Black Sabbath's "N.I.B." from their 1970 debut is a bold blend of Tony Iommi's heavy riffs and Geezer Butler's bass intro, complemented by Ozzy Osbourne's haunting vocals, depicting Lucifer's transformation through love. Metallica's "Damage, Inc.," closing their 1986 "Master of Puppets," delivers raw thrash energy, driven by Cliff Burton's layered bass intro and technical precision, cementing its place as a live favorite.

AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" from 1990’s "The Razors Edge" thrives on Angus Young's hypnotic guitar riff, bringing arena rock fervor despite its catchy simplicity. Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle" unleashes urban chaos with Slash's slithering guitar riff and Axl Rose’s piercing wails. Rush's "YYZ," a prog-rock marvel from 1981's "Moving Pictures," dazzles with its 10/8 time signature and seamless interplay between Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, and Alex Lifeson.? Take our 12-track quiz.

Gary Moore's "GM Shreds" flaunts blazing alternate picking, legato runs, and emotive string bends, showcasing his mastery over blues, rock, and metal. While the solos channel classics like "The Loner" and "Still Got the Blues," the lack of strong melody makes it more a technical masterclass than a replayable track. Jeff Beck's "Dirty Mind," blending sharp guitar riffs with Imogen Heap's ethereal vocals, thrives on contrasts, earning a Grammy but feeling polished to the point of restraint.

Tommy Emmanuel's "Travelling Clothes" offers warm, pastoral guitar tones inspired by Alison Krauss’s style, though its comfort risks predictability. Meanwhile, Pat Metheny’s "Go Get It" bursts with high-energy interplay with Antonio Sánchez, though its relentless pace can feel overwhelming. Eddie Van Halen’s bold solos like "Eruption" and "Cathedral" mix technical ingenuity with live spontaneity, while Shawn Lane's "Get You Back" and Joe Bonamassa’s "Beck’s Bolero" reveal meticulous tributes paired with individual flair.

Last updated on February 8, 2026

Explore 20 popular metalcore songs. This list features dynamic releases from artists like Bring Me The Horizon, Wage War, Fit For A King, Babymetal, and Spiritbox, showcasing genre blends and powerful themes with details on production, lyrics, and collaborations.