Biggest Stars

Metallica
Metallica
USAHeavy Metal

Metallica

USAMetalHeavy Metal
Avenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold
USAHeavy Metal

Avenged Sevenfold

USAMetalHeavy Metal
Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne
GBRHeavy Metal

Ozzy Osbourne

GBRMetalHeavy Metal
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
GBRDoom/Sludge Metal

Black Sabbath

GBRMetalDoom/Sludge Metal
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
GBRHeavy Metal

Iron Maiden

GBRMetalHeavy Metal
Ghost
Ghost
SWEHard Rock

Ghost

SWERockHard Rock
Def Leppard
Def Leppard
GBRHard Rock

Def Leppard

GBRRockHard Rock
Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe
USAHard Rock

Mötley Crüe

USARockHard Rock
Megadeth
Megadeth
USAThrash Metal

Megadeth

USAMetalThrash Metal
Judas Priest
Judas Priest
GBRHeavy Metal

Judas Priest

GBRMetalHeavy Metal
Rob Zombie
Rob Zombie
USAHeavy Metal

Rob Zombie

USAMetalHeavy Metal
Tenacious D
Tenacious D
USAHard Rock

Tenacious D

USARockHard Rock
Mägo de Oz
Mägo de Oz
ESPFolk Metal

Mägo de Oz

ESPMetalFolk Metal
Sabaton
Sabaton
SWEPower Metal
Claimed Profile

Sabaton

SWEMetalPower Metal
Nikhar Juneja
H
Nikhar Juneja
INDIndian Pop
Hot

Nikhar Juneja

INDPopIndian Pop
Volbeat
Volbeat
DNKHeavy Metal

Volbeat

DNKMetalHeavy Metal
Motörhead
Motörhead
GBRHeavy Metal

Motörhead

GBRMetalHeavy Metal
Poison
Poison
USAHard Rock

Poison

USARockHard Rock
Black Veil Brides
Black Veil Brides
USAHard Rock

Black Veil Brides

USARockHard Rock
Stone Sour
Stone Sour
USAHard Rock

Stone Sour

USARockHard Rock
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Top Artists by Radio Spins Last month

Metallica
Metallica
USAHeavy Metal

Metallica

USAMetalHeavy Metal
123.2K radio spins
Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne
GBRHeavy Metal

Ozzy Osbourne

GBRMetalHeavy Metal
67.4K radio spins
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
GBRHeavy Metal

Iron Maiden

GBRMetalHeavy Metal
42.6K radio spins
Judas Priest
Judas Priest
GBRHeavy Metal

Judas Priest

GBRMetalHeavy Metal
41.7K radio spins
Volbeat
Volbeat
DNKHeavy Metal

Volbeat

DNKMetalHeavy Metal
24.7K radio spins

Most Streamed Spotify Tracks

Past Month
1
Enter Sandman
Enter Sandman
4.3M streams
2
Nothing Else Matters
Nothing Else Matters
3.1M streams
3
Master Of Puppets
Master Of Puppets
2.8M streams
4
Hail to the King
Hail to the King
2.1M streams
5
Dragula
Dragula
2.1M streams
6
Crazy Train
Crazy Train
1.8M streams
7
For Whom The Bell Tolls - Remastered
For Whom The Bell Tolls - Remastered
1.8M streams
8
One
One
1.7M streams
9
The Trooper - 2015 Remaster
The Trooper - 2015 Remaster
1.4M streams
10
The Unforgiven
The Unforgiven
1.3M streams
1

Enter Sandman

2

Nothing Else Matters

3

Master Of Puppets

4

Hail to the King

5

Dragula

6

Crazy Train

7

For Whom The Bell Tolls - Remastered

8

One

9

The Trooper - 2015 Remaster

10

The Unforgiven

Top Spotify Playlists

Metal Essentials
Metal Essentials
Spotify
3.8M followers
This Is Metallica
This Is Metallica
Spotify
1.9M followers
Heavy Metal
Heavy Metal
Spotify
1.2M followers
This Is Iron Maiden
This Is Iron Maiden
Spotify
741.2K followers
Old School Metal
Old School Metal
Spotify
492.6K followers
This Is Avenged Sevenfold
This Is Avenged Sevenfold
Spotify
432.8K followers

Subgenre Popularity

Music stats for top 3,000 artists last month

Top Countries

    Top Cities

      • 7.1K
      • 416.3M
      • N/A
      • 740.9K
      7.1K
      Heavy Metal artists
      Spotify
      416.3M
      Streams on Spotify
      YouTube
      0
      Views on YouTube
      Radio Airplay
      740.9K
      Radio spins
      Viberate for Artists

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      Questions? We have answers

      Overview of Heavy Metal music

      The origins of Heavy Metal music can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, with the emergence of bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. These bands were characterized by their use of distorted guitars, heavy drumming, and lyrics that often dealt with themes of darkness, rebellion, and anti-establishment sentiments.

