Best Metal Bands of All Time

The best metal bands of all-time. Don't agree with the list? Vote for an existing item you think should be ranked higher or if you are a logged in, add a new item for others to vote on or create your own version of this list.

The Top Ten

1
Metallica
Michael Jackson is the king of pop
Elvis Presley is the king of rock
Metallica is the KING OF MUSIC
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.
I remember that day in 1983 when a friend of mine came at home and told me "listen to this":he had recorded "wiplash" or"metal militia"(not quite sure)on the radio the evening before. I kept silent for a while after listening and had a look to my friend. I guess we realized something huge and amazing had just happened in the metal sphere. I rushed to the nearest record-dealer to buy "Kill' em all", Metallica's first LP, and may have listen to it a thousand times! Then we saw them live twice (once at the "heavy sound festival of poperinge, Belgium) with unforgettable Cliff! The following albums are so great and impressive! (Ride... Master... Justice)As many, less conviced with the black album (except sandman & wonderful"nothing else matters"of course)and following load and reload but bought them in spite of everything cause Metallica is Metallca! Anyway, in 2008, they signed they lost nothing of their ill-temper and genius with "death magnetic". Sometimes when I remember that day in 1983, Ican't help telling to myself:"we weren't mistaken. Some years later Metallica has become the greatest metal band of the world and of all time!

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2Iron Maiden
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!
This band made me love Metal! Come on man, Iron Maiden SIMPLY THE BEST. Metallica is great, but come on its Maiden!
Iron Maiden
Judas Priest
Metallica

In my opinion
They are the gods of metal.. Metallica is also amongst the best metal bands but even metallica is inspired by maiden
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3Avenged Sevenfold
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.
Perfect band is all I can say, we can found the greatest screamer, MATT SHADOW, we can hear a greatest riff by SYNYSTER GATES, and the drummer icon and the best voice, THE REV.. ZACKY also give a big dealing with the guitar by his left hand, and not least, JOHNNY CHRIST, without him play his bass guitar, AVENGED SEVENFOLD song will never perfect...
Avenged Sevenfold is the best band I have ever heard. It is not very inappropriate, beside from the slashing and cannibalism in one or more of their songs. Its a nice mix of instruments, and I think adding the violin in more of their songs would be sweet. Their songs are beautiful at times and just awesomely awesome. I wonder why this is not number one. IT SHOULD BE!
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4Black Sabbath
These guys are the reason why all heavy metal bands are born..
I mean come on!
I think these guys should be in number 1 in the first place!
Come on! Black Sabbath created metal. How come Slipknot is higher... They suck!
They are the god of metal how come they are at 9th position this is nonsense
I don't believe it ozzy is the best metal artist in the world
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5Megadeth
No band even compares to these guys. Especially not Metallica. Metallica holds the distinct honor of being the single most overrated metal band of all time.
Iron maiden, black sabbath, slayer and judas priest all deserve recognition, but Megadeth is my favorite of all time. Slipknot, x japan, disturbed, and avenged sevenfold are not deserving of this list. What a joke!
Who the f is x japan. A snowball's chance in hell they're better than megadeth. And also megadeth>metallica because megadeth stayed metal their entire career. Metallica TOTALLY sold out after and justice for all
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6Judas Priest
Judas Priest is the best Metal band, there's not another better. They're called Metal gods, thing that others can't be called. On the top with them Black Sabbath has the place, and after them, shall be Iron Maiden and Accept.

JR

Please tell me why Judas Priest is notnumberone... I mean tht voice is like WAy out there.. NO DUPLICATIONS! I mean I may only be 17 but I know JUDAS PRIEST was the BEST!

