Welcome to Metal Power Rankings: Our weekly rankings take a number of factors into account: newsworthiness, record sales, internet buzz, word of mouth and overall importance in the genre. Ultimately, it’s subjective, but if a band generates enough buzz, they’ll wind up on the list. This week, it’s all about AC/DC, who have the #3 album in the country, but there are some bands popping up on year-end polls that are rising up the list as well.
1) AC/DC (last week 3)
If it wasn’t for some girl named Taylor Swift and some band called Pentatonix, AC/DC would have the #1 album in the country. And while its sold considerably less than their last one did first week, there are still plenty of fans out there. Plus, they announced tour dates for next, even though none of them are in America.
2) Slipknot (no change)
The tour seems to be going well, they’re still selling consistently, and they’ve weathered the lineup change slipping out pretty well.
3) At the Gates (last week 9)
This is winding up on a lot of year-end lists, ours included.
4) Pallbearer (re-entry)
This one’s also deservedly making its way onto quite a few year-end lists.
5) Testament
Not only can you own a share in a Testament song (which won’t make you money, but still), you’ll be able to catch them headlining the second night of the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival.
6) Dimebag Darrell (last week 1)
Monday was the 10th anniversary of one of the saddest days in music. Everyone, including us, had something to say about it as we looked back and paid tribute.
7) Megadeth (no change)
The band could have a new drummer already, meaning all they need is a new guitarist.
8) Five Finger Death Punch
Who would win in a fight, Five Finger Death Punch or 36 Crazyfists?
9) Machine Head (last week 12)
Epic Dimebag jam aside, Machine Head continue to win over fans and appear on year-end lists. Not bad for an album that’s only been out for a month.
10) Metallica (last week 11)
Metallica didn’t do anything newsworthy this week, but when you sell 16 million copies of an album, all you have to do is exist.
11) In This Moment (last week 4)
The theatricality of In This Moment’s show could bring them an audience outside of the metal one they already have. It’s like watching a really heavy Broadway show
12) Anthrax (debut)
They’re back in the studio!
13) Korn (debut)
The oral history of the recording of the first album is pretty insane, but not all the surprising. Definitely a must-read.
14) Coal Chamber (debut)
Looks like 2015 is going to be a big year for Coal Chamber, with a tour and an album in store.
15) Yob (debut)
It’s the #1 metal album of the year, according to Rolling Stone‘s top 20 metal albums. And the only metal album that came out if you count their Top 50 albums of the year.
DROPPED: Dio, Lamb of God, Attila, Periphery, Killer Be Killed
