Early forms of heavy metal music have been around since the 60s. Many consider The Beatles Helter Skelter to be the first metal song (it’s pretty heavy actually). Other pioneers include Led Zeppelin, Steppenwolf, Thin Lizzy, and Deep Purple. You’d probably classify most of these as Classic Rock now….except for Black Sabbath. Their crunchy guitar tones and palm-muted riffs are hallmarks of heavy metal. The genre further evolved into sub-categories like nu-metal, doom, sludge, thrash, and groove just to name a few. This list includes fun facts and links to explore so take your time. Also its a list, not a ranking. *NOTE* If you click any pic it will take you to eBay where most of these shirts are available right now! Many of which you can buy for under $100!
Here is a list of the 66 GREATEST heavy metal t-shirts.
1. METALLICA
We’ll start the list with a (HEAD) BANG! This is when Metallica opened for Raven in the summer of 83′. The tour name is a blend of both their album titles. Kill Em’ All and All For One. Metallica doesn’t open for anyone anymore (except for the Rolling Stones in 2005) but they are known for bringing amazing acts on tour. Ghost, Kyuss, Alice In Chains, Down, Faith No More, Machine Head, Gojira, COC, Monster Magnet, Deftones, Danzig, The Cult, and many more. If you ever want to discover new awesome music. Just listen to whoever’s opening for Metallica.
2. JUDAS PRIEST
Judas Priest formed in England in 1969. Throughout most of the 70s they dressed like hippies, but as the decade closed all that changed. Rob Halford and crew started dressing in metal-studded leather and became influential not only in music but also in fashion. Most other metal bands followed suit. Judas Priest saw their most success during the 80s after the release of this MONSTER HIT!
3. OZZY OSBOURNE
This tee is from just before Ozzy’s first hiatus in 92′. He had incorrectly been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis so he decided to retire. Ozzy obviously continued performing afterward. In 1995 he went back on the road with the “Retirement Sucks” tour. Fun fact. In 1992 Alice in Chains was opening for Ozzy. Mike Inez (Ozzy’s bassist) went on to join AIC during their Dirt tour and became a permanent fixture in Alice In Chains.
4. TWISTED SISTER
Twisted Sister started in the early 70s but didn’t get famous until a decade later when they released Stay Hungry. It contained the classic tracks “We’re Not Going to Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.” Both videos feature actor Mark Metcalf (you know the guy) as the short-tempered, authority figure who’s disgusted by youngsters that just wanna have fun. This video is so insanely over the top. That’s what makes it great. It was popular then and popular now. Nearly 70 million views on Youtube. I WANNA ROCK!
5. CANNIBAL CORPSE
No metal list would be complete without CANNIBAL CORPSE! A death metal band from Buffalo New York. Initially fronted by Chris Barnes. Vocal duties were taken over by George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher (a man with a 30-inch neck). Here are some of the more descriptive Cannibal Corpse song titles. “Edible Autopsy” “Born in a Casket” “Bloody Chunks” “Covered in Sores” “Butchered at Birth” “Devoured by Vermin” “Sanded Faceless”. People wonder why the singer has such a thick neck. After watching this video you’ll know why. This is Cannibal Corpse performing their hit I CUM BLOOD!
6. CORROSION OF CONFORMITY
C.O.C. was formed in North Carolina in 1982 and had success as a punk trio with bassist Mike Dean on vocals. Then they evolved into a thrash metal band and finally settled into a southern blues metal with the influence of New Orleans native Pepper Keenan. The radioactive spiked skull logo was created by tattoo artist Errol Engelbrecht in the early 80s. One of the most iconic metal logos ever. Here’s one of the most iconic Riffs ever. Clean My Wounds live at HARPO’S in Detroit.
7. MINISTRY
Al Jourgensen started Ministry in 1981. Early on they were a synth-pop band with songs like “Every day is Halloween” (one of my favorite songs ever btw). Then they transitioned and pioneered Industrial music. The stigmata is a phenomenon when someone spontaneously experiences the crucifixion wounds of Christ. Padre Pio is a famous example. The song Stigmata is on the “Land of Rape and Honey” album. That slogan comes from the town of Tisdale Saskatchewan where rapeseed is their chief agricultural product. Ministry chose that title after seeing the motto on a souvenir mug. Al Jourgensen and Johnny Depp were friends in the 80s. It’s said that Jack Sparrow’s character is based on Jourgensen. Watch the last 30 seconds of this video and you decide.
