It’s time to dive into The Best Top 50 Heavy Metal Albums Of All Time (2024 edition). As we go through the ages starting from 1971 to 2024. Take a stroll down memory lane and look into the biggest albums around take a look at our Top 50 Heavy Metal Albums.
1. Black Sabbath – Paranoid (1971)
‘Paranoid‘ The Second studio album by the British rock band Black Sabbath formed in Birmingham UK, By Vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, Drummer Bill Ward, Bassist Geezer Butler, and Guitarist Tony Lommi. Which features the singles ‘Paranoid’ and ‘Iron Man’
2. Motörhead – Ace of Spades (1980)
The English rock band ‘Motörhead‘ released their fourth studio album in October of 1980. ‘Ace Of Spades’ is the most commercially successful album that Motörhead had peaking at number 4 on the UK Album Charts and reaching gold status in the UK in 1981. Download Festival re-named its main stage in 2016 Lemmy after the lead singer.
3. Avenged sevenfold – City Of Evil (2005)
‘City Of Evil‘ Released in June 2005 as the third studio album by American heavy metal band ‘Avenged Sevenfold‘. The album featuring songs such as ‘Bat Country‘ and ‘Seize The Day‘. Having Headlined Download Festival 2024 take a look at the review here Download Festival 2024: A Weekend of Mud, Music, and Memorable Moments | Live Reviews | Metal Junkbox
4. Metallica- Master of Puppets (1986)
The popular song ‘Master of Puppets‘ was featured on Stranger Things back in 2022. The album was Metallica‘s third studio album from 1986 which was remastered and reissued in 2021. Check out Stranger Things Eddy Munson (played by Joseph Quinn) screen performance Stranger Things 4 | Eddie Munson’s Upside Down Guitar Scene | Netflix (youtube.com)
5. Iron Maiden – Piece of Mind (1983)
‘Piece Of Mind‘ the forth studio album of British band ‘Iron Maiden‘ Featuring songs such as ‘The Trooper’ and ‘Die With Your Boots On’ the album brought out in May 1983 by Iron Maiden still holds a perfect place in history. Even producing its beer named after ‘The Trooper’ Check out Iron Maiden’s latest tour announcement here
6. Dragonforce – Inhuman Rampage (2005)
‘Inhuman Rampage‘ The Album released in 2005 by ‘Dragonforce‘ includes one of the best well-known songs ‘Through The Fire And The Flame’ which may still try and cover to this day. If you haven’t already heard Dragonforce’s new album check out Metal Junkbox review here DragonForce releases video for “Burning Heart” on new release day | New Releases | Metal Junkbox
7. Judas Priest – Screaming for Vengeance (1982)
‘Judas Priest‘ album from 1982 ‘Screaming For Vengeance‘ The heavy metal album holds the most famous song by Judas Priest ‘You’ve Got Another Thing Coming’ The album produced in 1982 was also featured in Grand Theft Auto: Vices City, Guitar Hero, and Rock band. If you haven’t already checked it out why not see Judas Priest on our The Best Metal albums of 2024 so far | Albums | Metal Junkbox
8. Knocked Loose- You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To (2024)
‘Knocked Loose‘ third Studio album entitled ‘You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To‘ which was released earlier in 2024 hosts another realm of fresh metal on the huge music scene. Featuring singles ‘Blinding Faith’ and ‘Suffocate’ the album also features vocals from both artist ‘Poppy; and ‘Chris Motionless from Motionless In White‘ Check out our other Best Metal Albums of 2024 list where Knocked Loose are mentioned here https://metaljunkbox.com/en/albums/the-best-metal-albums-of-2024
9. Nile – The Underworld Awaits Us (2024)
‘The Underworld Awaits Us‘ The 2024 album from the American Death Metal Band ‘Nile‘. Forming in South Carolina in 1993 this is the band’s 10th Highly-Anticipated album. Wondering what they sound like live? Why not check out our recent view from Nile at the Rebellion Manchester Review Nile with Hideous Divinity & Intrepid at Rebellion, Manchester 2024 | Live Reviews | Metal Junkbox
10. Like Moths To Flames – The Cycles Of Trying To Cope (2024)
‘The Cycles Of Trying To Cope‘ The 6th studio album from the Metalcore Band ‘Like Moths To Flames‘ From Columbus, Ohio was released in 2024, The band formed from former band members of ‘Emarosa’, ‘Agraceful’, ‘The Crimson Armada’, ‘TerraFirma’, and ‘My Ticket Home’. Check out the Metal Junkbox review from earlier this year at the Landmvrks, Creatures Tour review at Electric Brixton 16.05.2024 | Live Reviews | Metal Junkbox.
