The 20 Metal Bands That Rob Halford Picks His Favorites

Rob Halford picks his favorite rock and metal bands of all time. Judas Priest‘s frontman Rob Halford is also one of the most famous artists with his vocal style. In this article, we will detail the music bands that Rob Halford picked as his favorite of all time.

Rob Halford is a British singer-songwriter best known as the frontman of the heavy metal band Judas Priest. He was born on August 25, 1951. He is known for his powerful and various voices, which has helped him become one of the most influential figures in heavy metal music history.

Halford grew up in Sutton Coldfield, England. In the early 1970s, he joined Judas Priest, a band that would go on to become one of the heavy metal genre’s forefathers. He also contributed to the formation of the band’s characteristic sound with his vast vocal range and unique high-pitched screams.

Throughout his career, Halford has been acknowledged for his outstanding vocal powers, and he is affectionately known as the “Metal God” by his followers. His vocal range ranges from baritone to falsetto, allowing him to offer dynamic performances in a variety of musical styles. His commanding stage presence and iconic leather-clad look have also come to be associated with the metal genre.

Apart from his success with Judas Priest, Halford has recorded solo albums, demonstrating his musical range. He publicly came out as gay in 1991, making him one of the first openly gay metal performers. Since then, Halford has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, utilizing his platform to promote acceptance and inclusivity within the heavy metal community.

Halford and Judas Priest have enjoyed enormous success over the years, selling millions of CDs worldwide and influencing countless metal bands. Hits by the band include “Breaking the Law,” “Painkiller,” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” They’ve also won numerous honors and will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

Rob Halford’s Favorite 20 Metal and Rock Music Bands of All Time

Rob Halford has also been known to share his respect for other talented music bands. Halford picked his favorite songs of all time. He has a passion for hard rock albums and he revealed about Judas Priest‘s new album:

“As I’ve been saying in these recent Zooms. They’re all waiting for me. Because all the music is done. I’ve got the album here in front of me, on my laptop. And it sounds fucking amazing, which you expect every musician to say. But I’ve really gotta do my work now and make sure that what I do relates to the great work that the guys have done.

So, it’s coming together. It’ll be ready when it’s ready. But we’re trying to stick to a timeline. We’re hoping to do this Ozzy [Osbourne] tour. Please, Ozzy, be well enough; I think he will be. Once we do the Ozzy tour, then we’re gonna really get into the back end of finishing the record and then probably being ready to release that. I’m saying now… I did say ’23. It looks like it’s ’24 – which isn’t that far away. It’s already almost February of 2023.”

What kind of music bands does Rob Halford love?

• Slipknot
• Babymetal
• Korn
• Five Finger Death Punch
• Rage Against the Machine
• Emperor
• Alice in Chains
• Nine Inch Nails
• Power Trip
• Electric Wizard
• In This Moment
• Black Sabbath
• Metallica
• Pantera
• Iron Maiden
• Slayer
• Tool
• Motörhead
• Dio
• Ghost
• Led Zeppelin

Judas Priest‘s frontman Rob Halford shared the Top 20 Metal Bands of All Time in Metal Hammer magazine. Here is the Rob Halford picks albums as follows:

1. Slipknot

Slipknot has fascinated fans with their searing ferocity, theatrical stage presence, and persistent auditory assault since their explosive emergence on the metal scene in the late 1990s.

This masked collective of musicians from Des Moines, Iowa, has destroyed boundaries and revolutionized the heavy music genre. Slipknot has developed a devoted fanbase and made an unmistakable impact on the rock world with their trademark blend of nu-metal, industrial influences, and raw emotional intensity.

Rob Halford shared why he likes Slipknot as one of his favorite metal bands of all time:

“When came out, it was nu-metal pent-up rage searing a whole new era.”

2. Babymetal

Babymetal is a Japanese metal band, that has appeared as a force to be considered with, fighting norms and enthralling audiences worldwide. This dynamic three has redefined the genre’s bounds and forged a niche all their own with their distinctive combination of J-pop melodies and thunderous metal riffs.

In this summary, we look back at Babymetal’s path to stardom, beginning as a sub-unit of the idol group Sakura Gakuin. Their self-titled first album, released in 2014, catapulted them into the international spotlight, bringing the globe to catchy songs like “Gimme Chocolate!!” and “Megitsune.” The ability of Babymetal to seamlessly merge catchy pop songs with powerful guitar riffs and unrelenting drumming resulted in a style that resonated with fans far beyond their home Japan.

Rob Halford explains why he choose Babymetal as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“I first heard of them pretty much when they first started, I think. It was 2012 or 2010. but it wasn’t until the first album came along and I heard songs like Doki Doki Morning and they first started getting traction, that I was really captivated by them.

The way they looked got into my mind and the music was something I had never experienced before.”

