Podcast · Music

100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal

by Brian Slagel · English · Music

100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal is the ultimate journey into the heart of heavy music, hosted by Metal Blade Records’ founder, Brian Slagel. Each week, Brian dives into one of his personally curated tracks from his list of the heaviest songs in metal and hard rock, exploring the music that shaped

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 55 min
Latest: 5 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 10 min

Iron Maiden - "Hallowed Be Thy Name"

Iron Maiden - "Hallowed Be Thy Name" from the album "Number of the Beast" released in the US March 22, 1982 and in the UK March 29, 1982 This episode is officially the last in line, the number one song that defined heavy metal, the favorite song of our host, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel. To discuss this song, he invited back on the show the only person who might be as big of a Maiden fan as he is: musician/actor/wrestler/podcast host Chris Jericho. Check out the unedited video version of the episode on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/9X4rxUHwo40 Brian also discusses the…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

28 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
Rainbow - "Stargazer / A Light in the Black"
Rainbow - "Stargazer / A Light in the Black" from the album "Rising" released May 17, 1976. Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel welcomes back to the show radio and TV host Eddie Trunk to discuss Brian's second favorite song of all time (which is actually two songs that he just can't separate): Rainbow's "Stargazer" and "A Light in the Black". They also discuss the entire Rainbow catalogue, and how they both found their way to the band, and of course, remember their friend Ronnie James Dio. Jay Ruston discusses the production on these songs and, as always, author Martin Popoff gives us some…
21 Sep 2026 · 58 min
Metallica - "Enter Sandman"
Metallica - "Enter Sandman" Released as a single on July 29, 1991. The music video was released July 30, 1991 and the album "Metallica" (AKA "The Black Album") was released August 12, 1991. Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Metallica's "Enter Sandman" and catches up with his old friend Brian Lew who photographed Metallica extensively in the early days, and his work is part of the documentary "Murder in the Front Row" and the book of the same name. Brian also discusses the production of "Enter Sandman" with Jay Ruston, and, of course, author Martin Popoff checks in with his usual…
14 Sep 2026 · 51 min
Mercyful Fate - "Evil"
Mercyful Fate - "Evil" Released September 30, 1983 on the album "Melissa" Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the Mercyful Fate song "Evil" with Slayer guitarist Kerry King. They also discuss Rainbow, Judas Priest, Deep Purple and much more. Brian also talks to Mark Lewis about the production of the song. Martin Popoff also checks in as usual, being the font of information you've all come to expect. Watch the complete and unedited version of the Kerry King interview HERE: https://youtu.be/V5zitPwlgqk Follow Brian Slagel on social media @BrianSlagel Kerry King is @KerryKingMusic…
7 Sep 2026 · 57 min
Ghost - "Ritual"
Ghost's song "Ritual" was released on June 20, 2010, as a single ahead of their debut studio album, Opus Eponymous, which followed on October 18, 2010. Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses his appreciation for Ghost and shares stories about his association with the band, especially early on. Then, he is joined by producer Christian Bladt to look back on this podcast and look ahead to a new podcast concept that will start in January 2027. Brian also discusses the production on this song with producer Mark Lewis, and, as always, author Martin Popoff will provide historical…
31 Aug 2026 · 55 min
Soungarden - "Rusty Cage"
Soundgarden - "Rusty Cage" From the album "Badmotorfinger" (Released October 8, 1981) Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage" from their breakthrough album "Badmotorfinger". He's joined by the producer of that album, Terry Date, and then he chats with comedian Dean Delray whose passion for the band runs deep. As always, author Martin Popoff checks in with facts, figures and opinions. For the complete unedited video version of the episode, go to our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/ZX8f3GJ3P9w Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel Dean Delray is…
24 Aug 2026 · 53 min
Queensryche - "Eyes of a Stranger"
Queensryche - "Eyes of a Stranger" From "Operation: Mindcrime" (Released May 3, 1988) Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to musician Jacob Bunton about the great Queensryche song "Eyes of a Stranger" from their album "Operation: Mindcrime". He also discusses the production of the album with producer Jay Ruston and author Martin Popoff provides facts, figures and opinions as always. Watch the full unedited video version of the interview on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/rmRNMmSEPzw Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel Jacob Bunton is on social media @JacobBunton Jay…