8. VENOM
Venom is a thrash metal band from Newcastle England. They formed in 1978. It was hard to choose a shirt because they have so many epic designs. Their music is steeped in Satanic themes although the lead singer Cronos admitted it was mostly for shock value and entertainment. Venom is a band where image and merchandising were probably more important than the quality of the music. Here’s the song Black Metal live in 1985. You decide.
9. MEGADETH
Megadeth’s Countdown to Extinction album was released in July of 1992. By far their most successful record, selling 2 million units in the US. The song Symphony of Destruction is a metal anthem with one of the greatest solos ever. The band mascot is Vic Rattlehead. Vic stands for Victim and Rattlehead is what Dave Mustaine’s mom used to say when he headbanged. You may think the character is similar to Iron Maiden’s Eddie…and it is…but there’s more to substance to Vic’s character and storyline.
10. QUICKSAND
Without a doubt the most underrated band on the list. Quicksand formed in NY in 1990 by Walt Schreifels (Youth of Today, Gorilla Biscuits). They’re often compared to Helmet and Fugazi, but Quicksand has more depth. I first saw them on tour with Rage in 93′ and honestly, I only remember the Quicksand set. All of their albums are great. Listen while you’re exercising to get pumped or when you’re ready to chill. Here’s an example. FAZER.
11. DIO
Ronnie James Dio took over vocal duties for Black Sabbath when Ozzy departed. After a few years, tension arose in Sabbath over the “Live Evil” mix, Dio left and started his own self-titled group. R.J.D. went on to have great success with songs like HOLY DIVER. He’s also credited with popularizing the devil horn sign. Dio claimed he got the gesture from his Italian grandmother. She would do it to ward off the evil eye (Malocchio).
12. TYPE O NEGATIVE
Type O Negative started in Brooklyn in 1989 by Peter Steele. A mountain of a man who looked more like a professional wrestler than a rock star. They had a surprising amount of radio airplay considering they’re a gothic metal band. Everyone remembers the song Black Number 1. Josh Silver (Type O keyboardist) produced the album and it sounds similar to Life of Agony’s River Runs Red…because he produced that too!
13. MERCYFUL FATE
In 1985 Tipper Gore created the PMRC “Parents Music Resource Center”…you know the one that put Parental Advisory stickers on albums they deemed objectionable. They also had a music list called the “Filthy Fifteen”….which included Into The Coven by Mercyful Fate. This blacklist only served to make them more popular. Here’s a sample of the song, notice how beautiful the album artwork is too. Once you get used to King Diamond’s falsetto vocals the music is fantastic. Then listen to Metallica’s medley of several Mercyful Fate songs HERE.
14. WHITE ZOMBIE
White Zombie always had great art to go along with awesome music. Rob Zombie was in control of the creative design of the band. When La Sexorcisto” Devil Music Volume 1 debuted in March of 92′ it was an instant hit. Nobody had ever heard anything like Thunderkiss 65 or Black Sunshine. The entire album is FANTASTIC. The band had a special affinity for Detroit and played there often in the early days. I was lucky enough to see them on several occasions.
15. IRON MAIDEN
Iron Maiden vintage t-shirts have been consistently the highest selling tees online for years. Their artwork is awesome and the band mascot “Eddie” has become as important as the music frankly. The character was created by artist Derek Riggs in 1980 and is very popular with fans. The other thing that adds value to Maiden merch is their variety of designs. They’d created limited runs of merchandise for a specific city or country. The scarcity makes the items more collectible. Many of the 80s Maiden tees sell for over $1000.
16. BRUJERIA
Brujeria is everyone’s favorite Mexican death metal band! A supergroup formed in 1989 including members from Fear Factory, Faith No More, Napalm Death, Cradle of Filth, and Carcass. Their mascot is Coco Loco (that charred decapitated head) It shows up in much of the bands’ merchandise (in hilarious ways I might add). I’ve been a fan for decades and finally saw them live on Halloween in 2017 at the Shelter in Detroit. Brujeria means witchcraft in Spanish and is pronounced BRU-HAIR-EE-UH.
17. CLUTCH
I had to give Clutch a spot on the list. THE ULTIMATE TOURING BAND. They’re like Helmet..they went on the road sometime in 1991 and never stopped. They’ll play anywhere, anytime. Early on they were known as Glut Trip and Moral Minority before settling on the name Clutch. This is a Spacegrass shirt which is one of their classic tracks on their eponymous second album. Here’s a great live version.
