10 Best Metal Songs for Stadiums That Ignite Crowd Energy

Metal songs have a special kind of energy that manages to pump people up. That is why there are several tunes that have become iconic in stadiums. These songs can elevate any event and provide the kind of hype that people are expecting. Hence why there are so many people looking forward to the music in sports events, to a degree.

Moreover, it is also worth pointing out that this list is subjective. The vast majority of these songs are quite popular, but they are also a personal preference. There is no denying, though, that all of these metal songs have become rather iconic in the zeitgeist of people. That is mostly due to their commercial success and how good they sound in stadiums.

1. Metallica – Enter Sandman

It’s unlikely that any die-hard Metallica fan is ever going to say that his or her favorite song is “Enter Sandman”. However, it is one of the band’s most popular songs and one of the metal genre’s most popular songs. That is shown time and time again across events, stadiums, and arenas all over the world. There is an argument to be made that it is the band’s biggest-ever hit. So, its cultural significance and commercial success can’t be debated.

The song was recorded and released in 1991, quickly becoming a hit. Over time, it has become part of popular culture and is used in all kinds of events, television and radio shows, etc. When the opening notes of “Enter Sandman” start playing on any big stage where Metallica is playing, the audience goes crazy. The song just keeps getting stronger as it progresses and it reaches a point where it hits hard.

2. Ozzy Osbourne – Crazy Train

With “Crazy Train”, Ozzy began his solo career and that song would accompany him for the rest of his time in music. Something that not everyone knows is that the song is about the Cold War and all the fear that surrounded that event. Ozzy has never been known for his sociopolitical commentary, but his music does the talking for him. And this one song is a prime example of what he can do when he is at the top of his game.

“Crazy Train” is one of those metal songs whose popularity does not take away from its quality. Its beginning is iconic and easy to identify and the energy that the song transmits, along with the energy that Ozzy himself provides, makes it great. The song is from the early 80s and the riff was quite innovative at that time, thanks to the genius that was guitarist Randy Rhoads.

It is one of the best metal songs ever made and fits stadiums so well. It gets the blood going for the fans and injects a lot of life when the opening riff begins.

3. Europe – The Final Countdown

Europe is a great band that will always be remembered for “The Final Countdown”. Something that is not very fair since they are not given the merit that they deserve for a very good and high-quality career. However, “The Final Countdown” was a huge success at the time and it will remain forever as a song that is part of the musical culture of the world.

People have heard this song at all kinds of events. It highlights its cultural significance and how it reaches people. This is due to the obvious energy and sound as well as the concept of the song itself. Hearing Europe play this great song in a big arena is something that will not be forgotten.

4. AC/DC – Thunderstruck

Possibly one of those metal songs that define this list. There are several AC/DC songs that could be here because they are a band with a catalog made for big stages and crowds. However, “Thunderstruck” has the perfect structure to be played in a huge stadium full of people who start jumping from the beginning. Just listen to the audience shout “Thunder!” from the beginning.

“Thunderstruck” is heard time and time again across stadiums all over the world. In fact, it has become a staple of sports event. It is one of the best metal songs suited for that context. In that regard, adding it to the list was a no-brainer. It can be argued that AC/DC is the perfect band for these events as well.

5. Guns ‘N’ Roses – Welcome to the Jungle

With “Welcome to the Jungle”, Guns ‘N’ Roses introduced themselves to the world, and what a way to do it. At the time, in the late 80s, it was an absolute success and entered the world’s rock classics. The way the song builds from the beginning until it reaches its peak of energy is excellent live (beyond some of Axl‘s current limitations). Welcome to the Jungle is one of that metal songs that has speed, energy and a certain aggressiveness that invades any stage where it is played.

6. Black Sabbath – Paranoid

“Paranoid” is one of those metal songs that marked the path of this musical genre. We are talking about a song that came out in 1970 and from there it laid the foundations of what metal would become along with the rest of the great classics of Black Sabbath. It is a legendary piece of musicianship and one that is relevant even to this day. The fact that younger generations can relate to this song to this very day is incredible.

The initial riff by Tony Iommi is emblematic and in live performances, it already announces that something big is coming. Since the 70s, the metal public has been headbanging strongly while the legendary band played “Paranoid” on hundreds of stages worldwide. It makes a lot of sense that a song this iconic would pump people up. Moreover, its high energy and Ozzy Osbourne’s delivery as a singer are both phenomenal.

7. Motorhead – Ace of Spades

As with Europe, we can’t say that “Ace of Spades” is the song that defines Motorhead‘s entire career. However, it is a very good song that every time it was played it caused huge mosh pits and drove the audience crazy. Of course, we are talking about a song that starts very fast and doesn’t slow down until the end. If we add to that Lemmy‘s rough voice, we have a combination that would destroy any arena in the world.

8. Pantera – Mouth for War

Pantera has always been known for being a band that has a lot of energy and aggression. “Mouth for War” is one of those metal songs that perfectly embodies those attributes. There is also the powerful voice of singer Phil Anselmo. The lyrics also deal with the concept of using rage for positive things in life. That is a perfect message for sports events, which is why this song works so well.

Really, there are many Pantera songs that could have been on this list. However, “Mouth for War” is one that usually drives the audience crazy. It also has the benefit of being one of the band’s most iconic tracks.

9. Iron Maiden – The Trooper

“The Trooper” is an Iron Maiden classic that has become a rock classic in general. From the beginning, the song starts off strong with that classic “gallop” of the band that is then accompanied by Bruce Dickinson‘s voice. This also captures the group’s state of grace during the making of this album, 1983’s “Piece of Mind“.

It is a fan that everyone can enjoy, not just Iron Maiden fans. Nor do they need to be one to enjoy Dickinson dressed in a red coat styled military smock and waving a United Kingdom flag while singing this song live like Eddie on the cover of the original single.

10. Quiet Riot – C** On Feel The Noize

Some people may think they have never heard of Quiet Riot but they have heard “C** On Feel the Noize”. That highlights the universal status of the song at this point. Its energy, addictive chorus, and power have become iconic. Moreover, this song has also become one of the most commercially successful in the history of the genre. Some people argue that the band’s 1983 “Metal Health” album started the commercial peak of metal in that decade.

Interestingly enough, Quiet Riot popularized the song by covering it in their own style. However, the song was originally by the English band, Slade. The popularity of Quiet Riot‘s version and the song’s rhythm, which takes on another power live, make it one of the best metal songs to be played on big stages.