Billy Corgan, the acclaimed frontman and guitarist of The Smashing Pumpkins, has closely observed the evolution of metal music. In 2012, he shared his insights on the current state of metal, remarking, “Heavy metal has undeniably become more mainstream than its roots. This genre now wholeheartedly embraces musicality, and many of us from the alternative scene have readily incorporated this musicality into our own work.”
Corgan’s passion for metal music is well-documented, and he has graciously shared his favorite metal tracks on numerous occasions. In this article, we’ll delve into Billy Corgan’s top metal song selections.
1. Pantera – “I’m Broken”
Corgan handpicked Pantera’s anthem, “I’m Broken,” as the theme song for the third season of the wrestling program NWA Powerrr. He also considers it one of his all-time favorite metal tracks, revealing, “I had the privilege of witnessing [them] in concert multiple times, and I had some interactions with the band back in the day. Dimebag Darrell even gifted me a cherished guitar.”
2. Judas Priest – “Victim of Changes”
Corgan takes a step back to the 1970s to acknowledge the pioneering band Judas Priest. According to Corgan, Judas Priest skillfully “carved their own path” but have remained “unjustly underrated.” He singles out “Victim of Changes” from their second album, “Sad Wings of Destiny,” as one of his cherished pieces. This song is revered by many metal aficionados for its transformative impact on the genre, owing to Robert Halford’s powerful vocals and K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton’s electrifying guitar solos.
3. Rainbow – “Man on the Silver Mountain”
Corgan also acknowledges the profound influence of metal luminaries like Rainbow. He designates Rainbow’s “Man on the Silver Mountain” as a personal favorite.
4. Accept – “Fast as a Shark”
Corgan recognizes the significance of metal icons such as Accept. He singles out “Fast as a Shark” by Accept as another favorite.
5. Black Sabbath – “Supernaut”
Corgan pays homage to metal giants like Black Sabbath. He cites Black Sabbath’s “Supernaut” as one of his most cherished metal compositions.
6. Dokken – “Into the Fire”
Corgan acknowledges the impact of prominent metal figures like Dokken. He selects “Into the Fire” by Dokken as one of his cherished metal tracks.
7. Slayer – “Raining Blood”
Corgan highlights the influence of iconic metal acts like Slayer. He designates Slayer’s “Raining Blood” as one of his all-time metal favorites.
8. Mercyful Fate – “A Dangerous Meeting”
Corgan recognizes the impact of influential metal pioneers such as Mercyful Fate. He chooses “A Dangerous Meeting” by Mercyful Fate as one of his favored metal songs.
9. Metallica – “Fade to Black”
Corgan acknowledges the profound impact of metal titans like Metallica. He singles out “Fade to Black” by Metallica, asserting that they are “undoubtedly the most successful metal band of all time.”
In conclusion, Billy Corgan’s selection of favorite metal songs represents a blend of both traditional and contemporary metal sensibilities. These picks celebrate some of the most influential bands in the history of metal music, serving as a testament to the genre’s enduring musicality and its ability to transcend boundaries.
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Read more:
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/billy-corgan-greatest-metal-songs-of-all-time/
https://www.revolvermag.com/premium-video/music/smashing-pumpkins-billy-corgan-picks-11-greatest-heavy-metal-bands-ever
https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/billy-corgans-10-greatest-heavy-metal-albums-of-all-time-248694