't be here. How about Raining blood, angel of death by Slayer? Caught in a mosh by Anthrax?

Guys, there isn't even ONE song by either Slayer or Pantera in the top 10. That's ridiculous. However, there are THREE songs by Black Sabbath, who in all honesty don't hold a candle to bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Pantera, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, but they are considered the "best" for no other reason than "they were the first bro". Also, a System of a Down song is above EVERYTHING that Slayer or Pantera ever made. That is the saddest thing that I have ever seen on a top ten list.
All of the songs in top ten are great. But I think that Angel of Death has to be in the top ten. Beacuase Angel of Death is according to me and many others the best thrash metal song out there. It's to bad to see this song being behind Metallica. Metallica is according to me one of the worst metal bands. Yeah kill em all was good and so was Master of Puppets but the other albums are nothing compared to albums released by bands like Pantera, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Slayer, Motörhead, Exodus and many more. It is time for people to understand that Metallica is not that amazing and to see that Slayer is the best thrash band and that they have released maybe the best thrash album ever with one of the best metal songs ever amd that song is Angel of Death.
There are many good songs in Slayer's discography that do not exist in Metallica's discography. This being one of them. Angel of death is one of the most iconic thrash metal songs ever and the fact that it's below the song "One" is honestly sad
Damn, is Black Sabbath overrated or what!? There's not even ANY songs by Slayer or Pantera in the top 10! I don't care that they were first, they are in no way, shape or form better than bands like Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Pantera and Iron Maiden. They barely even fit in the genre that they started!

I genuinely can't believe this isn't in the top 10, the riffs and solo are spectacular, the lyrics are deep yet uplifting. It's a celebration of descent into madness. It's a great song that gets everybody up and headbanging. This song is adored even by people that don't like metal, it transcends the genre. This is a true defining song of metal, it deserves to be way higher.
I love rock and this is one of my very favorite songs, how is it number 36 when crap like x Japan and dir en grey are in the top 20. Ozzy is one of the greatest metal artists of all time and this is his best song with the killer solo by rhoads, this ranking is unreasonable!
AH.
Not that you only put ozzy in 25th place, you also put my favourite song and what me what metal really was. He's the prince of darkness and you're the Freak of metal. I'm ten years old and I respect metal. DIE!
There were more heavier pop rock songs in that era. If Knack did it, then it is power pop. If Ozzy did it, then it is metal. WHY?

I've never heard a song that had given me goosebumps until I heard "Fade To Black". It's such a beautiful masterpiece that I barely play it so I never get tired of listening to it, but when I do, I stop what I'm doing and leave my reality.
Best Metallica song ever. Listen to the intro...the words (I know they aren't on here) the vocals, James Hetfield is Brilliant. Kirk Hammett rocks the guitar...Lars Ulrich beats the hell out of the drums... And Robert Trujillo has got thunder fingers. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2009! This band has been ROCKING since 1981 when the band was officially formed that October.
Everything in this song is PERFECT, there's no match to it! This is by far, the best song in the world, there is no comparison.. MOP is good because it has a classic riff, but fade to black has a "perfect" solo in addition to other things that MOP has. The beginning, the mid and the end of solo, how it practically fades to black is unbelievable masterpiece
This is by far the best Metallica song. Master of puppets is good, but the deepness of this song makes it a true masterpiece. While it might not have the length of some other Metallica songs, it definitely has the greatest lyrics and solo of them all.

This song is a really heavy and groovy tune the beginning is a really good intro to a great song Pantera in general is a great band so this song is a great addition to there great collection of songs I'm personally exited because they just got back together as a band.
Best Pantera song but overall best metal song of 90's. I respect Metallica but Enter Sandman isn't my favorite but add this and take away Sandman and you have a great top ten.
Pantera has to be in Sandman spot...Greatest 90's metal band there was..Mouth of War might even be better?
This song is better than walk in my opinion. Well in fact, it's better than any other song in the top ten

Sorry, but this is one of the best songs in history. And I don't be only metal, but also if you include classic rock like floyd, zeppelin, Beatles. Even Mozart, Beethoven and Wagner. If you listen to it 10 times, you will not forget this song for your lifetime. Tis is not musik, this is a world.
I don't know about you guys but I LOVE this song. It is an amazing song. It has the famous riffs, the brutal drumming, the badass vocals, the speed and the awesome solos. Raining Blood has it all. Slayer has created a masterpiece with this one!
After I'm done listening to it, the only negative thought I have is "darn... If only they added a little more to that song to make it longer..." But I guess that would take away from the beauty if the song if it were longer
Great song, metal classic.
Slayer is the founder of the style in its purity.
Still I thing the "South of heaven" is the right song which should be the legacy of Slayer for the next generations.

'We Are The Road Crew' is the better song, but to claim they had anything to do with the birth of thrash is absurd. Maiden claimed they invented speed metal, but they didn't. Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth invented thrash due to acts like Danzig, Diamond Head, Dead Kennedy's and Budgie. Neither Metallica or Megadeth have any hint of Motörhead in them. The proof is in the pudding. 'Ace of Spades' is brutal though.
Really? If it wasn't for Motorhead most of the so called "Top Ten" metal songs would never have existed. Motorhead is the reason that thrash metal was culminated. If you don't believe me watch 'Lemmy-The Movie' and see for yourself
Yet another fan claiming they're favourite band brought thrash screaming to life. There should be a top ten list for bands who claim they invented thrash and leave Metallica as a travelling Carnivale.
This song is the definition of metal and people still voted for the mainstream Metallica just because they have the word "Metal" in their band name. I mean come on guys... Come on...

