#1 - The Prisoner - Iron Maiden - The Number of the Beast

This song literally has it all. It embodies everything that is great about Iron Maiden. Plus the Clive Burr drum intro caps it.

#2 - Orgasmatron - Motorhead - Orgasmatron

Motorhead, sounding extra evil is more than I can bear. This song blows me away every time.

#3 - Scared - Dangerous Toys - Dangerous Toys

I can never hear this one too much or too loud. Just a really really great song. Many will dismiss it as hair metal but this song is great. The rest of the album is OK too.

#4 - Burn the Sun - Ark - Burn the Sun

Why why why did Ark have to split up after this album. Both Ark albums are great, but this one is better. This song has it all, plus it is all sci-fi and stuff.

#5 - Phantom of the Opera (Live) - Iron Maiden - BBC Archives

This version comes from their Reading Festival appearence in 1982. The intro referring to "Aggressive Harris" is the icing on the cake. A kick ass version of a kick ass song.

#6 - Bleak - Opeth - Blackwater Park

If you will ever accept death metal vocals, this will be the song that hooks you. Sometimes I listen to this song and marvel at how good this band can be. I am very disappointed it was not on the Lamentations DVD.

#7 - The Coffin Ships - Primordial - The Gathering Wilderness

If you claim not to like this song, I will bet you have never heard it.

#8 - Six Strings to Cover Fear - Subterranean Masquerade - Suspended Animation Dreams

Can't wait for the follow up to this album. Tomer Pink is working on it, but he is taking his time.

If you have not heard this album, do yourself a favor and get it. It is the best album of the century so far.

#9 - Metropolis, Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper - Dream Theater - Images and Words

What a great song, what a great album. Some songs are so hard to describe, and this is one of them. If you have not heard this one in a while, put it on, and you will be speechless.

#10 - Fear of the Dark (Live) - Iron Maiden - Death on the Road

I could have picked almost any of the myriad of official live versions of this song, but I picked this one because Adrian is on it. I never realized how much I loved this song until I went to a Maiden show where they did not play it (Early Days Tour). Anyway it is a great song, and live it is explosive. The crowd reaction to it this past tour was overwhelming (though maybe for the wrong reasons!!)

#11 - Victim of Changes (Live) - Unleashed in the East - Judas Priest

The best song from the best live album ever. Once when asked what his favorite Priest track is, Glenn Tipton responded, "Victim of Changes, that's what its all about". I must agree.

#12 - Dante's Inferno (Live) - Iced Earth - Alive in Athens

Before the Ted McGinley of heavy metal, aka Ripper Owens, joined Iced Earth, they were a legitimate band, instead of the punch line they have become. Of course Jon Schaeffer is to blame as well, but I digress.

Anyway, there was no better metal band in the 1990's than Iced Earth. Who else can boast 5 strong studio albums that decade (maybe Running Wild or Motorhead)? Anyway, Iced Earth's shining moment is their epic Dante's Inferno, from their brilliant 3 CD live set Alive in Athens, which may be my favorite live album of all time, save Unleashed in the East.

#13 - Condition Red - Iron Savior - Condition Red

The title cut of the brilliant 2002 release.

#14 - Opium - Moonspell - Irreligious

Por isso eu tomo opio, ?um rem?io. Sou um convalescente do momento. Moro no r? do ch? do pensamento E ver passar a vida faz-me t?io

#15 - The Number of the Beast - Iron Maiden - The Number of the Beast

This was in VH-1's list at number 7. Perhaps it is overplayed live, but the original studio version is awesome.

#16 - Send Me a Sign - Gamma Ray - Powerplant

This is a fast paced song, full of energy. It is a good one to do the "Craig ride cymbal in the car bit" to.

#17 - See the Light Shining - Saxon - Wheels of Steel

This song was dedicated to Motorhead's Fase Eddie Clarke, though I am not sure why. Funny, I never really liked it when I was a kid. I guess it was buried on Side 2, and Side 1 was where the "hits" were, so I never got into it. Anyway, now I am older and wiser, and I can fully appreciate this awesome song.

#18 - Drifter - Iron Maiden - Killers

A lot of Iron Maiden fans do not like this song. I would surmise, most of them are the younger breed. Drifter is a CLASSIC Maiden song. Adrian's solo at the end is awesome, as is Murray's solw solo in the middle. Pounding drums and bass line seal the deal. Great tune.

#19 - Supernaut - Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath Volume 4

One of my greatest concert moments was Sabbath playing this in 83. One of my worst was when I saw Sabbath a few years ago. Iommi played the opening riff to Supernaut and then went into "Paranoid"

Boring.

#20 - Disposable Heroes - Metallica - Master of Puppets

Is this really the same band that recorded St. Anger?

#21 - Titans of Our Time - Iron Savior - Condition Red

This album kicks so much ass. I love how this song starts the album, no intro, no mood setting, just an explosive riff. The whole album is just so killer.

