Top 10 Heavy Metal Anthems

#10: “Ten Thousand Fists” (2006) Disturbed

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Top 20 Heavy Metal Anthems

The fifth single from Disturbed’s third album is 3-and-half minutes of pure heavy metal goodness. Thanks to its driving beat, rousing chorus and aggressive sound, “Ten Thousand Fists” found a spot within the top 10 of the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Frontman David Draiman hoped the track would showcase strength and unity – and judging by all the chanting and “fists in the air” when it’s played during live shows, the band has undoubtedly succeeded.

#9: “Walk” (1993) Pantera

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This 5-minute-plus track is one of the prime examples of why Pantera must’ve titled their sixth album Vulgar Display of Power. With its Dimebag Darrell-conceived riff, F-Off attitude and groove metal flavors, “Walk” is a call for respect that’s attracted multiple artists to cover the tune. Its tough lyrics and killer solo also helped it become the band’s first top 40 single in the UK.

We picked the Motorhead signature "Ace of Spades" for our Top 10 Heavy Metal Riffs, so that's why their version of this Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde and Lemmy Kilmister-penned track lands here. After appearing on Ozzy’s No More Tears album, it was recorded by Lemmy and company for “Hellraiser III” and featured on their March or Die record. And we’re so glad they did; with Kilmister’s growly vocals, some kickass guitar work and a driving rhythm section, the band didn’t only show us how raise a little hell; they also “put a spell on us” too.

#7: “We Rock” (1984) Dio

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Though “Holy Diver”’s got one helluva riff and was even featured in our Top 10 Heavy Metal Riffs video, it’s the lyrics and energy of “We Rock” that’s our pick for heavy metal anthems. First off, it’s got that epic sound and those distorted guitars. But it’s thanks to the unfaltering strength of Ronnie James Dio’s vocals that the Last in Line single has us wanting to “sail on, sing a song [and] carry on” with the band forevermore.

Though we could’ve picked “Screaming for Vengeance,” there’s no ignoring the absolute intensity on Judas Priest’s “Painkiller.” The band display their technical mastery through K.K. Downing and Glen Tipton’s double guitar style, Ian Hill’s bass and Scott Travis’ impressive drumming. Then there’s Rob Halford: while we can’t even come close to duplicating his practically unparalleled singing prowess, we can’t help but try to scream along.

#5: “No More Tears” (1991) Ozzy Osbourne

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Since we featured “Crazy Train” in Top 10 Heavy Metal riffs and “Mr. Crowley” in Top 10 Guitar Solos, we’ve decided to showcase a Zakk Wylde-era track this time around. By blending heavy metal, symphonic metal and progressive rock, “No More Tears” stands shoulder-to-shoulder with any of Ozzy's other more obvious anthems. It also features an incredible bassline that transitions into a soaring melodic riff as well as the Prince of Darkness’ unsettling vocals.

#4: “Peace Sells” (1986) Megadeth

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Opening with a memorable Dave Ellefson bass intro, “Peace Sells” packs a mighty punch thanks to the writing skills of Dave Mustaine and the band’s thrash metal sound. As the title track to their second effort, the socio-politically charged number gets its message across with its fast pace and hard-hitting vibe. Meanwhile, Megadeth’s shredding abilities intensify its rousing chorus.

Though “Master of Puppets” is often considered Metallica’s signature song, we’ve chosen “Seek and Destroy” for this list. As an early example of the band’s thrash metal sound, the almost 7-minute track is a blast of noise and power that aptly captures the impulse to kill. Penned by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, it quickly became a popular live track that often encourages call-and-response between the band and the audience.

#2: “The Number of the Beast” Iron Maiden

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While the riff and chorus of “Run to the Hills” are universally known and “Fear of the Dark” has become an anthem in later years, the “6-6-6” chant of this Steve Harris-penned number is hard to top. The title cut to Iron Maiden’s third record may’ve brought us one of Bruce Dickinson’s most potent screams, but it also took us on a devilish musical journey we’ll never forget. No wonder it’s so often played in concert.