10) Killswitch Engage: 'The End of Heartache' (2004)
Killswitch Engage's Howard Jones and Adam Dutkiewicz are jokers. But they're certainly not kidding around when composing music -- for 'The End of Heartache' (on their album with the same name) earned them a 2004 Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance.
9) As I Lay Dying: 'Nothing Left' (2007)
'Nothing Left' is a forceful song, that combines a melodic chorus interrupted with moments perfect for mosh pit gatherings. The song's meaning has a pessimistic perception on today's society: "This world was never worthy, but how can I call it 'unfaithful'? / Every promise was fulfilled as decay crawled from its throat."
8) Testament: 'More Than Meets the Eye' (2008)
Along with Slayer and Megadeth, Testament are one of the godfathers of thrash-metal music. 'More Than Meets the Eye' came from 2008's 'The Formation of Damnation' album -- the first new material since 1999's 'The Gathering.' The lyrics are poetic despite the vibrant, harsh sounds: "My demons haunting me, I chased them all away. I've conquered all my fears, my destiny awaits."
7) Metallica: 'The Day That Never Comes' (2008)
Clocking in at almost eight minutes, the song was the first single from Metallica's ninth studio album, 'Death Magnetic.' The last three minutes of the track is 100% instrumental, complete with multiple guitar solos. 'Death Magnetic' was the first studio album to have Rick Rubin as producer and Robert Trujillo in the band on bass.
6) Soulfly: 'Jumpdaf---up' (2000)
One of the more popular songs on Soulfly's 'Primitive,' it features Slipknot's Corey Taylor. The guitars sound clean throughout, leaving 'Jumpdaf---up' with a refreshing musical touch.
5) Mastodon: 'Blood and Thunder' (2004)
This top metal song of the decade has strong guitar riffs that are prominent throughout the track. It appears on Mastodon's critically acclaimed 2nd studio album 'Leviathan.' Terrorizer, Revolver and Kerrang! magazine all named it Album of the Year in 2004.
4) Slayer: 'Final Six' (2006)
Thrash metal band Slayer paved the way for metal. The band not only survived the '90s but also sharpened their influence with 'Final Six' from the album, 'Christ Illusion.' The vocals for this particular song were actually not finished in time for the album's release. However, it was later included on a special edition of the CD.
3) Hatebreed: 'In Ashes They Shall Reap' (2009)
Heavy in metal and hardcore roots, this top metal song of the decade appeared on the 'Saw VI' soundtrack. The high energy in the music video (directed by Dale Resteghini) is credited to fans, who happily thrashed their heads to the live concert filming.
2) Lamb of God: 'Redneck' (2006)
Go ahead, dedicate this song to anyone you know with a big ego. Lamb of God's vocalist Randy Blythe told 'Metal Hammer' magazine that the song applies to people in the music industry with a big head. But the guitarist Mark Morton later told 'Guitar World' that the song was written about Blythe. In any case, the lyrics are clear: "So drunk on your self-self-righteous. The laughing stock of your own f---ing stage."
1) Slipknot: 'Before I Forget' (2005)
In the video, Slipknot shed their disguise, maskless and in normal clothes. However, their identity was never revealed thanks to clever camera angles. Not only is 'Before I Forget' AOL Radio's best metal song of the decade, but it also won the band its' first Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.
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1. "Three of the "Big Four" of thrash metal (Slayer, Megadeth, and Metallica) made the list"
I see no Megadeth on this list, although they deserve to be there.
Posted at 10:59AM on Dec 14th 2009 by Megaman