A History of Metal Guitar Riffs - 40 years, 40 Riffs

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  • Опубліковано 2 чер 2024
  • A History of Metal guitar riffs between 1980 and 2020. 40 years and 1 riff per year!
    After seeing Bradley Hall's A History of Metal Solos (link below!) I thought it was about time there was a history of metal riffs on youtube so I present to you a selection of classic and new metal riffs. It's interesting to see what has and hasn't changed over the years. I hope you enjoy the collection of metal riffs!
    I was going to start in the 70's but it would have ended up as mainly Sabbath for the first ten riffs and that's a video for another day.
    What are your favourite riffs? Comment below!
    For those curious - video and audio are recorded separately, it results in a better video for everyone 🤘
    Gear - Dean Cadillac Select [2009] and Ibanez Art 320, UA-25EX interface, Logic X, Ernie Ball 11-48 and 12-56, Steven Slate Drums, JBL305 monitors.
    A History of Metal Solos - by Bradley Hall
    • A History Of METAL Gui...
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    #metal #riffs #metalhistory

КОМЕНТАРІ • 363

  • @NoSubjection1
    @NoSubjection1 4 роки тому +271

    The riff from 96 quite bitter beings is gold

  • @Glasshexagon
    @Glasshexagon 3 роки тому +135

    40 years of history of metal riffs cannot be completed without Meshuggah

    • @damf5488
      @damf5488 3 роки тому +4

      @@CyclesAreSingularities who are you calling mortal you mortal 🤬🤬🤬

    • @ShadowMantraSteve
      @ShadowMantraSteve  3 роки тому +67

      I hold up my hands. I have tried to play Bleed and my arm gives out.... one day.... one day...

    • @Glasshexagon
      @Glasshexagon 3 роки тому +6

      @@ShadowMantraSteve You still could play Demiurge though haha

  • @Upsetkiller456
    @Upsetkiller456 3 роки тому +126

    9:34
    Ghost be like: How do we make Symphony Of Destruction but not.

    • @Lyendith
      @Lyendith 3 роки тому +4

      I was only listening and I was like "wait, why did Megadeth release SoD twice?" XD

    • @lehtokurppa7824
      @lehtokurppa7824 3 роки тому +9

      Nah. It's just like how everyone is claiming Led Zeppelin stole Stairway to Heaven because the first notes are the same. It's where you take it from there that makes the deal.

    • @Upsetkiller456
      @Upsetkiller456 3 роки тому +3

      @@lehtokurppa7824 Yea I know lol, it's just that they use the same scale or at least similar notes and progression, I was just making a joke.

    • @broheimbrewing1111
      @broheimbrewing1111 3 роки тому +3

      Yeah it's pretty much the same riff but overall Ritual is the better song imo.

  • @robintissot38
    @robintissot38 4 роки тому +172

    The Gift of Guilt ! WOW

    • @themcrib7920
      @themcrib7920 3 роки тому +5

      Naaasty riff. L'enfant Sauvage is packed with great songs.

    • @mason3872
      @mason3872 3 роки тому +3

      @@themcrib7920 Sauvage was always my least favorite Gojira album but damn does it have some nasty riffage

  • @alvarozaira
    @alvarozaira 3 роки тому +56

    There are hundreds of iconic metal bands, obviously not all can be in this video...

  • @MrLA75
    @MrLA75 3 роки тому +84

    Im surprised no Death, Testament, Morbid Angel or Overkill made the list.

    • @guilhermefernandes9094
      @guilhermefernandes9094 3 роки тому +9

      Wait...Death didn’t make it?..

    • @ShadowMantraSteve
      @ShadowMantraSteve  3 роки тому +15

      Admittedly it is a bit skewed to my taste. I never really got into Death or Morbid Angel and lost track a bit with Overkill

    • @TheCamunist1
      @TheCamunist1 3 роки тому +1

      @@ShadowMantraSteve If you're a fan of Gojira you'd probably like morbid angel

    • @MegaParadiseX
      @MegaParadiseX 3 роки тому +4

      @@ShadowMantraSteve I recomend you the riff from 1000 eyes by Death. Truly pure gold.