Asianavynuke

I can't understand why JP is on 7. You people are insane. Really. JP and Iron Maiden should be the first two. Get metallica out of there, RAM IT DOWN!
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7Pantera
Pantera should be in 1st. Their songs are hardcore and fresh still today. A true metal band of all time... Don't judge me that's the fact.
Have to agree that pantera should be first I mean darell shreds at the electric guitar I mean he is insanly good I can only play like 2 or 3 of his songs they are really hard and you can't forget about phil anselmo
Pantera rocks Cowboys from Hell was just pure metal amen
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8Slipknot
Slipknot below x japan? X japan doesn't deserve top 10 list!
Slipknot is awesome. They're not just about kicking ass or being hardcore, they have strong and well thought out ideals coupled with a great sound.
Slipknot is one of the best bands, if not the best metal band in the world. It songs are amazingly played and the lyric are just epic. The best combo for me. Plus I like the masks
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9System of a Down
Serj tankian is one of the best metal vocalists of all time. These guys deserve to be just a little higher on this lest
not as traditional as iron maiden, megadeth etc. but farout these guys have created their own sound and made some amazing music. I love system
I simply love toxicity! It's awesome! They should really be number 1 like really I mean yeah
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10Slayer
Too many fangirls voting it seems. Slayer are probably one of the greatest metal bands ever and avenged sevenfold are above them oh dear
Slayer surely is number 1... Lame people dunno why its so down to 16... Slayer is best band ANGEL OF DEATH is one of the best song in the metal history... SLAYER are the direct reason for DEATH METAL... Slayer should be at least within top 5! SLAYER METALLICA SABBATH MAIDEN JUDAS PRIEST COB PANTERA MEGADETH DREAM THEATRE MOTORHEAD are definite top 10
Slayer at 16? Whos x japan? Slayer is the best metal band ever.. Metallica, black sabbath, judas priest, iron maiden, megadeth, cradle of filth, cob, log all come after Slayer
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The Contenders

11Disturbed
disturbed rules! but I mean come on! I've looked at the band rankings and most of you are morons. first ozzy osbourne was declared the king of metal a few years ago. second its not about the stupid message the song gives, its about how badass they can be with a guitar and drums. Also most people who have known the older bands and listened to their music would agree that they truly invented the music of metal. And You buttholes who say " Ohh but the newer bands are way better ", SHUT UP! you don't know the true meaning of rocking out.
I like them too much to have an complete impartial opinion. :)
Go ahead Disturbed. You're the best new metal band which I listen until now.
David Draimans voice is strong and beautiful its just sex to the ears
Dan Donegan is a master on the guitar
John Moyer is a beast on the bass
and Mike Wengren is the best drummer of the newer metal bands
in my opinion
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12Bullet For My Valentine
Only one word is enough for them. The best band ever, however I'm unhappy to see them so down here. Vote for bullet. Let bullet devour you. Metal, metal, metal...
HOW DARE IT COME IN THE 11TH POSITION?
The list is rigged...
Guys just listen to their songs...
The best of the best... How could it not be in the top 3?
Their songs are really very very good. They have given a new meaning to the metalcore genre. The voice of Matt Tuck is awesome. The riffs and solos of Paget are impressive, Jay does a good work on the bass and the drumming by Moose is just too good, I mean the way he blends the double bass with the drums is really impressive.
They should at least be in top 10 if not in top 5.
Those who have not listened to them, please please Listen to these an you will know-
Waking The Demon, All These Things I hate, Tears Don't Fall, Your Betrayal and Hearts Burst Into Fire.
Bullet For My Valentine for the win.
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13Dream Theater
The reason that a lot of people don't like DT is because they aren't musicians - which is OK. However, I feel that they are definitely underrated, although I was actually surprised to find them 12 on the list; they are really not that popular. But I am a bit surprised that they are below SLAYER and SYSTEM OF A DOWN! I mean, this IS a metal list which does include nu and death/really heavy thrash metal but those bands are way too evilish and scary and screamy for me. I, however, would strongly recommend anybody (particularly Metallica and rush fans, but anybody nonetheless) to listen to the WHOLE SONG Pull Me Under or even better, Octavarium. At the very beginning, when I first got into DT, I only really liked and had heard of the songs Pull Me Under and Panic Attack. I loved them both, and I wanted to know more songs by this band, because they were so great in my opinion. SO, I came to this site, and I looked at the top 10 DT songs. Octavarium was on the top of the list. I went on iTunes and listened to the preview... HATED IT. I was like, "Wow this is really stupid and makes no sense at all why is this so high on the list? " But, I figured there must be a reason that this song is so liked, so I put on my new beats (got them that day), and listened to the whole thing on grooveshark. I paid strong attention to the musicality and the lyrics and everything, and oh my gosh, I loved it. So much that, with the remainder of an itunes gift card that I had, I bought the whole album (you can't buy the song on its own). What a fantastic decision that was.
How is Dream Theater 14th!? Dream Theater pushes progressive metal to the limits and offers KILLER drum solos and riffs in all of their songs and not in a couple of their hits
14th!. Well I think the people who vote here is too young to understand Dream Theater
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14Lamb Of God
Why is this 19th?
this is one of the best...
lamb of god deserves 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 are 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 metal 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 minute, although that doesn't mean to say that the others are bad. Randy Blythe's scream is by far the best here! Listen to the dongs '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.
Lamb of god is the best band of them all, because their songs are like math, They count out every note in the riffs and makes them like a puzzle. Incredible to listen to! EPIC!
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15Linkin Park
The old linkin park yes, Hybird Theory and Meteora are awesome. However there latest stuff I wouldn't call metal.
Linkin Park should be higher, at least in top 5. Two albums, Hybrid Theory and Meteora, are Linkin Park's metal album, but Minutes To Midnight is a little bit of Metal too.
Linkin park is the perfect combo of Hip-hop and Rock (Rock and Rap -Mike Shinoda). However, it also has an amazing metal element to it that still remains in their new albums everyone complains about. (Victimized, Lies Greed Misery... ) Without Chester, this band wouldn't be on this list. This band is first on the alternative rock list. Nirvana is a good second place winner though. :P
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16Ozzy Osbourne