18. PANTERA
This is probably the most iconic Pantera image. Drummer Vinnie Paul said the guy on the cover was paid $10 per punch and hit 31 times. Although according to Brad Guice (photographer) the shot was staged and the model was never actually hit. You’ll notice the slogan on the back. It’s a lyric that would show up years later in the song Strength Beyond Strength. I had this shirt in high school and wore it all the time.
19. PRO-PAIN
Pro-pain are a hardcore groove metal band from NYC. I’ve been a fan since the early 90s when I heard “Death On The Dance Floor.” This shirt is from their second album The Truth Hurts. It contained lots of controversial artwork. Here’s a sample of their music. Voice of Rebellion. It’s very heavy. Lead singer Gary Meskil was attacked and robbed after a show in Belgium and nearly bled to death.
20. YNGWIE MALMSTEEN
Yngwie Malmsteen (pronounced ING-VAY) exploded on the scene in the mid-80s with his neo-classical metal. He was and still is considered one of the fastest guitar players ever. Certainly a virtuoso. I respect the fact that he never changed his name to garner more mainstream attention. He let his talent speak for itself. If there’s one thing Yngwie doesn’t do is pander to anyone. Here’s a sample of his shredding.
21. NINE INCH NAILS
Trent Reznor founded Nine Inch Nails in 1988…immediately got a record deal, wrote an album, hired a band and hit the road in January 1990. He’s a musical genius and an Academy Award winner btw. Yes, his band is heavy enough to make a metal list. I had front row for their co-headlining show with Soundgarden in 2014. NIN blew Soundgarden out of the water. Trent Reznor live is something to behold. The first time I saw NIN was in May 1994. Marilyn Manson was the opener before he was famous. The shirts above are EXTREMELY rare. They do occasionally come up for sale on eBay. You can click on the pic and it will take you there if you’re looking for one.
22. KING’S X
There are bands that fans like and bands that BANDS like. In the Metal scene, there are several influencers. Of course, Black Sabbath, Metallica and Thin Lizzy but time and again a couple of names pop up. Bands like Meshuggah and KING’S X. In fact, Devon Townsend claims that his life completely changed after listening to the Gretchen Goes To Nebraska album. Here’s a clip of the band playing their hit DOGMAN on the old John Stewart show.
23. HELMET
Helmet is one of those bands like Clutch that goes on the road and doesn’t stop. Their music is heavy and very catchy. Did you assume the figure on the Meantime cover was a guy in a spacesuit? It’s actually a puddler. Someone who works in iron manufacturing. This puddler is shoveling something into a blast furnace. The original picture from 1979 is here.
24. MONSTER MAGNET
Not only one of the greatest bands ever but Monster Magnet has amazing merchandise too. They even had a sleeveless army vest that was made of an authentic Vietnam war era uniform shirt (my brother had one). Magnet had some seriously heavy stoner riffs, especially on the Dopes to Infinity album. Fun Fact. the song “Bull God” by Kid Rock is an homage to Monster Magnet.
25. BLACK SABBATH
If you’re wondering why I posted a hockey jersey instead of some old school Sabbath tee. I’ll explain. Until the mid 70s most bands didn’t sell any type of merchandise. They’d make money from albums or going on tour. So the first real Black Sabbath shirts were Technical Ecstasy era (1976). There were a few before then but nothing to speak of. Then in 1978 Ozzy left the band. They had cool tees afterward but I wanted to show an Ozzy era shirt. This 90s Sabbath hockey jersey is really cool and available on eBay if you click the pic..they even have a SUPREME VERSION.
26. PRONG
Yes Yes, Snap Your Fingers Snap Your Neck. It’s a great song but Prong has dozens of amazing tunes. Founder Tommy Victor is also a member of Ministry AND Danzig. It seems that Tommy and Zakk Wylde discovered the guitar pinch squeal and never looked back! The one and only Pushead drew the art on this t-shirt. I also found a pic of Vinnie Paul from Pantera wearing it. I BEG TO DIFFA!
27. SLEEP
One of the most underrated bands on the list. SLEEP! A heavy doom metal band fronted by Matt Pike. The heaviest of stoner rock! Two of their songs were featured in the movie GUMMO. If you’ve never heard Sleep before this is a great place to start. DRAGONAUT is from 1992. You’re welcome.
