Rock track as a style, repeatedly developed. Rock artists stay exploring new sounds and because of that love for journey, historical past has noticed a few of them take a daring jump into the arena of heavy steel and to find their true calling. Those musicians now not simplest embraced the heavier sound but additionally become iconic figures within the steel scene. Listed here are ten rockers who grew to become to steel and not regarded again.
1. Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne, regularly known as the “Prince of Darkness,” is a reputation many acknowledge with heavy steel. Ahead of his mythical standing in steel, Ozzy was once the frontman for the rock band Black Sabbath. Shaped within the past due Sixties, Black Sabbath’s early track was once closely influenced by means of blues rock. Alternatively, it was once their self-titled debut album in 1970 that marked the start of heavy steel. With its darkish, heavy riffs and ominous lyrics, Black Sabbath set the degree for the steel style. Ozzy’s unique voice and theatrical degree presence made him an rapid icon. After leaving Black Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy launched into a a hit solo profession, additional solidifying his position in steel historical past with hits like “Loopy Educate” and “Mr. Crowley.
2. James Hetfield
James Hetfield, the co-founder, lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of Metallica, is some other rocker who transitioned seamlessly into steel. Metallica, shaped in 1981, began as a thrash steel band, a subgenre characterised by means of its rapid pace and competitive guitar riffs. Hetfield’s robust vocals and complex guitar paintings performed a a very powerful position in defining Metallica’s sound. The band’s 3rd album, “Grasp of Puppets,” launched in 1986, is thought of as one of the crucial largest steel albums of all time. Hetfield’s adventure from a rock fanatic to a steel legend is a testomony to his determination and keenness for the style.
3. Dave Mustaine
Dave Mustaine’s adventure to steel stardom started together with his transient stint because the lead guitarist for Metallica. Even supposing his time with the band was once short-lived, it laid the basis for his long term good fortune. In 1983, Mustaine shaped Megadeth, a band that may change into one of the crucial “Giant 4” of thrash steel along Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax. Mustaine’s technical guitar talents and unique vocal taste set Megadeth aside from different bands within the style. Albums like “Peace Sells… however Who’s Purchasing?” and “Rust in Peace” confirmed off Mustaine’s skill to mix advanced musical preparations with thought-provoking lyrics. In spite of a lot of lineup adjustments through the years, Mustaine’s imaginative and prescient and management have saved Megadeth at the leading edge of the steel scene.
4. Rob Halford

Rob Halford, referred to as the “Steel God,” is the long-lasting frontman of Judas Priest. Ahead of becoming a member of Judas Priest, Halford was once fascinated by more than a few rock bands, nevertheless it was once with Judas Priest that he discovered his true calling. The band’s 1976 album “Unhappy Wings of Future” marked a turning level of their sound, incorporating heavier guitar riffs and Halford’s robust, operatic vocals. Halford’s leather-clad symbol and high-pitched screams become synonymous with heavy steel. Judas Priest’s affect at the style is immense, with albums like “British Metal” and “Painkiller” regarded as classics. Halford’s unwavering dedication to steel and his dynamic degree presence have earned him a spot some of the largest steel vocalists of all time.
5. Bruce Dickinson
Bruce Dickinson’s access into the arena of steel got here when he joined Iron Maiden in 1981. Previous to this, Dickinson was once the lead singer for the rock band Samson. His robust voice and charismatic degree presence have been right away glaring, making him a really perfect have compatibility for Iron Maiden. The band’s 3rd album, “The Collection of the Beast,” launched in 1982, catapulted them to global popularity. Dickinson’s operatic vocal taste and lively performances become a defining function of Iron Maiden’s sound. Over time, Iron Maiden has launched a lot of seriously acclaimed albums, with Dickinson on the helm. His contributions to the band and the steel style as an entire have cemented his legacy as one of the crucial largest steel frontmen.
6. Tom Araya
Tom Araya, the bassist and vocalist for Slayer, is some other rocker who made an important affect at the steel scene. Ahead of becoming a member of Slayer, Araya was once fascinated by more than a few rock bands, nevertheless it was once with Slayer that he discovered his true calling. Shaped in 1981, Slayer temporarily received a name for his or her rapid, competitive sound and debatable lyrics. Araya’s unique vocal taste and commanding degree presence performed a a very powerful position within the band’s good fortune. Albums like “Reign in Blood” and “South of Heaven” are regarded as masterpieces of thrash steel.
7. Phil Anselmo
Phil Anselmo’s adventure to steel stardom started when he joined Pantera in 1987. Ahead of this, Anselmo was once fascinated by more than a few rock and punk bands. With Anselmo because the lead vocalist, Pantera shifted their sound from glam steel to a extra competitive, groove-oriented taste. The band’s 1990 album “Cowboys from Hell” marked a turning level of their profession, showcasing Anselmo’s robust vocals and intense degree presence. Pantera’s follow-up albums, “Vulgar Show of Energy” and “A long way Past Pushed,” solidified their position in steel historical past.
8. Kerry King
Kerry Ray King, born on June 3, 1964, is easiest referred to as the co-lead guitarist and songwriter for the thrash steel band Slayer. He co-founded the band with Jeff Hanneman in 1981. King’s competitive taking part in taste and darkish, regularly debatable lyrics helped outline Slayer’s brutal sound. Over time, he has remained a steadfast determine within the steel group, contributing to each and every Slayer album because the early Nineteen Nineties. In spite of his good fortune, King has all the time been vocal about his disdain for arranged faith and politics, regularly the usage of his platform to specific his perspectives.
King’s determination to steel is obvious in his refusal to compromise his inventive imaginative and prescient. Even after Slayer disbanded in 2019, he persevered to paintings on new track, promising enthusiasts that his subsequent mission can be an extension of Slayer’s legacy. Identified for his fiery degree presence and complex solos, King has left an indelible mark at the steel scene. His affect extends past track, as he has additionally ventured into different spaces, reminiscent of launching a scorching sauce line referred to as “Raining Blood.”
9. Lemmy Kilmister

Lemmy Kilmister, the founder, bassist, and lead vocalist of Motörhead, is a mythical determine within the steel international. Lemmy’s adventure into steel started within the early Seventies when he performed with the distance rock band Hawkwind. Alternatively, it was once with Motörhead, shaped in 1975, that Lemmy actually made his mark.
Motörhead’s rapid, competitive sound and Lemmy’s gravelly voice become defining options of the band’s track. Their 1980 album, “Ace of Spades,” is thought of as a vintage within the steel style. Lemmy’s rebellious perspective, unique glance, and constant traveling made him an icon within the steel group. He persevered to accomplish with Motörhead till his demise in 2015, leaving in the back of a long-lasting legacy.
10. Doro Pesch (Warlock/Doro)
Doro Pesch, regularly known as the “Queen of Steel,” is a pioneering feminine vocalist within the heavy steel scene. She first received reputation because the lead singer of the German band Warlock within the early Eighties. Warlock’s robust sound and Doro’s commanding degree presence temporarily earned them a devoted following. Albums like “Burning the Witches” and “Triumph and Agony” showcased her vocal vary and aura.
After Warlock disbanded, Doro launched into a a hit solo profession, proceeding to unencumber track and excursion widely. Her determination to her enthusiasts and the steel group has earned her a faithful following international. Doro’s affect as a trailblazer for girls in steel is simple, and he or she stays an energetic and revered determine within the style.