How is ozzy only 29 th behind linkin park and dragonforce. He is the prince of darkness and the king of metal. At least number 5!

RossMcC

GRR! Ozzy was the one in my life who showed me how heavy metal was good and I'm only ten years old. Give a hurray for awesome songs like crazy train, mr. Crowley, no more tears, let it die, gets me through and the rest of his but road to nowhere. I hope this made you think he should be number one.

Man ozzy should be higher than this. Without him none of these guy's on the countdown would even be here. And he can still rock hard!

JXJ

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17Tool
Linkin Park and Bullet For My Valentine better than Tool? What's wrong with you people!

Baseline

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.
Bringing musical thought back to music.

snufftherooster

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18Motörhead
Too much love for these guys, they deserve to be way further up.
It's Motorhead. When talking about the best metal bands not including this one is equal to blasphemy ( if you're religious) or idiocity ( if you're not religious)
Some things are impossible to explain with foolish words and praises. I will just recommend every last one who thinks he is a metal fan to listen to such epic albums as "Ace of Spades" and "Overkill". I understand some may disagree, but these are my personal favorites. Just listen to the music and feel the emotion spread all over your mortal flesh. I truly wish these guys to be in top ten.
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19Rammstein
great band, underrated 'cause they sing in german..
Music is so different to any other metal band in the world. Puts on the best live shows ever, and you never get tired of listening to their music. Just plain Amazing! Legends!
Best German band ever. Best Industrial band ever. Best performances live ever. Many awesome song ( Du hast, P, Ich will, Moskau, Ich tu dir weh, Rosenrot etc)
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20Nirvana

Nirvana is the one who broke punk
Did a lot in few time
If kurt is still alive then nirvana must shook the world today I bet..

how? niravana the best in the world and to know that please listen to the man who sold the world


21Dio
How the hell is Dio not higher on the bloody list?
He was one of the founding fathers of what we call metal!

Hail to the king! M/ Dio started the evil horns, had an amazing voice, was on Black Sabbath, and wasn't a cocky bastard about it! You guys need to stop voting up the latest popular trend and vote for the guys that have lasted!
Most people in this time probably don't know. He created awesome singles, popularized the sign of the horns, joined Sabbath, and is one of the best vocalist of all time. As it says OF ALL TIME, Dio should be on the top! RIP Dio.
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22All That Remains

come on people? why isnt this band even on the list? listen to some of their songs like this calling, six, the weak willed, the deepest gray, chiron, for we are many

someguy12345


23Anthrax
Yall' know nirvana, ACDC, van halen, red hot chili peppers, and 30 seconds to mars isn't metal right?
The should be within the top 5, with iron maiden, megadeth, metallica and black sannath. If anyone needs further reminder of the awesomeness of this band, listen to their new album
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.
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24As I Lay Dying
What the hell is AS I LAY DYING doing down here?... Its obviously the god of all metal bands of all times. People have seemed 2 f'ed up their minds by just sticking their hearts to Metallica and considering them as the ruler of all times. Come on man, a ruler doesn't remain the ruler forever. People don't seem to have heard the quality of music that these guys produce. This is really very unfair... AS I LAY DYING definitely needs justice. Please vote for this wonderful band and if you don't believe me then hear these:
This is who we are
Anger and Apathy
Paralyzed
Through Struggle
Forsaken
Separation
Reinvention
Darkest nights
Moving Forward
The kings of metalcore!
Come on guys! As I Lay Dying is one of the greatest and most special bands
Some bands don't deserve to be above these metal masters, like X Japan.
30 is very low number for this awesome band!

