Top 10 Heavy Metal Guitar Solos

They make playing heavy metal look easy. Welcome to Kiker's Blog, and today I'm listing my top 10 heavy metal guitar solos. For this list I limited it to one song per artist. Also keep in mind that this list is focused mainly on heavy metal, so no hard rock acts like Van Halen, or Aerosmith.

10. Powerslave-Iron Maiden
What do you do when you have three guitarists in your band? Have them take part in an epic three way solo. They didn't track the original recording, but that doesn't stop them from bringing down the house these days. Starting with a slow melodic melody that that builds into a heavy eruption, Powerslave has it all.

9. Floods-Pantera
Pantera is considered by many to be one of the greatest metal bands of all time, and for good reason. Aside from clever lyrics and an awesome attitude, late guitarist Dimebag Darrel is respected and viewed as one of the greatest guitarists that ever lived. Throughout his career he gave us many memorable solos like the one from Cemetery Gates, but Floods is the most unique and different. It may be slower paced and less flashy, buy it never loses the heaviness that was Darrel's trademark.

8. Afterlife-Avenged Sevenfold
Some guitar solos are all about flash, and Avenged Sevenfold has that and more. Reminisced of the many bands that influenced them, the Afterlife solo is lightning fast and dares anyone to try and keep up. It's old school metal mixed with modern metal. As part of a mainstream band, guitarist Synyster Gates introduces the art of the heavy metal solo to those who might not have had exposure. And helped the band reach the top 20 on the Billboard rock chart.

7. You Don't Remember, I'll Never Forget-Yngwie Malmsteen
With a name like that, you know you're in for a rockin' good time. Listening to the riffs alone will give you goosebumps. Though Malmsteen's discography is highlighted by epic instrumentals like the Iconic Black Star, You Don't Remember, I'll Never forget is one of his few songs that has lyrics. If there was a solo that told you what period of time you were in, this would be it.

6. Seasons in the Abyss-Slayer
Even if you just say the word Slayer, every metal fan will know what you're talking about. One of the best reasons to head bang is this track from their fifth album of the same name. Blindingly fast and unapologetic, Slayer brings the pain. It's as about as metal as you can get.

5. Painkiller-Judas Priest
If there is any band that knows how to make a heavy metal anthem, it's Judas Priest. Glen Tipton and K.K. Downing are masters of their craft. Two is better than one, and combining these two made the perfect combination. Painkiller cranks the amp to 11, then 12, then beyond. This song is what speed metal is all about, and my neck is still sore from banging my head.

4. Children of the Grave-Black Sabbath
Guitarist Tony Iomi one one of the reasons why Black Sabbath is one of the key originators in heavy metal. Many credit Iomi's ingenuity as inspiration, and credited his work as a milestone. The solo from Children of the Grave is clearly of of his best and showcases everything Black Sabbath is about.

3. Mr. Crowley-Ozzy Osbourne
It's a little weird to have Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne next to each other on this list, right? However Randy Rhoad's solo is hands down one of the best guitar solos ever regardless of genre. It's an extension of the song, but it doesn't have a personality of its own, which is exactly what a guitar solo should be. Rhoad's career is full of successes, and this is one of them.

2. Tornado of Souls-Megadeath
For those of you that don't know, Dave Mustaine used to be in Metallica before being kicked out, but that didn't stop him from forming a little band of his own. He does have a number of fine solos in his catalog along with his band mate Marty Friedman who delivered a masterpiece on Tornado of Souls. Lengthy, rip-roaring, and full of shred, it's exactly what a heavy metal guitar solo should be.

Honorable Mentions:

Through the Fire and the Flames-Dragonforce

The Dark Eternal Night-Dream Theater

Hard To See-Five Finger Death Punch

Back In Black-AC/DC

Feed My Frankenstein-Alice Cooper

1. One-Metallica
When it comes to lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, there are a lot of solos to listen to in order to determine which one is the best. For example there's the very popular and iconic power ballad Fade to Black. After much thought, I settled on One. The reason is simple: if I have to explain Metallica to someone who hasn't heard of them, this is the song I play. Fast, melodic, and beautiful, this track off of ...And Justice For All is the essence of a Kirk Hammett solo. The song also made for a perfect first music video.