Metal and horror have always blended well together. Although this is a horror site, this is just a quick nod to some metal bands that changed music in some way. Only the more modern bands are listed. This is not a knock nor is any disrespect to the early metal bands intended. Black Sabbath was a great band that changed music as did some others like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, etc.
The albums in yellow are not links, just highlights of the albums that really made an impact.
1. Metallica-
Important Albums- Kill Em All, Ride The Lightning, Master Of Puppets and And Justice For All
Why are they listed? I am not sure that I even need to answer that question in the case of Metallica. The
albums listed above speak for themselves. I personally believe that And Justice For All was their last great album, as do many metal fans. But no one can deny what they did in the early days.
2. Carcass-
Important Albums- Reek Of Putrefaction, Symphonies Of Sickness, Necroticism: Descanting The Insalubrious and Heartwork
Why are they listed? My personal favorite, Carcass was one of the pioneer bands in death metal. Part melody while maintaining a very hard edge, Carcass showed the world that brutal death metal could also have technical merit. Along with Death and Napalm Death, Carcass made a major impact on early death metal.
3. Anthrax-
Important Albums- Spreading The Disease, Among The Living, State of Euphoria and Persistence Of Time
Why are they listed? One of the early trash bands, Anthrax had a very talented lineup and a very distinct and unique sound. Overshadowed by Metallica at times, they were seen as #2 in the early days of thrash.
However, they deserve great respect for their work, especially Among The Living.
4. Exodus-
Important Albums- Bonded By Blood, Pleasures Of The Flesh, Fabulous Disaster and Shovel Headed Kill
Machine
Why are they listed? Bonded By Blood is at or near the top of every classic thrash metal album list and with good reason.
5. Slayer-
Important Albums- Damn near everything they put out? Show No Mercy, Hell Awaits, Reign In Blood, South Of Heaven, Seasons In The Abyss, God Hates Us All and World Painted Blood.
Why are they listed? Do you really need to ask?
6. Pantera-
Important Albums- Cowboys From Hell, Vulgar Display Of Power, Far Beyond Driven and The Great Southern Trendkill
Why are they listed? Much like Slayer, Pantera really needs to explanation as to how they landed here. R.I.P. Dimebag.