Hey metalheads, Amber here! As the lead singer of our band, I wanted to share some albums that have shaped my musical journey and continue to inspire me every day. These records didn’t just rock my world; they lit a fire in me and set me on the path to making music. From iconic bands to killer riffs, here are my top metal albums that I can't live without—and I hope they inspire you too.

1. Master of Puppets - Metallica

• Standout Song: Master of Puppets

• Why It Resonates: This album is where it all started for me. The first time I heard the intro to Master of Puppets, I knew metal was the genre for me. James Hetfield’s aggressive vocals and Kirk Hammett’s shredding solos are a deadly combination, and the title track still gives me chills. The raw energy in this album taught me that metal can be powerful and emotional all at once. The way Metallica combines speed with intricate musicality inspired me to push my own vocal range and bring intensity to every performance.

2. Raining Blood - Slayer

• Standout Song: Raining Blood

• Why It Resonates: Slayer’s relentless speed and brutal lyrics were a game-changer. Raining Blood is an absolute masterpiece of thrash, with its haunting intro and breakneck riffs. I remember blasting this album in my room, feeling the adrenaline rush with every beat. Tom Araya’s piercing screams and the ferocity of the guitars showed me the importance of vocal delivery. Slayer’s unapologetic approach influenced me to embrace the darker side of our music and to never hold back.

3. Paranoid - Black Sabbath

• Standout Song: War Pigs

• Why It Resonates: This album is where heavy metal began, and Ozzy Osbourne’s vocals are iconic. War Pigs is my go-to track—it’s like a protest song wrapped in dark, sludgy riffs. Sabbath’s ability to create songs that are both heavy and socially aware made me realize that metal can be a voice for the voiceless. Ozzy’s unique style encouraged me to find my own vocal identity and bring emotion and storytelling into our lyrics.

4. Painkiller - Judas Priest

• Standout Song: Painkiller

• Why It Resonates: Rob Halford is the metal god, and Painkiller is one of his finest works. His piercing high notes and theatrical delivery on this album are nothing short of legendary. I remember hearing Painkiller for the first time and being blown away by the sheer power of Halford’s voice. This album taught me that you don’t just sing metal; you live and breathe it. It pushed me to expand my vocal range and embrace high-octane performances.

5. The Number of the Beast - Iron Maiden

• Standout Song: Hallowed Be Thy Name

• Why It Resonates: Iron Maiden has a special place in my heart, and this album is a masterpiece of storytelling. Hallowed Be Thy Name is an epic tale that takes you on a journey, and Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals bring it to life. The combination of galloping riffs and complex arrangements made me realize the importance of blending narrative with sound. This album inspires me to create songs that are not just music, but experiences.

6. Roots - Sepultura

• Standout Song: Roots Bloody Roots

• Why It Resonates: This album is a fusion of heavy metal and Brazilian tribal music, and it’s unlike anything else out there. Roots Bloody Roots is a brutal anthem that explores identity and heritage, topics that really hit home for me. Max Cavalera’s gritty vocals and the raw power of the drums introduced me to the idea of blending cultural elements with metal. This inspired me to experiment with different influences in our own music and to be fearless in exploring new sounds.

7. Rust in Peace - Megadeth

• Standout Song: Holy Wars… The Punishment Due

• Why It Resonates: Dave Mustaine’s guitar work on this album is nothing short of incredible, and the complexity of the songs left a lasting impression on me. Holy Wars is a perfect example of how you can combine speed, melody, and technical prowess. This album made me realize that metal isn’t just about being loud—it’s about precision and skill. Mustaine’s dedication to his craft inspired me to hone my own skills and always strive for improvement.

8. Seventh Son of a Seventh Son - Iron Maiden

• Standout Song: The Evil That Men Do

• Why It Resonates: Another Iron Maiden classic, this album blends prog rock elements with metal, creating a unique soundscape. The Evil That Men Do is powerful and haunting, and Dickinson’s vocals are otherworldly. The album’s concept and storytelling made me appreciate the idea of creating albums that are cohesive from start to finish, rather than just collections of songs. It’s an approach we try to bring to our music as well.

9. Leviathan - Mastodon

• Standout Song: Blood and Thunder

• Why It Resonates: Mastodon’s blend of progressive metal with storytelling based on Moby Dick is nothing short of genius. Blood and Thunder is a thunderous track that captures the ferocity of the sea. The band’s ability to blend intricate musicianship with themes of mythology and literature inspired me to explore unconventional topics in our lyrics and to push boundaries in our sound.

10. Iowa - Slipknot

• Standout Song: People = Shit

• Why It Resonates: This album is raw, dark, and brutally honest. Corey Taylor’s aggressive vocals and the band’s chaotic soundscapes showed me that metal could be a cathartic release. People = Shit is an unapologetic expression of frustration, and it resonates with the way I feel when I sing. Slipknot’s fearlessness inspires me to pour everything into our music and leave it all on the stage.

Honorable Mentions

These albums are just the tip of the iceberg. Metal is such a diverse and evolving genre, and I’m constantly discovering new music that inspires me. Shoutout to Pantera’s Vulgar Display of Power, Gojira’s From Mars to Sirius, and Opeth’s Blackwater Park for pushing the boundaries of what metal can be.

If you haven’t listened to these albums yet, do yourself a favor and check them out. They’re all masterpieces in their own right, and each one has something unique to offer. Metal is all about passion and authenticity, and these albums are proof of that. Follow us on Spotify to check out our latest tracks and see how these legends have influenced our own sound.

Want to receive these blogposts directly into your inbox? Then subscribe to our newsletter!