rock2metal

What is Japan X and Linkin Park doing up there when AS I LAY DYING is sleeping right here? It seems people still don't have enough idea about "metal". How could Linkin Park and Dragon Force be called metal bands man? Please vote 4 AS I LAY DYING! I am DYING to see it up in the top 5
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25Three Days Grace
THREE DAYS GRACE ARE AWESOME!
Their awesome because I can't find a single song by then that I didn't like. I don't think they're the best to everyone cause there are other bands better but some of those other bands songs aren't good but all of Three Days Grace are awesome! Though it may not be the best metal band because not all of their songs are metal, most of then are hard rock, but they're still awesome
I think this is so lowly ranked because I wouldn't really consider it a "metal" band. It's more rock to me. They are very good, though.
No one will ever change this ANIMAL I HAVE BECOME for
THREE DAYS GRACE. Man this is the best metal core / hard rock
Band I have ever heard. Better than Metallica and iron maiden.

26Death
Haha, Death should be top 10 easily. Avenged Sevenfold? Seriously? LINKIN PARK? Well, I'm just saying Death slaughters most of these bands. At least Pantera and Megadeth are in a quite fair spot.
Death being this low on the list is an absolute joke. Every song by Death is amazing, Chuck's vocals are just incredible, and you can't forget the fact that this band practically started DEATH METAL. Which is one of the biggest sub genre's to Metal.
I am feeling so Symbolic about death. Death mixes a perfect pitch in their music.
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27Trivium
Why so low?... Really very disgusted to see them in so low in ratings its the best metal I ever heard... And how come likin park become a metal band...
Ok, way too low! Trivium's ' amazing! They're pretty diverse too. Death Metal, Black Metal, Groove Metal, Thrash Metal, and Metalcore! Ascendancy and Shogun were kickass! Heafy Metal!
Trivium bloody best band ever!
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28In Flames
In Flames doesn't make music. They create melodic poetry. Rhythms that make you want to beat someone up, along with lyrics that can give you goosebumps. Is and will always be my favorite music, they changed Melodic Death Metal. In Flames we Trust.
In flames is way more talented then most of the bands listed above
IN FLAMES IS THE BEST THEY ARE CREATING UNIQUE MUSIC FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS... I LOVE IN FLAMES
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29Antim Grahan
Many of you may not have heard of Antim Grahan because its band from nepal. But If you give a try and listen one of the song then the real metal lovers can not stop them from loving this band. Listen to their songs like FOREVER WINTER or 300 and you will know what I'm trying to say
-Nepali Metal Lover
Antim Grahan is a ultimate metal band. I would really like to thank this site because through this site, I discovered Antim Grahan and now I am proud to be one of the antim grahan fan...

Hell Yeah... Antim Grahan take metal genre to new level... Shame to all those people who call themselves metal lover and do not listen to Antim Grahan.
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30Manowar
40?... WTF manowar are the true kings of metal the should be on top
One of the most underrated bands ever just listen to hail and kill or warriors of the world or die for metal or sons of Odin or Sleipnir almost most of there songs are awesome there the true kings of metal
No other band so purely represents the soul of metal. The first note I ever heard them play live sent a chill to my spine. The strenght and power of their songs are a whole other level, and all their songs drip with pure metal. So old, yet still so METAL!
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31X Japan
Their songs are like a flowing river. It takes to a different planet. Ought to be even more popular than they are now.
I love these guys not because I'm from Asia. Actually, I don't even speak, understand or read Japanese language; but I feel the emotions in their songs. They are simply one if not the most artistic band of all time. Thank you for the music

aeromaxx777

X-japan is truly amazing and there so good they would be at the top if they were from America or something but there not and I like the japanese and english singing X rock.

TD17

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32Opeth
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
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.
At least they're higher than before, but this still is not acceptable. Mikael is probably the greatest vocalist in metal alive being able to go from epic death growls yo sweet harmonizing singing. Just look up the songs "the moor" and "burden" and you'll see what I mean
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33Marilyn Manson
Absolutely amazing, such a shame that he is so understood to be 33rd.
One of if not the best stage man ever.. Been to 5 of his shows eachone one amazing.. Nothing bad I can say about him or his music I love it

travislong

This band is the best band ever. Marilyn Manson has an incredible voice
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34Accept
They are invencible on stage, their sound is amazing, their set list is perfect, and the performing is awesome. Shall be at the top behind Judas Priest.