3. Korn

Korn is an American rock band that has made an unforgettable impression on the music world with their distinct sound, raw emotion, and unflinching honesty. Korn has grabbed fans with their high energy, cathartic lyrics, and genre-defying attitude since their beginning in the 1990s as pioneers of the nu-metal wave.

This synopsis dives into Korn‘s important path, beginning in Bakersfield, California, where they burst rock music barriers with their self-titled debut album in 1994. Songs like “Blind” and “Freak on a Leash” featured their trademark blend of down-tuned guitars, pounding rhythms, and Jonathan Davis’ visceral vocals.

Rob Halford explains why he choose Korn as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“‘When they came along they completely changed the direction that heavy music was heading. They’re still pushing the boundaries and getting criticized for it, but really, fuck the critics.”

4. Five Finger Death Punch

The American rock band Five Finger Death Punch has established itself as well-known in the heavy metal genre. They have captured audiences and developed a committed fanbase with their explosive sound, anthemic choruses, and unyielding energy. This summary looks at the rise of Five Finger Death Punch, from humble beginnings to being a driving force in modern rock.

Five Finger Death Punch, who formed in 2005, came onto the scene with their self-titled first album, releasing a wave of ferocity and intensity that immediately drew the attention of rock fans. Songs like “The Bleeding” and “Never Enough” demonstrated their ability to combine melodic hooks with bone-crushing guitars.

Rob Halford explains why he choose Five Finger Death Punch as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“As soon as I heard (Five Finger Death Punch’s ‘Lift Me Up’ song) coming out the speakers, I went, ‘Man, I want in on this.’”

5. Rage Against the Machine

Rage Against the Machine was formed in the early 1990s as a potent musical force that mixed scorching rap-infused rock with unwavering political activism. This synopsis goes into Rage Against the Machine’s revolutionary path, documenting their origins, rise to fame, and ongoing effect on the music and social justice landscapes.

Rage Against the Machine, formed in Los Angeles in 1991, soon gained notice for its explosive blend of hard-hitting guitar riffs, thunderous rhythms, and fiery lyrics delivered by frontman Zack de la Rocha. Their self-titled debut album included anthems like “Killing in the Name” and “Bombtrack” songs.

Rob Halford mentions why he choose Rage Against the Machine as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“They were game changers. They came along at a time in Los Angeles when there was nobody else doing that style. I don’t think anyone has done anything like that successfully.”

6. Emperor

Emperor, founded in 1991 by the frontman and composer Ihsahn, immediately achieved prominence for their innovative approach to black metal. Emperor’s debut album, “In the Nightside Eclipse,” released in 1994, was a symphonic and atmospheric masterwork that pushed the genre’s boundaries. Emperor created a sound that was both magnificent and ominous by combining blazing guitar riffs, blistering blast beats, and eerie keyboard compositions.

Emperor‘s music has a gloomy and introspective style, with themes of mythology, darkness, and existentialism being explored. With the songs such as “I Am the Black Wizards” and “Thus Spake the Nightspirit.”

Rob Halford mentions why he choose Emperor as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“I love (‘Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk’ album) because it’s sonic blasphemy from the dark side.”

7. Alice in Chains

Rob Halford shares why he choose Alice in Chains as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“To me it sounded like another style of music that was completely out of the leftfield. The incredible combination of Layne voice and Jerry (Cantrell, guitarist) is just so cool.”

8. Nine Inch Nails

Rob Halford reveals why he choose Nine Inch Nails as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“Trent [Reznor] is almost a walking, talking musical encyclopedia. He seems to know everything there is to know about music, starting from Beethoven to God-knows-who.”

9. Power Trip

Rob Halford tells why he choose Power Trip as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“I’m listening to Power Trip, I really like what they’re doing, and even they reference the roots of metal in their work.”

10. Electric Wizard

Rob Halford talks about why he choose Electric Wizard as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“I love Electric Wizard from the UK. It’s so diverse, and I love it all as well.”

11. In This Moment

Rob Halford shares why he choose In This Moment as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“I’m more of a classic metal guy, but I like what a band like In This Moment, who I worked with recently, are doing.”

12. Black Sabbath

With their thunderous riffs, haunting melodies, and dark lyrical themes, Black Sabbath, the renowned British heavy metal band, permanently reshaped the landscape of music. This synopsis dives into Black Sabbath’s remarkable path, examining their roots, impact on the formation of heavy metal, and ongoing legacy.

Black Sabbath was formed in 1968 in Birmingham by vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut album, released in 1970, introduced a new sound that connected with youth looking for something different. Songs like “Black Sabbath” and “Paranoid” featured strong guitar riffs, thunderous rhythms, and Ozzy Osbourne’s unique singing style.