28. TOOL
Tool formed in 1990 in LA. The band consists of some of the most creative and artistic musicians on the planet. Their sound is UNMISTAKABLE. Danny Carey is known as one of the world’s best drummers and Maynard James Keenan is a totally unique personality. Tool’s first big hit was Sober in 1993. The stop motion animated video that accompanied it was very popular. The song was actually written many years earlier by Keenan. Here’s a video of him performing a version of Sober back in 1987.
29. SEPULTURA
Sepultura is a Portuguese word that translates to grave. The band is from Belo Horizonte Brazil so you can imagine soccer is very important to them. That’s why I chose to feature a jersey. This shirt is Chaos A.D./Roots era and the height of their popularity. It saw them blend into more of a heavy, groovy tone as opposed to straight thrash. Propaganda is a standout song.
30. MISFITS
The Misfits were started by Glenn Danzig in 1977. In the early days, Glenn used to screenprint, book shows, and personally answer all the fan mail from his mom’s basement in Lodi New Jersey. If you have one of the original tees printed by Glenn they are EXTREMELY rare and collectible. This shirt is from the late 80s. The image on the logo became synonymous with the band but is actually from a 1946 movie called The Crimson Ghost.
31. QUIET RIOT
Quiet Riot was founded in 1973 by Randy Rhoads…yep the same guy who played guitar for Ozzy Osbourne. Rhoads left the band to join Ozzy and tragically passed away in a plane crash in 1982. In 1983 Quiet Riot released Metal Health, the first heavy metal record to top the Billboard 200. Their biggest hit was a Slade cover called “Cum on Feel the Noize”. The other hit on the album was Metal Health (Bang Your Head).
32. EXODUS
Formed in California in 1981 by Kirk Hammett of Metallica. Exodus is considered one of the Big 5 original thrash metal bands. I featured the left shirt in my blog about how to spot a fake because I found a seller who was bootlegging it. The shirt on the right is the Bonded by Blood album cover. Talk about art! Cheesy? Corny? Ridiculous? YES! But so incredible. The song itself is fantastic. Here’s a great live version from Wacken in 2008. CRANK IT UP!!
33. PRIMUS
Primus is the most unique band on the list. Would you consider them metal? I don’t know…but there’s nothing like them that’s for sure. Slap bass guitar with progressive arrangements and nasally vocals. They always play with other metal acts too. They were even the last band to perform before Slayer at their retirement concert in 2019.
34. SCOPRIONS
The Scorpions were known for imaginative album art and merchandise. The shirt on the right is a self-portrait of famous artist Gottfried Helnwein. They were also known for some controversial album covers like Virgin Killer. I’m not even going to talk about it or link to it. It’s really bad. There’s a huge discrepancy between what would pass as art in 1970s Europe and in North American today.
35. TROUBLE
Trouble is one of the founders of Doom Metal along with Candlemass and St Vitus. They’re from Chicago and have a groovy, bluesy, heavy sound. They’re an incredible live band. Do yourself a favor. Go to Spotify…search for Trouble Live in Los Angeles 2013 and click on “The Eye”. Crank it up. You’re welcome.
36. ANTHRAX
Does anyone remember when Anthrax was on MARRIED WITH CHILDREN?! For some reason, the band crashes the Bundy house, eats expired food in the fridge..trips out then they jam in the front room. They have their entire rig including Marshall stacks and drum kit….all the while drinking and breaking bottles everywhere. It’s hilarious. Here’s a clip…its low-resolution but I recommend watching it. Joey Belladonna is wearing a Persistence of Time (P.OT.) shirt while he busts a bottle over his head!
37. NAPALM DEATH
Napalm Death was formed in the UK in 1981. Originally a biker metal band they evolved and pioneered a version of music called Grindcore. It’s a blend of Crust Punk and Death Metal. They also have the Guinness Record distinction of the world’s shortest song. Only 1.316 seconds long.
38. FAITH NO MORE
Can you think of any bands who had even more success after a lead singer replacement? AC/DC, Genesis, Pantera to name a few. Faith No More was the case as well. After a brief stint with Courtney Love as vocalist, Chuck Mosley joined and sang between 1983 and 1988. Erratic behavior saw his dismissal. He was replaced by Mike Patton. Afterward, the band adopted a heavier sound and grew in popularity. Here is Metallica’s James Hetfield donning a classic FNM tee. He used to wear them often back in the day because of his friendship with FNM guitarist Jim Martin.
