9 Surprising Metal Songs That Are About Hurricanes

Bad weather is upon us, but its unlike any metal fan to let go of music in these turbulent times. While we try and brace ourselves and pray for everyone’s safety, we’ve concoted a list of a few metal songs that are about hurricanes, or have associated eleemnts towards thunder or rain. These songs might just be the perfect excuse for you to bust out your old albums and get jamming on some fun, contextually relevant tunes.
1. Scorpions – “Rock You Like a Hurricane”
Released on January 30, 1984, “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by the Scorpions is a classic glam metal track. Recorded in 1983, this track combines hard rock and heavy metal with a touch of pop metal. The song’s length of 4 minutes and 11 seconds is packed with electrifying guitar solos and Klaus Meine’s iconic vocals. The lyrics metaphorically compare the intensity of a hurricane to the overwhelming force of love and desire.
The Scorpions’ ability to blend catchy hooks with powerful instrumentation is seen in this track. The chorus, with its repeated sentiment, serves as the climax of the song, much like the eye of a hurricane. Rock You Like a Hurricane” remains a staple in the band’s live performances, showcasing the band’s ability to capture the essence of a storm through music.
2. Metallica – “Master of Puppets”
While not explicitly about hurricanes, Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” embodies the chaotic and destructive nature often associated with these storms. Released in 1986, this thrash metal masterpiece explores themes of control and manipulation, similar to the unpredictable path of a hurricane. The song’s intricate guitar work and aggressive tempo mirror the relentless force of a storm, making it a fitting addition to our list.
3. Guns N’ Roses – “Welcome to the Jungle”
Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” released in 1987, captures the wild and untamed spirit of a hurricane. While the song primarily addresses the chaos of urban life, its intense energy and driving rhythm evoke the feeling of being caught in a tempest. Axl Rose’s dynamic vocal delivery and Slash’s iconic guitar riffs create a soundscape reminiscent of a storm’s ferocity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of survival amidst chaos, much like weathering a hurricane.
4. AC/DC – “Back in Black”
AC/DC’s “Back in Black,” released in 1980, is a hard rock anthem that seeks to mirror the resilience and strength needed to endure a hurricane. Although not directly about storms, the song’s powerful riffs and defiant lyrics embody the spirit of overcoming adversity. The track’s driving beat and Angus Young’s electrifying guitar work create an atmosphere of unstoppable force.
Brian Johnson’s gritty vocals deliver a message of triumph over challenges. What those set of vocals make you feel is the same one you feel after emerging unscathed from a hurricane’s wrath. “Back in Black” continues to be a symbol of perseverance and power, making it a fitting inclusion in our exploration of hurricane-themed metal songs.
5. Judas Priest – “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin”
Judas Priest’s “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” released in 1982, is a heavy metal classic that channels the determination and resilience required to face a hurricane. The song’s relentless energy and Rob Halford’s commanding vocals create a sense of empowerment, much like standing strong against a storm’s onslaught.
The lyrics carry, in them, a message of defiance and strength, establishing a deep connection with those who refuse to be overwhelmed by life’s challenges. With its driving rhythm and powerful instrumentation, “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” is a perfect example of the inspirational ability of every one of Judas Priest’s musical tracks.
6. Iron Maiden – “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
Iron Maiden’s epic “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” released in 1984, draws inspiration from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem of the same name. The song’s narrative of a sailor’s harrowing journey through a stormy sea mirrors the chaos and unpredictability of a hurricane. Clocking in at over 13 minutes, this progressive metal masterpiece takes listeners on a journey through turbulent waters and supernatural forces.
7. Black Sabbath – “Children of the Sea”
Black Sabbath’s “Children of the Sea,” released in 1980, is a track centred around destruction and rebirth, akin to the aftermath of a hurricane. The song’s haunting melody and Ronnie James Dio’s powerful vocals create an atmosphere of both beauty and devastation. The lyrics speak of a world ravaged by storms, yet filled with hope for renewal. Tony Iommi’s signature guitar work and the band’s atmospheric soundscapes evoke the feeling of being caught in a tempest.
8. Megadeth – “Tornado of Souls”
Megadeth’s “Tornado of Souls,” released in 1990, captures the whirlwind of emotions and chaos often associated with hurricanes. The song’s fast-paced tempo and Dave Mustaine’s aggressive vocals create a sense of urgency and intensity. The song, primarily in B Natural Minor with some B Dorian over the E chord, features one of the most challenging guitar solos in metal history, played by Marty Friedman.
The lyrics delve into the end of a dysfunctional relationship, with frontman Dave Mustaine singing about giving his partner “the kiss of death.” While some speculate that the song ends with a violent act, Mustaine has clarified that it’s a deeply personal piece written during a difficult time. The swirling emotions and technical prowess of “Tornado of Souls” make it a fitting addition to our hurricane-themed playlist.
9. Painkiller by Judas Priest
Judas Priest’s “Painkiller” is a sonic storm in its own right, as it embodies the ferocity and chaos of a hurricane. Released as the opening track on their twelfth album, also titled “Painkiller,” this song introduces us to a cyborg superhero who saves humanity from destruction. The character, depicted on the album cover, is as unstoppable as a hurricane, tearing through obstacles with unyielding force. Musically, “Painkiller” is a masterpiece of hard rock, featuring rapid-fire drumming and electrifying guitar solos.
The song is primarily written in E minor, but it showcases a dynamic range of key changes during its solos, with Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing alternating between F# minor and C# minor. This complexity mirrors the unpredictable nature of a storm, making “Painkiller” a fitting tribute to the power of hurricanes.
10. Thunderstruck by AC/DC
AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” is another anthem that channels the energy of a hurricane. The song, written in B Mixolydian, captures the electrifying sensation of being caught in a storm. Its iconic opening riff, reminiscent of lightning strikes, sets the stage for a high-voltage experience. Lyrically, “Thunderstruck” was inspired by the band’s childhood toy, ThunderStreak, and the idea of thunder itself, a natural phenomenon often associated with hurricanes. The song’s driving rhythm and powerful vocals evoke the relentless momentum of a storm, making it a staple in AC/DC’s repertoire and a perfect representation of nature’s fury.
Only one song on list has to do with a hurricane.
Most are not about Hurricanes. Why is Stormbringer not on list.