Here’s 19 of the best bass heavy metal songs ever recorded. If you like outstanding bass tone and performances, these tracks are sure to impress…
Table of Contents
If you A) like bass and B) are relatively new to metal, this post is going to make your day a lot more entertaining. The list was put together based (excuse the pun) on a variety of factors which included:
- The performance.
- The tone of the bass.
- The effect it has on the song.
- And how good it sounds in the mix.
Below, I’ve listed out some of the most impressive bass heavy metal songs ever recorded.
Bass Heavy Metal Songs
Black Sabbath – “N.I.B.”
- Bassist: Geezer Butler
- Album: Black Sabbath (1970)
“N.I.B.” features a bluesy, heavy bass riff by Geezer Butler, which drives the song forward. The track is from Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut album, released in 1970.
Iron Maiden – “Phantom of the Opera”
- Bassist: Steve Harris
- Album: Iron Maiden (1980)
“Phantom of the Opera” is a classic Iron Maiden song featuring a complex bassline by Steve Harris. The track is from their eponymous debut album, released in 1980.
Metallica – “Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)”
- Bassist: Cliff Burton
- Album: Kill ‘Em All (1983)
“Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)” is an instrumental track showcasing Cliff Burton’s exceptional bass playing. The song is from Metallica’s debut album, “Kill ‘Em All,” released in 1983.
Megadeth – “Peace Sells”
- Bassist: David Ellefson
- Album: Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? (1986)
“Peace Sells” is a Megadeth classic with a distinctive bass intro by David Ellefson. The track is from the album “Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying?” released in 1986.
Primus – “My Name is Mud”
- Bassist: Les Claypool
- Album: Pork Soda (1993)
“My Name is Mud” is a bass-driven song with Les Claypool’s signature slap-bass technique. The track is from the album “Pork Soda,” released in 1993.
Tool – “Schism”
- Bassist: Justin Chancellor
- Album: Lateralus (2001)
“Schism” features a prominent bassline played by Justin Chancellor. The song is from Tool’s third studio album, “Lateralus,” released in 2001.
Dream Theater – “Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper”
- Bassist: John Myung
- Album: Images and Words (1992)
“Metropolis Pt. 1” showcases John Myung’s complex bass playing. The track is from Dream Theater’s second studio album, “Images and Words,” released in 1992.
Rush – “YYZ”
- Bassist: Geddy Lee
- Album: Moving Pictures (1981)
“YYZ” is an instrumental track highlighting Geddy Lee’s intricate bass work. The song is from Rush’s eighth studio album, “Moving Pictures,” released in 1981.
Opeth – “The Leper Affinity”
- Bassist: Martin Mendez
- Album: Blackwater Park (2001)
“The Leper Affinity” features a heavy, melodic bassline by Martin Mendez. The song is from Opeth’s fifth studio album, “Blackwater Park,” released in 2001.
Motorhead – “Stay Clean”
- Bassist: Lemmy Kilmister
- Album: Overkill (1979)
“Stay Clean” showcases Lemmy Kilmister’s aggressive, driving bass work. The track is from Motorhead’s second studio album, “Overkill,” released in 1979.
Slayer – “Seasons in the Abyss”
- Bassist: Tom Araya
- Album: Seasons in the Abyss (1990)
“Seasons in the Abyss” features a heavy bassline by Tom Araya, complementing the song’s dark atmosphere. The track is from Slayer’s fifth studio album, “Seasons in the Abyss,” released in 1990.
Pantera – “I’m Broken”
- Bassist: Rex Brown
- Album: Far Beyond Driven (1994)
“I’m Broken” highlights Rex Brown’s powerful bass playing, which perfectly complements the track’s aggressive nature. The song is from Pantera’s seventh studio album, “Far Beyond Driven,” released in 1994.
Racer X – “Scarified”
- Bassist: John Alderete
- Album: Second Heat (1987)
“Scarified” is an instrumental track that showcases John Alderete’s virtuosic bass playing. The song is from Racer X’s second studio album, “Second Heat,” released in 1987.
Mudvayne – “Dig”
- Bassist: Ryan Martinie
- Album: L.D. 50 (2000)
“Dig” features Ryan Martinie’s distinctive, slap-heavy bass work. The track is from Mudvayne’s debut studio album, “L.D. 50,” released in 2000.
“Got the Life” – Korn
- Bassist: Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu
- Album: Follow the Leader (1998)
“Got the Life” highlights Fieldy’s unique bass playing style, characterized by its low, percussive sound. The song is from Korn’s third studio album, “Follow the Leader,” released in 1998.
Meshuggah – “Bleed”
- Bassist: Dick Lövgren
- Album: obZen (2008)
“Bleed” features a heavy, rhythmic bassline by Dick Lövgren that adds to the track’s complex and intense atmosphere. The song is from Meshuggah’s sixth studio
Gojira – “The Heaviest Matter of the Universe”
- Bassist: Jean-Michel Labadie
- Album: From Mars to Sirius (2005)
“The Heaviest Matter of the Universe” highlights Jean-Michel Labadie’s pounding basslines, which contribute to the song’s relentless intensity. The track is from Gojira’s third studio album, “From Mars to Sirius,” released in 2005.
Mastodon – “Blood and Thunder”
- Bassist: Troy Sanders
- Album: Leviathan (2004)
“Blood and Thunder” showcases Troy Sanders’ powerful bass work, complementing the song’s aggressive riffing and high-energy feel. The track is from Mastodon’s second studio album, “Leviathan,” released in 2004.
Between the Buried and Me – “Selkies: The Endless Obsession”
- Bassist: Dan Briggs
- Album: Alaska (2005)
“Selkies: The Endless Obsession” features intricate bass work by Dan Briggs, which intertwines with the song’s complex guitar parts and shifting time signatures. The track is from Between the Buried and Me’s third studio album, “Alaska,” released in 2005.
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