39. BLUE ÖYSTER CULT
Even though Blue Oyster Cult would be considered classic rock nowadays, they were pioneers in heavy music. The logo is from their very first record back in 1972 but they used it on merchandise consistently afterward. They had a bunch of hits like “Burnin for You” and “Godzilla”. “Don’t Fear the Reaper” is one of the most recognizable guitar riffs ever. You can’t go wrong wearing a BOC shirt.
40. MOTÖRHEAD
Ever wonder why Lemmy Kilmister named his band Motorhead? Previously he was in a group called Hawkwind. In 1975 he was arrested in Windsor Ontario on drug possession. The customs agents thought he had cocaine (illegal). Turns out it was amphetamine (legal). He spent 5 days in jail and had to cancel some Hawkwind shows. The band we’re fed up and fired Lemmy. So he started his own band and named them Motorhead. The term is slang for someone on amphetamine. The iconic logo was designed by Joe Petagno in 1977 for their debut album.
41. MÖTLEY CRÜE
Now for the third band in a row with an unnecessary umlaut in their name. An umlaut are those two dots above a letter. They’re used in languages like Turkish, Finnish and Swedish to change the sound of the vowel. English speaking rock bands use them just to look cool. Vince Neil once said they had a concert in Germany and he couldn’t figure out why the crowd was chanting “Mutley Cruh! Mutley Cruh.” Speaking of Vince Neil if you haven’t seen this clip of him singing Kickstart my Heart you’re really missing out. It’s amazing!!
42. BLACK FLAG
Black Flag is an extreme band. Raw and raging. Most of their merchandise was very provocative to say the least. Raymond Pettibon designed all the old album covers as well as the iconic 4 bar logo. A white flag means surrender so a black flag represents anarchy. They attracted attention to the band by spray painting the logo all over Los Angeles. The most famous era of the group is when Henry Rollins was the vocalist.
43. CANDLEMASS
Candlemass is a doom metal band from Sweden and their music is awesome. I prefer the classic era (1986 -1990) with Messiah Marcolin singing but the other guys have done a great job too. Every year Spotify ranks your most listened to band and song. In 2016 mine was Candlemass and the song Solitude. I love this live version of Bewitched too.
44. RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE
Rage Against the Machine was a revolutionary band when they arrived on the scene. Incorporating heavy guitar, hip hop grooves and a fight the power sentiment. Truly a hybrid. When they toured with Quicksand in the fall of 1993 their t-shirts were only $10!! Most concert tees were $25 even back then. They had 2 color choices. Maroon or Navy. Everybody bought one. I actually had a navy long-sleeve…I believe it was $12. No tour dates on the back…just a Molotov Cocktail.
45. RATT
I did a two for one on this feature. RATT always had great t-shirts, although I have to admit I didn’t always dig their band. In fact at a party in the early 90s, my friends and I sacrificed a Ratt t-shirt!! We had absolutely no vision for the shirts’ future value! It wasn’t until years later that I actually realized how talented RATT was. Especially Warren DeMartini, he’s a SUPERB guitar player. Fun Fact. Some of my friends started calling me Ratt after the t-shirt sacrifice.
46. THE OBSESSED
The Obsessed formed in Maryland in 1980. Their music is heavy, stoner doom metal. Singer Scott “Wino” Weinrich left for several years in the 80s to front St. Vitus…but returned and released one of the great metal albums of the 90s. The Church Within. I met Wino at a show in 2018 when they toured with Eyehategod. He looks like a tattooed biker but was very friendly and engaging. Here’s a sample of one of my favorite Obsessed songs from 1985. The Way She Fly.
47. KYUSS
Kyuss started as Katzenjammer in 1987. Eventually changing their name to The Sons of Kyuss (after the Dungeons and Dragons monster). Then shortened to Kyuss. The shirt quote says “We specialize in very long trips…” Coachella Valley California…they’re from the dessert. I was lucky enough to see them open for Fishbone in 1994. Probably my favorite Kyuss track is Catamaran (I’ve listened to the song 1000 times). Written by Kyuss drummer Alfredo Hernandez who’s also in the iconic band Yawning Man. Here is Yawning Man’s version of Catamaran. Please listen. It’s so beautiful.