17 Aug 2026 · 1 hr
Rush - "The Spirit of Radio"
Rush - "The Spirit of Radio" From the Album "Permanent Waves" Released January 14, 1980 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the importance of Rush's "The Spirit of Radio" with legendary sports radio and television host JT The Brick. They also discuss how JT has seen Rush 54 times (so far), whether or not the Las Vegas Raiders will be any good over the next few seasons, JT winning the first-ever Smack-Off on The Jim Rome Show and much more! Brian also talks about the production of the song with proud Canadian producer Jay Ruston, and we get our usual mixture of facts, statistics…
10 Aug 2026 · 56 min
Def Leppard - "Let It Go"
Def Leppard - "Let It Go" Release Date - July 6, 1981 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Blake Ibanez of Power Trip and Fugitive to discuss Def Leppard's "Let It Go" off of their second album "High N' Dry". Jay Ruston talks about the production on that record and author Martin Popoff brings his usual mixture of facts, figures and opinions. For the complete, unedited video version of the Blake Ibanez interview, check out our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKZSrbBBnHk Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel Blake Ibanez is on Instagram @BlkIbanez Jay…
3 Aug 2026 · 50 min
Motley Crue - "Livewire"
Motley Crue - "Livewire" From the album Too Fast For Love (originally released on Leathur Records in November 10, 1981 and again on Elektra Records August 20, 1982) Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to the producer of this show Christian Bladt about the first Motley Crue song on their first record, "Livewire" from 1981's "Too Fast for Love". They discuss the history of the band and the scene they came out of, following the evolution of what some people call "hair metal". Jay Ruston also comes by to discuss the production on the song and both versions of the album, and our resident…
27 Jul 2026 · 40 min
Black Sabbath - "Heaven and Hell"
Black Sabbath - "Heaven and Hell" From the album of the same name, released April 25, 1980 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bassist and lyricist for Black Sabbath, Geezer Butler. They discuss the song "Heaven and Hell", the pivotal moment in Sabbath's history where Ronnie James Dio joined the band, and they also discuss the follow-up album "Mob Rules". Brian also talks about the production of the song with Mark Lewis, who talks about how this is one of the greatest and most important songs in his life. We also check in with author…
20 Jul 2026 · 57 min
Iron Maiden - "Powerslave"
Iron Maiden - "Powerlsave" from the album of the same name Released in Europe September 3, 1984 and in the US September 14, 1984 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Gabriela Gun of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Ghost about "Powerslave", the amazing title track of the equally incredible album of the same name. Brian also talks about the production with Jay Ruston and author Martin Popoff checks in with he customary facts, figures, information and opinion. Watch the complete unedited interview with Gabriela Gun on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/V37ZkHY_IbE Brian Slagel is on…
13 Jul 2026 · 53 min
Gojira - "The Heaviest Matter of the Universe"
Gojira - "The Heaviest Matter of the Universe" From the album "From Mars to Sirius" RELEASED September 27, 2005 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Steve Carey from the band Senses Fail to discuss Gojira's "Heaviest Matter of the Universe". Ryan Williams also checks in to talk about the production on the song, and author Martin Popoff provides even more information than usual about this song and the band Gojira. Watch the complete, unedited video version of the episode: https://youtu.be/JsZ5wLuHR3Q Brian Slagel is on X, Instagram and Tik Tok @BrianSlagel Steve Carey is on X…
6 Jul 2026 · 54 min
Metallica - "Orion"
Metallica - "Orion" released March 3,1986 from the album "Master of Puppets" Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to filmmaker Sam Dunn about Metallica's epic instrumental, "Orion". They also discuss Slayer, Iron Maiden and some of the films he's made through his company Banger Films. Jay Ruston also discusses the production on "Orion" and author Martin Popoff provides his usual combination of facts, information and opinon. Check out the unedited video version of the Sam Dunn interview on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/KOS5wo4aDug Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel Sam…
29 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
AC/DC - "Hells Bells"
AC/DC - "Hells Bells" From the album "Back In Black" Released Halloween 1980 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel welcomes back to the show Adam Rank from NFL Network and The Jim Rome Show to discuss the first track on AC/DC's "Back in Black" album, "Hells Bells". He also discusses the production of the song with Metal Blade's Ryan Williams. There's also the usual background, facts and opinions from author Martin Popoff. Watch the complete, unedited interview on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/8piwtHOEBcw?si=Z61Rn47wlNFxVy1n Brian Slagel is on X and Instagram @BrianSlagel Adam Rank is…
