Determining what constitutes the heaviest death metal song can be challenging, yet Chuck Schuldiner’s Death was one of many that advanced this genre further while maintaining its classic feel.
Their iconic opening track, “Hammer Smashed Face,” serves as an outstanding example. From its initial accent hit to its gore-soaked ending riff, “Hammer Smashed Face” is jaw-breakingly heavy!
1. Arch Enemy – Enemy Within
Arch Enemy are among the finest melodic death metal bands from Sweden, boasting some of the highest musician skill levels within their genre. Combining fiery riffs with stunning guitar leads for an engaging listening experience, Arch Enemy have been around since 1996 when founded by ex-Carcass guitarist Michael Amott and have produced some of the finest death metal albums over this period – from their debut release ‘Black Earth’ all the way through to most recently released release ‘Endarkenment’ this band has never disappointed their listeners!
Continued their signature sound, the Swedish group continues their heavy metal influence on ‘Enemy Within.’ Boasting incredibly polished production and vocals that reek of anger, this track truly delivers what it promises and proves they haven’t reached their peak just yet; with renewed swagger seen on Deceivers they have plenty left in them for another classic record!
2. Cannibal Corpse – Hammer Smashed Face
Cannibal Corpse have long been at the forefront of death metal music since their debut album Tomb Of The Mutilated was released. This song from their 1993 record serves as an unparalleled testament to death metal’s harshest music. From its chilling guitar riffs and aggressive drumming to its macabre lyrics and blood-curdling lyrics – this track from Tomb Of The Mutilated stands as an exceptional representation.
Chuck Schuldiner’s death metal is the blueprint for all extreme metal genres, and this tune by him showcases it even further. It demonstrates his mastery of pacing while showing the listener just how brutal they can be without going overboard.
StrawPoll wants to determine who can establish the definitive list of death metal songs! Vote now and help us to rage and smash our way to the top! Let the mosh pit begin!
3. Metallica – Ride The Lightning
On our search for the heaviest death metal song, we came across an absolute powerhouse from one of the greatest thrash bands ever: Metallica. One of their fastest songs yet features some incredible guitar solos by Kirk Hammett; guaranteed to put any audience through an intense musical journey!
Metallica’s second album and their breakthrough into mainstream musical culture. A great deal had changed stylistically since Kill ‘Em All; as they began to mature as musicians and learn musical theory – as well as push themselves further than before.
This album marked their first major label release and proved vital in their transition away from hardcore punk influences of their earlier work towards more apocalyptic lyrics – this can be found on instrumental track ‘The Call of Ktulu’ that features portions from classic track ‘When Hell Freezes Over’ fused together with new ideas.
4. Whitechapel – The Devil You Know
Finding the heaviest death metal song is subjective, and no single answer exists for all listeners. The most effective songs exude brutality through genuine aggression, slurred vocals and dissonant chord progressions that cannot be overlooked.
Whitechapel’s macabre lyrics and low-tuned guitars conjure horror with incredible force. While this track may not pack as much punch as their more popular offerings such as Symbolic or Sounds of Perseverance, it remains an intense experience nonetheless.
Black metal bands Mayhem know how to turn up the intensity with their deathcrushing style of metal music, and this track from 1987’s Deathcrush is no exception. Peter Steele’s deep baritone transforms desire into carnal infatuation for an unforgettable chiller of an experience.
Death may be the pioneers of tech death and many other subgenres, but that doesn’t make them its sole proprietors. COB has an incredible sound with amazing riffs – this song stands as proof. Additionally, its melodic nature stands out against others on this list and adds another dimension of greatness.
5. Rivers Of Nihil – The Silent Life
As death metal evolved further into the 21st century, bands embraced harsh tones and heart-rending lyrics in their music. Few songs exemplified this trend better than Cannibal Corpse’s revolutionary heavy “Hammer Smashed Face,” still making listeners sick 25 years after its initial release.
Rivers of Nihil has managed to remain consistent in quality since releasing their debut full-length album back in 2013. Although they’ve experimented with sound and style, they remain true to death metal at heart. Their decision to include a saxophone on this track is daring but fits seamlessly into their music, creating a haunting and immersive atmosphere.
It’s difficult to classify this song as heavy death metal because its complexity almost defies categorization; yet its brutality cannot be ignored; with blast beats and tremolo picking dominating, making this piece one of the hardest metal songs to play and an outstanding example of craftsmanship.
6. Testament – Demonic Refusal
Heavy metal music has long been associated with dark themes. From cannibalism and self-mutilation to cannibalism and rape, its lyrics often depict feelings of isolation and despair. Death metal takes things even further: this genre incorporates screaming vocals, blast beats, and dissonant chords into its repertoire for maximum impact.
While there are many great death metal songs out there, Testament’s “Demonic Refusal” stands out among them with incredible riffs, one of the finest clean guitar parts ever and Chuck Schuldiner’s legendary solo. This track should definitely not be missed!
Death metal songs are well known for their fast drumming and rapid tempo changes, setting death metal apart from traditional rock genres in terms of rhythmic precision. Contrary to popular belief, being an adept death metal musician requires much more than simply speed: in order to play properly you need an entire drum kit as well as transition between slow, neck-snapping sections and faster more ferocious riffs seamlessly – Brazilian rising stars Crypta have perfected this skill, proving their dominance as the heaviest death metal band around with their album Symbolic Flesh or Crystal Mountain release proving it!
7. Suffocation – Pierced From Within
Suffocation’s 1995 album Pierced From Within stands out in a genre known for its complexity as an exceptional example of technical skill and aggression. Packed full of blast beats, tremolo picking and slam riffs – this death metal masterpiece will send your neck muscles spinning.
Chuck Schuldiner and Death were early pioneers of aggressive metal, fusing aggressive energy with themes of death and violence to create their unique sound. This track serves as a prime example of this style; featuring traditional thrash metal screaming with horror-themed vocals for added effect.
Lik, an impressive brutal death metal band since their debut album was released in 2014, have established an impressive discography since. Their heaviest song perfectly illustrates their unique style combining slow neck-snapping sections with fast, aggressive riffing.
8. Gojira – The Art Of Dying
Gojira fans know this song to be one of their heaviest in their genre. While Gojira are somewhat unconventional in the metal world, as they don’t fit comfortably into any one subgenre (electronic, death or groove music), their original approach makes it impossible to ignore.
Gojira are a band with a mission, giving much of their proceeds to organizations dedicated to protecting whales and the environment. Lyrically speaking, their songs depict mankind’s disregard for nature with potentially catastrophic results for our world.
While any Gojira song could be considered the heaviest, this particular one from their career stands out as particularly heavy. From its intense guitar tones to Mario Duplantier’s extraordinary drumming, this track is truly devastating!