Top ten list - top ten heavy metal bands (Based on sales)
10. Judas Priest
Coming in at number ten is the legendary Judas Priest. They are known for their hits "Breaking the Law", "Living after Midnight", and "You've got Another Thing Comin' ". They were virtually unknown until their 1980 record "British Steel", which was released during the NWOBHM(New Wave Of British Heavy Metal). Their next hit came with 83's "Screaming for Vengeance". Their debut, "Rocka Rolla", was released in 1976, and they still consistently release albums and tour. The basically define the classic heavy metal sound, next to Black Sabbath.
9. Black sabbath
Coming in at number nine is the pioneers of heavy metal themselves, Black Sabbath. Known for hits such as "Paranoid", "Iron Man", and "Children of the Grave", they are on e of the best. They set the tone for the original heavy metal bands, with their slow, heavy riffs, that lingered with impending doom. They debuted in 1970 with their self-titled album, and then their sophomore effort, "Paranoid" become their most popular album with songs such as "Paranoid" and "Iron Man". Even though they formed in 1970, they still play today, and are planning to release their twentieth album in 2015 and then do one final tour.
8. Korn
Coming in at number eight is American nu metal band Korn. They formed in 1993 and are the most popular nu metal band today. They are known for their 98' and 99' albums "Follow the Leader" and "Issues", respectably. Some of their more popular songs include "Hater", "Here to Stay" and "Freak on a Leash". They are known for their very obscene and vulgar lyrics. They are not cool at all.
7. Iron Maiden
The leader of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement that happened in the late 70's and early 80's, coming in at number seven is Iron Maiden. They are known for such epics as "Number of the Beast", "Aces High", and "The Trooper". They were formed by their main song writer and bassist Steve Harris in 1975. Since then They have released 37 albums, 15 of those being studio albums. Their three most successful albums, which were released all in a row are "Number of the Beast"(1982), "Piece of Mind"(1983), and "Powerslave"(1984). They have basically inspired just about every metal band after them, from everything from thrash metal bands such as Slayer and Metallica, to melodic death metal bands such as At the Gates and In Flames.
6. Motley Crue
Coming in at number six, the kings of glam metal, Motley Crue. They are known for their flashy, done up look. They are known for songs such as "Dr. Feelgood and their hit ballad "Home Sweet Home". They formed in 1981, and since then have released 9 studio albums. They were very popular during the eighties when glam metal was very popular, but in the nineties with the emergence of grunge, their popularity majorly decreased, though they have recently gained popularity with their farewell tour underway. Their last studio album was released in 2009.
5. Van halen
Coming in at number 5 is Van Halen. They are known for songs such as "Jump", "Panama", and the guitar solo epic "Eruption". Their are best known for their guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, who founded the band with his brother, who is the drummer. Their two best known singers are David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar. The band was founded in 1972 and is still playing and releasing albums to this day. Their most popular albums are "Van Halen" and "1984".
4. Guns 'n' Roses
Coming in at number four is the band Guns 'n' Roses. They are known for songs such as "Paradise City", "Sweet Child o' Mine", and "Welcome to the Jungle". Their original lead guitarist, Slash, is known as an incredible guitar player. They formed in 1985, and in 1987 released their debut album, "Appetite for Destruction" . "Appetite for Destruction" is the most successful debut album ever. Slash is no longer in the band, as their lead guitarist is now Bumblefoot. At one point they also had the guitarist Buckethead, who as known as one of the best guitarists in the world. They still play today, even though their popularity has decreased significantly since Slash left the band.
3. metallica
Coming in at number three, my favorite band of all time, Metallica. They are known for songs such as "Enter Sandman", "Master of Puppets", and "One". They formed in 1981 with an original line up of James Hetfield(Rhythm Guitar, Vocals), Dave Mustaine(Lead Guitar), Rob McGovney(Bass Guitar), and Lars Ulrich (Drums). Though before recording their debut album, Rob McGovney left and was replaced by Cliff Burton, and Dave Mustaine left to go on and from Megadeth. He was replaced by Kirk Hammett. They released their debut album,in 1983, titled "Kill 'em All". It was the first album of its kind, as it was the first thrash metal album, which combined elements of hardcore punk and heavy metal. In 1984 they released their sophomore effort, "Ride the Lightning". In 1986, they released their most critically acclaimed album, "Master of Puppets". During a tour in support of the album, in Sweden, their tour bus went off the road and it killed Cliff Burton, their bassist. They decided to carry on after his death and in 1987 hired Jason Newstead, their new bassist. With him they released 1988's ("...And Justice for All"). This album peaked at number two on the Billboard album charts, but never made it to number one. In 1991 came their break, partially departing from their usually thrashy sound, they released the "Black Album" which was self titled, with no official name. It debuted at number one in the billboard charts, and stayed there for many months. It spawned hits such as "Enter Sandman", "Nothing Else Matters", and "Unforgiven". After an insanely long world tour, they took a hiatus from touring until 1995. Then they started recording their two new albums, "Load" and "Reload". In 1996 they released Load, and in 1997 they released ReLoad. These albums can't even be considered thrash, as they had a more bluesy feel to them, and was more reminiscent of classic heavy metal. Though the albums were not well received by the hardcore Metallica fans, they both debuted at number one. In 2001, Jason Newstead left the band, just before they started working on their new album. Their new album, titled "St. Anger", had a very raw, angry, straight up metal feel to it. They had no bassist at the time, so the producer, Bob Rock, played bass on the album. The album was poorly received by Metallica fans, mainly because of the snare-less snare drum and the lack of guitar solos. The album was released in 2003, and in that same year they hired their current bassist, Robert Trujillo. In 2008, they finally returned to their more thrashy roots, with 2008's "Death Magnetic". That is the last studio album they have released, though in 2015 they started work on their latest album.
2. ac/dc
Coming in at number two is the legends AC/DC. Though considered by some just straight up rock 'n' roll, I personally consider them very classic heavy metal. They are known for hits such as "Back in Black", "Highway to Hell", and "Thunderstruck". They were formed in 1973, and released their debut album in 1974. Their lead singer, Bon Scott, died in 1980 due to alcohol poisoning. The band decided to carry on, and shortly afterward they hired their current singer Brian Johnson. That same year, they released their best selling album, "Back in Black". This album contained song such as "Hells Bells", "Rock and Roll aint Noise Pollution", and the title track. They have gone on to release many more successful records, with their latest being "Rock or Bust", which was released in December 2014.
Before we reveal #1 - Honorable Mentions
The Honorable Mentions are:
- Alice in Chains
- System of a Down
- Megadeth
1. Led Zeppelin
Coming in at number one are the rock gods Led Zeppelin. You may consider them rock, but most people consider them, along with Black Sabbath, the pioneers of Heavy Metal. Over the course of their career, they got a lot heavier, and by the end of their career had defined the heavy metal sound. Their most revered albums, Led Zeppelin IV and Houses of the Holy displayed this sound well. They are the most commercially successful band, bringing in a total of 138.6 million certified record sales.