Metal music, known for its intense energy, complex compositions, and powerful vocals, has produced some unforgettable collaborations over the years. While metal duets might not be as common as in other genres, when they happen, they often result in iconic tracks that resonate with fans for years. These duets bring together different vocal styles, merge distinct musical influences, and create something truly special. In this article, we’ll explore ten of the most awesome metal duets of all time, delving into what makes each of them stand out in the annals of metal history.
10 Awesome Metal Duets of All Time
1. Ozzy Osbourne & Lita Ford – “Close My Eyes Forever”
Released in 1988, “Close My Eyes Forever” is a power ballad that became an instant classic. The duet features Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, and Lita Ford, the former lead guitarist of The Runaways. The song stands out for its haunting melody and the contrasting vocal styles of Osbourne and Ford. Osbourne’s dark and brooding voice complements Ford’s powerful and emotive delivery, creating a track that is both melancholic and intense.
Impact and Legacy:
The song was a commercial success, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the most successful singles in both artists’ careers. It’s a perfect example of how a metal duet can cross over into mainstream success without sacrificing its heavy roots.
2. Bruce Dickinson & Rob Halford – “The One You Love to Hate”
In 2000, Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden and Rob Halford of Judas Priest, two of the most iconic voices in metal, teamed up for “The One You Love to Hate.” The track is featured on Halford’s solo album Resurrection and is a blistering example of classic heavy metal. The duet showcases the vocal prowess of both singers, with Halford’s piercing screams and Dickinson’s soaring operatic range blending perfectly.
Impact and Legacy:
This collaboration was a dream come true for fans of traditional heavy metal, bringing together two of the genre’s most respected vocalists. The song remains a fan favorite and a highlight in both artists’ extensive catalogues.
3. James Hetfield & Marianne Faithfull – “The Memory Remains”
Metallica’s 1997 track “The Memory Remains” features a surprising yet effective collaboration with British singer Marianne Faithfull. Known for her smoky, raspy voice, Faithfull adds a haunting layer to the song’s chorus, which contrasts with James Hetfield’s gritty vocal delivery. The track, which is a commentary on the fleeting nature of fame, is enhanced by the eerie quality of Faithfull’s performance.
Impact and Legacy:
The song was a major hit, reaching No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving significant airplay on rock radio. Faithfull’s contribution gave the song a unique edge, making it one of the standout tracks from Metallica’s Reload album.
4. Max Cavalera & Chino Moreno – “Headup”
“Headup,” a track from the 1997 Around the Fur album by Deftones, features a powerful duet between Chino Moreno and Max Cavalera of Sepultura and Soulfly. The song was inspired by the death of Cavalera’s stepson, and the raw emotion in the track is palpable. Moreno’s ethereal vocals paired with Cavalera’s aggressive growls create a dynamic and emotionally charged performance.
Impact and Legacy:
“Headup” is a fan favorite and often cited as one of the heaviest tracks in Deftones’ discography. The collaboration between Moreno and Cavalera highlighted the crossover appeal between nu-metal and more traditional metal styles.
5. Corey Taylor & Jonathan Davis – “A Different World”
In 2016, Korn released the song “A Different World” featuring Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour. The track is a crushing example of modern metal, with Taylor’s snarling vocals complementing Jonathan Davis’s signature style. The song deals with themes of mental anguish and societal alienation, common topics in both bands’ lyrics.
Impact and Legacy:
This duet was a highlight of Korn’s The Serenity of Suffering album and demonstrated the enduring relevance of both bands in the modern metal scene. The collaboration between two of nu-metal’s most iconic frontmen was eagerly anticipated by fans and did not disappoint.
6. Lemmy Kilmister & Ozzy Osbourne – “Hellraiser”
“Hellraiser” is a track that appears on both Ozzy Osbourne’s No More Tears and Motörhead’s March ör Die, with Lemmy Kilmister and Ozzy sharing vocal duties. The song, co-written by Lemmy, is a hard-hitting anthem that captures the rebellious spirit of both artists. Lemmy’s gritty vocals and Ozzy’s distinctive voice blend seamlessly in this high-octane track.
Impact and Legacy:
The song became a staple in both Ozzy and Motörhead’s live shows, and the collaboration between these two legends of rock and metal has become the stuff of legend. “Hellraiser” embodies the no-holds-barred attitude that both artists were known for.
7. Tarja Turunen & Marco Hietala – “Phantom of the Opera”
Nightwish’s cover of “Phantom of the Opera” from their 2002 album Century Child is a gothic metal masterpiece. The duet between Tarja Turunen and Marco Hietala showcases the operatic range of Turunen’s voice and the powerful growl of Hietala. The song, originally from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, is transformed into a dark and majestic metal epic.
Impact and Legacy:
This duet became a signature song for Nightwish and is one of the most beloved covers in the symphonic metal genre. Turunen’s classical training and Hietala’s metal edge create a perfect balance, making this track a standout in both artists’ careers.
8. David Draiman & Alissa White-Gluz – “We Will Rock You”
In 2020, Disturbed’s David Draiman and Arch Enemy’s Alissa White-Gluz joined forces for a cover of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” on the Rock the Rock compilation. The track reimagines the classic rock anthem with a heavy metal twist, featuring Draiman’s distinctive vocal style and White-Gluz’s powerful growls.
Impact and Legacy:
This cover brought together two vocalists from different subgenres of metal, showing the versatility of the song and the artists involved. The duet was well-received by fans and highlighted the ongoing influence of classic rock on modern metal.
9. Sharon den Adel & Chris Jones – “In and Out of Love”
While primarily known as a trance track, “In and Out of Love” by Armin van Buuren featuring Sharon den Adel of Within Temptation and Chris Jones has deep metal connections, given den Adel’s background. The song combines den Adel’s ethereal vocals with Jones’s smooth delivery, creating a haunting and melodic track that has crossover appeal to metal fans.
Impact and Legacy:
The song was a major hit in the electronic dance music scene, but its metal roots are undeniable, given den Adel’s involvement. It’s a testament to how metal artists can successfully branch out into other genres while still retaining their core identity.
10. Ronnie James Dio & Tony Martin – “Black Sabbath Medley”
In 1992, at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, the world witnessed an extraordinary metal duet between Ronnie James Dio and Tony Martin, both former Black Sabbath frontmen. They performed a medley of classic Black Sabbath songs, showcasing their vocal talents in a historic collaboration. Dio’s legendary voice and Martin’s powerful range made this performance unforgettable.
Impact and Legacy:
This duet was a rare and special moment in metal history, bringing together two of the most respected voices in the genre. The performance is still celebrated by fans as one of the highlights of the tribute concert and a testament to the enduring legacy of Black Sabbath.
See Also: The 12 Easiest Metallica Songs on Drums
Conclusion
Metal duets are rare gems that bring together the best of what the genre has to offer. These collaborations often create unforgettable tracks that showcase the unique talents of the artists involved. From the haunting ballad of Ozzy Osbourne and Lita Ford to the gothic majesty of Tarja Turunen and Marco Hietala, these duets have left a lasting impact on the metal world. Whether through emotional intensity, vocal prowess, or sheer power, these ten duets stand out as some of the best in metal history, offering fans unforgettable moments that continue to resonate through the years.
Metal’s collaborative spirit has allowed these tracks to transcend individual genres, bringing together fans of different styles under a common banner of heavy music. These duets are a testament to the creativity, talent, and enduring appeal of metal as a genre that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Whether you’re a longtime metalhead or a new fan, these tracks are essential listening for anyone who appreciates the power of a great metal duet.
