The world of metal music boasts a rich tapestry of bands, each with its own unique sound and legacy. A key indicator of a band’s impact is the commercial success of their albums. Let’s delve into the highest-selling albums of some of the most influential metal bands, as reported by Loudwire.
Metallica – Metallica
Commonly known as “The Black Album,” Metallica’s 1991 self-titled release has achieved monumental success, selling over 17 million copies in the U.S. alone. This album features timeless tracks like “Enter Sandman” and “Nothing Else Matters,” solidifying its place in metal history.
Pantera – Far Beyond Driven
Released in 1994, Far Beyond Driven stands as Pantera’s most commercially successful album, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and showcasing the band’s aggressive style with songs like “I’m Broken” and “5 Minutes Alone.”
Megadeth – Countdown to Extinction
Megadeth’s 1992 album, Countdown to Extinction, is their highest seller, featuring hits such as “Symphony of Destruction” and “Sweating Bullets,” and highlighting the band’s refined approach to thrash metal.
Disturbed – The Sickness
The Sickness, released in 2000, is Disturbed’s debut album and their best-seller, introducing fans to their nu-metal sound with tracks like “Down with the Sickness” and “Stupify.”
Korn – Follow the Leader
Korn’s 1998 album, Follow the Leader, propelled them into mainstream success, featuring hits like “Freak on a Leash” and “Got the Life,” and becoming their highest-selling album.
System of a Down – Toxicity
Released in 2001, Toxicity is System of a Down’s most successful album, blending unique rhythms and political themes in tracks like “Chop Suey!” and “Toxicity.”
Tool – Lateralus
Tool’s 2001 album, Lateralus, stands as their top seller, showcasing complex compositions and thought-provoking lyrics in songs like “Schism” and the title track “Lateralus.”
Avenged Sevenfold – City of Evil
City of Evil, released in 2005, is Avenged Sevenfold’s breakthrough album, featuring the hit “Bat Country” and marking their highest-selling record.
Bring Me the Horizon – Sempiternal
Bring Me the Horizon’s 2013 album, Sempiternal, is their best-seller, showcasing a shift towards a more melodic sound with tracks like “Sleepwalking” and “Can You Feel My Heart.”
Ghost – Prequelle
Released in 2018, Prequelle is Ghost’s highest-selling album, featuring a blend of rock and pop elements in songs like “Rats” and “Dance Macabre.”
Lamb of God – Sacrament
Lamb of God’s 2006 album, Sacrament, stands as their top seller, featuring the Grammy-nominated track “Redneck” and showcasing their groove metal style.
Mastodon – Crack the Skye
Crack the Skye, released in 2009, is Mastodon’s best-selling album, known for its progressive elements and tracks like “Oblivion” and “The Czar.”
Rammstein – Mutter
Rammstein’s 2001 album, Mutter, is their highest seller, featuring industrial metal hits like “Sonne” and “Ich Will.”
Deftones – White Pony
Released in 2000, White Pony is Deftones’ best-selling album, blending alternative metal and experimental sounds in tracks like “Change (In the House of Flies)” and “Passenger.”
Faith No More – Angel Dust
Faith No More’s 1992 album, Angel Dust, stands as their top seller, featuring a diverse range of styles in songs like “Midlife Crisis” and “A Small Victory.”
Dream Theater – Images and Words
Images and Words, released in 1992, is Dream Theater’s highest-selling album, showcasing their progressive metal prowess with tracks like “Pull Me Under” and “Metropolis—Part I.”
These albums not only represent significant commercial achievements but also highlight the diverse sounds and evolution within the metal genre.