JR

Udo Dirkschneider has one of the best metal voices ever. Jorg Fischer, Wolfmann, Peter Baltes and Stephen Kaufman was the best line up. They rocked SFX in Dublin in 1985... One of the best concerts ever.
mad songs especially balls to the wall I love that song
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35AC/DC
This right here is the definition of epicness. Bon Scott and Angus Young, kings of their craft. Even though they are not metal, I have to vote for them they are my favorite band hands down
Metallica are just overrated! They are not even near AC/DC and I'm a Metallica fan but still AC/DC were the ONES that gave metal a whole new dimension!
This is the greatest Band ever. They should be in first place by far, man. The difference from other bands is that most of them have like 3 songs that are outstanding, AC/DC has over 10.
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36Nightwish
One of the best bands still going on in this decade. If you've never heard of them, look up their albums Once, Oceanborn, and Imaginaerum. They are such a creative band. They DEFINITELY deserve to be in the top ten. I'm not saying it's a crime if someone's not a fan of them, but more people need to look them up to begin with! Dark Chest of Wonders, The Pharaoh Sails to Orion, Devil and The Deep Dark Ocean, End of All Hope, Planet Hell, She Is My Sin, Ghost Love Score, The Phantom of the Opera (live versions), Storytime, Sahara, Scaretale, 7 Days to the Wolves, Ghost River, and Last Ride of the Day are just a selected few of their masterpieces. Not to mention they have some of the best songwriting of all time - the lyrics, which are heavily influenced by fantasy, are literally poetry, and that is no exaggeration.  
This is the best for me.
since the lyrics is not about evil, the concept is not about evil.
everything is great!
THIS IS MUSIC!
NOT SCREAMING AND EVERYTHING.
I have listen to they music sins I was 7 years ind I lovet it allready then I haer it first time. And now I am 19 and still love them of all my heart. It will always be the best band ever for me.
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37Children Of Bodom
Why 18th? Is this some kind of joke! Children of bodom don't deserve to be in the top 20, they deserve to be in the top 3! People should consider looking at the advantage that this band has. They melodic, fast and skilled! Alexi and Roope have absolute technique and speed. Watch the bodom beach terrot solo lesson and see how talented Alexi is. COB IS AWESOME AND THEY SHOULD KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! NOT MY FUNERAL IS ALSO A GOOD SONG TO PICK UP CONSIDERATION
I think COB is the best of all ever. And Alexi (The Wildchild ) is guitar guru, I just can't but help listening to them even I can't think of heavy metal without cob... Love you!
My personal Favorite band of all time I Loved all their albums.
Their new album is okay, its meh it has some cool solos and guitar playing.

Bloodrunk was awesome though, I don't know why fans complain about it.
I've loved bodom since Something wild and They really progressed their style A lot into a great band.

There is a reason The ESP guitar website puts Alexi Laiho's Name above george lynch, Jeff Hannamen ( slayer), Gus G ( ozzy), Stephen Carpender ( deftones), Mycheal paget ( bullet), Will Adler ( lamb of god), Ron Wood ( rolling stones), Max Cavaleria ( Soul fly, Sepultara)
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38Five Finger Death Punch
AMAZING - Best Modern Metal Band on this list so far, in my opinion! And I know most of these bands! I am in love with every single song they have ever produced, they're all amazing!
Holy hell Five finger death punch are way better than all of the bands below pantera. They should be in the top ten.
How in the hell can anyone think that 5fdp is not top ten quality. I mean seriously. Between the vocal range and their emotional meaningful lyrics... They are one of the best.
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39Iced Earth
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 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...
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40Rage Against the Machine
Morrello revolutionised guitar effects

And the riff were ledgendary

Top 10, at least
Iron maiden are, always have and always will be my favourite metal band but RATM have really grown on me the last couple of months. Deserve the vote!

wolphert

Tom Morrello HANDS DOWN has the best guitar riffs and solos ever they are so simple but yet SO EFFECTIVE they should at least top twenty And Zack's vocals are so influential they make me wanna blow up the white house
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41Testament

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.

thethrasher

Why people voted Avenged Sevenfold?
Testament is the best!

Testament is way better than Poptallica could ever dream to be.
Metallica sucks, Metallica is gay metal for people who don't like metal at all.. THIS band maes real Metal, not Failtallica.


