Top 10 Most Influential Metal Bands of All Time
Published on June 6, 2008 - 295 Comments
This is a list of the most influential metal bands. If it were the best bands list, it would be very different. All bands here deserve props for what they did and should never be forgotten through the music made today. Narrowing down the selections was difficult and I almost feel like I cheated Metallica, but I think if they had stayed true to their original sound, they would have had a much greater impact.
Napalm Death are the creators of grindcore. On top of that they influenced all sorts of death and doom metal bands around their time. They have had great members in their band, some of whom found success over the years in bands like Cathedral and Carcass.
Death was one of the original death metal bands. Late guitarist Chuck Schuldiner was often considered the “Father of Death Metal.” It is no surprise that they paved the way for bands like Cannibal Corpse and Napalm Death.
Slayer is one of the big four that founded thrash metal along with Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth. Other bands even created the genre speed metal around Slayer. With insane riffs and songs like Raining Blood, Seasons in the Abyss, Angel of Death, and Black Magic, it is obvious why they are on the list.
Manowar are power metal. Often singing about fantasy and looking the part of the warriors they claim to be. You can see lyrical similarities with current day power metal bands such as Blind Guardian, Hammerfall, and Dragonforce.
Celtic Frost is an incredibly influential gothic metal band. It is hard to say that they aren’t influential considering all of the covers of their songs that bands have done. They helped create that gloomy sound that metal has become so accustomed to.
Another founder of death/black metal. They directly influenced Slayer and bands of that ilk. They were not afraid to depict Satan in their music and that helped contribute to their fame. Although not a widely known band, their sound and depictions of religion are seen throughout metal today.
The Ace of Spades, Overkill, and Bomber. Need I say more? Lemmy’s gritty vocals and wild bass playing were unheard of at the time. It is very hard to say that Motorhead did not impact the world of metal.
The NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) has by far the greatest impact and was the start of metal. Iron Maiden helped lead the pack with wailing vocals, catchy and memorable songs and also helped led the way for power metal with its lyrical content. Still going strong today, any band looking for influence cannot cancel out Iron Maiden.
Another band out of the NWOBHM, they started with two guitarists in the band and high pitched vocals. Songs like Painkiller, You’ve got another thing comin’, and Breaking the Law have become timeless classics. Judas Priest is arguably one of the best bands to ever sport metal as their genre.
As soon as you read the topic I’m sure you knew that this would be the number one. The very first metal band, it’s only fair to give them the top spot. They started everything. You hear a riff or sound a guitar makes, it evolved from Black Sabbath. Thrash sounds are apparent in Symptom of the Universe and epic tones are present in Iron Man and War Pigs. The lyrical ideals of Geezer Butler were amazing and opened the eyes of the people.
Contributor: Vakattack91
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1. CARD - June 6th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Nice list, just the type of list I wanted for my Birthday.
Motorhead rules
2. jin - June 6th, 2008 at 6:27 am
First! yeah Metallica would have been an addition if they hadn’t turned pop
But then again they still sell seats AND records…so money makes the world go round… 
3. David - June 6th, 2008 at 6:32 am
Very decent list, the only omission I can think of is Satan himself, the purest metal influence (and drugs and getting laid of course).
4. Chris - June 6th, 2008 at 6:34 am
I don’t really like metal all that much, but I Black Sabbath is pretty good.
5. Z-rex - June 6th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Interesting list… although the fact that Metallica changed their sound later in their career in no way diminishes the lasting impact that their first 3 albums had and continues to have. To exclude them simply because they didn’t stay the same seems unfair. “Kill ‘Em All”, “Ride the Lightning” and “Master of Puppets” are 3 of the most influential metal albums ever produced- they still influence countless bands today.
And, um, Manowar?? Really? The album cover for “Anthology” should automatically exclude them from being taken seriously.
6. chris - June 6th, 2008 at 6:36 am
I don’t really like metal all that much, but Black Sabbath is pretty good.
7. Boss - June 6th, 2008 at 6:37 am
great list
8. Cooper - June 6th, 2008 at 6:38 am
What about DIO? Should deserve an honourable mention at least.
9. green - June 6th, 2008 at 6:39 am
Metal isn’t really my thing, so I’m pretty surprised that I actually recognize a few of these bands: Black Sabbath I’ve listened to, and I’ve at least heard of a few others.
10. dangorironhide - June 6th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Great list! HUGE fan of Maiden here, it’s good to see them up where they deserve, you can hear their influence in so many bands these days. I agree on Sabbath, they’re the only natural choice for the #1 spot.
“Generals gathered in their masseeeeeeeees…”
I’ll have to go check out some of the bands further up the list, the only band I listen to from 5 upwards is Slayer, who I also love.
11. AnotherEngine - June 6th, 2008 at 6:47 am
I think I would include Metallica on the list based on the first several albums. They took what most of the bands on this list did one step further & really broke metal through to the mainstream, for better or worse.
I’d also include Neurosis and/or Godflesh, who paved the way for Isis, Tool, Pelican, etc…
And maybe even Corrosion of Conformity, who have been around forever. Good list though I don’t expect too many comments other than “I hate metal.”
12. rushfan - June 6th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Slayer is the shit! Motorhead rules! I heart Lemmy
And Black Sabbath is indeed awesome! Freakin cool list, man.
13. Vakattack91 - June 6th, 2008 at 6:53 am
Thanks for the support of the list. Keep it metal guys!
14. SlickWilly - June 6th, 2008 at 6:56 am
I agree. Leaving off Metallica and including Manowar was probably a big mistake. Metallica is one of the most influential metak bands ever. Just because Load/Reload/St. Anger kind of blew doesn’t diminish the fact that after Master of Puppets, just about every metal band was trying to be Metallica. Also, I don’t think it is fair to say that Black Sabbath coined the first heavy metal riffs. Actually, Led Zeppelin was doing their thing about 2-3 years before the band we know as “Black Sabbath” appeared on the scene (before then, they were a heavy rock group known as “Earth”), and many musicologists recognize Led Zeppelin as the first true heavy metal band. Essentially, Black Sabbath took their cues from Jimmy Page and company. So it is a mischaracterization to say that they invented it all. Not true. They lifted most of it from Led Zeppelin and developed their own style from there.
15. SlickWilly - June 6th, 2008 at 6:56 am
edit: “…one of the most influential *metal* bands ever…”
16. jin - June 6th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Why the monitoring? Did I say something wrong in my comment? No bad words, wrong grammar, politically incorrect statement there, not even a period out of place (I think). That’s sad when an individual can’t express his/her opinion freely.
17. avgjoe - June 6th, 2008 at 6:59 am
hehe, funny how times change… I’m pretty sure you can find Black Sabbath in the easy listning section of the music store now.
18. Bob - June 6th, 2008 at 7:05 am
Funny, I was just thinking about this type of music yesterday and wondering what on earth could be the aesthetic appeal of it. What is it in this genre that delights? Maybe it’s the savage screaming? The dissonant chords? The screeching? Sounds like I’m describing two cats fighting, doesn’t it? Funny thing that. . .
