The 12 Best European Metal Bands of All Time
The best European metal bands are a key component in the genre’s history and evolution. It is impossible to understand what metal is without these groups’ contributions. Whether it’s their success, their influence, or both, they are fundamental in this kind of music. Furthermore, most of them continue going strong until this very day.
All of the best European metal bands are defined by their consistency, their legacy, and achievements. All of them have been commercial juggernauts but also quite influential in the long run. In fact, some of them were spearheading the key movements of the genre. It also goes without saying that this list goes in no particular order and is meant to celebrate each band’s contribution to metal.
1. Black Sabbath
Well, logically, this list needs to start with the band that basically birthed the genre. And no, Black Sabbath isn’t behind Metal Shout. Or maybe they are.
Anyway, the Birmingham natives are commonly considered the fathers of metal. However, they aren’t among the best European metal bands solely for their role in the genre. Black Sabbath is one of the bands with an iconic and easily recognizable sound, as well as several anthems that are part of rock and metal history. The English band has had a successful career spanning almost 50 years, with a few hiatuses in between, which began way back in 1968 with the curious name of The Polka Dot Blues Band.
Most people associate the band with the classic 70s lineup of Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, and Geezer Butler. They will always be classic Black Sabbath, but the different lineups deserve a lot of praise as well. It is also a testament to the group’s consistency throughout the years.
2. Iron Maiden
Other great metal icons and innovators who were an important part of the new wave of British heavy metal movement in the mid-1970s. Iron Maiden began in 1975 and has continued uninterruptedly to this day. They are one of those rare cases where the band’s technical quality has been matched by commercial success.
Maiden‘s sound is very distinctive, with that classic gallop and speed, and to a certain extent, difficult to imitate. It’s difficult to find bands with such a distinctive and polished sound, despite being a huge influence on many.
3. Deep Purple
Parallel to the birth of Black Sabbath, Deep Purple was born in England, specifically London. The band started with a slightly more progressive style, although it evolved into something a bit heavier and faster. Deep Purple can boast having one of the finest collections of members in a metal band.
We’re talking about many of the best in each position. And if we said Maiden has a difficult style to imitate, Deep Purple‘s is no slouch. Without a doubt, one of the best European metal bands.
4. Judas Priest
We’re still in England, with one of the best bands, not only in Europe but in the world of metal. Another of the main pillars of the new wave of British heavy metal in the 1970s. The band started in 1969, and while they had considerable importance in the 1970s, it wasn’t until the 1980s that they achieved true commercial success with “British Steel”. Judas Priest is one of the most influential bands, as their style defined what would become power metal, speed metal, and even glam.
5. Scorpions
Along with English metal, the other major force in Europe has been Germany. And one of the main exponents of German rock and metal is Scorpions. Although the band’s first album came out in 1972, the band had already been around for seven years at that point.
Beyond the quality of Scorpions‘ music, their commercial success has been enormous. Hits like “Wind of Change”, “Still Loving You”, and “Rock You Like a Hurricane” are just a few of the many that make up Scorpions‘ illustrious career.
6. Helloween
A list of the best European metal bands wouldn’t be complete without Helloween. The Hamburg band is often recognized as the cornerstone of power metal, a subgenre that has enjoyed widespread acclaim throughout Europe.
While they’ve enjoyed great commercial success, their greatest recognition lies within the metal industry itself, where they are considered one of the best bands in the genre. The band started in 1984, making them a bit younger than many of the rest on the list. Despite this, their innovative sound and style quickly positioned them among the best bands in the European metal scene.
Furthermore, they are currently enjoiyng a revival of sorts with the arrival of legendary former band members, Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen.
7. Rainbow
Ritchie Blackmore already appeared on this list as one of the founding members of Deep Purple and now he does so with Rainbow. In fact, after his departure (his first) from Deep Purple, he took it upon himself to form this band. Blackmore boosted this band with some little-known talents, such as Ronnie James Dio, who became internationally known thanks to Rainbow.
Beyond what can be said about Blackmore’s personality and how difficult it can be to work with him, the reality is that he is a very talented musician. This is reflected in works like the album “Rising“ he released with Rainbow in 1976, which contains pieces like “Stargazer” and “Tarot Woman”.
8. Motorhead
Another representative of the new wave of British heavy metal (which tells us how important that movement was). The band had a great career that lasted 40 years, starting in 1975 and lasting until Lemmy Kilmister‘s death in 2015.
The vocalist and bassist was the only constant member of Motorhead during those four decades. The band’s sound is considered quite heavy, and they are considered an important influence on thrash metal and speed metal.
9. Mercyful Fate / King Diamond
We’re including Mercyful Fate with the King Diamond project because why not? They’re the only non-British or German bands to make the list of best European metal bands. Mercyful Fate formed in 1981 and were a huge influence on what black and death metal would become.
In 1985, the band went on hiatus, and that’s when the band King Diamond was formed, which, in a way, continued what Mercyful Fate had been doing. It’s worth mentioning that several of the members moved from one band to the other. Both bands have maintained parallel careers almost since 1985.
10. Accept
It must be said that Accept is a fundamental band in German metal and logically belongs among the best European metal bands. Formed in 1968 as Band X, in 1972, after some lineup changes, they changed their name to Accept. During those years, the band did not have a major impact until 1976 when they began to play at a certain level by going to rock festivals in Germany.
The inconsistency they have had in their career due to several separations and hiatuses, is contrasted with the fairly constant and good quality of their work. Currently, they continue to tour and record albums with their latest vocalist, Mark Tornillo.
11. Saxon
The Barnsley-born band was also part (and a very important one) of the new wave of British heavy metal movement. The band formed in 1975 and quickly achieved significant status. By the 1980s, they were one of the leading metal acts, with success both in Europe and beyond. This success made them a huge influence on many great bands that would come after them.
Metallica, Megadeth, Dream Theater, Overkill, and Testament are some of the bands that have named Saxon as an important influence on their music. Despite lineup changes over time, Saxon has remained active since its formation and continues to be so to this day. This band’s classic heavy metal approach has managed to evolve while keeping their identity. They are a testament of dedication and focus on the genre.
12. Blind Guardian
And finally, there is Hansi Kursch and his boys. Blind Guardian is one of the leading bands in the global speed and power metal scene. Despite this, the German band’s style has elements of symphonic, progressive, and even thrash metal. Formed in 1984 under the name Lucifer’s Heritage, they changed their name to their current one in 1987. The band’s epic sound finds a parallel in the themes of their songs, which are often based on literature, fiction, legends, and myths.
Furthermore, Blind Guardian is an example of consistency. While perhaps they didn’t have big hits like other bands on this list, their work ethic speaks for itself. Moreover, they have managed to maintain a constant evolution in their sound. New listeners would be able to get albums with a wide variety of sounds while keeping a classic focus. There are also Hansi Kursch‘s vocals, which are part of the band’s signature sound.