    • @mikebarnes7441
      @mikebarnes7441 3 роки тому +1

      @@TheCamunist1 he literally just told you he doesn't like them, they werent his thing.,

  • @mqro1915
    @mqro1915 4 роки тому +56

    I'd never be able to just pick one so take a bunch:
    Gojira + Opeth - every single one
    Mors Principium Est - Reclaim the Sun (Andy Gillion is such an underrated guitarist)
    Archspire - Involuntary Doppelganger (about 2 minutes in)
    Insomnium - Through the Shadows
    Swallow the Sun - 10 Silver Bullets, Lights on the Lake
    Devin Townsend - Deadhead
    Leprous - The Price
    Dream Theater - Caught in a Web, At Wit's End (how did I forget this one????)
    Paradise Lost - Theories from Another World
    Jinjer - I Speak Astronomy
    Bloodbath - Cry My Name
    Fluisteraars - De Doornen

  • @sk1ns407
    @sk1ns407 2 роки тому +4

    Kinda upset that Slipknot, Mastodon and Meshuggah didn’t make the list, but my favorite band did so im happy for that at least. Awesome list.

  • @Cx_Howlett
    @Cx_Howlett 2 роки тому +16

    Wow you hit a really good amount of artists. I’m pretty impressed. And only a couple repeats too. You’re awesome dude!

  • @spiggly_digg
    @spiggly_digg 3 роки тому +8

    I don't even have to look at this comment section to know that it contains people complaining about which bands didn't get in

    • @MrSupervin94
      @MrSupervin94 3 роки тому +2

      Like that little band that made that perfect album in your profile pic?

  • @geologist5838
    @geologist5838 3 роки тому +9

    Oh god when I saw “I stand alone”...
    You hit me right in the childhood, I was playing Prince of Persia Warriors within and that song was into the game...man

  • @DreeKun
    @DreeKun 3 роки тому +7

    You went with Backbone with Flying Whales right there. My man! nasty groovy song

  • @dennisstrandahl6800
    @dennisstrandahl6800 2 роки тому +8

    Slyosis does not get enough credit! They put some absolute bangers!

  • @jsnowe1503
    @jsnowe1503 3 роки тому +13

    1 year ago why am I only hearing this now?? You deserve way more views than this. Absolitely amazing. Metal is the best music style🤘

  • @soccermetalhed5150
    @soccermetalhed5150 3 роки тому +66

    To be real, if you can fully downpick Waking The Demon you can probably downpick anything

    • @olli.tiainen
      @olli.tiainen 3 роки тому +1

      That is insane but imo since there are alot pull offs it doesnt require that much stamina

    • @soccermetalhed5150
      @soccermetalhed5150 3 роки тому +2

      @@olli.tiainen yeah I agree, the only difficult part to playing the riff is getting your downpicking up to speed with matt and padge

    • @Snivic-music
      @Snivic-music 3 роки тому +2

      it's not that difficult tbh

    • @soccermetalhed5150
      @soccermetalhed5150 3 роки тому

      @@Snivic-music do u play it with downpicking or upstrokes?

    • @Snivic-music
      @Snivic-music 3 роки тому

      @@soccermetalhed5150 all down picked

  • @NicolasREVA7X
    @NicolasREVA7X 3 роки тому +247

    Missed Opeth, and missed Tool. Strange choices for some years too, but hey, you are talented AF.

    • @ShadowMantraSteve
      @ShadowMantraSteve  3 роки тому +53

      Picking one band per year was tough! Appreciate the kind words though 🤘🤘

    • @user-sg3zh9kj1i
      @user-sg3zh9kj1i 3 роки тому +2

      Progressivehead hear!

    • @Glasshexagon
      @Glasshexagon 3 роки тому +6

      @@ShadowMantraSteve And you actually played Gojira, Behemoth, Lamb of God and Rammstein twice

    • @eduardoGentile720
      @eduardoGentile720 3 роки тому +4

      No mastodon either, Blood and Thunder, March of The fire ants, Sleeping Giant and Divinations could've been there

    • @NicolasREVA7X
      @NicolasREVA7X 3 роки тому

      @Harry McNamara You're gonna need a bigger bait.