One of Metallicas most underrated songs but this song rock. From the intro and then the thrushing along the speed with which the guitars are played is so awesome it just draws you in and makes you visualise what they are talking about. This is an example of fine art. Metallica forever
This song isn't underrated. Go to any Metallica show over the last 35-years and they bash you over the head with it. I'm desensitised to how common it is. They can't even play it properly anymore - but that goes for a lot of their stuff.
This album has some of the best metallica songs! It is so low because people just think it is awesome but it is also awesome listening to it in your head because you can put yourself in james hetfield´s shoes.
The best Metallica song of all time for me. Maybe my ears just got very tired of listening to Master of Puppets.

I love Metallica and Megadeth and Black Sabbath but Maiden is the king. If you like metal and you don't have any maiden songs you aren't a metal fan. Maiden is easily the best metal band of all time and the fact that Metallica has more songs than them on this is unreal.
This list is ridiculous. Metallica have three songs in the top ten? Yeah, one is to be expected, two is acceptable, but three? That's pushing it. And what the hell is x Japan? Iron Maiden are the kings of metal, and this song deserves to be higher on this list.
Of course Metallica fans own Iron Maiden albums. Metallica always encouraged open-mindedness. And yes, Iron Maiden are the greatest metal band of all time - until Metallica trounced them. The stats don't lie.
What a song. I am horrified that this isn't in the top 10. It really is one of the best songs out there.
How somebody could make a piece of music sound like that is beyond me.

Haha and this is supposed to be a list of the best metal songs of all time! If you're true metal fans then you should be ashamed of the fact that one of the best songs of one of the best metal bands of all time is placed a paltry 19th.
If you have any self-respect and respect for the immense contribution from these legends to metal, you would bring it up to at least top 10.
12? This masterpiece has to be at least top 5, or above master of puppets. Fantastic riffs, amazing solo, deep and excellent lyrics, nearly perfect vocals, chilling intro, anything else? This songs very emotional, has deep meaning if you try to understand it, touches me and gets me eveytime. This song is masterpiece and soon will become a legend. Dimebag darell for the win, RIP legend!
Better than the system of a down, slipknot, Korn, Linkin Park, Disturbed, etc... I was pissed to see slipknot so high up... they almost wrecked metal!
amazing song, sick riff and solo, great vocals, what more do you want?
the only thing that pains me is that there is no songs by all that remains or Trivium up here, while slipknot is
By far one of my favorite Pantera songs, and arguably the best metal song of the 90's. It is very technical and melodically sung to create a very somber, yet energetic song. A true musical masterpiece only rivaled by best classical composers.

56? This song is legend, inspiring so many other metal musics. Epic riffs, solo, vocals, drum, lyrics, etc. And what can I say is this list is broken...
The greatest Metal singers ever is are Rob Halford and Dio. Rip dio.
This is the greatest song ever written and Dios self admitted best song this rank is BS.
What a killer riff! This is one of the best heavy metal songs ever.
Should be top 10. This is an insult to metal fans.

What the hell, Afterlife at 74. Such a masterpiece should be at least within top 10. Come on guys, this is the best song by one of the best bands ever, A7X. Please vote Afterlife and take it to the right position. Such a solo, such a melody and after all such a song can never be out of top 10. Better than most of the songs of top ten.
Metallica is overrated, Avenged Sevenfold rules, also does children of bodom, disturbed and slipknot. I know I'm much of the modern metal guy, but they really are good. It doesn't matter if it's classic or modern as long as it's good and not some gay emo stuff. And yes, afterlife belongs way higher
The greatest solo ever to be played, the greatest, most beautiful and well written lyrics to ever be sung, added with a fantastic orchestral part, you can't beat it. I'll tell you one thing, it's better than Master of Puppets. For sure!
Haha, funniest thing I've seen all my life. Afterlife, a piece of art is number 29 and yet prices of complete garbage are ahead of it. For gods sake, Crazy Train is higher than this. Crazy Train. Sung by the loonatic who bites heads of bats. Maybe whoever made this list must've ate some.

What a song pure classic metal... I love that riff and I think these some songs from kill me all made metal Black Sabbath just started metal but Metallica made metal and inspired many metal bands... Ohh and maiden also they gave a different touch which no one followed there style and songs are unique but pure awesome... No one writes like them but they are 2nd after Metallica
As metal as it gets with the original members of Metallica. The classic of classic metal.
One of the best guitar solos of all time, still gives me chills.
This song should Seek and destroy it's way to the top five!

The song that started it all. Everything about it is iconic, from the thunder and rain of the beginning to the terrifying riff to the Hendrix-style rave up at the end, this is metal. That riff uses what is known as the tritone or "Diabolus In Musica", a sound that evokes fear and dread in the listener. I wish I was alive in 1970 to be able to hear this on the radio. It was a mission statement, that music was just beginning to be truly understood. Music has never been the same since.
This is where it all started. Oddly enough, it didn't get better than it did on this particular track. I LOVE that riff, and the fast bit at the end serves as an epic conclusion to one of the greatest songs ever.
I didn't think anyone new this song but it is awesome the creepiest riff ever. Every day is the Black Sabbath day and keep it UNholy!
I donot understand weather it is a joke or what that this song is given such a low position. It should be in the top 3 columns.