Metal Mayhem's Top 100 Metal Bands of All-Time, 45-41

Hello everyone,

In the latest installment of Metal Mayhem's top 100 metal bands of all-time, we examine five unique and wonderful bands that includes one of the first commercially successful extreme metal bands, a band that employs the use of an electric violin, a Dutch symphonic metal band, a German industrial metal giant, and Black Label Society.

45. Cradle of Filth

Cradle of Filth is a British extreme metal band that formed in 1991. This band combines elements of extreme metal with Goth metal, symphonic metal and progressive metal. Lyrically, the band finds inspiration in horror films, literature, and mythology. The vocal work of Dani Filth is one of the highlights of the band. I especially enjoy the way he combines screams and growls . . . unique vocal range. While the band uses satanic imagery in their music, its mostly used for shock value.
Here is "Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids."

44. Black Label Society

Black Label Society is an American metal band from Los Angeles formed by Zakk Wylde in 1998 due to the initial failure of Wylde's solo career. (In case you didn't know, Zakk Wylde has been Ozzy Osbourne's long-time lead guitarist from 1988-1995, 2001-2008). The band released their initial album Sonic Brew later in 1998 to rave reviews. The band has released nine studio album with all of them being excellent works of metal goodness. Their best album to date is 2005's Mafia which included the masterpiece "Suicide Messiah."
Speaking of which, here is that track.

43. Within Temptation

Within Temptation is a Dutch symphonic metal band that formed in 1996 by lead singer Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt. The band has combined melodic vocals with songs in the folksy, Celtic tradition. The band has currently transitioned into a more poppy, electronica sound similar to Evanescence which has drawn much criticism from log-time fans. In my opinion, the band's new material is great, maybe not as good as their earlier music, but still excellent.
Here is "A Demon's Fate."

42. Turisas

Turisas is a Finnish folk metal band that formed in 1997 by Mathias Nygård and Jussi Wickström. They are named after an ancient Finnish god of war. I love that! They combine elements of power metal with symphonic metal, but what stands out about them is their use of the electric violin for solos instead of a guitar. 
They are a really cool band!
Here is "Stand Up and Fight."

41. Rammstein

Rammstein is a German industrial metal band that formed in 1994. They are arguably the most successful German metal band since The Scorpions in terms of worldwide success. One of the coolest things about Rammstein is that their entire musical catalog is in German. I like this because it shows that they have never sold out their principles to make money, but were successful regardless. Plus, there is something mysterious and melodic about the songs being sung in German that makes me excited about this band. 
Here is their biggest single "Du hast." 

Thanks for reading!
Marty Sabin