42Evanescence
How come does evanescence is not on the top 3! Amy has a great, awesome& strong voice her songs are insipiring!
Evanescene is not really a Metal band

43Amon Amarth
Half the bands on this list aren't even metal. Amon Amarth kicks ass, and needs to be further up the list since we are talking about metal, after all.
Dood! This list is all crap come on amon amrtha and b4mv r like d best bands ever seriously tool is better than amon amarth come on wt d hell is wrong with you people
I just love amon amarth espescially their music videos it was so cool. I love their soings espescially twilight of the thunder gods
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44Cradle of Filth
Love the guys! I can listen to them forever hahahahaaha! (><)//
Cradle of Filth should be in the top ten! My preference laugh out loud
They simply rule. No one can make such sinister compositions as them

45Helloween
Helloween are the best power metal band in the world! only listen their EPIC saga "Keepers Of The Seven Keys", prepare to enter heaven!

In my opinion it is the best power metal band! They must be in top ten! Oh people... Vote! And listen to real music!
Listen to Keeper of The Seven keys, followed by The King for a Thousand Years, then Halloween, that's it, you prepared to enter in Heaven, now knock on the door listening How Many Tears, A Tale that Wasn't Right and Forever and One. They opened it, now make your triumphal entrance with Victim of Fate, Kids of The Century, The Invisible Man and Dr. Stein, now finish this pack, preparing to be in eternal freedom listening to the best music with Eagle Fly Free.

Kai and Weikath are both amazing guitarists! Weiki is my inspiration since before I started playing guitar.
Deris and Kiske have one of the best voices out of there.
Ingo was the best drummer ever! No discussion about this! No one is better than Ingo! Rest in Peace - Ingo Fly Free
Uli Kusch and Dani Loble plays drumms very well too
Markus Grosskopf is an amazing bassist, just listen to Halloween, KOTSK and Eagle Fly Free to know what I mean.

Are You Metal? And Where The Sinners Go? What would you ask to a mountain if A Mountain Could Talk? You Run With the Package that contains a Pleasure Drone to give you Power as we're in a Time that is just Before The War. Laugh out loud, almost all up there was written with music titles ;)
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46Meshuggah

Meshuggah are absolute monsters!
Just such a huge sound with amazing rhythms.
I seriously rate these guys.


47Guns N Roses
40th? Heh really? Who made this list? Noobies? Come on youngsters, this band should be around the top ten and most of ya'll know it. I'm a guns and roses fan since day 1 and this band inspired lot of kids like me when it was our days.
Most talented band as they only released 3 albums. Had the most high-profile songs of any metal band
Guns N' Roses must be on top it's like the best band everr and slash rocks Guns N' Roses to death and metal never die m/
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48Dragonforce
I Love Dragonforce because the notes they play is Technically hard And Love to hear them... Dragonforce rocks... Herman li Is Awesome Their finger skills is so good... And I want to meet them as me myself is a guitarist of a small band... Thank you
Why would you put dragonforce this low, as my favorite band that I enjoyed hearing most of my day to Through fire and flames, heroes of our time and soldier of our time, they deserve a place to be in the top ten. They put up some powerful notes that words can not describe even when herman li starts playing his guitar, YOU ROCK GUYS!
I've loved df ever since the first time I've heard them. I think of them as my favorite band and the best metal band ever.
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49Mudvayne
Should be at number 1. Chad gray has best voice among these band. This band have created some epic song does not deserve rank 54.
They're amazing and you know it vote higher
Chad Grey is a god. #1
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50Emperor

51Dethklok
Although it was started on a TV show, the level of talent show by the band is greater the most on this list. Gene Hoglan, is one of the best metal drummers ever, and Brendan Small is an extremely good guitarist, together they create the MOST METAL MUSIC EVER.
What can I say dethklok like gives me the adrenaline no other music gives me it makes me mad and happy at the same time, also I love lifting weights to their bad ass riffs and lyrics. Dethklok kicks ass.
I love Dethklok, surely, it is just a band for a show on adultswim "Metalocalypse", It's music is insanely metal. Best band.

52Dark Tranquillity
True mucicians, beautifuls melodies. They're so perfect.
Completely underrated - icons of a whole metal sub-genre (Gothenburg Sound)

53HammerFall
The best heavy metal band!