48. DOWN
EPIC album. EPIC band. EPIC t-shirt. Down Nola is one of the best heavy metal albums of the last 30 years. It’s bluesy, fat and groovy. A southern supergroup featuring Phil from Pantera, Pepper from COC, Todd & Kirk from Crowbar, and Jimmy from EHG. The album was released in 1995 with a short 11 date tour. I attended the Detroit show. It was unreal. This was the concert tee. It says Nola underneath smoking Jesus. Pretty sure Jesus is Pepper Keenan. Although no one has been able to positively confirm. The earliest Down tee I’ve seen is in the video for “This Love” back in 1992.
49. TESTAMENT
Testament is from the bay area of California. They’re one of the most influential bands in the second wave of the thrash movement during the late 80s. These two all over print shirts are AWESOME!! Fun fact. Chuck Billy, the lead singer of Testament is first cousins with Deftones guitarist Stephen Carpenter. If they started a band would they call it Deftament or the Testones?! Here’s an updated version of Souls in Black with an extended bass intro.
50. SKID ROW
Skid Row’s self-titled debut album was released in 1989 with instant success. They were offered the opening slot on Bon Jovi’s tour then went on to open for Motley Crue in Europe. In 1991 they adopted a heavier sound and took Pantera on tour as the supporting act. Initially, they asked Nirvana to join them but they declined, stating the band was too homophobic. It was regarding a shirt Bach was wearing for a Metal Edge magazine photoshoot. Bach has since apologized. It was ironic because an early incarnation of Nirvana was actually called Skid Row. FUN FACT. Sebastian Bach is from Peterborough Ontario Canada!
51. AC/DC
Did you know that AC/DC is from AUSTRALIA?! YES? Did you know they’ve sold over 200 million albums?! YES? OK then. You probably didn’t know Angus Young is a chain-smoking Teetotaler. Speaking of tees, this one is from a Cobo Hall show in Detroit in 1981. For Those About to Rock tour. The album of the same name was their first billboard #1 in the USA. Although compared to Back in Black it’s a lackluster record. The title track is incredible, so is the song Let’s Get It Up. I’ve linked to a live version. In the video, Brian Johnson is wearing a dope Harley Davidson Detroit t-shirt.
52. SLAYER
Not to confuse you but this is Phil Anselmo from Pantera wearing a Slayer t-shirt onstage while playing with his other band Down, while opening for Metallica in 2009. You’ll notice the Def Jam logo on the shirt. YES, Slayer was signed to Rick Rubins label along with Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy. FUN FACT. Kerry King from Slayer plays the riff and solo on “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” by the Beastie Boys.
53. SACRED REICH
Sacred Reich is from Phoenix Arizona and has the distinction of being the first metal band that I ever saw in concert when they opened for Pantera in 1993. Their ultra-heavy, thrashy, anti-establishment music is a stark contrast to the band members themselves. Lead singer Phil Rind is one of the nicest down to earth people you’ll ever meet. The new song Manifest Reality has a positive message but still heavy as hell.
54. CELTIC FROST
This is one of the coolest heavy metal t-shirts ever. The art for Celtic Frost’s debut album was created by H.R. Giger. A Swiss artist that won an academy award for his work on the movie Alien. He also designed the elaborate microphone stand that Jonathan Davis from Korn uses. A couple of his other famous album covers include Danzig III How The Gods Kill and Emerson Lake and Palmer Brain Salad Surgery. There’s a definite theme to his artwork. It always combines humans/aliens and machines in a biomechanical relationship. Spooky, haunting, and metallic.
55. DEFTONES
The Deftones started back in 88′ while the guys were in high school. In 1995 they recorded Adrenaline with Terry Date at Bad Animals studio in Seattle. Even though Date also produced Soundgarden and Pantera, Adrenaline was one of the worst sounding albums ever (tinny, scratchy, and shrill) it was still very popular though…my brother listened to it non stop. Deftones have drastically improved their sonic fidelity since then. The other shirt isn’t vintage. I just think it’s cool. I bought it on Hollywood Blvd in LA. When I went back to my hotel, I ran into Gary Holt from Slayer. We ended up drinking beer and hanging out. He lives in Sacramento, that’s where Deftones are from. Gary is also a cat fan. Every Saturday is Caturday! on his Instagram.
56. BLACK LABEL SOCIETY
THE ALMIGHTY BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. One of Zakk Wylde’s many bands over the last 30 years. If you’ve ever attended a BLS show you know they have the largest merchandise selection ever. Most items feature the classic BLS logo. Zakk Wylde is one of the greatest guitarists in the history of this planet period….and I would argue also has the most finger stamina. There are people that can do an 8-minute solo, but not an 8-minute SHRED.
