The Ultimate Metal Anthem: A Symphony of Subjectivity
What makes a song the ultimate heavy metal anthem? Is it the thunderous riffs, the visceral lyrics, or the way it makes you feel invincible? Kerrang! recently posed this question to a diverse group of artists at the Download Festival, and the answers are as varied as the genre itself. But beyond the tracks they chose, what’s truly fascinating is what their picks reveal about the nature of metal—and the people who love it.
The Classics vs. The Contemporaries
One thing that immediately stands out is the tension between classic anthems and modern contenders. Lzzy Hale of Halestorm went with Black Sabbath’s “Heaven and Hell”, a choice that feels almost obligatory yet deeply personal. Personally, I think this speaks to the enduring power of Sabbath’s legacy—they’re the bedrock of metal, and their influence is undeniable. But then you have Harmony Cavelle from South Arcade picking Bring Me The Horizon’s “heavy metal”, a track that’s more post-hardcore than traditional metal. What this really suggests is that the definition of a ‘metal anthem’ is expanding, reflecting the genre’s evolution.
From my perspective, this divide isn’t just about age or era—it’s about identity. Older artists tend to gravitate toward the songs that shaped them, while younger musicians are more likely to celebrate the sounds that define their generation. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t a generational gap but a continuum. Metal has always been about rebellion, and each generation finds its own way to rebel.
The Self-Referential Choice
Trivium’s Matt Heafy raised eyebrows by choosing his own band’s “Pull Harder On The Strings Of Your Martyr”. On the surface, it’s a cheeky move, but if you take a step back and think about it, it’s also a statement about self-belief and the modern artist’s role. In an era where self-promotion is the norm, Heafy’s pick feels both bold and vulnerable. It raises a deeper question: Can an artist’s own work truly be their ultimate anthem? Or is that title reserved for the songs that inspired them?
What makes this particularly fascinating is how it contrasts with the humility of other choices. For instance, Jeremy McKinnon of A Day To Remember went with Metallica’s “Enter Sandman”, a track that’s been a gateway to metal for millions. There’s a humility in acknowledging the giants whose shoulders you stand on, but there’s also power in claiming your own space.
The Unexpected Picks
Some choices defy easy categorization. RØRY’s selection of Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome To The Jungle” is intriguing. While not strictly metal, it’s a song that captures the raw energy and attitude that metal thrives on. This raises a deeper question: Does a metal anthem have to be technically metal, or is it more about the spirit it embodies?
Similarly, Jayant Bhadula of Bloodywood picking Slipknot’s “Eyeless” highlights the global reach of metal. Slipknot’s blend of aggression and melody resonates across cultures, proving that metal’s appeal isn’t limited by geography or language. A detail that I find especially interesting is how these unexpected picks challenge our assumptions about what metal ‘should’ sound like.
The Broader Implications
If you step back and look at the bigger picture, this poll isn’t just about songs—it’s about identity, legacy, and the future of metal. The genre has always been a space for outsiders, and these choices reflect that. Whether it’s the raw fury of Pantera’s “Walk” or the technical precision of Meshuggah’s “Bleed”, each pick tells a story about what metal means to the person choosing it.
In my opinion, the ultimate metal anthem doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s a reflection of the listener’s journey, their struggles, and their triumphs. That’s why these artists’ choices are so personal—they’re not just naming songs; they’re sharing pieces of themselves.
Final Thoughts
As someone who’s spent years dissecting the nuances of metal, I’m struck by how this poll captures the genre’s essence: diverse, defiant, and deeply personal. There’s no single ‘ultimate’ anthem because metal means something different to everyone. And maybe that’s the point.
What this really suggests is that the ultimate metal anthem isn’t a song—it’s the feeling you get when you hear it. Whether it’s the first time or the thousandth, that surge of adrenaline, that sense of belonging, that’s what makes it an anthem. So, the next time someone asks you for your pick, remember: it’s not about the song. It’s about the story behind it.
And that, in my opinion, is what makes metal timeless.