11. Bring me the horizon – Sempiternal (2013)
One of the most well-known albums of ‘Bring Me The Horizon‘ is ‘Sempiternal‘, The fourth studio album of the Sheffield-based band. From 2013, Having just celebrated its 10th anniversary and Headline Liquid Death Presents Download Festival in 2023. Sempiternal features ‘Shadow Of Moses‘, ‘Can You Feel My Heart‘, ‘Go To Hell, For Heaven’s Sake‘ and ‘Sleepwalking‘. Check out Metal JunkBox Dublin Live Review here
12. Enforced – War Remains (2023)
The ‘Enforced‘ album ‘War Remains‘ is just over 30 Minutes Long came out in 2023 with cross-over sounds from the 80s and thrash/Heavy Metal. Includes two remixed and remastered versions of ‘Demo 2017‘ and ‘Retaliation’. Enforced Picks up the sounds of Sepultura and CRO-MAGS and invites the audience in to be enhanced with volatile rifts and Heavy Metal.
13. Soulfly – Savages (2013)
‘Savages‘ the 9th album from ‘Soulfly‘ from 2013. This was the first album that featured Zyon Calavera on Drums (Lead singer Max Calavera’s son) The album features the song ‘Blood Shed’ by Igor Calavera. The sound of this album featured Pantera-style grooves. With a similar bass style to earlier albums. Check out their most recent Live review here Soulfly at O2 Academy Islington, London 2024 | Live Reviews | Metal Junkbox
14. Dio – Holy Diver (1983)
The 1983 debut studio album from ‘Dio‘ called ‘Holy Diver‘ features songs such as ‘Rainbow In the Dark’ and ‘Holy Diver’. The album art features mascot Murry and was illustrated by artist Randy Berratt. Around the time of the making of Holy Diver, there was a rise in the popular Culture of heroic adventure elements such as ‘Lord Of The Rings’ and ‘Dungeons and Dragons’. ‘Rainbow In The Dark’ has been covered by Corey Taylor and ‘Holy Diver’ by Killswitch Engage.
15. Slipknot – Iowa (2001)
One of the best-produced ‘Slipknot‘ albums ‘Iowa‘ which features ‘ People=shit’ and ‘Left Behind’ in 2001. The album came as a breakthrough album in the nu-metal scene. With the distinct effects of masks and boiler suits. The line-up of Slipknot For this album was (#8) Corey Taylor – lead vocals, (#7) Mick Thomson – guitars, (#6) Shawn Crahan – percussion, backing vocals, editing, (#5) Craig Jones – samplers, media, (#4) Jim Root – guitars, (#3) Chris Fehn – percussion, backing vocals, (#2) Paul Gray – bass, backing vocals, (#1) Joey Jordison – drums, (#0) Sid Wilson – turntables, vocals on “(515)”.
16. Deftones – Deftones (2003)
‘Deftones‘ Realized in May 2003. The self-entitled album by ‘Deftones‘ which was originally titled Lovers was a slow production album Most of the album includes the extensive use of the band’s low extensive use of the band’s low G# tuning, resulting in some of the heaviest songs in the band’s catalogue. Deftones debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Canadian Albums Charts.
17. Shadow Smile – Signed In Blood (2019)
The Sheffield Metal band who were often referred to as the Steel City Vampires but known by ‘Shadow Smile‘ formed in 2019. Having written ‘Signed In Blood‘ as their first full-length album Shadow Smile has taken inspired themes of Modern and classic musical albums and taken ideas from classic tales and books. The album stands as a strong reminder of how creative bands become while recording their albums independently and keeping everything in-house. It made the album truly special.