19. scarlettangel - June 6th, 2008 at 7:11 am
This list is great! I love all these bands. Thank you so much for adding Manowar to the list. They are often overlooked in the states. I saw them in Atlanta a couple of years ago! Amazing performance. They are true to themselves and don’t give a @#%& if people care. Eric Adams also has a beautiful voice. Nessun Dorma anyone?
20. Cyn - June 6th, 2008 at 7:13 am
jin-
comments claiming ‘first’ are kicked into moderation.
21. dangorironhide - June 6th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Bob: the typical views of someone who has had a very limited exposure to metal. Have you actually ever listened to Sabbath or Maiden? Not a scream or a screach in sight.
I was wondering when overused stereotypes were going to be brought out, I’m surprised actually it took until comment 18.
Do some research and actually LISTEN to the music before you start spouting crap like that.
22. The Tantalizer - June 6th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Great List, but come on… Manowar and not Metallica? Two words… COME ON… id rather see Motley Crue that Manowar, (not that i think Motley Crue shouldn’t be on this list). It should have been a top 20 or even 15 and included Metallica, Motley Crue, Zeppelin, Pantera and Dio
23. CleverMel - June 6th, 2008 at 7:18 am
You have Celtic Frost and Manowar but no Dream Theatre? Hmmm…
24. dangorironhide - June 6th, 2008 at 7:22 am
CleverMel: Dream Theatre are prog, not metal
25. Quiana - June 6th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Not a metal fan but stil entertaining.
26. Vakattack91 - June 6th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Didnt you all know that Dio was with Black Sabbath before his solo project? With that said, Dio was not left out of this list. Its all of Black Sabbath, not just Sabbath with Ozzy.
27. JayArr - June 6th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Happy Birthday, Card!
I always thought Satan was more ‘Elevator Music’ than metal… soothing, deceptive, manipulating…
Manowar only works if you’re Portuguese.
I only lose my voice after the first 5 or 6 heavy bellowing tunes!
28. diogenes - June 6th, 2008 at 7:28 am
ah Venom. Slayer! Slayer! Reign in Blood is one of the best metal albums of all time. I’ve had the same casette tape running in replay for 20years.
Lemmy! Aw Lemmy! Dontcha luv me?
I still wakeup to Ironman every morning. Air guitar my way into the world
Iron Eddy Rules! I wore my tee until it was in rags..then I wore it some more.
29. walter - June 6th, 2008 at 7:30 am
jesus christ….gayest list ever.
except, of course, for Motorhead. Lemmy a fiver!
30. dangorironhide - June 6th, 2008 at 7:32 am
walter: If you’re going to post a comment like that, why don’t you tell us exactly WHY you think it’s the gayest list?
31. green - June 6th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Slick & dangorironhide-
Thanks for your insight. I will admit that I have been reluctant to listen to many of the bands listed because I just assumed I wouldn’t like it.
Then I see Led Zepplin linked to the origins of Metal, which I had never considered.
I’ll check them out before forming any more opinions
32. Kreachure - June 6th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Woohoo for Metal!
I think you nailed it, especially with the top choices.
BUT Metallica is Metallica. Whatever they may have become today, the band defined true metal as it is today during a time when hair metal seemed to be defining the genre *shudder*. They also brought metal into mainstream, which in the end turned up to be a good thing. They’re undoubtedly one of the most influential metal bands; certainly one of the top 10.
33. Corey - June 6th, 2008 at 7:42 am
Calling Venom a founder of black metal is sort of inaccurate, the name black metal is taken from one of their albums, but the sound and themes of black metal come more from bands like Bathory, Mercyful Fate and Hellhammer.
34. walter - June 6th, 2008 at 7:43 am
sorry, ironsides…..didn’t mean to strike a nerve there, pally.
i should’ve written ‘gayest genre ever’. my apologies go out to vakattack or whomever wrote the list.
as far as influence goes…..who did these jackasses influence? other ‘metal up your ass’ groups that wear leather and sing about myth and magic, fairies, satan, and blood? wow…how far reaching.
sure, i liked that music in seventh grade, but then again i also thought kiss wearing make-up was tres cool.
35. SoCalJeff - June 6th, 2008 at 7:44 am
This website is showing its Anti-Canadian bias once againg by not placing RUSH in the top 10
36. jayhawk - June 6th, 2008 at 7:47 am
I don’t think Spinal Tap could have made a funnier picture than that Manowar band photo. That shim with the bangs in that pic is pretty rough.
37. S_R - June 6th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Top 10 Most Influential Metal Bands of All Time to quicken the downfall of society. It’s all crap! Murder, death, Satan–oh! But he doesn’t exist, there’s not really a hell (remeber the line: “the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing mankind he doesn’t exist”?!)– witchcraft, hate, suicide, rape, deomons, posession, etc., etc. Let’s turn on the music, blast it real loud, get stoned, play some graphically violent video games where we can rip someone’s guts out with our bare hands and rape a few girls, tell our parents “f*ck you!” (and they think it’s OK, of course, this is mom’s third husband and he doesn’t get involved, we don’t know where dad is–maybe in the joint somewhere, or dead), then… Go meet our girlfriend and take her to the abortion clinic after which we agreed we’d both go get tested for STDs.
“And I think to myself… What a wonderful world.” - Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World
38. Mom424 - June 6th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Well hot damn! Another music list where I actually know most of the bands.
I am in agreement with Slick and others - The omission of Metallica is an egregious error.
And where the hell is Deep Purple?
Otherwise great list.
SoCalJeff; Rush is heavy metal? Not in my book.
39. brittany112 - June 6th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
To Walter, Bob, and others:
“Ever since I was 12 years old I had to defend my love for heavy metal against those who say it’s a less valid form of music. My answer now is that you either feel it or you don’t. If metal doesn’t give that overwhelming surge of power that make the hair stand up at the back of your neck, you might never get it, and you know what? That’s okay, because judging by the 40,000 metalheads around me we’re doing just fine without you. ” -Sam Dunn, from “Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey”.
Thank you for the list, vakattack. What a great way to start my morning. And thanks for including Iron Maiden..I’m even more stoked now to see Bruce tear up the stage Sunday night.
40. brittany112 - June 6th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
S_R, were you not hugged as a child?? Looks like your violent imagination is doing just fine without the influence of heavy metal music.
41. dofnup - June 6th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Love the list!! Especially love the fact that Vakattack91 knows the difference between “influential” and “chart-topping” ^_~
\m/
42. DiscHuker - June 6th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
wow. in order to be an influential metal band do you have to have bad hair and a thing for black clothing?
43. DiscHuker - June 6th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
holy crap!!! after seeing people refer to the manowar album cover for anthology i had to go take a look.
how could this have ever been cool?
http://m.blog.hu/kl/klipperium.....hology.jpg
44. Andrew - June 6th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
i like to think that my comment on the last “Your view” helped inspire this list. It all seems pretty solid in my books, sure there are other bands that could be on the list, but the ones that are on it certainly deserve it.
45. Mom424 - June 6th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
DiscHuker; Can you say homo-erotic? They probably dated The Village People.
46. Clantargh - June 6th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
No Gorgoroth, Mayhem, or ACDC?
