The Ultimate Metal Anthem: A Symphony of Subjectivity
What makes a song the ultimate heavy metal anthem? Is it the thunderous riffs, the gut-punching lyrics, or the way it makes you feel invincible? Kerrang! recently tackled this question by polling a diverse group of artists at the Download Festival, and the results are as varied as the genre itself. But beyond the list of songs, what’s truly fascinating is what these choices reveal about the artists themselves—and the ever-evolving identity of metal.
The Classics vs. The Contemporaries
One thing that immediately stands out is the tension between classic anthems and modern contenders. Lzzy Hale of Halestorm opts for Black Sabbath’s “Heaven and Hell”, a choice that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Personally, I think this speaks to the enduring power of Sabbath’s influence—they’re the bedrock of metal, and their anthems still resonate across generations.
On the flip side, Harmony Cavelle of South Arcade picks Bring Me The Horizon’s “heavy metal”, a track that’s more divisive than unifying. What many people don’t realize is that this choice isn’t just about the song itself; it’s a statement about where metal is headed. BMTH’s blend of metalcore and electronic elements has polarized fans, but it also reflects the genre’s willingness to evolve. If you take a step back and think about it, metal has always been about pushing boundaries—even if it means alienating purists.
The Self-Referential Maverick
Trivium’s Matt Heafy threw a curveball by choosing his own band’s “Pull Harder On The Strings Of Your Martyr”. While some might dismiss this as cheeky or self-serving, I find it refreshingly honest. Metal artists are often their own harshest critics, but Heafy’s choice suggests a quiet confidence in his work. This raises a deeper question: Can an artist’s own creation truly be an anthem? In my opinion, it can—if it resonates with enough people to become a shared rallying cry.
The Underdogs and the Unexpected
A detail that I find especially interesting is the inclusion of lesser-known tracks like After The Burial’s “Lost In The Static” (chosen by Daniel Pruitt of Sleep Theory). These picks remind us that metal is a vast, fragmented universe, with subgenres and cult favorites that rarely get mainstream attention. What this really suggests is that the ultimate anthem isn’t just about popularity—it’s about personal connection.
Similarly, RØRY’s choice of Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome To The Jungle” feels like an outlier. While GNR is undeniably iconic, they’re not typically labeled as a metal band. This blurring of genre lines is intriguing. From my perspective, it highlights how metal’s identity is both rigid and fluid—a paradox that keeps the genre alive.
The Broader Implications
If we zoom out, this poll isn’t just about songs; it’s a snapshot of metal’s current state. The diversity of choices reflects the genre’s fragmentation and its ongoing struggle to define itself. What makes this particularly fascinating is how artists are both honoring the past and challenging the future.
For instance, the multiple votes for Metallica (“Master of Puppets” and “Enter Sandman”) underscore their status as the bridge between old-school thrash and modern metal. But the inclusion of bands like Meshuggah and Psycroptic hints at a growing appreciation for technical complexity and experimentation.
The Anthem as a Cultural Artifact
An anthem isn’t just a song—it’s a cultural artifact that encapsulates a moment, a movement, or a mindset. When Benji Webbe of Skindred chooses Pantera’s “Walk”, he’s not just picking a riff; he’s invoking a spirit of defiance and resilience. This is what many people don’t realize about metal anthems: they’re not just about the music; they’re about the stories and emotions they carry.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the ultimate metal anthem doesn’t exist—and that’s the beauty of it. Metal is too diverse, too rebellious, and too personal to be distilled into a single track. Personally, I think Kerrang!’s poll is less about finding an answer and more about sparking a conversation. It reminds us that metal is a living, breathing entity, shaped by the artists and fans who love it.
So, what’s your ultimate metal anthem? Mine changes depending on the day, but right now, I’m leaning toward “Hallowed Be Thy Name” by Iron Maiden. Not because it’s the “best,” but because it feels like a perfect blend of storytelling, musicianship, and raw emotion. And isn’t that what metal is all about?