18. Sepultura – Schizophrenia (1987)
The ‘Sepultura‘ Brazilian Heavy Metal band of brothers Max and Igore Calvera. The album ‘Schizophrenia’ was produced in 1987. This was the first album that included Anders Kisser. The Album was re-recorded by Calvera in June 2024 Have a read of the album more on Cavalera Releases Re-Recorded “Schizophrenia” with New Single “Nightmares of Delirium” | Albums | Metal Junkbox
19. Guns And Roses – Appetite For Destruction (1987)
‘Appetite For Destruction‘ The Debut album from Los Angeles California American hard rock band ‘Guns and Roses‘. The band features Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Duff “Rose” McKagan, and Steven Adler. Original released in July 1987 and has an arrange of classic songs that are still loved to this day such as ‘Welcome To The Jungle‘, ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine‘ and ‘Nighttrain‘ which was the inspiration for Bradford, West Yorkshire’s bar and music for rock and alternative music venue ‘Nightrain Live Music Venue‘
20. Him – Love Metal (2003)
In April 2003 Finnish Gothic rock band ‘Him‘ brought out one of their classic albums ‘Love Metal‘. Lead Singer Ville Valo created the Heart-a-gram, one of the most well-recognized logos of time. The album featured songs such as “The Sacrament”, “Buried Alive By Love” and “The Funeral Of Hearts”. Ville Valo has since carried on the legacy of HIM in this new work of VV.
21. Deep Purple – Machine Head (1972)
‘Smoke On The Water’ one of the most well-known and famous ‘Deep Purple‘ songs comes from the Sixth studio album of Deep Purple, Machine Head released in 1972 this album was to Inspire a new era of bands such as Black Sabbath, Dio’s “Rainbow” album and White Snake. The album was re-mastered in 2012. Checkout the latest album news over on Deep Purple releases new studio album
22. Rob Zombie – Hellbilly Deluxe (1998)
Realised in 1998 ‘Hellbilly Deluxe‘ features 13 Tales Of Cadaverous Cavorting Inside The Spookshow. The Album was written by ‘Rob Zombie‘ in 1998 and was also produced with Scott Humphrey. It was the debut solo album by Rob Zombie who has since carried on to direct films such as cult classic films Halloween and Halloween 2 and also 2022 ‘The Munsters’. The Album also features Tommy Lee from ‘Mötley Crüe‘ who played drums on “Meet The Creeper” and “The Ballad of Resurrection Joe And Rosa Whore” It also features the songs “Dracula” and “Living Dead Girl”
23. The Dillinger Escape Plan – One Of Us Is The Killer (2013)
The Fifth studio album of ‘The Dillinger Escape Plan‘, released in 2013 has one of the most iconic songs called “One Of Us Is The Killer” The album was named after the song. The band also realized the single ‘Prancer’ which was re-mixed over twenty-five. The Uniqueness of ‘One Of Us Is The Killer‘ was The Dillinger Escape recorded each member’s section in the consecutive days. With secret special guests coming into perform on secret instruments of what you would not expect. The Dillinger Escape Plan decided to allow the other artists to announce if they were on the album or not to keep it a mystery.
24. Machine Head – Throughout The Ashes Of Empires (2003)
For many years ‘Imperium’ was set as the opener song for ‘Machine Head’s’ live performances. Comes off the band’s fifth studio album entitled ‘Throughout The Ashes Of Empires‘ which the band to return to the thrash/groove metal sounds. The album became one of the most successful albums for ‘Machine Head’ back in 2003. Roadrunners Records offered a new deal that pushed the album out into North America. The album also includes the single ‘Days Turn From Blue To Gray’ Check out the Bloodstock 2025 headliner announcement for Machine Head
25. Alice Cooper – School’s Out (1972)
‘Alice Cooper’s‘ career spans throughout musical history but one album that holds out the most is the 1972 ‘School’s Out‘ album which was the band’s 5th album. Coming in on the charts at 2nd place in the US, 4 places in the UK, and 1st place in Canada. Released under Warner Brothers. ‘School’s Out‘ single reached number 1 in the UK top 100 and stayed for 4 weeks.