  • @someonewithandwithoutthoug3414
    @someonewithandwithoutthoug3414 2 роки тому +4

    I know this is from 2 years ago, but I HAVE to mention how sick it is that you played a Septicflesh riff, and one from Titan at that. Those guys have been the most underrated band for ages (been at it since 1993, been top notch and totally unique from the start, and only started gaining serious traction since 2010s "The Great Mass"), and Titan is simply their best album imho.

  • @alexcunhapinto
    @alexcunhapinto Рік тому +1

    I'm glad you are doing well. Shout out for all talented guitarists out there!

  • @Heritor7
    @Heritor7 3 роки тому +10

    Honestly this is a real who's who. Always takes me off guard how long ago some of this came out.

  • @kelthevicious
    @kelthevicious 3 роки тому +4

    I'm very pleasantly surprised by the song choices, not at all what I expected. All of them are absolute bangers!

    • @ShadowMantraSteve
      @ShadowMantraSteve  3 роки тому

      Had to throw in some more unusual ones to keep it interesting!

  • @charlesdeichman5115
    @charlesdeichman5115 3 роки тому +12

    I’m surprised how glad I was to hear you include Radio. Such a great song and riff

  • @MusicWorldKaraoke
    @MusicWorldKaraoke 4 роки тому +1

    Great music friend, regards 👍🎼

  • @yourface8700
    @yourface8700 3 роки тому +8

    I love seeing Deftones on here. Rock on 🤘

  • @voronOsphere
    @voronOsphere 3 роки тому +2

    Totally Educational!!!!! Excellent presentation!

  • @82nd_jumpmaster53
    @82nd_jumpmaster53 3 роки тому +1

    Great selection of riffs!!

  • @markotarma
    @markotarma 2 роки тому +3

    Dude I fucking LOVE that you included Halo holy shit.

  • @ghosthealthgames
    @ghosthealthgames Рік тому

    Seeing Lifer in there was a delightful surprise, sick video dude
    Also your face when playing sugar was great😂

  • @Boardsksyou
    @Boardsksyou 2 роки тому

    Great choices, good shit!

  • @wikbruno1975
    @wikbruno1975 10 місяців тому

    Really good job🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🤘👍

  • @Xari.04
    @Xari.04 4 роки тому +1

    Off the end of hearthache hit close to home. Also more backbone pog. Great vid man

  • @denolact7000
    @denolact7000 3 роки тому +1

    I know I'm over a year late, but both 96 Quite Bitter Beings AND Juular (two of my all time favorites) in a video on riffs over the years, despite not being nearly as successful as other songs those years? You, my guy, are insanely talented, and your choice of tracks were fantastic.

    • @ShadowMantraSteve
      @ShadowMantraSteve  3 роки тому +1

      Thank you, glad you liked it. Juular is one of my favourite Devy songs.

  • @Gitfiddle
    @Gitfiddle 3 роки тому +7

    How’d you just pop on my feed bro? Tiiiiieeeeeeght riffage!!!

  • @MahagonPalisandrovich
    @MahagonPalisandrovich 3 роки тому

    Thanks for reminding some good old songs , man. Really good work! Embers, ooh, I know your pain :D

  • @mrcoatsworth429
    @mrcoatsworth429 3 роки тому +5

    I was surprised by Genghis Khan! Totally underrated classic. Killers is one of my absolute favorite albums.

  • @loganpriest6029
    @loganpriest6029 3 роки тому +1

    Yes!! You chucked calcified on the list. My favourite song atm

  • @maximed175
    @maximed175 2 роки тому

    Yo dude I really want to learn them all now ahah, it looks so easy with you ! You rock !!

  • @SittingBlue96
    @SittingBlue96 8 місяців тому

    This isn't just plain dope. It's a dope ass learning experience. Grabbin a notepad....