47. nick - June 6th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
where is system of a down, they r really political and have very good music
48. tranquilhegemony - June 6th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
they only influence each other, nick
49. robneiderman - June 6th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Just had to chime in here. First of all, I’ll add my voice to those who say Metallica was very influential, and deserves to be on the list no matter how far they’ve fallen in recent years.
Second, though Led Zeppellin influenced metal bands, I wouldn’t consider them a metal band, as some have suggested. This is a controversial topic, though. Music is hard to categorize.
Third, speaking of categorization, Dream Theater is almost always called progressive metal (not simply progressive rock). There’s a noticeable difference between their sound and bands like Yes and Rush, though they clearly influenced them. Since this list includes speed metal, death metal, British metal, goth metal, and power metal, I think DT falls within the parameters of the list. Whether they’re influential enough or not is worth debating. There’s definitely a shared sound with some later bands, like Symphony X for example.
50. CRussey - June 6th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
GREAT LIST!
I saw Iron Maiden a week ago with my brother, they were amazing! great performers. Iron Maiden is my favorite band
51. Dawn Bearer - June 6th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Great list, but I would’ve made it a top 15 and added these bands:
Possessed - also one of the pioneers of Death metal with many crediting Seven Churches as the first Death Metal album not Death’s Scream Bloody Gore.
Emperor - Black Metal at it’s finest.
Mercyful Fate\King Diamond - few bands that haven’t been influenced by them, from Black to even Power metal.
Alice Cooper - If Alice Cooper didn’t bring his evil persona on stage, metal would never be the same.
Dio - Need I say more about the godfather of Power metal?
52. tranquilhegemony - June 6th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Testament
53. Robert - June 6th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Good list! I like almost all these bands.
Manowar is a very rocking band if you don’t take them too seriously. Plus it has Ross The Boss as guitar player who was also in The Dictators, a band many people consider to be the first punk rock group.
54. Cyn - June 6th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Mom424 -
nothing wrong w/ homo-erotic.
‘hair’ bands, glam-rock, ‘boy’ bands, over compensating goth/metal/death/whatevah…its all good..when its attractive young men thrashing about in tight pants.
55. jasontimmer - June 6th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
without Tool, this list is fail. I am disappointed.
56. stormy617 - June 6th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I Agree Cyn, Besides with those bods they deserve to show them off!!!!
57. Double D - June 6th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Great List. Long live Metal.
A few points - I think having both Venom and Celtic Frost is a bit redundant. I also would have included Pantera instead of Manowar. Metallica probably deserved to be on the list but I like the fact that you left them off.
58. SlickWilly - June 6th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I would have included Alice in Chains before Tool. Their influence is far more widespread.
59. MPW - June 6th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I love all forms of rock music and metal is in the top 3.
Metallica should be on this list.
that pic of Manowar or should i say He-manowar is HI larious
Outstanding list. Standing O
60. goof_ball - June 6th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
if theyre so influential, then how come ive only heard of half of these?
61. jasontimmer - June 6th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Slick- yeah, maybe I’m thinking of a “best metal bands” list. Tool has taken the genre into uncharted territory, and they have my immense gratitude for it.
62. MPW - June 6th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
goof_ball: you’re only one person
63. TimB35 - June 6th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Blue Cheer-the original heavy metal band, even before black sabbath. Zeppelin also deserves a spot on this list too if you’re going to recognize black sabbath since the came out at the same time.
64. Cedestra - June 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I’m thinking we should create a List-o-meter. It will judge the list on a scale of it’s controversialness based upon how quickly someone mentions something religious and/or something political. Extra points if they’re really reaching.
We could make it cute and label it according to temperatures.
For example, this list would get “Mildly Toasty” for S_R’s retarded comment at number 37. Congrats, Vakattack91, for creating a mildly toasty list. Bring on the Obama comments to make it flame-broiled!
65. JwJwBean - June 6th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I like the list. I have not heard of all of these bands. I would have loved some sound or youtube clips to go along with this one.
66. Logar - June 6th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Socaljeff: I couldn’t agree with you more. Rush is SO heavy metal. I spent my 20’s listening to “Tom Sawyer” and worshiping Satan. Great call.
67. Csimmons - June 6th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
LOVE this list! agree with all the choices for once! although I might add Nirvana
68. Csimmons - June 6th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I bet Dangor is happy with Maiden! wait, scrolled up, yep!
69. dangorironhide - June 6th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Csimmons, you are taking the piss with Nirvana, right? RIGHT??
If you aren’t you’re in for a serious beatdown next time you’re on IRC.
70. What He Said - June 6th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Csimmons, are you serious? The fact that you even mentioned Nirvana should mean you could have stayed away from this conversation, dont you think?
71. Vakattack91 - June 6th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Honorable mention goes to the original Doom soundtrack
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6TNPNddc-K8
72. Vakattack91 - June 6th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
edit* ^ Episode 1 Map 1
73. brittany112 - June 6th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
TimB35, THANK YOU for sending a shout-0ut to Blue Cheer. I’m totally with you on this one.
And I agree with Double D that Pantera definitely deserves a spot as one of the most influental bands….you think 90s thrash metal, who comes to mind first?
74. dangorironhide - June 6th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Vakattack: Hell yeah! The doom soundtrack is one long track of awesomeness. Who knew midi could sound so badass?
75. VikingBerserker - June 6th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
What a fricken 2nd, how in the world could you have left off MTV’s very first Metal Band of the year???????
Come one, Jethro Tull!!!!!
You just don’t see enough flutes in heavy metal any more…..
76. Glowbug - June 6th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Hmm…. No Metallica, no Ramstein, no Led Zepplin or Cream (both of which were VERY influential on metal)… but Celtic Frost and Manowar? What’s next? Def Leppard?
77. Vakattack91 - June 6th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
why yes, def leppard should of been on here. i had forgotten about them.
78. unhustler - June 6th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Jethro Tull was the Grammy’s first metal winner, over Metallica. I agree Metallica, for the albums of the 80s should be high on such a list.
79. trento - June 6th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
WOOT! I have tickets to see iron maiden on monday!!!! btw, great list.
80. jesse - June 6th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
jfrater you ever listen to danzig? check him out dude!!!!!! good list, really
81. jfrater - June 6th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
jesse: I haven’t - thanks for the tip
82. Csimmons - June 6th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Sorry for my Nirvana mention, totally wouldn’t have posted that if I was sober then! pain pills make me a bit “high” to say the least
83. ndg - June 6th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
How ’bout Voivod! How can anyone miss them? Those Canadian wierdos have a bunch of firsts under their belt - first speed metal album (Rooooaaaar) first Cybermetal Album (Nothingface), yet now no one remembers them. They even have Metallica’s old bass player, Jason Hetfield.
Mind you I couldn’t actually enjoy their music. But it was certainly interesting.
84. sdggrant - June 6th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Absolutely love this list, but Metallica is absent? Regardless of what you may think of them now their very name is is synonomous with metal. They should of been HIGH on this list. Can you think of any other band that made metal the powerhouse it is today, I can’t.
85. Diogenes thinks like a highschool girls - June 6th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
the cassette tape sound. the head phones. the distance.
the long black hair.
(If only I were that dark one that the girls wispered about when he crossed the courtyard of that highschool under the summer sun.)