22 Jun 2026 · 56 min
Black Sabbath - "Symptom of the Universe"
Black Sabbath - "Symptom of the Universe" From the Album "Sabatoge", released July 28, 1975 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by actor-comedian Brian Posehn to talk about Black Sabbath's "Symptom of the Universe", Brian's favorite Sabbath song from his Sabbath album. We also get the usual background, facts, figures and opinions from author Martin Popoff, who says that this is also his favorite Black Sabbath song. Plus, a conversation on the production of the song and the record from Mark Lewis. Watch the unedited video version of Brian's interview with Brian Posehn on our…
15 Jun 2026 · 47 min
Slayer - "South of Heaven"
Slayer "South of Heaven" from the album of the same name. RELEASED : July 5, 1988 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the title track from Slayer's 1988 album "South of Heaven" with Chris Kael of Five Finger Death Punch who also co-hosts the "Beardo and Weirdo" podcast with comedian Craig Gass. Brian also discusses the production on this song with Mark Lewis, and author Martin Popoff checks in with his usual mixture of history, facts, figures and opinion. For the complete, unedited video version of the Chris Kael interview: https://youtu.be/keYiHcSC33o?si=qWyVun2a7hnPMj3w Brian…
8 Jun 2026 · 50 min
Iron Maiden - "Number of the Beast"
Iron Maiden - "Number of the Beast" from the album of the same name Released March 22, 1982 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Queensryche lead singer Todd La Torre about Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast". Producer Jay Ruston returns to discuss the production on the song, and author Martin Popoff offers up some unique opinions while providing facts and figures about the song. For the complete, unedited video version of the Todd La Torre interview, where you will see the many technical difficulties that arose during the recording of the interview, click here:…
1 Jun 2026 · 54 min
Metallica - "Creeping Death"
Metallica - "Creeping Death" From the album "Ride the Lightning" Released November 23, 1984 In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by Mike Hamer of the Violent Gentlemen clothing line to discuss Metallica's "Creeping Death". Brian also discusses the production of Metallica's "Creeping Death" with Metal Blade's Ryan Williams. As always, author Martin Popoff provides historical context, facts and his expert opinions about Metallica's "Creeping Death" The complete, uncut version of Brian's conversation with Mike Hammer can be found on our YouTube Channel:…
25 May 2026 · 55 min
Queensryche - "Roads To Madness"
Queensryche - "Roads to Madness" RELEASED September 7, 1984 on the album "The Warning" Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses the final track on Queensryche's full-length debut, The Warning: "Roads to Madness". He talks to producer Zeuss, who has produced the last three Queensryche albums and then Adam Wodon of CollegeHockeyNews.Com who is a huge fan of the band. As always, Martin Popoff checks in with some historical facts and and analysis. For the COMPLETE, UNEDITED video version of the interview, go to our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/ZTuOHfRk9jw Follow Brian Slagel on social…
18 May 2026 · 55 min
Jimi Hendrix - "All Along The Watchtower"
Jimi Hendrix - "All Along The Watchtover" First released as a single September 21, 1968 and was later featured on the Electric Ladyland album, released in October 16, 1968. (Originally recorded by Bob Dyland and released on the "John Wesley Harding" album December 27, 1967. In this episode, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by guitarist Stoney Curtis talk about the impact of Jimi Hendrix by focusing on his cover of Bob Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower". Brian also discusses the production of "All Along The Watchtower" with Metal Blade's Ryan Williams, who breaks down the unique…
11 May 2026 · 49 min
Black Sabbath - "Into The Void"
Black Sabbath - "Into The Void" Release Date July 21, 1971 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the importance of the Black Sabbath song "Into The Void" with singer John Corabi (who has worked with Motley Crue, Ratt, The Dead Daisies among many others). John also talks about the underappreciated impact of Grand Funk Railroad and how he was able to see the original Sabbath perform live in the 70's and some of the other amazing shows he was able to see growing up in Philadelphia. Brian discusses the production of this song with Bill Metoyer, and, as always, producer Martin Popoff…
4 May 2026 · 57 min
Fates Warning - "A Pleasant Shade of Gray"
Fates Warning - "A Pleasant Shade of Gray" Released April 22, 1997 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Fates Warning singer Ray Alder about their 1997 album "A Pleasant Shade of Gray": an entire album made up of one song. He also talks about the production of the record with Bill Metoyer, who did some engineering on the album. As always, author Martin Popoff provides some historical significance and impact of the song. You can watch video of the entire unedited version of the interview HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDniJAb7iZ4 Follow Brian Slagel on Instagram and X @Brian…