#22 - Learning to Live - Dream Theater - Images and Words

What a cool song. I remember seeing them play this at the Stone Pony, and it completely rocked. I especially like the piano piece in the middle, and the bonus fade out riff.

#23 - Neon Knights - Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell

Fast song? Slow song? Fast song!

#24 - Wreath - Opeth - Deliverance

Why has Opeth never played this live?

#25 - Killed by Death - Motorhead - No Remorse

If you squeeze my lizard....'nuff said.

#26 - Midnight Mover - Accept - Metal Heart

Great song. Great guitar solo. Horrible video.

#27 - Suite Sister Mary - Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime

The centerpiece of the greatest concept album of all time. Love the female vocals, she sounds so tortured, whoever she is, she did a great job. Good stuff.

#28 - Fire Woman - The Cult - Sonic Temple

This song just explodes. It is so rockin'. It is one of those songs that you can just crank up and listen to at any volume.

#29 - Paschendale - Iron Maiden - Dance of Death

It is hard to put into words how great this track is. My only regret with Maiden's recnt tour was that Paschendale was not included. What a brilliant track. This song features, the greatest minute in music history. From 4:53 to 5:52, you will be immersed in such greatness, you will think the universe has exploded.

#30 - Let the Hammer Fall - Hammerfall - Legacy of Kings

In the top 30 now. This song is what Power Metal should be.

#31 - Fairies Wear Boots - Black Sabbath - Paranoid

Jack the Stripper rocks!

#32 - Green Manalishi (Live) - Judas Priest - Unleashed in the East

The live version. Slays the studio version. Halford!

#33 - Bark at the Moon - Ozzy Osbourne - Bark at the Moon

Jake E. Lee was the second best thing to ever happen to Ozzy.

#34 - Sixth Form Girls - Saxon - Strong Arm of the Law

Probably a surprise choice, as this track is very overlooked since it is on such a great record.

#35 - Karhunkynsi - Moonsorrow - Verisäkeet

From one of the best albums of 2005, Verisäkeet, Moonsorrow's Karhunkynsi builds for 8 minutes, and explodes for the last 6. This whole album is great, and to me Karhunkynsi is the high point of the album, though most feel that Jotunheim is the better track. Both are great.

This album wins my award for best non English vocal album of all time. Per Moonsorrow's official web page, the bloodverses are in Finnish, so it shall be. These guys have balls.

#36 - In The Shadow Of Our Pale Companion - Agalloch - The Mantle

The second entry from the awesome second album from Agalloch, The Mantle. Such a great album, so atmospheric, dark and brooding. Perfect album to put on if you are ever home alone in the dead of a blizzard, preferably with the fireplace roaring.

#37 - Dancing on Your Grave - Motorhead - Another Perfect Day

I don't understand why this album gets slagged so much. I loved the sound of this record, and it's a shame it is the only one with Robbo, though Orgasmatron was great too, basically proving that Lemmy is infallible. Anyway, Dancing on Your Grave is just one of those songs that sounds so great, especially when you turn up the volume. Just awesome!

#38 - The Drapery Falls - Opeth - Blackwater Park

This is a really cool song, I actually really started liking it when I watched the Lamentations DVD. Great band.

#39 - Creeping Death - Metallica - Ride the Lightning

Killing first born bunions, with my big fat onions.

#40 - The Tower - Bruce Dickinson - The Chemical Wedding

One reviewer said of this song, that it sounds more like Iron Maiden than Iron Maiden, and I agree. I think it was this album, and perhaps this song in particular, because of its sound, that made Rod Smallwood realize that Dickinson was back to making Maiden-ish type music, and therefore that a reunion made sense.

#41 - Too High to Get it Right - Accept - Metal Heart

A great track, from one of the top 10 greatest records of all time. This is the rare album, from a band, who in my mind, is somewhat marginal, where it is great from start to finish.

#42 - Star Crossed - Arcturus - The Sham Mirrors

The piano intro is what makes this song. The whole thing is great, in fact the whole album is great, but this one song does stand out as particularly good.

#43 - Hallowed be thy Name - Iron Maiden - The Number of the Beast

Many fans place this as their number 1 Maiden track. Perhaps I am a little tired of it, and that is why is has a relative poor showing on my list. In any case it is a brilliant song, from the greatest record of all time.

To me it has lost its lustre live, first, Nicko never really got it right, and now Jan plays Adrian's solo, so it is different. I also used to enjoy how Dave and H would go up to the risers at the end of this song and through the solos, it was very cool, and now that does not happen.

#44 - Diary of a Madman - Ozzy Osbourne - Diary of a Madman

Another title track. This song seemed autobiographical to me when I was a kid, with all that teen angst and stuff. It is amazing looking back on it how music was such a big part of my life in those days. I also remeber this song was used as an intro on the Diary of a Madman tour, shame it was never played live with Rhoads.

#45 - Peace Sells - Megadeth - Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?

