Iron Maiden were one of the leaders of the early-1980s New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement energized by the spirit of punk. Maiden built upon their initial cult success, eventually leading to global domination by the mid '80s. The band's singer …

After he departed Hawkwind in the mid-1970s, bassist/gravel-voiced singer Lemmy formed the hard-rocking Motorhead. Referred to by punk rockers as "the only metal band that matters," the rowdy trio was one of the leaders of the early-'80s New Wave of …

Before founding Megadeth in 1983, Dave Mustaine was an original member of Metallica (his songs were recorded by them after his departure). With Megadeth, however, he pursued his own vision; equally inspired by heavy metal and punk, Mustaine and compa…

Heavy metal had existed for several years before Judas Priest hit the scene in the mid 1970s, but the mighty Priest drove it all home--many still consider them to be the quintessential metal band. Dressed in studs and leather from head to toe, the ba…

This Swedish power metal band was originally a project created by Oscar Dronjak (b. 20 January 1972, Sweden; guitar) and Jesper Strömblad (drums) to compete in local band competitions. Neither had wanted to leave their own established bands Crystal A…

When death metal is mentioned, you can't help but automatically think of the genre's originators--Slayer. By merging brutal speed metal and scream-singing with disturbingly dark tales of death, the occult, and serial killers, the California quartet h…

After fronting Elf, Rainbow (featuring Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore), and Black Sabbath (after Ozzy Osbourne's departure), legendary vocalist Ronnie James Dio formed a band bearing his own name in 1983. Dio quickly became one of the world'…

Despite facing all manner of adversities, public indifference and a constantly changing line-up, this old-fashioned heavy metal outfit is one of the few acts to stick defiantly to their guns in a much maligned genre. Originally based in Indiana, USA,…

Formed in 1984 in Hamburg, Germany, from the ashes of local bands Second Hell and Iron Fist, the original line-up of this durable heavy metal band comprised Kai Hansen (b. 17 January 1963, Hamburg, Germany; guitar, vocals), Michael Weikath (b. 7 Augu…

This US thrash act was one of the first to emerge from San Francisco's Bay Area in Metallica's wake in the 80s. Originally formed as Legacy in 1983, becoming Testament two years later, the line-up included vocalist Steve Souza alongside Alex Skolnick…

Critics of heavy metal have long pointed out the genre's penchant for often taking itself far too seriously, and N.Y.C. thrash metallists Anthrax showed that metal could indeed have a light-hearted side. Besides helping to put thrash metal on the map…

Founded as Lucifer's Heritage in Krefeld, Germany in 1985, Blind Guardian incorporate elements of speed and thrash metal, bombastic progressive rock and sword and sorcery lyrical themes into their own brand of "fantasy metal".
Comprising Hansi Kür…

From the same creative melting pot as Hammerfall, Ceremonial Oath, and Dark Tranquillity, In Flames was formed in Göthenburg, Sweden in 1990 by Jesper Strömblad (vocals), Johan Larsson and Glenn Ljungström. In common with many acts in the city, the b…

After a false start as a 1980s glam-metal band, Pantera reinvented itself as a fierce thrash combo for 1990's landmark album COWBOYS FROM HELL. The Texan band distinguished itself by offering up its trademark "power groove" sound--a potent, slowed-do…

Getting his start with one of heavy metal monolith Black Sabbath, singer Ozzy Osbourne split from the band in 1979, and forged a highly successful solo career that quickly eclipsed his former outfit. While Osbourne's strange antics sometimes overshad…

UK power metal sextet Dragonforce formed in 1999 around the twin-guitar assault of Herman Li and Sam Totman keyboard player Vadim Pruzhanov and the powerful vocals of ZP Theart -- drummer David Mackintosh and bass player Adrian Lambert joined later D…

This UK black metal band, a major influence on thrash pioneers Metallica, Slayer and Possessed, as well as the satanic fraternity, was formed in Newcastle Upon Tyne by Cronos (b. Conrad Lant; bass, vocals), Mantas (b. Jeff Dunn; guitar) and Abaddon (…

Known worldwide as the embodiment of heavy metal, England's Black Sabbath enveloped the 1970s in a dense fog of apocalyptic imagery, monolithic guitar riffs, and horror-movie lyrics. When frontman Ozzy Osbourne left the band in 1979 for a highly succ…

Formed in Seattle, USA, in 1982, Metal Church initially comprised David Wayne (vocals), Kurt Vanderhoof (guitar), Craig Wells (guitar), Duke Erickson (bass) and Kirk Arrington (drums). Their first album was a phenomenal debut, brimming with energy an…

Formed in 1984, Sepultura put Brazilian metal on the map. Their early recordings are typified by speed, aggression, and anger, much of which stemmed from the band's preoccupations with the poor social conditions in their native land. Few metal groups…