My 20 favorite metal bands

No, Evanescence is not on this list (no judgement! Well, maybe a little...)
--Liz Jackson Hearns

I know, I know, the sweet teachery exterior betrays me, but I. Love. Metal.

I love metal because it’s fun and loud and over the top. I love a deep, rumbly, dirty death metal growl and a heavy groove. Music is an escape for most of us, and voice teachers need a little musical getaway sometimes, too! When I listen to death metal, I get the drama and flair of opera with the existentialism of romantic german lieder, and a vocal style that I don’t spent an ounce of energy analyzing. It’s blissful.

A disclaimer of sorts: there are some bands listed that are a little out there and if you didn't know me you might think I was into some crazy nonsense. I don't espouse the wild things in the lyrics--they are intentionally explicit, and that's part of death metal's charm. Listen with girded ears if you’re new to the genre, but I encourage you to fill your soul with some juicy, heavy goodness.


In no particular order:

1. At The Gates - You'll know it's a classic, because the first lyric is "GO!"
2. Strapping Young Lad/Devin Townsend​ - Devin Townsend is one of my vocal idols. He has a long roster of awesome songs, and he can seamlessly go from screaming to operatic tenor vocals. What a virtuoso!! 
3. Lamb of God - I like comparing old Lamb of God to new Lamb of God, before they started working with Melissa Cross and after. Love their vocals. 
4. Everdying - A local Chicago one-man band, this guy is crazy talented and speaks to all the things I love! And the fact that he introduced to me to this genre, for which I am ever grateful, should be noted. 
5. Arch Enemy - Particularly old Arch Enemy, this female lead vocalist makes me want to be all I can be. 
6. Dark Tranquility - My all-time favorite metal band. So good. 
7. Samael - Orchestral and overbearing and I love it. 
8. Children of Bodom - Just a raucus of music. Try to keep up with these insane solos and screechy vocals! 
9. Dethklok - Yes, they're a cartoon band. But I love them. Toki is my favorite, of course, followed closely by Murderface. 
10. Opeth - I could listen to that juicy bass forever. Another of my all-time favorites. 
11. Amon Amarth - Classic Viking metal. Channel your inner gods of war!
12. Gojira - Djenty djent goodness. I wouldn't count on a downbeat anywhere, but when the groove hits you, you'll know. 
13. Meshuggah - Favorite #3? 
14. Tesseract - That bowyn-bownt that I crave, plus gorgeous harmonies? Yes please!
15. Volumes - Though it has kind of an early 2000's feel, there's still a good groove in there.
16. Tool - Of course. I chose Vicarious because I think it highlights Tool's ability to grip you into a story while lulling you into odd rhythmic patterns.
17. After the Burial - A little play on some panning and endless subdivisions = happy ears.
18. Within the Ruins (also their take on the Inspector Gadget theme which is super fun)
19. Angel Vivaldi - These last two are my favorite instrumental-only bands. A beautiful blend of classical and...other. 
20. Paul Gilbert - I dare you not to play air guitar while you listen to this. 

This list is of course incomplete, and I am constantly on the look out for new musical experiences. Who are your favorite metal bands?