26. Anthrax – Amongst The Living (1987)
‘Amongst The Living‘ Is the Third studio album by ‘Anthrax‘. Recorded in 1987 was dedicated to ‘Metallica‘ Basses Cliff Burton who was touring as the opener act for Anthrax who sadly died in a bus accident 6 months before the album was released. The Album Contains the single ‘I Am The Law’
27. Faith No More – Album Of The Year (1997)
‘Album Of The Year‘ is the sixth studio album of ‘Faith No More‘ which was released in 1997. This was the year after Jon Hudson joined the band. Album singles included ‘Ashes To Ashes’, ‘Last Cup Of Sorrow’ and ‘Stripsearch’
28. Mötley Crüe – Dr. Feelgood (1989)
Having sold way over Six Million Copies in America, ‘Dr. Feelgood‘ is ‘Mötley Crüe‘s’ fifth studio album sits proudly on the top 50 list. Released in August 1989. The album went on to become a legacy with singles ‘Dr. Feelgood’ and ‘Kickstart My Heart’ was featured in Rocksmith 2014 and in ‘Brütal Legend’ videos games. Mötley Crüe performed the album in full for its 20th anniversary at Crüe Fest 2. Check out Guitar’s list of the 20 greatest guitarists which features Mötley Crüe
29. Saxon – Strong Arm Of The Law (1980)
‘Strong Arm Of The Law‘ is the third studio album from ‘Saxon‘ which was released 7 months after their album ‘Wheels of Steel‘. The album is set upon things that happened to Saxon such as being pulled over and searched under security details given by British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher. The album’s final song touches upon concerns about the assassination of John F. Kennedy ‘Dallas 1PM’
30. Veiled – The Black Rite (2023)
‘The Black Rite’ from ‘Veiled‘. Having performed at the Download Festival Community Stage in 2024. Veiled sit nicely into the top 50. Showing a fresh blood of musical talent coming into play. The Leeds band summoned the souls of followers and have created an exciting album which is only set to grow in future years. The Black Rite features the single ‘Relinquished’. Pre-save Veiled newest album here and check out their latest live review
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31. Pantera – Cowboys From Hell (1990)
‘Pantera‘ fifth studio album that made the first of many albums being produced with producer Terry Date. ‘Cowboys From Hell’ is seen as one of the first groove metal albums of its time. Singles included on the album featured ‘Cowboys From Hell’, ‘Cemetry Gates‘, and ‘Psycho Holiday’ Check out Pantera review from Download Festival 2025
32. Orange Goblin – Science, Not Fiction (2024)
The newest album from London Metal Trail Blazers ‘Orange Goblin‘, The 2024 album ‘Science, Not Fiction‘ released in July of 2024 ushered in a new era of pure metal chaos for Orange Goblin. The album takes the views upon Science, religion, and spirituality. Catch Orange Goblin on at Bloodstock 2025.
33. Hatebreed – Supremacy (2006)
‘Supremacy‘ The fourth studio album from the American metalcore band ‘Hatebreed‘. Which was released under the Roadrunner label at the time. Hatebreed was also featured on MTV2 Headbangers Ball: The Revenge which featured the single ‘To The Threshold’. Check out their other single ‘Destroy Everything’.
34. Rage Against The Machine – Rage Against The Machine (1992)
One of the best-known singles from ‘Rage Against The Machine‘ was ‘Killing In The Name Of’. The which came of the self-entitled album ‘Rage Against The Machine‘ was the first release from the American band in 1992. It was ranked 221 in the Rolling Stones ‘500 Greatest Albums Of All Time’ Back in 2020.
35. The Hu – The Gereg (2019)
The First ever album by The Mongolian Folk Metal band ‘The Hu‘. The Hu Formed back in 2016. ‘The Gereg’ was realised in 2019 by Eleven Seven Records and features the singles ‘Yuve Yuve Yu’, ‘Wolf Token’, ‘Shoog Shoog’, ‘The Great Chinggis Khaan’ and ‘Song Of Women’. The deluxe album has special guest features such as Jacoby Shaddix, From Ashes To New, and Lizzy Hale. As well as three acoustic Tracks.