The one that has a way of entering the classroom
sketches in the textbook with ball point pen.
His band’s name scrawled on the back of his jacket.
He removes it and his sleeves are cut off.
bad ass, makes the guys and girls take note.
86. Jennie - June 6th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Metallica FOREVER!
87. bullock - June 6th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
i am getting sick and tiered of this stupid lists. what ever happened to metallica or megadeth YOU RETARD!
88. Diogenes is a tad better now - June 6th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
sdggrant: Metal today is a shattered smear.
Heavy metal, black metal, dark metal, grind core, hardcore, speed metal, dirges, slow molasses gore core, ect.
89. Diogenes remembers - June 6th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
bullock: metallica and megadeth are a given and hopefully for those who dont know , they might read the comment connections and find the way.
90. Brianb - June 6th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
You left out the person who singlehandedly is responsibe for all new metal bands: Cookie Monster.
91. Diogenes is still here? - June 6th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
I always thought (well not always) that the gutteral zone that Tom Waits is known for, would be perfect in the Doom Metal catagorie shelf. According to an interview I read, his voice in ” Misery’s the River of the World” was said by his kids to sound like Cookie Monster
92. Cedestra - June 6th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Brianb, I think you just made fun of everyone that was pissing me off in the comments. Thank you for making me laugh out loud.
93. ScubaSteve - June 6th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Great list. Slayer is awesome! Slayer is my favorite band of all time, followed by Lamb of God.
94. Mr. Mojo - June 6th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
This is a really good list. I agree with it more or less. I would have liked to see Misfits and Obituary mentioned though. Misfits were more punk than metal, but their morbid themes and heavy sound also had a strong hand in the beginnings of metal. Obituary wasn’t exactly a founder but they’ve been around for a long time and they’ve influenced alot of other bands.
95. Tonny SS - June 6th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
You’re right, I knew no.1 before I even clicked the link.
96. matt - June 6th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
The fact that Metallica is not on this list makes me lose faith in humanity. I think we cann all agree that St. Anger was by far the biggest pile of steaming medical waste that Metallica has ever discrased thier name with, and many people have mixed feelings about load and reload, but we can all agree that Black Album all the way back to Kill ‘em all was pure metal gold.
97. Cedestra - June 6th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
You forgot Metallica! DIE, Monkey-clown-face…head, DIE!!!
98. Cedestra - June 6th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
BTW- Manowar…HAWT.
99. Cedestra - June 6th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
ha HA! Dangly parts
100. arkz - June 6th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
jeez no metallica, pantera, no megadeth, come on those three are very influential or how bout sepultura, bout half that list is bleh, i mean come on, how can metallica not be on that list
101. tonepoet - June 7th, 2008 at 12:18 am
I knew that someone would whine about Metallica. Yawn……. They are more pop than this, at least their newer stuff. I have to say great list because you had the sense to put Black Sabbath first!
102. Rolf_in_China - June 7th, 2008 at 1:40 am
This list is incomplete without Bathory and Mercyful Fate. Manowar should not be on it.
103. Dan - June 7th, 2008 at 1:50 am
Its been mentioned a few times, but Prog-Metal Giants DREAM THEATER need to be on the list. They’re one of the most influential bands in modern progressive metal, have arguably the greatest person-by-person lineup in all of metal, and their incorporation of keyboard was brand new for metal bands when Dream Theater first did it.
104. Mr.S - June 7th, 2008 at 2:06 am
Actually band called Patareni played grindcore before Napalm Death. And Motorhead is ROCK’N'ROLL NOT METAL. Get over it…
105. Drogo - June 7th, 2008 at 3:21 am
For years I have wanted to start a metal band. The name of it would be “Traumatic Amputation.”
106. arkz - June 7th, 2008 at 3:41 am
:tonepoet
i do not count the st anger album you ever listen to anything from kill them all or ride the lightning, or even master of puppets they were metal. and dont say they wernt until you’ve listened to them, and apart from st anger metallica aint pop.
107. Lewis_RATM - June 7th, 2008 at 4:16 am
I think this is just a list of Vakattack91’s favorite bands more than anything. I think Mettalica, despite being shit, should be on, Nirvana, again even while shit, should be on, maybe Led Zep, Rammstein, and if we want to include outside bands which influenced metal, Public Enemy should be on.
108. Logar - June 7th, 2008 at 5:57 am
Lewis: This is a list of his top influential metal bands, not top bands who influenced metal. Nirvana was grunge, influenced by punk. Public Enemy took from metal, and gave a little to metal, but I doubt many metal bands would put them in their top ten. Metallica sure, Rammstein sure. Led Zep was more blues/hard rock, and while a huge influence on virtually everything after, not metal.
jfrater, you should make a top ten LEAST metal bands of all time. I nominate Air Supply as #1.
109. Logar - June 7th, 2008 at 6:17 am
Drogo: Sweet name. My metal band’s name would be Chucky’s Treehouse of Pain, or Springboard to Delinquency.
110. Vakattack91 - June 7th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Led Zeppelin sure, Metallica yes, but how was rammstein ever important to anything? dont get me wrong i like them, but rammstein? Cmon, these are all very old bands, latest being myabe 82′. So that rules out Nirvana and the impression they never made to anyone. And please quit complaining about Metallica. They had just as much an impact as slayer did and i decided to include Slayer rather than Metallica. Get over it.
111. Lewis_RATM - June 7th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Logar:But look at what Nirvana has inspired, nu-metal, emo, grunge, a huge portion of metal. Public Enemy for inspiring bands Rage Against The Machine, and many politically charged bands, System Of A Down for example, so no specific genre but just many seperate bands. Led Zeppelin, though, I’ve always felt did have that sense of metal underneath, but fair enough. Oh and what about G’n'R? I know they suck but they did have a huge influence on mant bands. Also, Rage Against The Machine, AC/DC, Frank Zappa, Sepultura even? Oh, and, okay maybe not quite metal but I’d say a lot of bands have been listening to Violent Femmes.
112. Lewis_RATM - June 7th, 2008 at 7:33 am
So just because the latest here is ‘82, it’s set in stone that no other band could be more influential since, I mean come on, Celtic Frost over Nirvana or Mettalica? And putting it higher than Slayer? Oh, and Rammstein have just had a huge effect on Industrial metal really. Oh, and I know I’m spurting out a lot of names but, Nine Inch Nails surely would make a top 15 or so and deserve an honourable mention alongside many other bands I’ve named.
113. Morgoth Bauglir - June 7th, 2008 at 9:12 am
In my honest opinion, Iron Maiden should be in the second place (no argument regarding Black Sabbath being number 1, after all, they “started it”). I really think Iron Maiden was (and still is) far above Judas Priest. Of course, Judas Priest started earlier (1970) but I don’t think this enough…
The reasons I’d give Iron Maiden the second place in this list:
1. The cohorts of fans (this is the best indicator regarding a band’s influence / popularity). Honestly, how is Iron Maiden doing after more than 30 years of activity compared to Judas Priest ?
