Metal music, known for its powerful riffs, aggressive drumming, and intense vocals, also has a softer, more melodic side. Metal ballads combine the emotional depth and lyrical beauty of ballads with the sonic power of metal. This combination creates a unique subgenre that resonates deeply with fans. This article explores 100 of the best metal ballads, each known for its emotional intensity, musical complexity, and lasting impact.
100 Best Metal Ballads
1. Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
“Nothing Else Matters” is one of Metallica’s most iconic songs, showcasing the band’s versatility. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and melodic guitar solos make it a quintessential metal ballad.
2. Fade to Black – Metallica
Another classic by Metallica, “Fade to Black” deals with themes of despair and suicidal thoughts. Its haunting melodies and powerful guitar solos have made it a staple in metal ballad playlists.
3. Love Bites – Def Leppard
“Love Bites” is a powerful ballad from Def Leppard’s “Hysteria” album. Its haunting lyrics and soaring vocals capture the pain of a broken relationship.
4. Still Loving You – Scorpions
This song by the Scorpions is a poignant ballad about lost love and longing. Its emotive vocals and memorable guitar riffs have made it a classic.
5. Is This Love – Whitesnake
“Is This Love” by Whitesnake is a beautifully crafted ballad that showcases David Coverdale’s vocal range and the band’s melodic prowess.
6. Close My Eyes Forever – Lita Ford & Ozzy Osbourne
A duet between Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne, this song is a hauntingly beautiful ballad about love and loss. Their contrasting vocal styles create a powerful dynamic.
7. The Unforgiven – Metallica
“The Unforgiven” is another Metallica masterpiece that blends heavy metal with ballad elements. Its introspective lyrics and powerful music make it unforgettable.
8. November Rain – Guns N’ Roses
“November Rain” is an epic ballad by Guns N’ Roses that features orchestral elements, intricate guitar solos, and Axl Rose’s passionate vocals.
9. Dream On – Aerosmith
While not strictly metal, “Dream On” by Aerosmith has become a metal ballad staple. Its inspirational lyrics and Steven Tyler’s emotional delivery make it timeless.
10. Silent Lucidity – Queensrÿche
“Silent Lucidity” by Queensrÿche is a beautiful ballad about lucid dreaming. Its orchestral arrangement and Geoff Tate’s haunting vocals create a dreamlike atmosphere.
11. I Remember You – Skid Row
This power ballad by Skid Row is a nostalgic ode to young love. Sebastian Bach’s soaring vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation make it a standout.
12. Don’t Cry – Guns N’ Roses
“Don’t Cry” is another powerful ballad by Guns N’ Roses that deals with themes of heartbreak and loss. Its acoustic guitar work and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply.
13. Wasted Years – Iron Maiden
“Wasted Years” by Iron Maiden is a reflective ballad about regret and the passage of time. Its melodic guitar riffs and Bruce Dickinson’s vocals are captivating.
14. In This River – Black Label Society
A tribute to the late Dimebag Darrell, “In This River” by Black Label Society is a poignant ballad with soulful piano and emotional vocals by Zakk Wylde.
15. Alone Again – Dokken
“Alone Again” is a haunting ballad by Dokken that captures the pain of loneliness. Don Dokken’s emotional vocals and George Lynch’s guitar work shine.
16. When the Children Cry – White Lion
This ballad by White Lion addresses social issues and the impact of war. Its acoustic arrangement and heartfelt lyrics are deeply moving.
17. Tears Don’t Fall – Bullet For My Valentine
A modern metal ballad, “Tears Don’t Fall” by Bullet For My Valentine combines heavy riffs with emotional lyrics about betrayal and heartbreak.
18. Forever – KISS
“Forever” by KISS is a classic ballad about eternal love. Its melodic guitar solos and Paul Stanley’s passionate vocals make it memorable.
19. Heaven – Warrant
“Heaven” by Warrant is a poignant ballad about lost love and longing. Jani Lane’s heartfelt vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation are captivating.