36. While She Sleeps – You Are We (2017)
The third studio album by British Metalcore band ‘While She Sleeps‘ in 2017. The Band released the album their album under their Independent label Sleeps Brother. The album features the song titled ‘Silence Speaks’ which features Vocalist of Bring Me The Horizon Oli Skyes. ‘You Are We’ debuted in the UK Charts at number 8. Check out our Download Festival Gallery While She Sleeps gallery here
37. Steel Panther – Feel The Steel (2009)
The Debut album from Glam Metal Band ‘Steel Panther‘ called ‘Feel The Steel’ back in 2009. As well as being Comedy Rock. ‘Feel The Steel’ Features singles such as ‘Death To All But Metal’ which features Corey Taylor and ‘Turn Out The Lights’ Featuring M.Shadows. Tracks ‘Fat Girl’, ‘Stripper Girl’ and ‘Hell’s On Fire’ were all re-recorded from Steel Panthers earlier EP Hole Patrol. In 2023 the band was on ‘Americas Got Talent’ check out the video.
38. Loathe – I Let It In And It Took Everything (2020)
The second studio album from nu-metal/metalcore artist ‘Loathe‘. It was named by Metal Hammer as the 12th best metal album of 2020. The ‘I Let It In And It Took Everything‘ was released under the SharpTone label. ‘I Let It In And It Took Everything’ Pushes the musical boundaries and pushes forward for a new wave of musical power. The album contains singles ‘New Faces In The Dark’ and ‘Aggressive Evolution’.
39. In This Moment – Beautiful Tragedy (2007)
‘Beautiful Tragedy‘ is the debut album of ‘In This Moment‘. The album was largely promoted on Sirus Satellite Radio where the 7 songs off the album where performed lifting In This Moment into the Heavy Metal scene. Singles off ‘Beautiful Tragedy’ included ‘Prayers’, and ‘Surrender’.
40. Within Temptation – Hydra (2014)
The sixth album from Dutch band ‘Within Temptation‘. The album titled ‘Hydra‘ contains a lot of special guest appearances such as rapper Xzibit, Ex-Nightwish Metal Vocalist Tarja Turunen, Ex-Vocalist from Killswitch Engage Howard Jones, and the alternative Rock Singer from Soul Asylum Dave Pirner. The album produce 4 singles with the first being ‘ Paradise (What About Us?)‘, with also ‘Dangerous’,’And We Run’, And also ‘Whole World Is Watching’.
41. Baby Metal – Baby Metal (2014)
The debut album ‘Baby Metal’ which stole every ones heart and got them singing along to Baby Metal The Japanese Heavy Metal Group. The album ‘Baby Metal‘ received positive feedback from music Critics and is still loved 10 years after its release back in 2014. The album features the well-known song ‘Gimme Chocolate!!!’. Check out Baby Metal’s latest single here ft Electric Call Boy
42. Slayer – Seasons In The Abyss (1990)
The fifth studio album from American Thrasher metal band ‘Slayer‘ was released through Def American Records back in 1990. ‘Seasons In The Abyss‘ reached top 40 out of 200 on the US Billboard. ‘Seasons In The Abyss’ Featured singles ‘Seasons In The Abyss’ and ‘Spirit In Black’ Track eight on the album features both vocals from Kerry King and Tom Araya. Both sets of vocals were played at the same time and just fitted ‘Temptation’ perfectly and were kept.
43. Kiss – Destroyer (1976)
Hard Rock Band ‘Kiss‘ released their fourth studio album in 1976 called ‘Destroyer’, It was the third successful Kiss album which came out after ‘Alive!’ in 1975. Singles such as ‘Shout It Out Loud’, ‘Beth’, ‘Flaming Youth’ and ‘Detroit City’ were included in ‘Destroyer’. The album was re-recorded for its 35th anniversary. The artwork for the album came from artist Ken Kelly.