Rob Halford shares why he choose Black Sabbath as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“When the Black Sabbath album came out and like everybody else, their sound shook me to the core. I thought this is great being a local band getting attention, and I felt excited about the dream of singing for a famous band like them.”

13. Metallica

Metallica, who formed in Los Angeles in 1981, succeeded to fame with their debut album, “Kill ‘Em All,” released in 1983. This classic Metallica album showed their special kind of thrash metal, marked by lightning-fast guitar solos, breakneck rhythms, and frontman James Hetfield’s raw and guttural screams. Metallica’s songs “Seek & Destroy” and “Whiplash” set a new benchmark for speed and aggressiveness in heavy music, propelling the band to the forefront of the nascent thrash metal scene.

Metallica‘s debut album “Master of Puppets,” released in 1986, cemented their standing as genre pioneers.

Rob Halford tells why he choose Metallica as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“The first few albums are still my favorites, Kill ’Em All, Ride The Lightning, …And Justice For All. It was great: here was a band from America, on the West Coast, who are part of the world that…

Maybe this will sound ridiculous, but when I was growing up, San Francisco was this hippie place. Beads and sandals and all that kind of stuff, and then you get these metal maniacs making this incredible racket! Wow!”

14. Pantera

Rob Halford tells why he choose Pantera as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“It can’t be stressed enough how important Pantera were in saving heavy metal in the 1990s. Things were getting a little mellow, especially in America. Then along came these four gentlemen from Texas who had captured the true spirit of heavy metal. It came from their hearts and their souls. Metal in the 90s needed Pantera. They were the springboard for so many other bands afterward.”

15. Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden, who formed in East London in 1975, immediately established themselves as a driving force in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Iron Maiden’s self-titled debut album, released in 1980, introduced a raw, explosive sound characterized by the dual guitar harmonies of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, Steve Harris’ booming bass lines, and Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals.

The publication of Iron Maiden’s third album, “The Number of the Beast,” in 1982 marked the band’s breakthrough. The album, which included singles like the title tune and “Run to the Hills,” introduced Iron Maiden to international success.

Rob Halford tells why he choose Iron Maiden as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“Felt like fresh UK blood from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and it was top of the heap.”

16. Slayer

Slayer formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981, became one of the forefathers of thrash metal. “Show No Mercy,” their debut album released in 1983, displayed their savage blend of breakneck speed, razor-sharp guitar riffs, thundering drumming, and Tom Araya’s venomous vocals. Songs like “Die by the Sword” and “Black Magic” set the tone for Slayer’s ruthless style.

Slayer’s defining moment occurred with the publication of their seminal album, “Reign in Blood,” in 1986. Tracks like “Angel of Death” and “Raining Blood” cemented Slayer’s status as masters of dark and aggressive music, earning them critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.

Rob Halford shares why he choose Slayer as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“I think that Slayer sort of condensed the music coming from the thrash scene – whether it was Exodus or Testament or even the early Metallica – and made it into this sick, almost evil type of menacing, which really put them on top of their game in terms of that style.”

17. Tool

Tool, who formed in Los Angeles in 1990, immediately rose to popularity for their progressive and unique approach to progressive rock music. The band began on a musical journey that pushed the boundaries of what was deemed feasible within the genre, blending elements of alternative metal, art rock, and progressive rock. Their debut album, “Undertow,” was released in 1993 and introduced audiences to their powerful and introspective sound, with singles such as “Sober” and “Prison Sex.”

The music of Tool is distinguished by its intricate rhythms, complex time signatures, and layered compositions. They delved deeper into their artistic inquiry with albums like “Ænima” and “Lateralus,” adding mystical themes, philosophical concepts, and introspective lyrics.

Rob Halford tells why he choose Tool as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“I love to put my headphones on and get lost in their imagination. When I’m in the right kind of mood, I get lost in Tool’s Undertow.”

18. Ronnie James Dio

Ronnie James Dio, born in 1942, began his musical career in the 1960s, first as a bassist and then as a vocalist. His distinct voice, distinguished by its operatic range, soaring melodies, and emotional depth, became his signature. Dio’s first major success came as the frontman of Rainbow, a band founded by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore after he left Deep Purple. Rainbow, with Dio at the helm, delivered great albums such as “Rising” and “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

Rob Halford tells why he choose Ronnie James Dio as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“I love absolutely everything that Ronnie did, from Elf to Sabbath, but it’s his voice that drew me to it because it’s so magical and so unique.”

19. Ghost

Rob Halford shares why he choose Ghost as one of his favorite bands of all time:

“Ghost is an important band on a variety of levels. Tobias [Forge] meticulously created and sought out, firstly, the strength of Ghost musically, and secondly, the crucial visual elements and both have drawn us into his world of Emeritus mystery and intrigue.”