Heavy metal music – home to such acts as Cannibal Corpse and Danzig – is often misunderstood; however, there are some songs about love written in heavy metal that resonate deeply. Here is one by late Peter Steele which is both sensuous and emotive.
We’ve all had those lovers that we kept around because they were good in bed, yet were ultimately toxic for us – this song is for them!
1. This Love by Pantera
Although metal music tends to focus on anguish and death, there are some songs within its genre which resist cliched love songs of pop music – these are some examples.
Pantera, led by Dimebag Darrell (deceased guitarist), produced this power ballad on their 1992 album Vulgar Display of Power.
The meaning behind the song may be somewhat unclear, but it does depict a narrative about two individuals dealing with life and death issues simultaneously. Additionally, this track mentions an incident involving an innocent little girl killed by a car as well as their feelings of sorrow and loss from both parties involved.
This song is quite powerful and well worth listening to if you prefer something a bit more romantic than grindcore or death metal.
2. N.I.B. by Black Sabbath
Heavy metal music has the unique power to take traditionally lighthearted concepts like love and turn them into something sinister and terrifying, while simultaneously producing breathtaking musical compositions – which is certainly the case here with Geezer’s outstanding bass solo and an essay-like composition exploring love through Lucifer or Satan’s eyes.
Ozzy put in the periods to throw people off track and cause confusion; making people think NIB means Nativity in Black when in fact it doesn’t.
The song depicts an intriguing concept: Satan falling in love with an earthly woman and possibly returning his affection, or she could simply end up burning at the stake due to her beliefs. The ending remains open-ended.
3. This Love by Danzig
Though metal music is known for its hard hitting solos and crushing riffs, its romanticism should never be discounted. These songs will ring true for any hard rock fan! From songs about lost love or heartache to those that celebrate joy or first love encounters – you’re bound to find songs here that hit home for any hard rock lover.
Though some songs depict relationships as being cruel or abusive, others exalt all that’s wonderful about love. Finally, there are also love songs with strong sexual references.
“This Love,” performed by Danzig is a cover of the 1955 Bo Diddley song of the same name and featured on his 1988 album Initium as well as Riki Rachtman’s Bordello’s on Halloween 1991. Additionally, its title 213 makes reference to California Penal Code Section 213, voluntary manslaughter during passion — an offense not uncommon during the 70s.
4. Love You To Death by Type O Negative
Metal music may often feature shredding solos and bone crushing riffs, but that doesn’t preclude its being tender as well. Heavy metal love songs can range from cruelly cruel to poetically beautiful in celebrating all that makes being head over heels with someone great – plus there are always the raunchy sexual innuendo-laden tracks!
Peter Steele from Type O Negative was an iconic romantic metal singer. A goth who looked like Nosferatu’s monster and sang with an engaging, deep warbling voice, his 6′ 8″ frame only made him more seductive than ever. Steele wrote and sang many romantic tracks on Slow, Deep and Hard’s 1991 album Slow Deep Hard but this particular track from it may be his most romantic work; its title comes from California Penal Code Section 213, which refers to voluntary manslaughter in passion – Steele himself could possibly promise her love until her last breath!
5. The Crusade by Trivium
This song captures everything a metal head needs in a love song: driving guitars, big solos, pulsing drums, and vocals that speak of love in ways only metalheads can.
Trivium’s The Crusade album is an emotionally charged piece, packed with songs about love, with each track full of emotion and meaning that allows listeners to feel what metal music truly represents: power and strength.
Matt Heafy’s vocal style has changed significantly as well, seemingly trying to emulate James Hetfield on some tracks. While this does include more in-between singing styles such as James’, there’s still plenty of gruff screams present as well! For any metal fan this album should be essential listening; show your loved one just how much you care with this gift of music!
6. Gutterslut by Vio-lence
Metal music’s main themes of hate, sex, Satan and death often take form in beautiful yet poetic songwriting; yet love also plays a vital role – although its manifestation may take an unusual form.
Vio-lence from San Francisco Bay Area band Vio-lence wrote this thrash metal song about an abusive boyfriend who keeps his girlfriend around just to “keep her looking young and preserved forever”. While this may sound disturbing, this metal band used this opportunity to both celebrate love and show their sensuality side.
This song comes from their 1991 EP Torture Tactics and was released just prior to their split up in 1993. Robb Flynn and Perry Strickland eventually went on to form Machine Head while Phil Demmel joined Technocracy; Robb and Perry rejoined a few times since Nothing to Gain was recorded; this track from Torture Tactics serves as an outstanding showcase of their timeless sound.
7. Love You To Death by Strapping Young Lad
Strapping Young Lad is an intense metal band with music that explores themes such as psychopathy, sexual assault and the desire to rape women; their music often contains themes related to these things as well as more romantic tunes.
This track from their 1997 album Heavy as a Really Heavy Thing is an iconic classic from Devin Townsend’s debut under the SYL name and widely considered to be their best work. Additionally, this marked their final record release before they parted ways – Gene Hoglan formed Zimmers Hole while Townsend started his solo career.
This song is an exquisite ode to love in nature. With its seductive vocals and soothing atmosphere, this track will surely bring comfort on Valentine’s Day. Listeners should listen closely!
8. No Escape From Your Fate by Type O Negative
Metal music is an expressive way of exploring love, hate, Satanism, violence and sorrow through poetic songwriting – yet earnest love songs are rare in this genre.
Peter Steele composed this dark yet romantic ballad as part of the final album that the band would create before his passing in 2007. It depicts someone trapped by darkness who needs someone like her for survival; even if that means pushing her away at times.
The band added a creepy piano intro that set the romantic and erotic atmosphere, making this song one of their more romantic and seductive tunes. Three years after Bloody Kisses was recorded, October Rust came out and showcased their more full and mature sound; although less sensual than Bloody Kisses it still contained some captivating gothic metal gems such as “Love You to Death”.
9. A Little Piece Of Heaven by Danzig
Danzig’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde-inspired anthem is an unsettling track that explores being controlled by demons, making it a live favorite that Glenn frequently dedicates to former Type O Negative vocalist Peter Steele at concerts. Unfortunately, its inconsistent production prevents it from reaching the top three; lacking its signature big, loud outro of other songs as well as Glenn’s howling which may sometimes get drowned out by studio effects, prevents this track from making the cut.
Although A Little Piece Of Heaven might appear obscure at first, it remains one of the most romantic death metal love songs. Listening to it while making passionate love to your partner will surely set an ideal romantic atmosphere – don’t forget candles, red wine and your favourite piece of artwork to set the atmosphere! A Little Piece Of Heaven makes an excellent Valentine’s Day (or any other) song choice and show your loved ones just how much you care!