  • @Zephr238
    @Zephr238 3 роки тому +2

    Amazing

  • @xplayndo5890
    @xplayndo5890 3 роки тому

    this is phenomenal 🖤

  • @scottwhittemire6638
    @scottwhittemire6638 Рік тому

    This is a list from a true fan of music. Can’t tell you how stoked I was to hear cky and devin Townsend and machine head on this list Amongst many other classics new and old.

  • @brandonvankampen1011
    @brandonvankampen1011 3 роки тому +2

    You looked like you were having a great time, this was fucking awesome

  • @olli.tiainen
    @olli.tiainen 3 роки тому +3

    12:06 -> I love how the videos are almost identical

  • @jacobwells3538
    @jacobwells3538 4 роки тому +1

    Amazing vid man

  • @jesusrodriguezmontoya2602
    @jesusrodriguezmontoya2602 4 роки тому +5

    I need some meshuggah here! Good video as well man.

  • @patrikarnold1892
    @patrikarnold1892 3 роки тому +4

    Dude! You deserve Million Views for this

    • @ShadowMantraSteve
      @ShadowMantraSteve  3 роки тому

      Thank you 🤘 it seems to be creeping up slowly. Maybe one day it'll get there!

  • @RollerSpendingGaming
    @RollerSpendingGaming Рік тому

    I’m so glad about to hear In Flames in that video.Old In Flames is gem for a metalheads!

  • @necrochaufagist
    @necrochaufagist 3 роки тому

    Excellent.

  • @marcverus158
    @marcverus158 3 роки тому +1

    The sound sounds so satisfying 😩

  • @itsbennynow150
    @itsbennynow150 11 місяців тому

    Absolutely crazy for Sepeltura, especially their Roots album! Very happy to see them on the list

  • @TheFlexXMLG
    @TheFlexXMLG 3 роки тому +1

    Great tone and playing man holy sh*t!

  • @jasonking454
    @jasonking454 2 роки тому +1

    Much respect for including Down, the greatest southern metal band of all time!!!

  • @royalmarine1011
    @royalmarine1011 3 роки тому +15

    96 Quite Bitter Beings tony hawk vibes

  • @jennersarango2952
    @jennersarango2952 4 роки тому +2

    Yes man!! King diamond rocks lml

  • @jeffreybailey2558
    @jeffreybailey2558 3 роки тому

    Beautiful great job great tone

  • @unspokenghost8222
    @unspokenghost8222 3 роки тому

    Love the content bro🤘🔥

  • @DSavelev792
    @DSavelev792 3 роки тому

    Good video, found something new

  • @allenvarghese2792
    @allenvarghese2792 3 роки тому

    Amazing 😍

  • @raz84
    @raz84 3 роки тому +1

    Happy to see king diamond

  • @barefootjakejake7765
    @barefootjakejake7765 Рік тому +1

    Dude has pretty good taste in metal 🤘😈🤘

  • @nighthawk9532
    @nighthawk9532 3 місяці тому

    This might be my opinion only but it starts sounding the heaviest when we get to the 90’s/00’s part of the video to me I really love the tone of the Down tuned guitars, that being said the 80’s still had badass riffs for Standard Tuning or Eb

  • @dpants5150
    @dpants5150 2 роки тому

    Got a subscribe from me, man. Great work, played a shit-ton of my favorite bands and riffs.

  • @djdanger9812
    @djdanger9812 2 роки тому

    That tone was awesome for Symphony Of Destruction dude!

  • @disidenciatotal
    @disidenciatotal 3 роки тому +1

    Excelente, saludos desde Colombia, Sur América.

  • @sugartooth1511
    @sugartooth1511 3 роки тому +6

    Almost accurate representation of SOAD and their song 'Sugar' :DD

  • @welltrevisan
    @welltrevisan 3 роки тому

    Cool video dude!

  • @samgresham5909
    @samgresham5909 4 роки тому +1

    Killer video

  • @ivorya815
    @ivorya815 2 роки тому +1

    *Finally* someone includes Rammstein! Awesome work

  • @FjompenNiZZe
    @FjompenNiZZe 3 роки тому

    Awesome

  • @thegork4976
    @thegork4976 4 роки тому +7

    Here's a video idea: What if Ghost down tuned?