2. Creativity and commitment (exceptional quality releases over short periods of time).
3. The number of bands Iron Maiden inspired (Cradle of Filth being one of the most important ones). Not to mention the way they used synthetisers / keyboards on “Somewhere in Time” and “Seventh Son of the Seventh Son” which was a source of inspiration for doom / gothic and black metal bands ever since.
4. (my least favorite argument) Iron Maiden sold over 100 million albums worldwide, compared to only 35 million albums worldwide for Judas Priest.
114. Kuma - June 7th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Dream Theater? Nightwish?
115. Morgoth Bauglir - June 7th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Kuma : Nightiwish ? C’mon… There are so many bands better than Nightwish. If I would have to choose a band within the gothic / symphonic area, I’d choose Therion.
116. Tenebrae - June 7th, 2008 at 11:00 am
You seemed to be grabbing from 1 strain on the metal tree, for the most part. The inclusion of Manowar was laughable. I cannot believe you left off highly influential earlier artists such as Alice Cooper, Dio, Led Zepplin (whom I actually deplore), and Metallica. And with Metallica, as much as I find their later works to be insipid, they were astounding in the early part of their career and had a massive influence on an entire generation of up and comers!
You’re proclaiming “influential”, yet are really listing several bands who only had small influence in very specific circles. When one postulates “influential”, one should really look at wide influence and genre shaking change. Many of those on your list can’t even come close to that. I am glad you enjoy those bands, but enjoyment does not influence make.
117. Vakattack91 - June 7th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Morgoth: Those are all good points, but I’d say that Iron Maiden and Priest are bothing doing just as good as of now. They are both on tour. I’m going to see Priest August 16! i couldnt afford the Maiden tickets though :’(
And Lewis, please read the title. It’s influential METAL bands. Nirvana isnt metal. In all fairness, sure rammstein was a big industrial band, but every band is influential to others. They all take ideas from the people who sell. Maybe this is a list of my favorite bands, but they’re all still the big influences. im not being biased because personally I’m not a fan of Motorhead.
If you dont like the list than leave the comment board and make your own.
118. Tenebrae - June 7th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Vakattack91: You should be able to deal with scrutiny and even criticism of your list. That’s what the comments are for. If you cannot accept criticism, don’t make lists. As long as people aren’t vulgar or abusive, just read the comment, argue your point, and move on. There’s no need to get butt hurt.
As for Rammstein - They’ve had a lot of commercial success, however they were influenced by the real shakers of industrial-metal: KMFDM, Das Ich, Laibach, etc. I get that they gained a lot of notoriety, but that doesn’t make them the “most influential” of said genre.
119. Alok - June 7th, 2008 at 11:19 am
One of the best and most accurate lists I have seen on this site. Up the irons!
120. Duckyjem - June 7th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Im gonna c Judas Priest next week at download festival along with kiss
121. Morgoth Bauglir - June 7th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Vakattack91 : Sorry to hear that you’ll not be able to see Maiden…They’ll be in Romania on the 4th of August and the tickets are not that expensive (35$ - 130$).
122. ben - June 7th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Maybe part of the problem with this is in the definition of influential; Who is being influenced, the bands that came after these or the fans and those of us at home that watched along? Metallica is awesome and theres no denying that they’re influential, just look at how many big and rising bands today still wear their shirts onstage. Still, part of me wants to support the fact that they aren’t on here. And even though I personally love Rammstein theres really no need to include them on the list. Maybe as the next list you could make top 10 bands bringing metal back to generation Y
123. JB - June 7th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Nice list.
And I totally support Vakattack91 for his election.
Metallica influence is over Nu Metal more than the real metal. And in that case Sepultura is more much influential.
And how it’s that anybody said Helloween? All the Power Metal is influed by them.
124. Tenebrae - June 7th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
That’s my issue with the list. If it were more specific, I wouldn’t beef. However, this list proclaims to be a grouping of the THE most influential metal bands of ALL TIME, yet it only really mentions 1 band from metal’s earliest history. That seems a bit off.
I may dislike Deep Purple, Iron Butterfly, and that ilk but they spawned the genre. Yet, in this list, they were largely ignored. This list seems to be moreso “most influential metal bands for new sub-genres of metal that I like”.
125. rob - June 7th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
To say that Black Sabbath created heavy metal is like saying Elvis invented rock and roll.
This seems like more of a list of personal favorites than an unbiased list. Pantera and Metallica definitely deserved mention, even if they are a little more mainstream than some of these.
And Motorhead doesn’t even like to be referred to as Heavy Metal, therefore they should be disqualified!
126. Tenebrae - June 7th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Motorhead belongs up there, whether they like to be referred to as metal or not. They did heavily influence the genre. (pun intended)
Obviously a list like this is going to be subjective, but there should be some obvious tells that carry across the entirety of the genre. While I do like Pantera, I wouldn’t consider their impact to be such that they inspired or moved a generation. I don’t particularly like Alice Cooper, but he undoubtedly changed the face of metal for ages to come.
Influence should be something that leaves a lasting impression on the entirety of the genre. Not many on this list can claim that.
127. Helloween - June 7th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Nice list.
And I totally support Vakattack91 for his election.
Metallica influence is over Nu Metal more than the real metal. And in that case Sepultura is more much influential.
And how it’s that anybody said Helloween? All the Power Metal is influed by them. And I also agree Deep Purple was so influence too
128. Linky - June 7th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
No Spinal Tap!!!! thats just wrong
129. Lewis_RATM - June 7th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Vakattack91: They were not ‘metal’ as in the specific genre, but they were grunge METAL, still metal.
Oh, and these boards are for discussion of the list topic, am I right JFrater? So if you can’t take someone discussing your list in a negative matter, don’t write them.
And what about the other bands I’ve mentioned? You only replied about the band least worthy of inclusion, and Nirvana.
Tenebrae: KMFDM are Kill Mother-Fucking Depeche Mode, yeah? Are they industrial? And who are Das Ich and Laibach? I ask out of real curiosity.Thanks.
130. Tenebrae - June 7th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Actually KMFDM stands for Kein Mitleid für die Mehrheit, which means “No pity for the majority”. The other meaning is a joke, which KMFDM themselves laugh at.
But yes, we’re referring to the same band.
Das Ich is a German industrial band, a very damned good one I might add. They’ve been around since ‘89 (Rammstein formed in 94) However, they have no English lyrics so never got much attention here in the states.
Laibach was, arguably, the first industrial-metal band in existance. They formed in 1980. Again, they had limited success in the states, as they rarely sang in English.
Rammstein admits to being influenced by BOTH of these bands. So I wouldn’t necessarily consider them to be ‘influential’ when they gleaned much of their sound from 2 popular (underground and in Germany) bands of the same genre. They were just far more popular. (I’m sure English helped)
131. Lewis_RATM - June 7th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Tenebrae: Cool, I must check them all out, thanks.
132. Taran - June 7th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Yeah, just because Metallica screw up St. Anger doesn’t mean their first few albums ment nothing. I blame Bob Rock and the the damn movie people who filmed Some Kind of Monster for the way St. Anger came out. Bob Rock wanted a “garage band” sound and during the movie, there were camera’s up the ass. Even the band members said they hated being watched all the time.
So, Hello Rick Rubin and hello new Metallica album!
133. Diogenes should hush - June 7th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Just think how great Metallica would be today if Les Claypool were in the band!