54Deep Purple
Technically good or not, I don't care.
They have so many good songs with good riffs and good guitars.
You don't have to be fast to be a good guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore
Is on my list of good music.
I enjoy their music, this is what heavy metal is all about!
53 on this list presently, this is a joke for deep purple
Epic band... Should be in the top 20 at least.
I can't believe its currently at 61.
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55The Acacia Strain
Highly underrated simply due to be pigeon holed into the hardcore genre. Heavy, destructive music.

56Machine Head

Best live band I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot. They just blow me away.
The blackening has to be one of the best metal albums of all time.

This band is just perfect. The instrumental is the most complex you can find, Robb's vocals are unbelievable in studio, such as live, and the lyrics are pure art. Plus, they adopted many styles throughout their career, so it's the best Thrash metal band you'll ever find!

Awesome vocals. Awesome instrumental. Awesome band!

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57Bathory

58Aerosmith

59The Human Abstract

60Led Zeppelin
Why the hell is Zeppelin so low on this list? This is easily the greatest and most influential rock band in history with Pink Floyd
You have to be kidding me since when is avenged sevenfold better than possibly one of the best bands of all time Led Zeppelin
Let me explain why Led Zeppelin is not high on this list: they are not a Metal Band. They are Classic Rock. Even that's too specific, because they've tried everything in the book. They've tried reggae, rock, country-rock, heavy metal, and even mixed in some folk. I'm only voting for them because I like them, but they belong on a different list.
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61Agalloch

62Blind Guardian
One of the best power metal groups in the history of metal. The vocals of Hansi Kürsch are simply wonderful. BG isn't the greatest band ever, but it deserves to be at least in the first 40.
BG play the best music ever. The audience is just wonderful, never had such a great feeling during a metal concert. Also the evergreens like Valhalla, Bard song and Mirror Mirror are never getting old.
~Hail to the Bards!
Metallica on top? Metallica died with Cliff Burton
Blind Guardian is still good. "Nightfall in Middle-earth" is best when live
Guardian is the only band that hasn't failed to amaze me on this list.
How are we under HammerFall, Manowar and Dragonforce?
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63Killswitch Engage
Killswitch Engage is definitely up there, their sound is unique without being too unfamiliar to the ears of metal fans.
Greatest band of all time every song s different unique and amazing Howard jones has the best vocals of any band. This deserves to be a lot higher on the list
Should be way higher. Howard Howard Jones sings like a god and Jesse Leech is just as good.
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64The Devil Wears Prada

I don't say they deserve to be the first but they are one good emocore like band plus they are gospel

This band is awesome. They deserve more...


65Insomnium
Half or more than half of the bands in this list aren't metal at all. Just look at names like Bullet for My Valentine : it's Melodic Metalcore. Guns 'n' Roses? In what world is that metal?
It's not popular band, but personally, I think it's one of the best melodic death metal in the world. Just listen to: Through the shadows, Inertia, Down with the sun.. Incredible

66Ministry

67Mastodon
There's no comparing mastodon to anyone on this list they are in a league of their own. I would have expected them to be much higher on the list. They are constantly evolving.
I have no idea how to describe this band in english... It's sort of a mature, and heavy sound. My favorite band of all tinme!

Why are they so low in the list? They deserve to be much higher up...
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68Skid Row

69Death Angel

Death Angel doesn't get the respect the deserve. Their a really good band that came out of the Bay area Thrash scene and their last album Relentless Retrubution is awesome. Ultra Violence, and Act I are trash classics in my opinion and Death Angel needs to be shown a little more love.

These guys belong in the top 10 for sure (but I put them in the number one spot). Even when they were teenagers on their debut album them blew most of these other bands away.

jimocracy


70Underoath
THIS MUSIC IS SO INTERESTING

71Born of Osiris

72Apocalyptica

73Exodus
What these guys are making some of the best thrash ever recorded right now. Their last 4 albums are unreal. Tempo of the Damned, Shovel Headed Kill Machine, The Atrocity: Exhibit A and Exhibit B; The Human Condition are absolute mammoth albums that stack up against anybody. Seriously these guys deserve more recognition.

