10 Metal Bands Who Split Up And Did Better

When It comes to heavy metal, band breakups are as legendary as the music itself. These splits often lead to new beginnings, with former members forging paths that sometimes eclipse their original bands’ success. In this article, we will take a look at ten iconic metal bands and their notable splits, exploring how these separations led to greater achievements for some of the individuals involved.

1. Sepultura and Max Cavalera

The story of the Sepultura band is filled with a lot of triumph , yet a lot of turmoil. Formed in Brazil, the band rose to fame with their unique blend of thrash and groove metal, releasing six studio albums with Max Cavalera at the helm. Their 1996 album “Roots” was a groundbreaking success, cementing their status as metal superstars. However, tensions within the band began to simmer, primarily due to management issues involving Max’s wife, Gloria Bujnowski. The rest of the band felt she was prioritizing Max’s interests over theirs, leading to a rift. This tension reached a boiling point after the tragic death of Max’s stepson, Dana Wells, which further strained relationships. Ultimately, Max left Sepultura in December 1996 after a final performance at Brixton Academy.

Post-split, Max Cavalera formed Soulfly in 1997, a band that has since released twelve studio albums. Soulfly’s debut album went gold, and the band has maintained a strong following, touring extensively worldwide. Meanwhile, Sepultura continued with Derrick Green as their new frontman, releasing nine studio albums from “Against” to “Quadra.” Despite the initial challenges, both Max and Sepultura found success in their separate ventures, proving that the split allowed for creative growth and exploration.

2. Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne

Black Sabbath, pioneers of heavy metal, achieved monumental success with Ozzy Osbourne as their charismatic frontman. Their early albums, including “Paranoid” and “Master of Reality,” are considered classics, selling millions of copies and influencing countless bands. However, by the late 1970s, internal conflicts and substance abuse issues led to Ozzy’s departure in 1979. The split was tumultuous, but it marked the beginning of a new era for both parties.

Ozzy Osbourne embarked on a solo career that quickly took off with the release of “Blizzard of Ozz” in 1980, featuring hits like “Crazy Train.” His solo work garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, earning multiple platinum certifications and solidifying his status as a metal icon. Black Sabbath, on the other hand, recruited Ronnie James Dio as their new vocalist, resulting in the successful albums “Heaven and Hell” and “Mob Rules.” 

3. Metallica and Dave Mustaine

Metallica’s early days were marked by the fiery presence of guitarist Dave Mustaine. However, due to personal conflicts and Mustaine’s struggles with substance abuse, he was dismissed from the band in 1983, just before the recording of their debut album, “Kill ‘Em All.” Despite the acrimonious split, Metallica went on to become one of the most successful metal bands in history, with albums like “Master of Puppets” and “The Black Album” achieving multi-platinum status and earning numerous awards, including several Grammys.

Dave Mustaine channeled his energy into forming Megadeth, a band that would become one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal alongside Metallica. Megadeth’s second album, “Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?” was a critical and commercial success, establishing them as a major force in the metal scene. Over the years, Megadeth has released fifteen studio albums, sold millions of records, and won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. The split ultimately allowed both Metallica and Mustaine to flourish, contributing significantly to the evolution of thrash metal.

4. Anthrax and Neil Turbin

Anthrax emerged in the early 1980s as part of the growing thrash metal movement. With Neil Turbin as their original vocalist, they released their debut album, “Fistful of Metal,” in 1984. However, creative differences and personality clashes led to Turbin’s departure later that year. Despite the setback, Anthrax quickly rebounded by recruiting Joey Belladonna, who brought a new dynamic to the band.

With Belladonna, Anthrax released a string of successful albums, including “Among the Living” and “State of Euphoria,” which helped define the thrash metal genre. They became known for their energetic live performances and innovative collaborations, such as their crossover hit with Public Enemy, “Bring the Noise.” Anthrax’s post-Turbin era saw them achieve greater commercial success and critical acclaim, solidifying their place in metal history.

5. Iron Maiden and Paul Di’Anno

Iron Maiden’s early sound was shaped by the raw vocals of Paul Di’Anno, featured on their first two albums, “Iron Maiden” and “Killers.” These records laid the foundation for the band’s future success, with tracks like “Phantom of the Opera” and “Wrathchild” becoming fan favorites. However, Di’Anno’s lifestyle and vocal limitations led to his departure in 1981, paving the way for Bruce Dickinson to join the band.