But then Primus would never have happened!
And my parents would never have met!
And I would never have been born!
Whoa! This is all so heavy!
I must go back Professor!
“Again, with the “heavy”! “is there some sort of problem in the future, with the earth’s magnetic pull, that I should know about?”
134. tommythecat - June 7th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
yer funny
135. Morgoth Bauglir - June 7th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Tenebrae : Actually, the first industrial metal band was Ministry… Remember “Mind is a terrible thing to taste” ?
136. Morgoth Bauglir - June 7th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
And, people…please get over Metallica…Looking back they were way under Sepultura, Kreator, Sodom, Slayer, etc (I hope you realize I mentioned only several thrash / speed metal bands).
137. Sherri - June 7th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Love this list! I saw Maiden 2 days ago, and it was just as good a show as the first time I saw them 24 years ago. Boy, am I getting old!
138. Ryan - June 7th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Wow I completely forgot about Pantera untill I read some of the comments. The practically kept metal going during the 90’s when grunge came out and they redefined what “heavy” meant in metal
139. Tenebrae - June 7th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Morgoth - Laibach predates Ministry’s “The Mind…” and “Land of Rape and Honey” by several years.
140. Skwisgaar Skwigelf - June 7th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I’s can’ts nots believes that nosones has mentions the bestest metals bands ever, Dethklock?
141. SiR10 - June 7th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
No Led Zepp?!? Travesty!
142. fil - June 8th, 2008 at 1:42 am
good list but Celtic Frost gothic Metal? WTF?
143. heavybison - June 8th, 2008 at 3:00 am
I’m amazed. I thought there were more Megadeth fans out there!!!
144. Spart - June 8th, 2008 at 5:31 am
Can you spell homoerotic? Seriously Number # 7?
145. Rab - June 8th, 2008 at 5:46 am
To exclude Metallica and Megadeath is a crime against HM. When i was scrolling down the list i expected metallica at NO 1.
146. Ernmas - June 8th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Metallica should be on the list. It is the band I used to introduce my boys to the heavier side of music (of course only their early albums and not St. Anger or later). This has lead my boys to develop a love of all metal, new and old. To be able to share your love of metal with your kids is one of the best feelings ever.
Iron Maiden rocks along with Black Sabbath.
I for one would never add Rammstein to this list for personal reasons. I never listen to music which promotes abuse of women and kids so prominently in their lyrics. Same thing with songs like “Push” by Matchbox 20. It drives me crazy when people don’t realize what they are listening to because they don’t pay attention to the lyrics only a beat.
For those who like a little something different, I suggest Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Metal + Christmas or Metal + Beethoven. Amazing to listen to but even better in concert.
147. greyMatter - June 8th, 2008 at 10:19 am
bullshit… led zeppelin started it all
148. Justin - June 8th, 2008 at 10:57 am
This list loses all credibility by not having Metallica. I don’t care that they “went pop,” as people say. The far reaching influence of their work easily places them in the top three along with Sabbath and Maiden. No one else even comes close after that. Manowar? Napalm Death? Celtic Frost? Over METALLICA? Yeah, right.
149. HexenBexen - June 8th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Kickass list! Excellent job. We definitely need more lists of this nature.
150. davo - June 8th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Metallica should be number 1 without a doubt
151. lomez - June 8th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
How could you forget the greatest metal band of all time, the mighty PANTERA! ALL of the young metal bands out there today were influenced by the Cowboys From Hell. Dimebag is revered as a god in the metal community. You’ve done us all a supreme injustice. And no matter what they’ve done since, the stuff Metallica did in the 80’s is some of the greatest music ever produced.
PANTERA!
DIMEBAG!
152. koki - June 8th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
did you forget metalicca???
153. MonkeyGoneToHeaven - June 8th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
RIP Dimebag. One for me. And one for my homie.
154. R - June 8th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
No surprises, no complaints.
Old Metallica should have possible honorable mention, for Fade to Black and just about everything on Master of Puppets.
Good list.
155. MPW - June 8th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
koki, it was left off intentionally and you misspelled Metallica
156. MPW - June 8th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
oh yeah, about metallica, leaving them off the list is like leaving michael jackson off a list of influential pop stars because he is totally bizaare now……..c’mon
157. CRSN - June 9th, 2008 at 12:12 am
ACDC should be on the list for sure, with albums like “Highway to hell” and “Back in black”, they are not the typical heavy metal band like Napalm Death or Black Sabbath, but it seems there are a lot of different heavy metal genres in the one list i.e. Goth metal - Celtic Frost, Death Metal - Venom, Power metal - Manowar, Thrash metal - Slayer etc. etc.
All i’ll say is that i reckon ACDC should be on there, maybe as “Aussie Metal”.
158. CRSN - June 9th, 2008 at 12:16 am
And to all those who think Metallica should be on there, they are as about as original as KORN and Ramstien, its commercial/pop crap and has about as much insight to the Darker things in life of an EMO 15 year old kid.
Try paying off a mortgage, thats the real depression in life.
159. hallowedbethyname - June 9th, 2008 at 2:43 am
cool list!!
but metallica and hammerfall are not on the list..
but still, great list, black sabbath rules!!
cradle of filth’s version of hallowed be thy name by iron maiden is freaking cool!
160. joeyjoejoeshabadoo - June 9th, 2008 at 3:13 am
Slayer should be right after Maiden and Priest. They basically invented extreme metal. That is all.
161. meto - June 9th, 2008 at 4:31 am
how can you notput Metallica
162. freddo - June 9th, 2008 at 4:52 am
i think this list is a bit crap, when you put phrases like “It is hard to say that they aren’t influential” and stuff it makes me think you don’t have much to say.
163. Phil - June 9th, 2008 at 6:55 am
can only think you left out Metallica for comments sake.
164. Phil - June 9th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Havent read everything was there an explanation for this ommision?
165. Bob - June 9th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Wow, all those posts and all I get in response to my question is 1) You’ve never listened to metal (patently not true) and 2) You just don’t “get it.” Well, that’s nice and everything, but I was asking about the aesthetic qualities. Anybody? What is it that you like about this music? What makes a person want to listen to it?
166. JwJwBean - June 9th, 2008 at 7:20 am
I like the thumping bass beats, the extreme drumming they have, and the major talent needed guitar riffs. Sometimes I like the lyrics. But for me personally I enjoy listening to the instrumental part. It just makes my head want to bang. I am always in awe of the dummers and lead guitars. The bass is almost always a great beat and some bassists have thaken the bass further than most musicians. I do not remember many individual names, but Primus’ bass comes to mind for great bass.
And Phil: It was explained in the opening paragraph and later in the comments.
167. Bob - June 9th, 2008 at 8:31 am
JwJwBean, thanks for the comment back. I appreciate your explaining that to me, and I guess I agree about bass–it is a wonderful thing, isn’t it?
168. JwJwBean - June 9th, 2008 at 8:52 am
I love a good bass line. I do not play any instruments, but between my 2 boys they play piano, alto sax, bari sax, and flute. They are working on teaching themself harmonica, drums, and acoustic guitar. So I guess you could say I have an appreciation for a good intrument player as well. I understand and appreciate the talent and practice needed to play an instrument well. And many metal players are very very good at the instruments they play.