20. A Tout Le Monde – Megadeth
“A Tout Le Monde” by Megadeth is a reflective ballad about saying goodbye. Dave Mustaine’s introspective lyrics and the band’s melodic approach make it unique.
21. To Be With You – Mr. Big
“To Be With You” is a beautifully crafted ballad by Mr. Big. Its acoustic arrangement and soulful vocals make it a timeless love song.
22. Cemetery Gates – Pantera
“Cemetery Gates” by Pantera is a powerful ballad that combines heavy riffs with melodic elements. Phil Anselmo’s vocals and Dimebag Darrell’s guitar work are outstanding.
23. Snuff – Slipknot
“Snuff” by Slipknot is a haunting ballad about love and loss. Corey Taylor’s emotional vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation create a somber atmosphere.
24. Soldier of Fortune – Deep Purple
“Soldier of Fortune” is a classic ballad by Deep Purple. Its soulful lyrics and David Coverdale’s vocals create a timeless piece of music.
25. Hallowed Be Thy Name – Iron Maiden
While primarily known as a heavy metal epic, “Hallowed Be Thy Name” by Iron Maiden also features ballad-like elements. Its introspective lyrics and melodic guitar work are captivating.
26. Beyond the Realms of Death – Judas Priest
“Beyond the Realms of Death” is a powerful ballad by Judas Priest that deals with themes of despair and isolation. Rob Halford’s vocals and the band’s instrumentation are remarkable.
27. Love You to Death – Type O Negative
“Love You to Death” by Type O Negative is a gothic metal ballad with haunting melodies and Peter Steele’s deep, resonant vocals.
28. My Immortal – Evanescence
“My Immortal” by Evanescence is a haunting ballad about loss and longing. Amy Lee’s emotional vocals and the band’s orchestral arrangement create a powerful impact.
29. Angel – Judas Priest
“Angel” by Judas Priest is a beautiful ballad with soulful lyrics and melodic guitar work. Rob Halford’s vocals are particularly emotive.
30. Remember Yesterday – Skid Row
“Remember Yesterday” by Skid Row is a nostalgic ballad that captures the essence of young love and longing. Sebastian Bach’s vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation are captivating.
31. Mama, I’m Coming Home – Ozzy Osbourne
“Mama, I’m Coming Home” is a heartfelt ballad by Ozzy Osbourne. Its emotional lyrics and melodic guitar work make it a standout track.
32. Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone) – Cinderella
This ballad by Cinderella captures the pain of lost love. Tom Keifer’s gritty vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation make it memorable.
33. I Won’t Forget You – Poison
“I Won’t Forget You” by Poison is a nostalgic ballad about lost love. Bret Michaels’ heartfelt vocals and the band’s melodic approach make it a classic.
34. Love Song – Tesla
“Love Song” by Tesla is a beautifully crafted ballad with heartfelt lyrics and melodic guitar work. Its emotional depth resonates with listeners.
35. Alone – Heart
“Alone” by Heart is a powerful ballad with soaring vocals by Ann Wilson and a memorable melody. Its emotional intensity makes it a timeless classic.
36. Carrie – Europe
“Carrie” by Europe is a poignant ballad about lost love. Joey Tempest’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation make it a standout track.
37. Fly to the Angels – Slaughter
“Fly to the Angels” is a touching ballad by Slaughter that deals with themes of loss and longing. Mark Slaughter’s vocals and the band’s melodic approach are captivating.
38. Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison
This iconic ballad by Poison captures the pain of heartbreak. Bret Michaels’ emotional vocals and the band’s acoustic arrangement make it a classic.
39. Wait – White Lion
“Wait” by White Lion is a beautifully crafted ballad about longing and anticipation. Mike Tramp’s vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation are memorable.
40. Heartbreak Station – Cinderella
“Heartbreak Station” by Cinderella is a poignant ballad about lost love. Tom Keifer’s soulful vocals and the band’s melodic approach make it a standout track.
41. Home Sweet Home – Mötley Crüe
“Home Sweet Home” is a classic ballad by Mötley Crüe that combines heartfelt lyrics with powerful melodies. Vince Neil’s vocals and the band’s instrumentation are captivating.
42. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith is a beautifully crafted ballad that became an instant classic. Steven Tyler’s emotional vocals and the band’s orchestral arrangement are unforgettable.
43. Goodbye to Romance – Ozzy Osbourne
“Goodbye to Romance” is a heartfelt ballad by Ozzy Osbourne that deals with themes of loss and longing. Its melodic guitar work and Ozzy’s vocals make it a standout track.
44. Patience – Guns N’ Roses
“Patience” by Guns N’ Roses is a beautifully crafted ballad about love and longing. Its acoustic arrangement and Axl Rose’s vocals create a timeless piece of music.
45. The Ballad of Jayne – L.A. Guns
“The Ballad of Jayne” by L.A. Guns is a poignant ballad about lost love. Phil Lewis’ soulful vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation are memorable.
46. Yesterday – Guns N’ Roses
“Yesterday” is a reflective ballad by Guns N’ Roses that deals with themes of regret and longing. Its acoustic arrangement and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply.
47. Blackbird – Alter Bridge
“Blackbird” by Alter Bridge is a powerful ballad that combines heavy riffs with melodic elements. Myles Kennedy’s emotive vocals and the band’s instrumentation are outstanding.
48. Through Glass – Stone Sour
“Through Glass” by Stone Sour is a haunting ballad about disillusionment. Corey Taylor’s emotional vocals and the band’s melodic approach create a somber atmosphere.
49. In Loving Memory – Alter Bridge
“In Loving Memory” is a touching ballad by Alter Bridge that deals with themes of loss and remembrance. Myles Kennedy’s vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation are captivating.
50. Gone Away – The Offspring
“Gone Away” by The Offspring is a powerful ballad about loss and longing. Dexter Holland’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach make it memorable.
51. November Spawned a Monster – Morrissey
While not strictly metal, “November Spawned a Monster” by Morrissey has become a metal ballad staple. Its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics are deeply moving.
52. Broken – Seether ft. Amy Lee
“Broken” by Seether featuring Amy Lee is a haunting ballad about love and loss. Their contrasting vocal styles create a powerful dynamic.
53. Shadow of the Day – Linkin Park
“Shadow of the Day” by Linkin Park is a beautifully crafted ballad about loss and hope. Chester Bennington’s emotional vocals and the band’s melodic approach are captivating.
54. The End of Heartache – Killswitch Engage
“The End of Heartache” by Killswitch Engage is a powerful ballad that combines heavy riffs with melodic elements. Howard Jones’ emotive vocals and the band’s instrumentation are outstanding.
55. The Bard’s Song (In the Forest) – Blind Guardian
“The Bard’s Song (In the Forest)” by Blind Guardian is a beautifully crafted ballad with folk influences. Its melodic guitar work and Hansi Kürsch’s vocals create a timeless piece of music.
56. Solitude – Black Sabbath
“Solitude” by Black Sabbath is a haunting ballad about isolation and despair. Its melodic instrumentation and Ozzy Osbourne’s vocals are deeply moving.
57. Angel’s Son – Sevendust
“Angel’s Son” by Sevendust is a poignant ballad that deals with themes of loss and remembrance. Lajon Witherspoon’s soulful vocals and the band’s melodic approach are captivating.
58. Epiphany – Staind
“Epiphany” by Staind is a reflective ballad about inner turmoil and self-discovery. Aaron Lewis’ emotive vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation create a somber atmosphere.
59. One Last Time – Dream Theater
“One Last Time” by Dream Theater is a beautifully crafted ballad that showcases the band’s musical complexity and emotional depth. James LaBrie’s vocals are particularly powerful.
60. I Will Follow You into the Dark – Death Cab for Cutie
While not strictly metal, “I Will Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie has become a metal ballad staple. Its haunting lyrics and melodic guitar work are deeply moving.
61. The Light That Blinds – Shadows Fall
“The Light That Blinds” by Shadows Fall is a powerful ballad that combines heavy riffs with melodic elements. Brian Fair’s emotive vocals and the band’s instrumentation are outstanding.
