I made a compilation! You can record it on tape, burn a CD, create a playlist, or simply click on the videos below. Whatever format you prefer, I'm sure you'll break your neck listening to it so much. This list was made with a lot of care because these 11 songs are really important to me. I hope you like them and send in your lists too. Don't yell at me if you disagree, but no one will be able to complain about the quality of the songs listed below.
1. Hallowed be thy Name – Iron Maiden
This is the one that moves me the most, there's no denying it, from the studio version of The Number of the Beast to all the band's shows, from Live at Hammersmith to En Vivo, it's the perfect song. Lyrics, riffs, slow parts, fast parts, solos, instrumental parts, or Clive Burr's marvelous drum arrangement. Luckily, I had the opportunity to see about 10 Maiden shows, and in all of them, this song was the highlight of the show.
2. Master of Puppets – Metallica
Another perfect song, with amazing riffs and rhythm parts. James Hetfield has the best picking technique and is one of the greatest riff creators on the planet. No one can deny that. Master of Puppets was where Metallica reached perfection, and this song is the best Thrash Metal song of all time.
3. War Pigs – Black Sabbath
The inventors of Heavy Metal achieved perfection with the album Paranoid, a true Metal anthem. Anyone lucky enough to hear the instrumental ending of this song at a show knows what it's like to get goosebumps from head to toe with the crowd singing along. It's the kind of music that makes you feel like you're in a horror movie; listen to it at midnight, Friday the 13th, in a dark room at maximum volume. That's Heavy Metal.
4. Ace of Spades – Motörhead
For me, this is the first Thrash Metal song in history. Anywhere in the world, this is the kind of song that makes millions of headbangers' heads click the moment it starts playing; you just want to headbang until the end. Weight and energy, the philosophy of Motörhead.
5. Heaven and Hell – Black Sabbath
Dio couldn't be left out of this list, and this song best represents him. Once again, the lyrics, the riffs, the fast and slow parts, Geezer Butler's bass.
6. Cemetery Gates – Pantera
The song has slow parts and hard-hitting parts; the guitar arrangement and solo showcase Dimebag Darrell's genius. This is one of the few songs where you can really see Phil Anselmo's exceptional technical skill and high notes.
7. Angel of Death – Slayer
Slayer is the most devastating band on the planet. There's no show more brutal than a Slayer concert, and "Angel of Death" is one of the songs that makes me want to headbang non-stop.
8. The Hellion/Electric Eye – Judas Priest
The start of Judas Priest's show during their best phase, a perfect intro, sensational riffs, twin guitars by KK Downing and Glenn Tipton. The heaviness, the melody, the speed, the perfect solos. Another perfect Heavy Metal song. Judas Priest, the Gods of Metal. “I'm made of Metal / My circuits gleam / I am perpetual / I keep the country clean”
9. Mr. Crowley – Ozzy Osbourne
The most amazing solo in Heavy Metal, Ozzy is the most Heavy Metal guy in the world and this is the greatest anthem of his solo career. Looking forward to the new Sabbath album and the shows in Brazil in October, which are already confirmed.
10. Holy Wars…The Punishment Due – Megadeth
Another perfect song for headbanging, uniting the extreme technique of these two great guitarists, Marty Friedman and Dave Mustaine. It was certainly the band's peak, but Megadeth still shines wherever they go, and their latest album, Thirteen, is one of the best of their career in my opinion.
11. I Am Hell (Sonata in C#) – Machine Head
This song puts Machine Head on another level; you could say that Unto the Locust is one of the best metal albums of recent times. Luckily, I had the chance to see this show live with the masters of Sepultura.