169. SlickWilly - June 9th, 2008 at 9:07 am
JwJwBean: As a bass player myself, I can tell you that while Les Claypool (Primus) is talented, he is lightyears behind guys like Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorius, and Marcus Miller (all jazz/funk virtuosos). Even guys like Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), Geddy Lee (Rush) and Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath). Of the bands listed above, Sabbath and Maiden have the most talented bassists (Maiden’s bass player is Steve Harris). Les Claypool, as far as bassists go, is sloppy, derivitive and just plain weird.
170. JwJwBean - June 9th, 2008 at 9:41 am
And me not being a bass player just knows what I enjoy listening to. I enjoy his different thump on the bass and his just plain weird and different sound. I only know Geddy Lee off the top of my head as I am a huge Rush fan. And yes all the Rush members are awesome at their instruments. I can think of some of the others songs, but the bass does not stand out in my head. Not saying they aren’t good. Just the reason they did not come to mind. Oh and as far as jazz, I have known some excellant Jazz bass players. My brother in law was in a jazz fusion funk type band and they named it Bigga Digga just for the bass sound. I am not a total metalhead. I enjoy listening to metal and listened to a lot more back in high school. Watched Head Bangers ball and all that good stuff. I listen more to the alternative station these days, but once in a while I still turn it to the heavy metal station. I am not too discrimanent in my music choices.
I listen at a different level from someone that plays an instrument. I just know what I enjoy. And be it Jazz or metal or classical etc. I have a deep appreciation for those who play their instruments. I have tried and it is not as easy as some make it look to be.
171. Frank - June 9th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Well, Willy, to be fair, I do think there are better bassists than Claypool, but there are bassists that he’s better than as well. Perhaps it would be fair to call Les the best Alt/Modern Rock bassist, eh?
I whole-heartedly agree with Vic Wooten, Jaco and Marcus Miller, but in rock, I’d have to throw in Chris Squire (Yes) and John Entwistle (The Who), as well as Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel Live Band), Alphonso Johnson (Weather Report), Dave Holland (Miles Davis Quintet) and Bootsy Collins (Parliament/Funkadelic). As for metal bassists, I’d nominate Steve DiGiorgio (who played with Death, Sadus, Autopsy, Testament & Iced Earth to name a few) because he uses fretless basses to play thrash and death.
172. SlickWilly - June 9th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Frank: Yes, you’re right. I’m not hating on Les Claypool, he is talented, no doubt. The thing about Les that I hate is that he *can* play it straight and crisp when he wants (”The Awakening,” “Hamburger Train”) but whenever he touchs that damn fretless, all his technique goes out the window.
Chris Squire was amazing, as is Tony Levin, Alphonso Johnson, Bootsy Collins, and all those others (I was never a fan of John Entwistle; he was good, and even though I like the Who, I never thought he really stood out). I was never very partial to Bootsy Collins, either. I thought he relied way too much on that funky distortion he always uses. I prefer guys like Louis Johnson, Larry Graham and George Porter Jr. Even Victor Bailey (not as talented as the other WR bassists that came before him, and with a HUGE ego to boot). As long as we are on the subject of Dave Holland, I thought he was decent, but he never really did anything for me. His sense of time was immaculate, but for that matter so was Paul Chambers’ and Ron Carter’s, and I felt they had a more creative approach to the music. Listening to a Chambers bass line is like listening to a melody under the melody.
I’ve never heard of Steve DiGiogio. I’d be willing to check him out, but the idea of a fretless in a metal context is still a little silly to me.
JwJwBean: I’m not chastising you or anything. I never said Claypool was bad, and occasionally I listen to Primus. I know what sounds good to my ears too, and while he might not sound particularly pleasing to my ears, you and I have different sets.
173. kiwiboi - June 9th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Woah..a bass player discussion. The best ? Easy
Chuck Rainey
Willie Weeks
Gordon Edwards
All IMHO, of course!
Hmmm…funny how my picks are all R&B guys.
174. JwJwBean - June 9th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Thank you SlickWilly. I have a stupid question. Since I am not an insrument player. What is the difference between a fretless and a regular bass? And can you tell the difference in sound or is it all in how it i splayed, like riding a horse bareback as opposed to saddle?
175. SlickWilly - June 9th, 2008 at 10:32 am
JwJw: A fretless bass is fairly self-explanatory - a bass with no frets. It gives it much more of a soft, almost vocal-like quality. It’s not uncommon to hear the sound of a fretless referred to as “singing” or “operatic.” You can definately tell a fretless when you hear it. Instead of a sharp, crisp tone, it has more of a purr to it, with a distinct attack and decay of the notes. It sounds almost more like a stand-up bass than a bass guitar. Very sexy instrument, IMO. YouTube Jaco Pastorius or Arthur Maia and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Kiwiboi: You forgot James Jamerson, king of the R&B bassists.
(I’ve also got a special place in my heart for Chuck Rainey…and Duck Dunn. 
)
176. dangorironhide - June 9th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Beany: a fretless bass, funnily enough, has no frets. It gives he player more freedom with his notes, as he doesn’t have to keep to the ones set up with the frets.
177. dangorironhide - June 9th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Ninja’d by Slick. Oh well, he gives a better answer than me
178. SlickWilly - June 9th, 2008 at 10:40 am
JwJw: I just realized I used the terms “attack” and “decay” without explaining them. Sorry.
The “attack” of the note is how the tone begins. A fretted bass tone will begin as soon as it is plucked, because of the rigid metal frets it is bracing against. A fretless bass tone with begin very soft and almost blossom as alot of the vibration is absorbed by the wood of the fretboard. The “decay” of the note is how the tone ends. On a fretted bass, the decay of the note is linear. It weakens and gets quieter with about the same quality as it started. On a fretless, the decay of the note becomes richer and earthier as the tone fades. (It’s kind of difficult to describe.)
179. SlickWilly - June 9th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Dangor: That’s okay, Dangor. You set me straight on the Spanish Inquisition over on the Dark Ages list. Definately wasn’t expecting *that*…
(The Inquisition…not you setting me straight.)
180. kiwiboi - June 9th, 2008 at 10:52 am
slick - kudos, indeed, to James Jamerson; but my main man has to be Chuck Rainey. Rainey along with Bernard Purdie on drums. It doesn’t get much better then that!
181. heatherrr. - June 9th, 2008 at 10:56 am
i thought this was gonna be a horrible list with random underground bands i had never heard of before haha but great job!! i loved the list!
182. SlickWilly - June 9th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Kiwi: Oh, man…totally. Talk about a rock-solid rhythym section. And funk-ay!
183. kiwiboi - June 9th, 2008 at 11:09 am
slick - yeah. Sure beats Fruityloops and some beatbox. Kids today….
184. JwJwBean - June 9th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Ty for referring me to some youtube vids. I watched a few of Jaco and it was in the side bar to watch Victor Whooten. I think I am in love. I watched a bass solo by him, then Norwegian Wood as a reference to something I alread knew what it should sound like, then I watched Victor Whooten’s bass battle, finally I found WOW! Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten. almsot 15 minutes of 3 bassists and a drummer. Now that was awesome! Untrained I am still not sure I could pick out if it is a fretless bass or not being played. But thank you for the excellant description for me. I did try to watch the videos closely to see what type of bass they were using.