74Mayhem

75Atreyu
Atreyu shouldn't be down this far, this is an outrage! Listen to them and you will em guaranteed. Korn is a messed up name for a band just saying. And cannibal corpse like which drongo named their band Cannibal corpse.
They should be in top ten. They bring post metalcore music into great georgeous thing to hear

76Kreator

77KISS
KISS is the best Hard rock band of all time, no arguments!
This is my attitude, take it or leave it, because I love to scream LOUD... KISS m/
The Best I've
Ever Heard Hands Down
KISS is one of the best bands in the world to ever-come out of heavy metal, ever be on stage, rock the world and change the lives of millions with a loud and proud legacy of shock rock, merchandise and the hottest show on earth!
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78Orphaned Land

79August Burns Red

80Shinedown

81Chimaira

I'm surprised to see chimaira is so low on the list I agree with most the comments about linkin park being above great hard metal bands such as chimaira and lamb of god.. The people who voted on this should kill themselves out of shame... Travis long


82Bloodbath

83Amorphis

84After Forever

The best Dutch metal band. Powerful, but beautiful female vocals Floor Jansen, combined with a very diverse and beautiful emotional music. The group sounds great live!


85Avantasia

are you serious big sound great song writing this has to be a lot higher


86Deathstars

87Haste the Day

88Dir en grey
A few of these positions come at shock. Dream Theater at 14th is one of them but Dir en grey at 42nd, now that isn't right.
What world do we live in today where dir en grey is number 42 Metallica I only like their stuff from the 90's the rest sucks vote for dir en grey its the best band ever. Oh and how is nirvana metal what that's just weird
No comments thus far? Takes time to get use to their style but should definitely be in the top 10.
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89Motley Crue
Why the Heck did they put Motley Crue in 59? Its just wrong man, they should be arrested for that kind of stupid stoned and dumb thing that they did. I know Ozzy, Guns N Roses, KISS, Scorpions, and AC/DC and other ones are good but Motley Crue is the best IN THE Best Metal Bands.
Another hard rock list crossover, but metal enough to be here. Some great albums, and a great show in Santa Monica.
How the hell are these guys way down here? They're gods!
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90Emigrate

91Fear Factory
Fear Factory is definitely the best metal band. They were partially responsible for the development of several major subgenres in metal today such as industrial and death metal. Few bands can change their style and sound like FF and still maintain who they are as a band; most bands that try end up alienating their original fan base in the end. And to add to the heavy music, a number of their CDs play into a detailed concept-scheme which is both refreshing and interesting.
Fear Factory 98th place? Lmao Should be in top 10.
By far, Fear Factory is one of the most underrated Metal bands out there. I'm not sure if it's because they haven't fit into a neatly defined category of metal, but certainly when you look at 1995's Demanufacture, you can hear the genius of getting Rhys Fulber to mix the album and participate as the unncredited 5th member of the band.

Fear Factory has also not been content to stand pat; they've taken risks, and experimented when they could have churned out the same stuff over and over again, If you haven't taken a moment to listen to Fear Factory, give them a whirl. I mean, when Black Sabbath wishes they could play with Fear Factory, they've gotta be doing something right!

92Bloodsimple

93Sepultura
This band is great... They have beautifull songs... They are simply awesome! Respect! :X ( they are more awesome than Bullet For My Valentine
These guys ( well when Max and Igor were there ) were the sh! T. From the slums of Brazil to Metal Gods. Arise, Beneath the Remains, Choas AD and Roots are all masterpieces
One of the heaviest metal bands of the 90's After Max left who cares though.
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94Venom

95Saxon

96Therion

Outstanding! Simply the beast;) Especially at the beggining of career. (From Sweden of course not Germany).

Pretty awesome, if I do say so. For any melodic/symphonic metal fan who find inspiration in the old Norse myths and can't be appeased with one singer, this is yours. They are German, and draw from satanic influences. Otherwise, great band.


97Rhapsody (Rhapsody of Fire)

The most epic and brilliant band in all of heavy metal. Kings of power metal and one of the few non-disastrous attempts to truly fuse classical forms of music and heavy metal. The first two Rhapsody albums represent the band's classic signature sound and the pinnacle of power metal, while the last two full Rhapsody (of Fire) albums represent a by and large successful move to a more refined and modern sound. A few albums in between fell short, but records like Power of the Dragonflame are undoubted power metal classics.


98Katatonia
What in the world? If you people don't think that Katatonia is good then you obviously don't know great music. Honestly? I am very appalled at this. It makes absolutely no sense for them to be this low.

99DevilDriver

100King Diamond

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This list was created 5 years, 315 days ago and has been voted on over 21,000 times. This top ten list contains 365 items, has been remixed 88 times and has been blogged about 6 times.

Updated Saturday, May 25, 2013


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