  • @nikolaslavchev1521
    @nikolaslavchev1521 3 роки тому +4

    Great video Steve! The one small comment I have is that the whole core/djent thing wasn't represented. Maybe a Periphery riff?

  • @Kichikus_
    @Kichikus_ 3 роки тому

    It is hard to argue with this set \m/

  • @millhouse313
    @millhouse313 Рік тому

    Ugh the waking the demon riff hit hard in this list!!

  • @user-fb1ho6ek7j
    @user-fb1ho6ek7j 3 роки тому +2

    I know you get this a lot but interesting that you didn't include any Slipknot riffs especially for 2008 with All hope is gone or Psychosocial. Anyways, amazing job man!

    • @ShadowMantraSteve
      @ShadowMantraSteve  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks, I can't remember why I didn't to be honest. I do like Slipknot and seen them several times. Always a good show!

  • @stefanos821
    @stefanos821 3 роки тому +4

    Big up septic flesh. Love from Greece

  • @commandercorndoggakadvs3768
    @commandercorndoggakadvs3768 3 роки тому

    Sweet Cadillac

  • @droptopcoop1180
    @droptopcoop1180 3 роки тому +1

    Hardest try not to head bang challenge I’ve ever seen

  • @bulleta.k.a9135
    @bulleta.k.a9135 3 роки тому +2

    could you please do a video lesson on how you hold your pick so clean 🔥 🔥 🔥

  • @PhilosophicalDrummer
    @PhilosophicalDrummer 3 роки тому +1

    Basically each picks were right choices. Congrats!

  • @allengavel807
    @allengavel807 Рік тому

    Firt time I've seen you play anything besides the Dean Cadillac.

  • @xxcxpl
    @xxcxpl 2 роки тому

    Nice 2 see Devin Townsend shit thrown in - been headbanging since realising I got a head yet only at 40+ discovered Devin and SYL 🕺
    Awesome video bro - ✌️

  • @talontd3727
    @talontd3727 3 роки тому +4

    Gonna have to make a 2021 clip when the new Gojira album drops ;)

  • @lnfantsauvage
    @lnfantsauvage 4 роки тому +14

    Annihilator!! Maaaaaan!!
    So much time without seen that soooo amazing band!! Thank youu!

  • @torcher1616
    @torcher1616 Рік тому

    1995 - no meshuggah
    2008 - no meshuggah
    20XX - still no meshuggah
    Point - the meshuggah time hasnt even come yet, people are still not ready.
    P.s. Great video, enjoyed that a lot!

  • @killemallcmfb4078
    @killemallcmfb4078 3 роки тому

    Awesome that you threw some bls in there

  • @erick_bastos
    @erick_bastos 3 роки тому +4

    these faces are just so great. LOL

  • @knightovhell
    @knightovhell 4 роки тому +4

    Would you mind doing a gear video? I'm sure there are plenty of people who would like to know more about your gear.

    • @ShadowMantraSteve
      @ShadowMantraSteve  4 роки тому +2

      Possibly in the future at some point 👍 My rig is pretty basic on the whole.

  • @j.r.curtis8041
    @j.r.curtis8041 2 роки тому +1

    Throwing more underground bands into the next one of these would be fucking rad

  • @kicsisziszi
    @kicsisziszi 3 роки тому +4

    Ok, really a personal choice of riffs, but I missed blinded by fear by at the gates, as I die by paradise lost and replica by fear factory

  • @thomashausmann2642
    @thomashausmann2642 Рік тому

    so badassss this songggg 11:49

  • @genocya7
    @genocya7 3 роки тому

    That was awesome. Homage to King Diamond and Annihilator was fantastic. Please check out Evergrey. They are riff monsters as well.

    • @ShadowMantraSteve
      @ShadowMantraSteve  2 роки тому

      Some one else suggested them to me recently, need to listen to some more but liking what I've heard!

