Heavy Metal War Songs
As admitted previously, I have some metal in my past. And although it’s not a genre I follow closely, I do turn to it from time to time. There’s simply nothing better when you’re ticked off and need to release some stress. When you really want to let off steam, try some metal songs about the glory of war. Not all of the songs in this list are pro-war. In fact, many condemn violence better than the most pacifist-minded folk singers. Black Sabbath’s timeless “War Pigs”, for example, is a scathing indictment of war. As Ozzy sang:
Politicians hide themselves away
They only started the war
Why should they go out to fight?
They leave that role to the poor
Lyrics like this are as powerful as anything Pete Seeger could dream up. However, unlike folk music, in metal, it’s not hard to find songs that glorify war. Music that brings you down to the trenches. The power and aggressiveness in metal can present hatred and death to the listener more vividly than any other style of music ever created.
I don’t know about you, but living vicariously through art is a much better choice than reality when it comes to violence. And nothing can help you de-stress like a blistering round of metal ugliness. When I was young I loved metal because of the technical skills required, and the anti-establishment gimmickry that appeals to so many teenagers. Today, it’s more like seeing a horror movie, not something I’m passionate about, but a lot of fun when you’re in the mood.
This playlist features songs about war from many points of view, but all with some serious electric guitars.
Heavy Metal Songs About War
3. One Shot At Glory - Judas Priest
4. Architecture Of Aggression - Megadeth
6. Broken Heroes (Live) - Saxon
7. Firing The Guns - Iron Savior
10. Amen - Sepultura
11. Disposable Heroes - Ceremonial Oath
14. We Still Fight - Hatebreed
It IS the updated version of Ozzy's War Pigs.