For any metal band, releasing a studio album signifies a significant milestone; achieving over ten albums elevates them to an iconic status within the genre. While some bands may only need one to establish their presence, many strive to create an extensive discography. This can lead to varying levels of success, as demonstrated by Spiritbox and Sleep Token, two bands that emerged around the same time yet find themselves in different positions. Over nine years, Spiritbox has launched two studio albums, contrasted by Sleep Token, which has already delivered three and is allegedly working on a fourth.
Even legendary groups like Slipknot, who’ve maintained a presence for more than 25 years, fall short of the ten-album benchmark, currently holding at seven albums. Various factors have contributed to their slower output, underscoring the remarkable achievement for bands surpassing the ten-album milestone. Those reaching this level include iconic names such as Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest, all of whom have secured their places in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, bands like Motörhead, Megadeth, and Slayer remain critically discussed in Hall of Fame conversations.
1
Metallica
11 Studio Albums
Regarded as one of the most influential bands in history, Metallica has been captivating audiences since their inception in 1981. They have sold out stadiums globally, evidencing their sustained popularity. Following their debut album, Kill ‘Em All, they released seven subsequent albums between 1983 and 1997. However, the pace slowed in the 2000s, producing just four records, with their latest, 72 Seasons, launching in 2023.
With an impressive 67 million records sold in the United States alone, and 125 million worldwide, Metallica has solidified its status among the best-selling bands ever. Notably, ten of their eleven albums have achieved platinum status, and there is a strong possibility that their 2023 release will follow suit. While future album plans remain unconfirmed, their expansive collection of hits ensures they continue to rock audiences worldwide.
2
Lamb of God
9 Studio Albums
Lamb of God originally began as Burn the Priest, where they released their first album before rebranding. Following their name change, they launched their sophomore album, New American Gospel, in 2000, and have since produced eight additional albums, including Omens in 2022. They even revisited their earlier identity with a release under Burn the Priest in 2018.
The band has been recognized with several Grammy nominations and has sold millions of records, blending groove, thrash, and death metal into a signature sound. Their touring history with legendary bands like Pantera and Slayer underscores their influence. According to bassist John Campbell, fans can expect new music, although he noted, “It’s gonna take a little time,” during an interview on the And Now The Band podcast.
3
Slayer
12 Studio Albums
As a cornerstone of thrash metal, Slayer has solidified their legacy through songs like “Raining Blood,”recognized for one of the most iconic riffs in music history. They have garnered two Grammy Awards and achieved gold status for four of their albums. Despite their formidable legacy, their last album, Repentless, released in 2015, marked the end of their recording journey to date.
Speculation about new music has persisted for years, especially post their 2019 hiatus. While they reunited for performances in 2024, a recent conversation with co-founder Kerry King on the Talk Louder podcast suggested that any new music is unlikely, stating, “I can give you a 99.9 percent ‘no’ because I have a new outlet to present music to the fans.”
4
Korn
14 Studio Albums
With over three decades in the industry, Korn has become a defining force in nu-metal. They burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut album, achieving platinum status, and followed it up with a series of successful platinum albums. Hits like “Freak On a Leash,””Blind,”and “Falling Away from Me”have become anthems in the genre.
Currently boasting 14 studio albums, the band is rumored to be working on their 15th, particularly as it has been over three years since their last release, Requiem, in 2022. Fans are excitedly awaiting what comes next, especially given their consistent output since 1994 has set a high expectation.
5
Dream Theater
16 Studio Albums
Since releasing their first album, When Dream and Day Unite, in 1989, Dream Theater has established itself as a leader in progressive metal. Their complex compositions and dedication to pushing musical boundaries have garnered them critical and commercial acclaim. The band achieved a significant milestone in 2022 when they won their first Grammy Award for the performance of “Alien.”
Their latest album, Parasomnia, debuted in February 2025 and reached as high as number six on the US Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart, marking a successful return for co-founder Mike Portnoy after a 13-year hiatus. To date, the band has sold over 12 million albums worldwide, showcasing their enduring popularity.
6
Megadeth
16 Studio Albums
After leaving Metallica, Dave Mustaine ventured into establishing Megadeth, ultimately becoming a titan in thrash metal. Their debut, Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!, emerged in 1985, followed by the landmark album, Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?, which marked their rise to fame.
Throughout their career, Megadeth has released five platinum albums between 1986 and 1994, along with additional successful recordings, the latest being The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead! from 2022. New music appears to be in progress for their 17th album, ensuring their journey continues.
7
Iron Maiden
17 Studio Albums
Recognized for their classics like “The Trooper,””Fear of the Dark,”and “Run to the Hills,”Iron Maiden has crafted some enduring tracks since their formation in 1975. Following their self-titled debut and a formidable sophomore album, the band exploded into the mainstream with the iconic The Number of the Beast.
Iron Maiden consistently released seven albums throughout the ’80s and ten more between 1990 and 2022. Although their production pace has slowed, their legacy as metal legends remains intact. The band took seven years to produce their most recent album, with no future releases confirmed at this time, although their world tours continue unabated.
8
Judas Priest
19 Studio Albums
As pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal, Judas Priest stands as a fundamental influence within the genre. Their journey began modestly with their 1974 album, Rocka Rolla, originally envisioned as a blues rock band. However, by the release of British Steel in 1980, they discovered their true heavy metal sound, solidifying their status with hits like “Breaking the Law.”
Over the years, they have released 13 more studio albums, the latest being Invincible Shield, which debuted in 2024. This album not only affirmed their enduring presence but also topped the US Top Hard Rock Albums chart, showcasing they still have much to offer.
9
Black Sabbath
19 Studio Albums
Black Sabbath is revered as one of the most influential heavy metal bands, pioneering the genre with their dark themes and innovative sound. Their seminal album, Paranoid, featuring classics such as “War Pigs”and “Iron Man,”is often heralded as a pinnacle of heavy metal.
While they produced a total of 19 studio albums, their journey was marked by notable transitions, particularly during the era with iconic vocalist Ronnie James Dio. The band’s last album, 13, released in 2013 with Ozzy Osbourne, took almost two decades to materialize. Despite the curtailed collaborations, their historical significance in music cannot be diminished.
10
Motörhead
23 Studio Albums
Lemmy Kilmister, the iconic frontman of Motörhead from its inception in 1975 until his passing in 2015, epitomized the quintessential rock star. Known for his distinct growl and thunderous basslines, the band’s energetic performances became legendary. Achieving an impressive 23 studio albums is no small feat, reflecting their unwavering commitment to creating music.
Beginning with four albums in the ’70s, Motörhead continued to release consistent content throughout the ’80s, ’90s, and into the 2000s. Their final album, Bad Magic, launched just months before Lemmy’s death, marked the end of an era but solidified their legacy. Their music remains influential, with tracks still permeating popular culture, including their use in WWE events as entrance themes for stars like Triple H.