44. Lacuna Coil – Comalies (2002)
In 2002 Italian Gothic Metal Band ‘Lacuna Coil‘ released their third studio album ‘Comalies’. Released under Century Media Records. The album became one of the most well known albums of it time. Features songs ‘Heavens A Lie’ and ‘Swamped’. Comalies was re-recorded under ‘Comalies XX’ for its 20th anniversary. The single ‘Swamped’ was featured in 2004 game ‘Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines’ and as downloadable content in the game series ‘Rock Band’
45. Korn – Untouchables (2002)
Nu-metal band ‘Korn‘ 2002 released their fifth studio album ‘Untouchables’. The single ‘Here To Stay’ was a Grammy-winning single. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and sold roughly 495,991 copies during its first week of release. It has sold at least 1.4 Million copies in the United States. The album was released under ‘Sony Music Distribution’. Check out Korn’s review from Halifax The Piece Hall this summer here.
46. Sound Garden – Superunknown (1994)
In 1994 through A&M Records came ‘Superunknown’ which was the fourth studio album of the American Rock Band ‘Sound Garden’. ‘Superunknown’ was a critical and commercial success and was ‘Sound Gardens’ Break thorough album. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 as well as topping in on the Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand boards. Singles such as ‘Black Hole Sun’, ‘Spoonman’ and ‘ The Day I Tried To Live’.
47. AC/DC – The Razors Edge (1990)
The Twelfth Studio Album of the Australian Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame rock band ‘AC/DC’. Singles featured on the album included ‘Money Talks’, and ‘Are You Ready’. ‘The Razors Edge‘ album was a success for the band and peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 2000 and at Number 4 in The UK. AC/DC has had many successes in writing albums for Marvel’s Iron Man 2’ and the Very remembered song ‘Thunder Struck’ The song has been used in movies such as ‘Deadpool 2’, ‘Planes: Fire and Rescue’, ‘The Fall Guy’, ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ and The ‘Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ perform a highly famous dance routine to the song before every football game.
48. Gojira – From Mars To Sirius (2005)
By French Metal Band ‘Gojira’ comes their third studio album ‘From Mars To Sirius’. Gojira designed the album around the concept of Environmental issues that are occurring and tells the story of the rebirth of a dead planet through the story of space travel and with an underlying theme of a transition from war to peace. Gojira was also featured at the 2024 opener for the Olympics being held in Paris. Check out Gojira being announced for Bloodstock
49. Corpus Christ – A Feast For Crows (2010)
‘Corpus Christ’s’ second full-length studio album was released in 2010 entitled ‘A Feast For Crows’. This was the first album that only featured the original member Jarrod Christman. The Album was produced by Shane Frisby and under the record label Victory.
50. Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory
‘Hybrid Theory’ is the first debut album by Nu-Metal band ‘Linkin Park‘. ‘Hybrid Theory’ was released in 2000 by ‘Warner Bros,’. The album’s Lyrical themes were based on the late Chester Bennington’s experiences he had. ‘Crawling’, ‘One Step Closer’, ‘Papercuts’, and ‘In The End’ were singles on the album ‘Hybrid Theory’ that got played in full at Download Festival in 2014 and was re-realized in 2020 for its 20th anniversary. After Chester Bennington died in 2017. The band took a hiatus from performing but that didn’t stop fans from keeping the spirit of the album alive with many fun raisers being created over the years to raise money for charity. Check out Linkin Park latest singles news
Artists: AC/DC, Alice Cooper, Anthrax, Avenged Sevenfold, Baby Metal, Black Sabbath, Bring Me The Horizon, Corpus Christ, Deep Purple, Deftones, Dio, Dragonforce, Enforced, Faith No More, gojira, Guns And Roses, Hatebreed, Him, In This Moment, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Kiss, Knocked Loose, Korn, Lacuna Coil, Like Moths To Flames, Linkin Park, Loathe, Machine Head, Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Motorhead, Nile, Orange Goblin, Pantera, Rage Against The Machine, Rob Zombie, Saxon, Sepultura, Shadow Smile, Slayer, slipknot, Soulfly, Sound Garden, Steel Panther, The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Hu, veiled, While She Sleeps, Within Temptation
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