- Metallica
- Black Sabbath
- Iron Maiden
- Judas Priest
- Megadeth
- Slayer
- AC/DC
- Dio
- Anthrax
- Motörhead
Note: This is a subjective list and there are many other heavy metal bands that could also be considered among the best.
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Dave Mustaine, and bassist Ron McGovney. Mustaine was later replaced by Kirk Hammett in 1983. The band's fast tempos, instrumentals, and aggressive musicianship placed them as one of the founding "big four" of thrash metal alongside Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax. With over 125 million records sold worldwide, Metallica is one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Some of their most popular albums include "Ride the Lightning," "Master of Puppets," "And Justice for All," and "Metallica" (also known as "The Black Album").
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath is an English heavy metal band formed in 1968 in Birmingham. The band is often cited as the pioneers of heavy metal music. The original line-up consisted of vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. The band's dark, heavy sound, characterized by Iommi's guitar riffs, Butler's lyrics and Osbourne's distinctive voice, has been highly influential in the development of the genre. Black Sabbath's first album, Black Sabbath, released in 1970, is often considered the first heavy metal album. Some of their other notable albums include "Paranoid," "Master of Reality," "Vol. 4," and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath." Osbourne left the band in 1979, but the band continued to tour and release albums with various vocalists before finally retiring in 2017.
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden is an English heavy metal band formed in 1975 in London. The band's original lineup consisted of bassist Steve Harris, vocalist Paul Di'Anno, guitarist Dave Murray, drummer Doug Sampson, and guitarist Dennis Stratton. The band's sound is characterized by Harris' songwriting, the use of guitar harmonies, and Bruce Dickinson's powerful vocals. They are one of the most successful and influential bands in the heavy metal genre, and have sold over 100 million records worldwide. Some of their most popular albums include "The Number of the Beast," "Piece of Mind," "Powerslave," "Somewhere in Time," and "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son." Iron Maiden's mascot, Eddie the Head, is a perennial fixture in the band's imagery and stage shows. The band continues to tour and record new music to this day.
Judas Priest
Judas Priest is an English heavy metal band formed in 1969 in Birmingham. The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist Al Atkins, guitarist K. K. Downing, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer John Ellis. The band has gone through several lineup changes over the years, with Rob Halford being the lead vocalist since 1973. The band's sound is characterized by their twin guitar harmonies, Halford's powerful vocals, and their use of elaborate stage costumes and theatrics. They are considered to be one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. Some of their most popular albums include "Sad Wings of Destiny," "Sin After Sin," "British Steel," "Screaming for Vengeance," and "Painkiller." Judas Priest continues to tour and record new music to this day.
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band formed in 1983 by Dave Mustaine. The band's original lineup consisted of Mustaine on guitar and vocals, bassist Dave Ellefson, drummer Gar Samuelson, and guitarist Chris Poland. The band's sound is characterized by Mustaine's aggressive vocals, complex guitar playing and lyrics often dealing with political and social issues. They are considered to be one of the "big four" of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax. They have released 15 studio albums, with more than 50 million records sold worldwide. Some of their most popular albums include "Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!," "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?," "Countdown to Extinction," and "Youthanasia." Megadeth has gone through several lineup changes over the years, with Mustaine being the only constant member. They continue to tour and record new music to this day.
Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in 1981 in Huntington Park, California. The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist/bassist Tom Araya, guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, and drummer Dave Lombardo. Slayer's music is known for its fast tempos, technical skill and aggressive musicianship. They are considered to be one of the "big four" of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. The band has released 12 studio albums, with over 4 million records sold in the US alone. Some of their most popular albums include "Show No Mercy," "Reign in Blood," "South of Heaven," and "Seasons in the Abyss." Slayer has gone through several lineup changes over the years, with King and Araya being the only constant members. The band has retired from touring in 2019 after 37 years of activity.
AC/DC
AC/DC is an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. The band's original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Dave Evans, Malcolm Young on guitar, Angus Young on guitar, Colin Burgess on drums, and Larry Van Kriedt on bass guitar. The band's sound is characterized by their heavy use of electric guitar, particularly Angus Young's guitar solos, and the distinctive voice of lead vocalist Brian Johnson, who joined the band in 1980 after the departure of Evans. The band has released 17 studio albums, with more than 200 million records sold worldwide. Some of their most popular albums include "High Voltage," "T.N.T," "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," "Highway to Hell," "Back in Black," and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You." Malcolm Young retired from the band due to health issues in 2014 and passed away in 2017. The band has continued to tour and record new music with various lineup changes over the years.
Dio
Dio (pronounced "dee-oh") was an American heavy metal band formed in 1982 by Ronnie James Dio, who was the band's lead vocalist, songwriter and the only constant member throughout the band's history. The band's original lineup consisted of Ronnie James Dio on vocals, Jimmy Bain on bass, Vinny Appice on drums, and Vivian Campbell on guitar. The band's sound is characterized by Dio's powerful vocals, and the use of fantasy and occult-themed lyrics. They are considered to be one of the most influential bands in the heavy metal genre.
The band released 10 studio albums, with over 10 million records sold worldwide. Some of their most popular albums include "Holy Diver," "The Last in Line," "Sacred Heart," and "Dream Evil." Dio has gone through several lineup changes over the years, with Dio being the only constant member. Dio died on May 16, 2010 due to stomach cancer. His former bandmates and collaborators continue to tour and perform Dio's music under the name "Dio Disciples"
Anthrax
Anthrax is an American thrash metal band formed in 1981 in New York City. The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist Neil Turbin, guitarists Scott Ian and Dan Spitz, bassist Danny Lilker, and drummer Charlie Benante. The band's sound is characterized by their aggressive musicianship and use of complex guitar riffs and solos. They are considered to be one of the "big four" of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. The band has released 11 studio albums, with over 10 million records sold worldwide. Some of their most popular albums include "Fistful of Metal," "Spreading the Disease," "Among the Living," and "Sound of White Noise." Anthrax has gone through several lineup changes over the years, with Ian being the only constant member. They continue to tour and record new music to this day.
Motörhead
Motörhead is an English rock band formed in 1975 by vocalist and bassist Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister. The band's original lineup consisted of Lemmy, guitarist Larry Wallis, and drummer Lucas Fox. The band's sound is characterized by Lemmy's distinctive gravelly voice, and their blending of punk rock and heavy metal, which they referred to as "Rock and Roll." They are considered to be one of the most influential bands in the heavy metal genre, and have sold over 15 million records worldwide. Some of their most popular albums include "Motörhead," "Overkill," "Ace of Spades," and "No Sleep 'til Hammersmith." The band has gone through several lineup changes over the years, with Lemmy being the only constant member. Lemmy passed away on December 28th, 2015. The band continues to tour and record new music with various members.