27 Apr 2026 · 58 min
Kiss - "Love Gun"
Kiss - "Love Gun" Released June 30, 1977 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discussed the title track from the 1977 Kiss album "Love Gun". First up, he hears from author Martin Popoff about the historical significance and impact of the song. Then, this show's producer Christian Bladt discusses more of the background and production of the song. Finally, the co-host of Morning Skate Scott Laughlin talks about his Kiss fandom, looks ahead to the NHL Playoffs and discusses some of the new music he's listening to right now. i You can watch video of the entire unedited version of the interview…
20 Apr 2026 · 56 min
UFO - "Let It Roll"
UFO - "Let It Roll" The original studio version of UFO's "Let It Roll" was released on the album Force It on July 1, 1975. The popular live version from the album Strangers in the Night was released on January 16, 1979 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about UFO's "Let It Roll" with renowned producer and founder of Shrapnel Records, Mike Varney. Jay Ruston discusses the production with Brian and, as always, we check in with author Martin Popoff for some historical and musical context. You can watch the entire unedited version of the interview HERE:…
13 Apr 2026 · 53 min
Aerosmith - "Make It"
Aerosmith - "Make It" Released January 5, 1973 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel is joined by his Metal Blade colleague Mike Faley to talk about discusses "Make It" from the debut Aerosmith album. This show's producer Christian Bladt talks about the production of that song and the enitre debut album, and, a s always, Martin Popoff provides historical context and information about the song. You can watch the entire unedited version of the interview HERE: https://youtu.be/phOH8tDKiAU Follow Mike Faley @MPFaley on Instagram and X Follow Christian Bladt on Instagram and X @ChristianDMZ Follow…
6 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
Slipknot - "Surfacing"
Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Slipknot's "Surfacing" from their debut record with the producer of that album, Ross Robinson, and Zach Johnson from the band The Ghost Inside. As always, Martin Popoff provides historical context and information about the song. You can watch the entire unedited version of the interview HERE: https://youtu.be/9EI8pSP6mRM Follow Ross Robinson on Instagram @Ross_Robinson Follow Zach Johnson on Instagram @zachjayjohnson Follow Brian Slagel on Instagram and X @Brian Slagel Follow 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal on X, Instagram and TikTok @100Metal…
30 Mar 2026 · 49 min
Back Sabbath "N.I.B."
SONG -Black Sabbath : "N.I.B" Released Friday February 13, 1970 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Black Sabbath's "N.I.B." with the bands longtime manager, and wife of Geezer Butler. They also discuss the different eras of Sabbath, Halestorm, Ghost and even some of the best things to do in Las Vegas, where they both live. Producer Mark Lewis also discusses the production of the song and Martin Popoff provides all sorts of useful information and historical context. You can watch the entire unedited version of the interview HERE: https://youtu.be/mQzYAlHWsKg Follow Gloria Butler…
23 Mar 2026 · 49 min
Mercyful Fate - "The Oath"
SONG - Mercyful Fate : "The Oath" Released September 7, 1984 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses the Mercyful Fate song "The Oath", the quasi-title track from 1984's "Don't Break The Oath" with actor-musician-host Elliott Fullam. They also discuss his heavy metal upbringing, his Little Punk People interviews, current musical endeavors and his role in both "Terrifier 2" and "Terrifier 3". Producer Mark Lewis also discusses the production of the song and Martin Popoff provides all sorts of useful information and historical context for the song. You can watch the entire unedited…
16 Mar 2026 · 52 min
Coheed and Cambria - "Welcome Home"
SONG - Coheed and Cambria "Welcome Home" Release Date - September 20, 2005 Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria about their song "Welcome Home", his writing process, his career, the other forms of media he uses for storytelling and much more. Ryan Williams also discusses the production of the song with Brian and author Martin Popoff shares a wealth of information about the song. You can watch the entire unedited version of the interview HERE: https://youtu.be/oAbDnzxxpNk Follow Claudio on X and Instagram @ClaudioPSanchez Follow Ryan Williams on…

About 100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal

100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal is a English music podcast from Brian Slagel. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Brian Slagel
Language: English
Category: Music
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 55 min
Latest episode: 5 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1778316009

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