      As the genre evolved, it became known for its fast-paced, aggressive sound and its emphasis on technical virtuosity. Heavy Metal has been a driving force in popular music for over four decades, inspiring countless musicians and fans alike with its raw power and uncompromising attitude. Despite facing criticism and controversy over the years, the genre has continued to thrive and evolve, with new sub-genres and offshoots emerging all the time.

      Today, Heavy Metal remains a vital and influential force in the world of music, and its impact can be felt across a wide range of musical styles and genres.

      Which musicians and bands defined Heavy Metal music?

      Several musicians and bands have played significant roles in defining and shaping heavy metal music.

      Black Sabbath, led by Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, are considered the pioneers of heavy metal. Formed in the late 1960s, their dark and heavy sound, characterized by downtuned guitars, dark lyrics, and a doom-laden atmosphere, laid the foundation for the genre. Black Sabbath's impact on heavy metal cannot be overstated.

      Judas Priest, known for their twin guitar harmonies and the powerful vocals of Rob Halford, is another band that helped define heavy metal. Their early albums in the 1970s and 1980s played a crucial role in shaping the sound of traditional heavy metal. Judas Priest's powerful riffs, memorable anthems, and Halford's soaring vocals have left an indelible mark on the genre.

      Iron Maiden, with their galloping guitar riffs, epic song structures, and the operatic vocals of Bruce Dickinson, have had a massive influence on heavy metal. Emerging in the late 1970s, Iron Maiden has become one of the most successful and enduring bands in the genre. Their energetic live performances, concept albums, and iconic mascot Eddie have solidified their status as heavy metal legends.

      Saxon, known for their powerful and melodic sound, deserves a mention as well. Formed in the late 1970s, Saxon played a crucial role in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. With their influential albums like "Wheels of Steel" and "Denim and Leather," Saxon showcased a blend of catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and gritty guitars, making them a significant force in the development of heavy metal.

      Metallica, formed in the early 1980s, helped popularize thrash metal. Their fast-paced, aggressive sound, intricate guitar work, and socially conscious lyrics set them apart. Albums like "Master of Puppets" and "Ride the Lightning" are considered classics of the genre. Metallica's influence on heavy metal and their impact on the broader music scene are undeniable.

      Motörhead, led by the late Lemmy Kilmister, blended elements of punk rock and heavy metal to create a raw and powerful sound. Their fast tempo, gritty attitude, and distinctive bass-heavy style laid the groundwork for speed metal and influenced countless bands. Motörhead's relentless energy and iconic songs like "Ace of Spades" have solidified their place as heavy metal legends.

      These are just a few of the many musicians and bands that have defined heavy metal music. The genre has a rich history with numerous subgenres and countless influential acts that have contributed to its evolution.

      Which songs and albums defined Heavy Metal music?

      Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Metallica, Motörhead, Saxon, and Iron Maiden are legendary bands that have made significant contributions to heavy metal through their influential songs and albums.

      Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" (1970) is a cornerstone of heavy metal, featuring the iconic track "Iron Man" with its heavy riffs and dark atmosphere.

      Judas Priest's "British Steel" (1980) is a defining release, highlighted by the anthemic "Breaking the Law" that showcases their twin guitar harmonies and memorable songwriting.

      Metallica's "Master of Puppets" (1986) is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time. The title track exemplifies their musical prowess and complex song structures.

      Motörhead's "Ace of Spades" (1980) captures their raw and relentless style, with the eponymous song becoming synonymous with their aggressive sound.

      Saxon's "Wheels of Steel" (1980) played a significant role in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, featuring the powerful anthem of the same name.

      Iron Maiden's "The Number of the Beast" (1982) is a landmark album in heavy metal history, solidifying their position as one of the genre's most influential and enduring bands.

      Notable heavy metal songs that have shaped the genre include Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" and Judas Priest's "Painkiller."

      These songs and albums, among many others from these influential bands, have left a lasting impact on heavy metal, contributing to its rich and diverse legacy.

      Which music festivals and events represent Heavy Metal music?

      Heavy Metal is a genre of music that has a rich history and a passionate fan base. There are several festivals and events that cater specifically to fans of this genre. One such event is the Wacken Open Air festival, which takes place annually in Germany. This festival is known for its impressive line-up of heavy metal bands and attracts fans from all over the world.

      Another popular event for fans of heavy metal is the Download Festival, which is held annually in the UK. This festival features a mix of heavy metal, rock, and punk bands, and has become a staple for fans of these genres.

      Other notable heavy metal festivals include Hellfest in France, Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium, and Sweden Rock Festival in Sweden. These festivals offer fans the opportunity to see some of the biggest names in heavy metal, as well as discover new and upcoming bands in the genre.

      In addition to these festivals, there are also several smaller events and concerts that cater to fans of heavy metal. These events provide fans with the opportunity to see their favorite bands in a more intimate setting, and often feature up-and-coming bands in the genre.

      Overall, the heavy metal genre has a strong and dedicated fan base, and there are several festivals and events that cater specifically to this audience. These events offer fans the opportunity to see some of the biggest names in heavy metal, discover new bands, and connect with other fans who share their passion for this genre of music.