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Metal music is a genre that has been around since the late 1960s and has since evolved into a diverse and complex musical style. It is characterized by its heavy use of distorted guitars, fast-paced drumming, and aggressive vocals. The world of metal music has produced some of history's most iconic and successful bands. These bands have left an indelible mark on the music industry and amassed considerable wealth along the way.
From the dark and heavy sounds of Slipknot to the legendary status of Metallica, these bands have captivated audiences worldwide and continue to influence the genre.
Slipknot - $30 Million
Slipknot is a band from Des Moines, Iowa, formed in 1995. The band's unique lineup consists of nine members, including Corey Taylor on vocals, Jim Root and Mick Thomson on guitars, and Shawn Crahan on percussion. Known for their aggressive sound and chaotic live performances, Slipknot has released hits such as Wait and Bleed, Duality, and Psychosocial. Their success has earned them a net worth of $30 million. Over the years, Slipknot has released six studio albums, with their latest, We Are Not Your Kind, released in 2019.
Slayer - $35 Million
Slayer is one of the members of the Big Four. Formed in 1981 in California, the band's original lineup featured Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman on guitars, Tom Araya on bass and vocals, and Dave Lombardo on drums. Slayer's aggressive and fast-paced sound has produced hits like Raining Blood, Angel of Death, and South of Heaven, to name a few. The band's 12 studio albums, including the iconic Reign in Blood, have contributed to their lasting success and $35 million net worth, as reported by Money Inc. Slayer announced their retirement in 2018, embarking on a farewell tour that concluded in 2019.
Anthrax - $39 Million
New York-based Anthrax, founded in 1981, is one of the Big Four bands of thrash metal. The band's current lineup includes Scott Ian on rhythm guitar, Charlie Benante on drums, Frank Bello on bass, Joey Belladonna on vocals, and Jon Donais on lead guitar. Anthrax has released numerous hits, including Madhouse, Caught in a Mosh, and Indians. Their impressive career has garnered them a net worth of $39 million, as reported by Tuko. Anthrax has released 11 studio albums, with their most recent, For All Kings, released in 2016. The band's energetic live performances and dedication to their craft have earned them a loyal fan base and a lasting legacy in the metal world.
Megadeth - $40 Million
Megadeth, founded in 1983 by former Metallica guitarist Dave Mustaine, is yet another member of the Big Four. The band's current lineup includes Mustaine on vocals and guitar, David Ellefson on bass, Kiko Loureiro on guitar, and Dirk Verbeuren on drums. Megadeth's hits include Peace Sells, Symphony of Destruction, and Holy Wars. Megadeth released 15 studio albums, with their latest, Dystopia, earning them their first Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2017, as reported by Metal Injection.
Korn - $60 Million
Korn, a pioneer of the nu-metal genre, was formed in 1993 in Bakersfield, California. The band's current members are Jonathan Davis on vocals, James Shaffer and Brian Welch on guitars, Reginald Fieldy Arvizu on bass, and Ray Luzier on drums. Korn's innovative sound has produced hits like Freak on a Leash, Falling Away from Me, and Got the Life, earning them a net worth of $60 million. The band has released 13 studio albums, with their most recent, The Nothing, released in 2019. Korn's fusion of metal, hip-hop, and alternative rock has made them one of the most influential bands of the 1990s and 2000s, inspiring a new generation of metal artists.
Tool - $70 Million
Progressive metal band Tool, formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, features Maynard James Keenan on vocals, Adam Jones on guitar, Justin Chancellor on bass, and Danny Carey on drums. Known for their complex compositions and thought-provoking lyrics, Tool has released hits such as Schism, Lateralus, and Vicarious. Their success has resulted in an impressive net worth of $70 million. Tool's discography includes five studio albums, with their long-awaited release, Fear Inoculum, arriving in 2019 after a 13-year hiatus.
Judas Priest - $80 Million
British heavy metal legends Judas Priest, founded in 1969, currently consists of Rob Halford on vocals, Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner on guitars, Ian Hill on bass, and Scott Travis on drums. With hits like Breaking the Law, Painkiller, and You've Got Another Thing Comin', Judas Priest has amassed a net worth of $80 million. The band has released 18 studio albums to date and has sold over 50 Million copies worldwide, as per Metal Stout.
Iron Maiden - $100 Million
Iron Maiden, another British heavy metal powerhouse, was formed in 1975. The band's lineup includes Bruce Dickinson on vocals, Steve Harris on bass, Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, Janick Gers on guitars, and Nicko McBrain on drums. Iron Maiden's hits, such as Run to the Hills, The Trooper, and Fear of the Dark, have contributed to their impressive $100 million net worth. The band has released 17 studio albums as of today, with their latest, Senjutsu, released in 2021, which debuted at No.3, thus becoming their Highest Charting Album Ever on Billboard 200.
Ozzy Osbourne - $225 Million
Ozzy Osbourne, aka the Prince of Darkness, gained fame as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath before embarking on a successful solo career. With hits like Crazy Train, Mr. Crowley, and No More Tears, Osbourne's solo career has earned him a staggering net worth of $225 million. In addition to his music, Osbourne has found success in reality television, starring in the hit MTV series The Osbournes alongside his family. Despite numerous setbacks and health issues, Osbourne continues to perform and record new music, solidifying his status as a metal icon.
Metallica - $340 Million
Topping the list with a net worth of $340 million is Metallica, arguably the most successful metal band of all time. Formed in 1981, the band's current lineup includes James Hetfield on vocals and guitar, Lars Ulrich on drums, Kirk Hammett on guitar, and Robert Trujillo on bass. Metallica's iconic hits, such as Enter Sandman, Master of Puppets, and One, have solidified their legendary status in the metal world. The band has released ten studio albums, with their latest, Hardwired... to Self-Destruct, released in 2016. Metallica's massive success has transcended the metal genre selling over 125 million copies worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands ever.
These metal bands have not only shaped the genre but have also achieved incredible financial success. As the metal scene continues to evolve, these bands serve as a testament to heavy music's enduring power and appeal.
Sources: Metal Stout, Metal Injection, Tuko, Money Inc