Here are the top 25 metal mascots.
For so many, heavy metal provides an escape from reality, replete with dramatic imagery often times serving as extensions of a band’s lyrical themes and imaginative minds. It’s a fun world and we all get sucked into the vortex, pouring over album art, merchandise designs and, often times, mascots!
Much like sports teams, numerous metal acts have support from their mascot, though they tend to find themselves in more dire situations than a dizzy bat race or a costumed foot race. Figures like Iron Maiden‘s Eddie, Sodom‘s Knarrenheinz and Megadeth‘s Vic Rattlehead can never seem to escape the constant threat of danger. Some metal mascots are perennial fixtures on just about any image related to the group while other remain in the shadows, waiting for just the right moment to pop out.
READ MORE: Where Did Iron Maiden’s Mascot Eddie Come From?
It can’t be denied that some of metal’s greatest mascots have had a profound impact on band popularity, becoming synonymous with the group’s name and as popular as the members of the band, if not more! Floating heads, winged skulls, aliens, demons, manic humans and more all represent this lovely lot and their bands would certainly not be the same without them.
Mascots were popularized mainly during the ’80s, but 21st century acts such as Disturbed, Finger Death Punch and Avenged Sevenfold have all become enthralled with the idea, creating mascots of their own, thus carrying the torch and keeping the spirit of the metal mascot alive… or (un)dead. Some of them are definitely definitely on a second life or third!
Scroll through the gallery below as we count down the Top 25 Metal Mascots!
The Top 25 Metal Mascots
We count down the larger than life figures that have stood as the face of so many metal bands.
Photos: Masked Rockers With + Without Their Masks
Have you ever wondered what your favorite masked rock star looks like out of costume? Whether it’s makeup, prosthetics or full head coverings, several rock and metal artists employ masks that hide their true identity. Well, here is a revealing list of several rock stars who wear masks or face-obscuring makeup onstage — with one photo showing them masked, and another pic without their getup.
Gallery Credit: Philip Trapp