62. End of the Line – Devildriver
“End of the Line” by Devildriver is a haunting ballad about loss and longing. Dez Fafara’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach create a somber atmosphere.
63. The Last Song – X Japan
“The Last Song” by X Japan is a beautifully crafted ballad that deals with themes of loss and remembrance. Its orchestral arrangement and emotive vocals are captivating.
64. Darkness – Disturbed
“Darkness” by Disturbed is a haunting ballad that combines heavy riffs with melodic elements. David Draiman’s emotive vocals and the band’s instrumentation are outstanding.
65. In My Darkest Hour – Megadeth
“In My Darkest Hour” by Megadeth is a powerful ballad that deals with themes of despair and isolation. Dave Mustaine’s vocals and the band’s melodic approach are memorable.
66. Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit – Pantera
“Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit” by Pantera is a reflective ballad about regret and moving forward. Phil Anselmo’s vocals and the band’s instrumentation create a powerful impact.
67. End of the World – Blackfield
“End of the World” by Blackfield is a haunting ballad about disillusionment. Steven Wilson’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach create a somber atmosphere.
68. Hollow – Alice in Chains
“Hollow” by Alice in Chains is a powerful ballad about inner turmoil and self-discovery. Jerry Cantrell’s emotive vocals and the band’s instrumentation are outstanding.
69. Remember Everything – Five Finger Death Punch
“Remember Everything” by Five Finger Death Punch is a reflective ballad about regret and reconciliation. Ivan Moody’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach are captivating.
70. Sick and Tired – Crossfade
“Sick and Tired” by Crossfade is a haunting ballad about inner turmoil and self-discovery. Ed Sloan’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation create a somber atmosphere.
71. Nutshell – Alice in Chains
“Nutshell” by Alice in Chains is a haunting ballad about isolation and despair. Its melodic instrumentation and Layne Staley’s vocals are deeply moving.
72. Seize the Day – Avenged Sevenfold
“Seize the Day” by Avenged Sevenfold is a beautifully crafted ballad that deals with themes of loss and remembrance. M. Shadows’ emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach are captivating.
73. Only Time Will Tell – Asia
“Only Time Will Tell” by Asia is a reflective ballad about regret and moving forward. John Wetton’s vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation create a powerful impact.
74. Lost – Red
“Lost” by Red is a haunting ballad that combines heavy riffs with melodic elements. Michael Barnes’ emotive vocals and the band’s instrumentation are outstanding.
75. Creep – Stone Temple Pilots
“Creep” by Stone Temple Pilots is a haunting ballad about inner turmoil and self-discovery. Scott Weiland’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach create a somber atmosphere.
76. Goodbye – Slipknot
“Goodbye” by Slipknot is a powerful ballad about loss and longing. Corey Taylor’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation are captivating.
77. The Reason – Hoobastank
“The Reason” by Hoobastank is a beautifully crafted ballad about reconciliation and forgiveness. Doug Robb’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach are captivating.
78. Here Without You – 3 Doors Down
“Here Without You” by 3 Doors Down is a poignant ballad about longing and separation. Brad Arnold’s vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation create a powerful impact.
79. Through the Ghost – Shinedown
“Through the Ghost” by Shinedown is a haunting ballad that deals with themes of loss and remembrance. Brent Smith’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach are captivating.
80. No More Tears – Ozzy Osbourne
“No More Tears” is a powerful ballad by Ozzy Osbourne that combines heavy riffs with melodic elements. Its introspective lyrics and Ozzy’s vocals make it memorable.
81. The Day That Never Comes – Metallica
“The Day That Never Comes” by Metallica is a beautifully crafted ballad that deals with themes of loss and longing. James Hetfield’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach are captivating.
82. Fire and Rain – James Taylor
While not strictly metal, “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor has become a metal ballad staple. Its haunting lyrics and melodic guitar work are deeply moving.
83. My Heartstrings Come Undone – Demon Hunter
“My Heartstrings Come Undone” by Demon Hunter is a powerful ballad about inner turmoil and self-discovery. Ryan Clark’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic instrumentation create a somber atmosphere.