With Dickinson, Iron Maiden reached new heights, releasing iconic albums such as “The Number of the Beast” and “Powerslave.” Their elaborate stage shows and complex compositions earned them a massive global following, and they became one of the most successful metal bands of all time. While Di’Anno continued to perform and record with various projects, Iron Maiden’s post-split success far surpassed their early achievements, demonstrating the transformative impact of their lineup change.

6. Judas Priest and Rob Halford

Judas Priest, formed in Birmingham in 1969, is often hailed as one of the pioneers of heavy metal. With over 50 million albums sold worldwide, they have left an indelible mark on the genre. The band’s core lineup included Rob Halford, whose operatic vocal style became a defining feature. However, tensions within the band led to Halford’s departure in 1992, which he later attributed to a “miscommunication.” During his time away, Halford explored new musical territories with his band Fight, while Judas Priest continued with Tim “Ripper” Owens as the frontman.

Despite the split, both parties thrived. Halford’s solo ventures allowed him to experiment with different sounds, while Judas Priest maintained their status as metal legends. In 2003, Halford rejoined the band, leading to a successful reunion tour and the release of the critically acclaimed album “Angel of Retribution” in 2005. This comeback earned them a Metal Hammer Golden Gods Award for Best Album, proving that sometimes, absence makes the heart and the music grow fonder.

7. Pantera and Phil Anselmo

Pantera, known for their aggressive sound and electrifying performances, was a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene. Fronted by Phil Anselmo, the band achieved massive success with albums like “Cowboys from Hell” and “Vulgar Display of Power,” which solidified their place in metal history. However, internal conflicts and Anselmo’s struggles with substance abuse led to the band’s dissolution in 2003.

Post-split, Anselmo embarked on various projects, including Down and Superjoint Ritual. Meanwhile, former Pantera members formed Damageplan, continuing to make waves in the metal community. Although tragedy struck with the untimely death of guitarist Dimebag Darrell, the legacy of Pantera lived on through their influence on countless bands and their enduring fanbase.

8. Slayer and Dave Lombardo

Slayer, one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal, was renowned for their fast-paced, aggressive music and dark themes. Drummer Dave Lombardo was a key component of their sound, contributing to classic albums like “Reign in Blood” and “South of Heaven.” Despite their success, creative differences led to Lombardo’s departure in 1992, though he would return for several stints over the years.

During his time away from Slayer, Lombardo explored other musical avenues, collaborating with artists across various genres. His work with Fantômas and Grip Inc. showcased his drumming prowess and expanded his musical repertoire. Slayer, meanwhile, continued to dominate the metal scene, releasing chart-topping albums and embarking on successful world tours. Their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 further cemented their status as metal icons.

9. Fear Factory and Dino Cazares

Fear Factory, known for their innovative blend of industrial and death metal, made waves in the ’90s with albums like “Demanufacture” and “Obsolete.” Guitarist Dino Cazares was instrumental in shaping their sound, but tensions within the band led to his departure in 2002. Despite the split, both Cazares and Fear Factory continued to thrive.

Cazares went on to form Divine Heresy, exploring new musical territories and gaining a dedicated following. Fear Factory, on the other hand, released several successful albums, maintaining their reputation as pioneers of the industrial metal genre. In 2009, Cazares rejoined the band, leading to a resurgence in their popularity and the release of critically acclaimed albums like “Mechanize”

10. Korn and Brian “Head” Welch

Korn, the pioneers of nu-metal, faced a pivotal moment in 2005 when guitarist Brian “Head” Welch left the band. Welch’s departure was driven by his newfound Christian faith and a desire to overcome his struggles with addiction. During his time with Korn, the band had achieved monumental success, selling over 35 million albums worldwide and winning two Grammy Awards from eight nominations. Their distinctive sound, characterised by dissonant guitar riffs and down-tuned riffing, defined the nu-metal genre and influenced countless bands.

After leaving Korn, Welch embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut Christian album, “Save Me from Myself,” in 2008. Despite facing personal and financial challenges, including being conned out of money and dealing with his daughter’s struggles, Welch eventually rejoined Korn in 2013. His return marked a new chapter for the band, as they continued to tour and release successful albums, proving that their legacy was far from over.