  • @kayhaginwald
    @kayhaginwald Рік тому

    your hat for cowboy from hell is sooo cuteee

  • @thelaizardman
    @thelaizardman 3 роки тому +2

    i was already impressed until CKY and in flames in a row came. i'm crying of nostalgia

  • @jarrod4115
    @jarrod4115 4 роки тому +13

    *CARCASS ANYONE?? hmm*

  • @faktores428
    @faktores428 3 роки тому +2

    The last ones that interested me: Dissection - Somberlain , MÖRK GRYNING - Infernal , Running Wild - Riding The Storm , The Spirit - Pillars Of Doom , Mother Crone - Halocline .......

    • @8tonystark8
      @8tonystark8 2 роки тому

      Finally someone who knows Running Wild

  • @scourge34
    @scourge34 3 роки тому +2

    Was happily surprised to see Down on here.

  • @lucaslaufranio3585
    @lucaslaufranio3585 3 роки тому +3

    I'm a simple man
    I see sylosis in the thumbnail, I click.

  • @nnnkkk1001
    @nnnkkk1001 3 роки тому +12

    Needs some new school thrash, like evile and havok

    • @ShadowMantraSteve
      @ShadowMantraSteve  3 роки тому +4

      I'm looking forward to the new Evile album. Hell Unleashed was a great song!

  • @ravensflight2965
    @ravensflight2965 3 роки тому +58

    I expected at least one Linkin Park riff, but Lamb of God made up for it.

    • @williamhopkins1262
      @williamhopkins1262 3 роки тому +1

      Well, people consider them "Nu Metal", so maybe that's why they weren't in here. I expected more System of a Down. Sugar is good, but I way prefer Spiders.

    • @asmodai2025
      @asmodai2025 3 роки тому

      Linkin Park are not metal, same thing with Korn, Slipknot, Disturbed, System of a Down, Five Finger Death Punch, and all of those other alternative metal and nu metal bands.

    • @Acre00
      @Acre00 3 роки тому +9

      @@asmodai2025 Can you please articulate the reasons for your conclusions?

    • @asmodai2025
      @asmodai2025 3 роки тому +6

      @@Acre00 Nu metal does not derive its sound from metal, it mostly stems from heavy alternative rock like helmet, primus and faith no more and adding influences from hip hop, grunge and occasionally industrial rock. Heavy alternative is, as the name implies, alternative rock made heavy, as evidenced by the development of early faith no more, a sound which helmet mixed with post hardcore and noise rock, creating the syncopated sound nu metal adopted.
      The main reason people think nu metal is metal is because it has distorted guitars, downtuning and dark themes. This definition is flawed because there are many abrasive genres that are not metal, such as noise rock, no wave, powerviolence, crust punk, thrashcore, hardcore punk and grindcore.

    • @Acre00
      @Acre00 3 роки тому +9

      @@asmodai2025 Eh, never been a fan of Nu Metal as a genre category. The bands typically grouped into it are far too diverse, and really sound nothing like each other. As such, I agree that some of the bands you mentioned aren't metal for the reasons you stated.
      However, I disagree about Disturbed, Slipknot, and FFDP. Disturbed, after the first album, has a very strong thrash(itself heavily influenced by punk, yet still remaining metal) influence, with the riff structures much more resembling Metallica and Testament than hardcore punk. The last 2 albums I would call hard rock, though. Slipknot absolutely started out in the not-metal category, but by The Subliminal Verses had adopted a much more metal sound somewhat in line with what Disturbed did. FFDP is the opposite case. I would argue that their first album was their most metal, and they've been diluting their sound further with every release.
      All of them have punk influences to be sure, but they still remain metal.

  • @thomasgendron3875
    @thomasgendron3875 3 роки тому +2

    I haven’t watched it yet but I already know that 83 was probably a tough choice to make

    • @wesleyheitz8359
      @wesleyheitz8359 3 роки тому +2

      86 is harder

    • @thomasgendron3875
      @thomasgendron3875 3 роки тому +1

      @@wesleyheitz8359 fr I mistook the two years I forgot master of puppet was in 86 and not 83😅 should’ve picked tornado of souls for 90 and bleed for 2006 tbh

  • @UncleBobbyBkklol
    @UncleBobbyBkklol 2 роки тому

    King diamond 🤩🤩