185. SlickWilly - June 9th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Bean:
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=B2rjDBQ1UDY
Try that link, to Joni Mitchell’s Coyote, featuring Jaco Pastorius, from the Shadows and Light tour. Any videos you can find of “Havona” and “Amerika” both display Jaco’s dazzling skills and breath-taking tone. Victor Wooten is, in my opinion, the most technically gifted bass player alive today. His very famous video of his Amazing Grace solo is among the best, but my personal favorite vid is his solo with the Dave Matthews Band on their song #41. From begining to end, it just blows my mind. Also check out any of his entries to the Bass Extremes series, a series of songs played only on two electric basses (the other bassist is Steve Bailey…who coincidentally plays a fretless 6-string bass) and drums. And for a little taste of Wooten’s unrelenting funk, check out “U Can’t Hold No Groove” from Bassday 98. Jaco was a funkmeister too. See if you can find a video for “Barbary Coast,” “Come On, Come Over,” “The Chicken (Soul Intro),” or “Paladium.” Vids may or may not exist for these, but if you get a chance, listen to the tracks (along with “Amelia” and “I Can Dig It, Baby.”)
My personal favorite bass player (for the moment) is Marcus Miller. If you want to see bass slapping at its classiest and most refined, check him out. Recommended tracks: “Panther,” “Power,” “Scoop,” “Run for Cover,” and “Bruce Lee.”
186. SlickWilly - June 9th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
About the Stanley Clarke, Wooten, Miller video…even though Stanley Clarke is one of the godfathers of electric jazz bass and Wooten is a technique monster, I felt Miller had the tastiest solos out of all of them. Pure feel and artistry. I’ve never actually gotten all the way through that video…I become a little bored by the end. If you can find it, there is another video from Bassday 98 that has almost all of the famous living bassists playing together on the same stage at the same time and it actually sounds…good.
187. dangorironhide - June 9th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Slick: I was tempted to put that joke into my comment, but I couldn’t think of a way to worm it in
188. SlickWilly - June 9th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Dangor: You should have replied to my comment above and said, “That’s okay…don’t feel bad. *No one* expects the Spanish Inquisition.”
189. JwJwBean - June 9th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Thank you for the recommends. I watched the Coyote one, but will have to look up others when I get back home. I could not tell you which one was Miller and which one was Clarke. They all sounded awesome to me. I will definitely look up Whooten’s Amazing grace.
190. SlickWilly - June 9th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
JwJw: Clarke is the tall guy with the big teeth, playing the purple-ish bass. Miller is the guy with the blonde bass. (If I’m remembering the video correctly. I think Miller is also the only one wearing a hat.) And Wooten does not have an “h” in it.
I’m glad that you’re taking an interest in these fabulous musicians. Bass players don’t get nearly enough credit these days.
191. kiwiboi - June 9th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
A couple of oldies :
How many bass players does it take to change a lightbulb?
None, They let the keyboard player do it with his left hand.
or
One, but the guitarist has to show him how first.
But, take heart…viola-player jokes are worse
192. SlickWilly - June 9th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Kiwi: I’m sure you’ve heard this one before.
An explorer was on a trip to South America. During a particularly muggy day in the middle of the rain forest, the explorer and his guide stop to rest. In the distance, the explorer could hear the steady beat of drums. Fearing for their safety, he turned to his guide and said, “I say, dear boy, I hear the war drums of a native tribe. Perhaps it would be best to turn back.”
The guide looks at him and shrugs. “No, we’re okay. I wouldn’t worry about it. Unless…”
The explorer looked perplexed. “Unless what?”
“Unless the drums stop. If the drums stop, we should run. Very fast.”
The explorer accepted this ominous piece of advice with trepidation, but trusted his experienced guide and curled up to sleep. The next morning, the two set out once again along the beaten path. As they approach the top of a big hill, they freeze. The guide begins to look very upset and the explorer is confused until he hears it too: the drums have stopped. Without warning, the guide turns and flees into the jungle, the explorer close at his heels.
The explorer, panting and wheezing and running as fast as his legs would carry him, shouts, “Why do we need to run if the drums stop?”
As the guide pulls away, disappeaing into the foliage ahead of him, he calls back over his shoulder, “Everyone knows…when the drums stop, run away! Next comes the bass solo!”
193. SFOtter - June 9th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Sorry guy, Blue Cheer was playin’ metal in the 60’s.
Long before Sabbath.
Sabbath is great, but not the first.
194. kiwiboi - June 9th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Kiwi: I’m sure you’ve heard this one before.
Slick - LOL. Like you, I’m sure…I’ve heard ‘em all
195. SlickWilly - June 9th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
SFOtter: I wouldn’t say *long* before Sabbath. The incarnation of Blue Cheer credited for being one of the godfathers of the metal movement was created in 1968 (the band had been around as a psychedelic stoner rock band, in the vein of Grateful Dead, about 2 years prior). Black Sabbath appeared in their modern form about 2 years later. 1968 was also the year that the *real* progenitors of heavy metal - Led Zeppelin - were born. Zeppelin had a much more profound impact on heavy metal than Blue Cheer, who, while a decently talented band, never acheived the commercial success or widespread recognition of the Zep. Muddled in obscurity, they never really served as an influence on the movement until several years later. While they may have been one of the two first heavy metal bands, it has already been acknowledged in the comments that Led Zeppelin came before Sabbath, and were far more influential than any other proto-metal band in existence.
196. buster hymen - June 9th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
that’s funny. i’m reading this @ work while listening to Maiden’s Die With Your Boots On on pandora.com. no spamming, i’m just sayin. i agree with the top 3. half the rest: eh. speed doesn’t always equal quality. and deep roaring doesn’t always make you special or influential.
197. buster hymen - June 9th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
and no Winger? heheheeheh
198. Lewis_RATM - June 9th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
What do you call someone who hangs out with a bunch of musicians?
A drummer!
199. Descholera - June 9th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I would say Merciful Fate/King Diamond might be close to making this list as well… Thats just my opinion though..
200. Anderi - June 9th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
BAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!
CELTIC FROST!!
BAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!
201. badmamajamma - June 10th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Where the hell is Metallica on this list, even I am not a huge metal fan but I know it’s an abomination not to include Metallica on this list! tisk tisk
202. 2worlds - June 10th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Metallica should be on there :O
But yeah, i agree with the list
203. Fuck Sanity - June 11th, 2008 at 12:08 am
What the fuck? No Metallica or Megadeth but fucking Manowar make it? You’re fucking retarded dude.
204. thewebrpomoter - June 11th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Where is Metallica?
205. iogenes - June 11th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
thewebrpomoter: zimbabwe
206. Eddy - June 11th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
There is only one band that I’m missing… DIO!!!!
They CREATED the power metal
Ronnie James Dio was the first one to sing about dragons and stuff
you should at least mention him somewhere
but the list is pretty good ^^
oh, yeah! what about Rammstein? they are a very influencial band in the industrial metal scene