Another title track. Great song, great album. One of three songs in my top 100 that are in VH1's Top 40.

#46 - Stained Class - Judas Priest - Stained Class

A lot of title tracks lately. Anyway, Stained Class represents my favorite era of Judas Priest (aka the Les Binks era). Why Dave Holland, a grossly incompetent child molester drummer, was chosen to replace Binks is unknown. What is known is that Sin After Sin (I know Simon Phillips was the drummer, but he's good too) through Unleashed in the East is the best Priest era. Stained Class, the album, and in particular the song, is a prime example of the greatness that was Judas Priest, right before the era of the hot leather dude and Chester the drummer.

As a side note, I recall seeing Halford open for Maiden in 2000, and when Halford played this song, it was the highlight of his set.

#47 - Power and the Glory - Saxon - Power and the Glory

This is the first album I ever bought when I was an established fan of a band. I recall picking this up as soon as it came out and was blown away by this song. Many fans say this was the begining of the end for Saxon, but I think it is a really good record, and the song in particular is a boon.

#48 - No Voices in the Sky - Motorhead - 1916

The 1990's were not a good time for metal in general, but Motorhead definitely carried their share of the load. 1916 was a really good record, and this song is great. When Motorhead is on, they may have the best vibe in all of metal.

#49 - The Mob Rules - Black Sabbath - Mob Rules

The first two albums of the post Ozzy era, are among the best Sabbath has ever done, if not the best. It is easy to see why the two camps (Ozzy and Sabbath) were at war during that era, becuase they were both making arguably the best music of their respective careers.

In any case, The Mob Rules, especially when preceeded by its intro, E5I50, is one of the coolest songs ever, from a truly great record.

#50 - Rebellion in Dreamland - Gamma Ray - Land of the Free

Half way home.

#51 - I Will Kill You/You Will Die - Slough Feg - Atavism

Formely known as The Lord Wierd Slough Feg, the 2005 album Atavism is Slough Feg's finest moment. The previous albums are all good, but on Atavism, all the pieces came together for the Northern Californians. I am anxiously looking forward to their follow up, hopefully in 2007.

#52 - Black Wings of Death - Running Wild - Pile of Skulls

Rockin' Rolf. Running Wild is one of the founding fathers of German Power Metal. They are very consistent, and for my money, are in the top 10 bands of the 1990's. They recorded their first album in 1984, but IMO they did not really hit their stride until 1989 or so. They released four real good albums between 1991 and 1995, Pile of Skulls being my oersonal favorite. Black Wings of Death is Running Wild at their best. Great band.

#53 - Under a Glass Moon - Dream Theater - Images and Words

Dream Theater's Images and Words is one of my all time favorite records. All eight songs are great and they all work very well together. Under a Glass Moon is one of those. Every time I listen to this album, I wonder why Dream Theater was never able to duplicate the greatness of this record.

#54 - Gypsy - Mercyful Fate - Don't Break the Oath

I remember hearing this song over the PA at The Ritz in New York in between acts at the Bruce Dickinson/Kings of the Sun show back in the summer of 1990. I always liked the song, but this event brought it up a notch. It is a real cool song.

#55 - The Shining - Black Sabbath - Eternal Idol

Easily the best of the Tony Martin era. Eternal Idol is not the best album with Martin, but this song is terrific. I wish I could have seen Sabbath with Tony Martin, because they had some really good songs with him.

#56 - Hate Me! - Children of Bodom - Follow the Reaper

This song wins the award for the one I most wish existed when I was in high school.

#57 - Tears of the Mandrake - Edguy - Mandrake

Back to back German Power Metal. Edguy is a bit more tongue in cheek than most metal bands I like. They do not take themselves too seriously, and many of their songs suck quite frankly. Anyway, many of their songs kick serious ass too, so while they will never have the best album of any given year, they still have many great moments. Tears of the Mandrake is one such moment.

#58 - Valley of the Kings - Gamma Ray - Somewhere Out in Space

I remember discovering Gamma Ray quite late in the game; in fact it was not until after the release of Powerplant. Anyway, The first three Gamma Ray records are adequate, but Land of the Free marked the beginning of a new era. Valley of the Kings is a really cool Gamma Ray track, and it is the highlight of Somewhere Out in Space, which is a very good album.

#59 - The Magician - Bruce Dickinson - Accident of Birth

I think if I were to review my top 100 list, Adrian Smith has to be the most represented musician on the list. That is no accident (pardon the pun). The Magician is a real cool song on a super album. It is no surprise to me that Bruce's solo career got better when Adrian hung his hat with the band. Accident of Birth is chock full of good songs, with top notch riffs, melodies and solos. The Macigian for me the best of a very good bunch.

This is also a sentimental/personal favorite as well.

#60 - Seemingly Endless Time - Death Angel - Act III

I recently re-discovered this album when doing my yearly top 10 lists. What an awesome tune. It is too bad this band kind of fell apart as they had great potential.