100 Songs that Define Heavy Metal

Metallica - "Enter Sandman"

Released as a single on July 29, 1991. The music video was released July 30, 1991 and the album "Metallica" (AKA "The Black Album") was released August 12, 1991.

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses Metallica's "Enter Sandman" and catches up with his old friend Brian Lew who photographed Metallica extensively in the early days, and his work is part of the documentary "Murder in the Front Row" and the book of the same name.

Brian also discusses the production of "Enter Sandman" with Jay Ruston, and, of course, author Martin Popoff checks in with his usual collection of information and opinion.

For the entire, unedited video version of the interview, go to our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/c4_zFsfs92o

Follow Brian Slagel on social media @BrianSlagel

Brian Lew's "Murder in the Front Row" is on Instagram @MurderInTheFrontRow

Jay Ruston is @JayRuston and the show is @100Metal Songs

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Mercyful Fate - "Evil"

Released September 30, 1983 on the album "Melissa"

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about the Mercyful Fate song "Evil" with Slayer guitarist Kerry King. They also discuss Rainbow, Judas Priest, Deep Purple and much more. Brian also talks to Mark Lewis about the production of the song. Martin Popoff also checks in as usual, being the font of information you've all come to expect.

Watch the complete and unedited version of the Kerry King interview HERE:

https://youtu.be/V5zitPwlgqk

Follow Brian Slagel on social media @BrianSlagel

Kerry King is @KerryKingMusic on X and Instagram and @KerryKingOfficial on Tik Tok.

Mark Lewis is on Instagram @MarkLewis720

Follow the show on X and Instagram @100MetalSongs
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Ghost's song "Ritual" was released on June 20, 2010, as a single ahead of their debut studio album, Opus Eponymous, which followed on October 18, 2010.

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discusses his appreciation for Ghost and shares stories about his association with the band, especially early on.

Then, he is joined by producer Christian Bladt to look back on this podcast and look ahead to a new podcast concept that will start in January 2027.

Brian also discusses the production on this song with producer Mark Lewis, and, as always, author Martin Popoff will provide historical information about the song, including facts, figures and his opinions.

Watch the complete and unedited video version of Brian's conversation about Ghost, the reflection on this podcast and look ahead to the new one:

https://youtu.be/5tpRMUPExSQ

Follow Brian Slagel on social media @BrianSlagel

Mark Lewis is on Instagram @MarkLewis720

Christian Bladt is on X & Instagram @ChristianDMZ and his podcast is The @Bladtcast

Martin Popoff is on Instagram @Martin_Popoff63

Follow the show @100MetalSongs
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Soundgarden - "Rusty Cage"

From the album "Badmotorfinger" (Released October 8, 1981)

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks about Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage" from their breakthrough album "Badmotorfinger". He's joined by the producer of that album, Terry Date, and then he chats with comedian Dean Delray whose passion for the band runs deep. As always, author Martin Popoff checks in with facts, figures and opinions.

For the complete unedited video version of the episode, go to our YouTube Channel:

https://youtu.be/ZX8f3GJ3P9w

Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel

Dean Delray is @DeanDelray

Martin Popoff is on Instagram @Martin_Popoff63

Follow the show on X and Instagram @100MetalSongs
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Queensryche - "Eyes of a Stranger"

From "Operation: Mindcrime"

(Released May 3, 1988)

Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel talks to musician Jacob Bunton about the great Queensryche song "Eyes of a Stranger" from their album "Operation: Mindcrime". He also discusses the production of the album with producer Jay Ruston and author Martin Popoff provides facts, figures and opinions as always.

Watch the full unedited video version of the interview on our YouTube Channel:

https://youtu.be/rmRNMmSEPzw

Brian Slagel is on social media @BrianSlagel

Jacob Bunton is on social media @JacobBunton

Jay Ruston is on social media @JayRuston

Martin Popoff is on Instagram @Martin_Popoff63

You can follow the show on social media @100Metal Songs

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