Season 4 of Netflix’s Stranger Things was one of the biggest shows of the year so far. The season featured some great character arcs and several standout moments, but the scene that stuck with fans the most was Eddie Munson’s epic showcase of Metallica’s iconic “Master of Puppets.”
The legendary metal anthem is seeing a resurgence in popularity because of the show, even returning to some music charts. There are dozens of other fantastic metal songs to listen to for those that liked “Master of Puppets.” These are 10 metal songs even Eddie himself would recommend.
One – Metallica
Where better to start after Master of Puppets than another one of Metallica’s best songs? One was the breakout single from the …And Justice For All album, the follow-up to Master of Puppets. While there are plenty of great Metallica songs to listen to, “One” is one of their best and most popular.
Starting off slower and telling the haunting story of a maimed war veteran, “One” slowly builds to a thrashing guitar solo few can resist head banging to. With phenomenal lyrics and some of the best instrumentals the band has ever written, “One” is an essential song for any metal fan. Metallica’s music has been used in several movies, and “One” perfectly demonstrates why.
Holy Diver – Dio
Ronnie James Dio was a huge name in metal for years. Not only did he take over Black Sabbath after Ozzy Osbourne, but he also fronted the bands Rainbow and self-titled Dio. Dio also has one of the best metal musician movie cameos of all time. Dio the band released many great songs, from “Don’t Talk to Strangers” to “Rainbow in the Dark,” but arguably their signature has to be “Holy Diver.”
While not as fast-paced as “Master of Puppets,” “Holy Diver” more than makes up for it in terms of raw power. Centering on a spectacularly heavy main riff and Dio’s powerful vocals, “Holy Diver” is atmospheric and a blast to listen to.
Ace of Spades – Motörhead
One of the earlier metal bands who helped to innovate the genre, Motörhead was in many ways a precursor to thrash and speed metal like Metallica. Known for their leather-clad look and hard-partying personas, Motörhead helped set the tone for what rock bands should look and act like.
Several Motörhead songs are good to listen to after “Master of Puppets,” but “Ace of Spades” remains their biggest hit and epitomizes their unique sound. “Ace of Spades” shows off Motörhead’s trademark speed and energy, as well as metal legend Lemmy’s recognizably gruff vocals. It may not be as heavy as “Master of Puppets,” but “Ace of Spades” is a fun, high-energy song for fans to try.
Raining Blood – Slayer
One of the Big Four of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Slayer was easily the heaviest and most brutal of the four groups. Slayer is known for their violent lyrics, aggressive vocals, and of their recognizable dual guitar sound. “Angel of Death” and “South of Heaven” are famous tracks as well, but “Raining Blood” is the best introduction to the band.
Featuring the same kind of blistering speed as “Master of Puppets,” “Raining Blood” is a relentless piece of shredding. Starting with one of Slayer’s best and most famous riffs, the song never lets up afterward. Slayer is not for everyone, but is a great next listen for fans of “Master of Puppets.”
Indians – Anthrax
Another of the thrash metal Big Four, Anthrax is worth a mention in any discussion of thrash metal greats. Anthrax was heavily inspired by pop culture and horror movies, which should score them extra points with fans of Stranger Things.
“Indians,” and much of Anthrax’s music, is not as melodic as “Master of Puppets,” but it does maintain the same kind of fast energy, as well as containing some great riffs and a lightning fast, chugging guitar rhythm. “Indians” is also a biting social commentary on the treatment of Native Americans, making it more than just an epic metal anthem.
Crack The Sky – Buckethead
Guitar virtuoso Buckethead is hard to pin down to a single genre since he has done everything from prog rock to funk, but some of his best work definitely qualifies as metal. Of his 300+ albums, most are full of absolutely face-melting masterpieces.
So many great songs of his are worth a listen, from the legendary “Soothsayer,” to “Siege Engine,” to “Worms for the Garden,” but “Crack the Sky” is a great place to start. A shorter, more accessible song, “Crack the Sky” does not skimp on the fast-paced shredding or technical mastery that makes Buckethead so acclaimed. Buckethead has a very unique style, but definitely has some great music for any metal fans.
Am I Evil? – Diamond Head
Like Motörhead, Diamond Head is a British metal band that predated the thrash scene but was a big influence on the genre. Diamond Head never reached the same level of success as some of their contemporaries, but they are worth a listen due to their huge influence on Metallica especially.
Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil?” was also not a major hit, but it is a fantastic song. Beginning with an anthemic, marching intro before breaking down into some heavy, fast riffs, it is clear to see the influence that the song had on Metallica’s sound. Metallica even released a cover of the song, which is also worth a listen.
Cemetery Gates – Pantera
Metal giants Pantera took the thrash metal style of bands like Metallica and made it their own, creating their own genre of groove metal in the process. Often even heavier than Metallica, Pantera reinvigorated metal music in the ’90s. Their album title Vulgar Display of Power is a pretty good description of Pantera’s style.
Pantera’s sound varied from the grooving energy of “Cowboys From Hell” to the sheer brutality of “I’m Broken,” but “Cemetery Gates” is often considered their magnum opus. “Cemetery Gates” is almost a power ballad, just very heavy on the power. Featuring some soaring vocals, great lyrics, an incomparable lead riff, and a relentless guitar solo, “Cemetery Gates” is a song that could free anyone from Vecna’s curse.
Hallowed Be Thy Name – Iron Maiden
The monolithic Iron Maiden is a band that needs no introduction. Possibly the biggest and most popular metal band of all time, Iron Maiden set the stage for everything that metal music could be. After 40 years of hits, Maiden’s legacy is clear, from having their own Iron Maiden video game, to Stranger Things’ Eddie even sharing the name of the band’s mascot.
Many Iron Maiden songs are essential listens, like “The Trooper,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and “Fear of the Dark,” but “Hallowed Be Thy Name” is an absolute masterpiece. Beginning with a slow-burn intro, the song quickly builds to some mind-blowing riffs, a masterful dueling guitar solo, and some of the deepest lyrics in metal music. “Hallowed Be Thy Name” deserves to be on the playlist of anyone who liked “Master of Puppets.”
Tornado of Souls – Megadeth
Anyone getting into Metallica also absolutely needs to listen to Megadeth. Metallica’s rival in thrash metal history, Megadeth is a fierce contender with them in terms of speed, songwriting, and skill. Frontman Dave Mustaine’s voice is an acquired taste, but his skill as a musician and status as a master guitarist are undeniable.
Many great songs like “Holy Wars,” “Peace Sells,” and “Dystopia” are great listens, but “Tornado of Souls” is the definite next listen after “Master of Puppets.” Beginning with a stunning guitar intro, “Tornado of Souls” builds around several phenomenal riffs before unleashing one of the most pulse-pounding and technically proficient guitar solos in metal history. The debate between Megadeth and Metallica may never end, but “Tornado of Souls” stands right alongside “Master of Puppets” as a thrash metal powerhouse.