84. Whispers in the Dark – Skillet
“Whispers in the Dark” by Skillet is a haunting ballad that combines heavy riffs with melodic elements. John Cooper’s emotive vocals and the band’s instrumentation are outstanding.
85. So Far Away – Avenged Sevenfold
“So Far Away” by Avenged Sevenfold is a beautifully crafted ballad that deals with themes of loss and remembrance. M. Shadows’ emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach are captivating.
86. The Unforgiven III – Metallica
“The Unforgiven III” by Metallica is a haunting ballad about inner turmoil and redemption. James Hetfield’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach create a somber atmosphere.
87. Hurt – Nine Inch Nails
“Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails is a powerful ballad that deals with themes of despair and self-destruction. Trent Reznor’s emotive vocals and the song’s minimalist arrangement are deeply moving.
88. Breath – Breaking Benjamin
“Breath” by Breaking Benjamin is a poignant ballad about inner struggle and perseverance. Benjamin Burnley’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach create a powerful impact.
89. Fade to Black – Metallica
“Fade to Black” by Metallica is a beautifully crafted ballad that deals with themes of despair and contemplation. James Hetfield’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach are captivating.
90. Behind Blue Eyes – Limp Bizkit
“Behind Blue Eyes” by Limp Bizkit is a haunting ballad that deals with themes of introspection and vulnerability. Fred Durst’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach create a somber atmosphere.
91. Hero of the Day – Metallica
“Hero of the Day” by Metallica is a powerful ballad that combines heavy riffs with melodic elements. James Hetfield’s emotive vocals and the band’s instrumentation are outstanding.
92. Snuff – Slipknot
“Snuff” by Slipknot is a poignant ballad about regret and emotional turmoil. Corey Taylor’s emotive vocals and the acoustic arrangement create a haunting atmosphere.
93. So Cold – Breaking Benjamin
“So Cold” by Breaking Benjamin is a haunting ballad about emotional detachment and longing. Benjamin Burnley’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach create a powerful impact.
94. Wasting Love – Iron Maiden
“Wasting Love” by Iron Maiden is a beautifully crafted ballad that deals with themes of love and heartbreak. Bruce Dickinson’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach are captivating.
95. Boulevard of Broken Dreams – Green Day
While not strictly metal, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day has become a metal ballad staple. Its introspective lyrics and melodic guitar work are deeply moving.
96. Behind the Wall of Sleep – Black Sabbath
“Behind the Wall of Sleep” by Black Sabbath is a powerful ballad that combines heavy riffs with melodic elements. Ozzy Osbourne’s emotive vocals and the band’s instrumentation are outstanding.
97. Like a Stone – Audioslave
“Like a Stone” by Audioslave is a haunting ballad about existentialism and mortality. Chris Cornell’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach create a somber atmosphere.
98. The Show Must Go On – Queen
While not strictly metal, “The Show Must Go On” by Queen has become a metal ballad staple. Freddie Mercury’s powerful vocals and the song’s emotional depth are captivating.
99. The Unforgiven II – Metallica
“The Unforgiven II” by Metallica is a beautifully crafted ballad that deals with themes of betrayal and redemption. James Hetfield’s emotive vocals and the band’s melodic approach are captivating.
100. The Voice Within – Christina Aguilera
While not metal, “The Voice Within” by Christina Aguilera has resonated within the metal community for its emotional depth and powerful vocals. Its introspective lyrics and melodic arrangement are deeply moving.
See Also: 15 Awesome Metal Rock Love Songs You Need to Know
Conclusion
This list of the 100 best metal ballads showcases the genre’s ability to evoke deep emotions and tell powerful stories through music. From heartfelt reflections on love and loss to powerful anthems of resilience and redemption, each song on this list represents the diverse and profound impact of metal ballads in the world of music. Whether you’re a long-time metal fan or exploring the genre for the first time, these songs are sure to leave a lasting impression with their raw emotion, powerful vocals, and melodic instrumentation.