57. GUNS N’ ROSES
There were a bunch of Guns N Roses tees that I could have featured but I chose two obscure ones. The Dust and Bones all-over print and a very rare GNR shirt where it looks like you’re jumping off the stage. I consider Guns n Roses to be more in the hard rock category…but they are classified as heavy metal so they deserve a spot.
58. MARILYN MANSON
Marilyn Manson was the first act signed to Trent Reznor’s Nothing records. They also hit the road with Nine In Nails right after. I saw that tour in May 94′ before their debut album was even released. Manson weighed about 110lbs and was wearing a witch hat onstage. All the early members of the band took on names that incorporated famous women as well as male serial killers. Names like Twiggy Ramirez, Zsa Zsa Speck, Ginger Fish, Madonna Wayne Gacy, Gidget Gein, Daisy Berkowitz, and Olivia Newton Bundy.
59. CROWBAR
“We are Crowbar from New Orleans”. That’s how they start every set. You’ll notice we’re featuring a lot of bands from NOLA. That’s because it’s a cultural mecca. Food, art, and heavy music. Crowbar is probably the heaviest band in the world. From the beginning that was their goal and they achieved it. The definition of sludge metal. None f*cking heavier.
60. DEATH
Chuck Schuldiner is known as the Godfather of death metal. He passed away in 2001 at a young age from cancer but his legacy most definitely endures. Much of the band’s early artwork was done by Ed Repka (the guy who created Megadeth’s Vic). He also designed famous album covers for Napalm Death, Vio-lence and Austrian Death Machine. You’ll most certainly recognize his work when you click here. One of my favorite album covers is Spiritual Healing. A picture truly is worth a thousand words.
61. DANZIG
After leaving The Misfits, Glenn Danzig made a self-titled record and signed with Rick Rubin’s brand new Def American. Rubin parted with Def Jam and started his own label. He brought bands like Slayer with him and signed new acts like The Black Crowes and Andrew Dice Clay. This shirt is from Danzig’s first solo tour. The album has epic songs on it like “Mother”, “She Rides” and “Twist of Cain”. Danzig closes most of his concerts with Mother and to see it live is fantastic. He says it’s the best song he’s ever written. I concur.
62. ENTOMBED
Sweden’s Entombed is part of a heavy metal sub-genre called DEATH & ROLL. It’s death metal with a rock n’ roll groove. The above shirts are merchandise related to their most famous album and song. It’s super heavy. Have a listen and you’ll understand what they mean by Death & Roll!
63. KREATOR
Kreator is a heavy metal band formed in 1982 in Essen Germany. Their early sound is similar to Mercyful Fate or Venom. Lightening fast thrashy guitars and scratchy vocals. They always had really cool merchandise featuring this vampire character that looks like the 1922 Nosferatu. They have something out of the ordinary for metal bands of that era. PROFESSIONAL LOOKING ARTWORK! It seems like every album and tattoo in the 80s was drawn by an 8-year-old. Not so with Kreator.
64. SUICIDAL TENDENCIES
Formed in 1980 by Cyco Mike Muir they had a huge hit in 1983 with “Institutionalized”. The song garnered significant airplay on MTV. They are considered to be one of the pioneers in the cross over between punk and thrash metal.
65.OVERKILL
Overkill are from New Joisey! That’s right a rare east coast thrash metal band. They’ve sold over 16 MILLION records and are always spoken in the same breath as the big 5 thrash metal acts. Their band mascot is that demonic skull bat named Chaly. If you ever go to any metal show. You’re bound to see a few Overkill F*ck You tees.
66. DARKTHRONE
How many times have you seen death or black metal bands whose logo was impossible to decipher? Apparently heavy metal is the only music genre where that’s acceptable. Yes, that’s Phil from Pantera wearing a 1994 Darkthrone Transilvanian Hunger tee. That album contains 4 songs with lyrics by Varg Vikernes. You know the guy who went to prison for burning churches and killing Euronymous of Mayhem. That was after Euronymous exploited Per “Dead” Ohlin by taking pictures of his body after his suicide and using bits of his skull to make necklaces. Some very strange things happened in the black metal scene in the early 90s.
This list included INCREDIBLE tees from 66 of the heaviest and most influential metal bands. I hope you’ve enjoyed!
