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

[@NoSubjection1]

The riff from 96 quite bitter beings is gold

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Just brings back a lot of Tony Hawks 3 memories.

[@donaldschuster9304]

This is exactly what I was looking for in the comments. IDK why people seem to forget about that EPIC riff.

[@playdiscgolf1546]

The first 3 CKY albums are fantastic

[@commandercorndoggakadvs3768]

Reminds me of being thrown from a shopping cart into a bush

[@barefootjakejake7765]

I'm partial to the one from 86 myself😈

[@Glasshexagon]

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

[@damf5488]

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

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

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

[@Glasshexagon]

@@ShadowMantraSteve You still could play Demiurge though haha

[@Upsetkiller456]

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

[@Lyendith]

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

[@lehtokurppa7824]

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]

@@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]

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

[@mqro1915]

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

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

I need to check some of those out 👍

[@dominikweber4305]

I speak astronomy is my favourite riff of all time

[@simonbleach-wood9235]

Makes me want to revisit Gojira!

[@alvarozaira]

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

[@sporkfr]

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]

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

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thank you 🤘

[@alexcunhapinto]

Great comment.

[@robintissot38]

The Gift of Guilt ! WOW

[@themcrib7920]

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

[@mason3872]

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

[@MrLA75]

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

[@guilhermefernandes9094]

Wait...Death didn’t make it?..

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

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]

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

[@MegaParadiseX]

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

[@mikebarnes7441]

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

[@NicolasREVA7X]

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

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

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

[@ВячеславБелоусов-я5з]

Progressivehead hear!

[@Glasshexagon]

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

[@eduardoGentile720]

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

[@NicolasREVA7X]

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

[@jsnowe1503]

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🤘

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thank you 🤘

[@geologist5838]

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]

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

[@spiggly_digg]

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]

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

[@alexcunhapinto]

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

[@RustyEagle717]

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

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Definitely an under rated band

[@Heritor7]

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

[@someonewithandwithoutthoug3414]

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.

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

The new album is sounding great so far too!

[@kelthevicious]

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

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

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

[@soccermetalhed5150]

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

[@olli.tiainen]

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

[@soccermetalhed5150]

@@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]

it's not that difficult tbh

[@soccermetalhed5150]

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

[@Snivic-music]

@@soccermetalhed5150 all down picked

[@charlesdeichman5115]

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

[@jasonking454]

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

[@allengavel807]

Unless you count Acid Bath.

[@olli.tiainen]

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

[@yourface8700]

I love seeing Deftones on here. Rock on 🤘

[@itsbennynow150]

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

[@RollerSpendingGaming]

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

[@ghosthealthgames]

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

[@patrikarnold1892]

Dude! You deserve Million Views for this

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

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

[@torcher1616]

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!

[@SittingBlue96]

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

[@nighthawk9532]

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

[@jesusrodriguezmontoya2602]

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

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thank you 🤘

[@scottwhittemire6638]

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.

[@MartiniAndrini]

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]

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

[@Gitfiddle]

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

[@mrcoatsworth429]

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

[@Boardsksyou]

Great choices, good shit!

[@TheFlexXMLG]

Great tone and playing man holy sh*t!

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thank you 🤘

[@ivorya815]

*Finally* someone includes Rammstein! Awesome work

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thank you 🤘

[@Xari.04]

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

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thank you 👍

[@nikolaslavchev1521]

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

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thanks 🤘

[@imergence9628]

Racecar :)

[@markotarma]

Dude I fucking LOVE that you included Halo holy shit.

[@thegork4976]

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

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Sounds like it could be interesting 👍

[@wikbruno1975]

Really good job🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🤘👍

[@AverageDS2Fan]

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

[@droptopcoop1180]

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

[@ΜαριοςΚρητικος-δ1β]

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]

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!

[@allengavel807]

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

[@raz84]

Happy to see king diamond

[@marcverus158]

The sound sounds so satisfying 😩

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Glad you like it 🤘

[@82nd_jumpmaster53]

Great selection of riffs!!

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thank you 🤘

[@royalmarine1011]

96 Quite Bitter Beings tony hawk vibes

[@loganpriest6029]

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

[@voronOsphere]

Totally Educational!!!!! Excellent presentation!

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Glad you liked it!

[@thomashausmann2642]

so badassss this songggg 11:49

[@sugartooth1511]

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

[@kicsisziszi]

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

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

I need to listen to At The Gates more!

[@stefanos821]

Big up septic flesh. Love from Greece

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Massively under rated band!

[@talontd3727]

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

[@millhouse313]

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

[@disidenciatotal]

Excelente, saludos desde Colombia, Sur América.

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Muchas gracias!

[@lnfantsauvage]

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

[@king117slayer8]

Annihilator got me into Metal

[@knightovhell]

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]

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

[@barefootjakejake7765]

Dude has pretty good taste in metal 🤘😈🤘

[@MahagonPalisandrovich]

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

[@maximed175]

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

[@xplayndo5890]

this is phenomenal 🖤

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thank you 🤘

[@Lord-FATALES]

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]

Finally someone who knows Running Wild

[@lucaslaufranio3585]

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

[@PeterVejar666]

Noticed the whale on backbone ❤️❤️

[@thelaizardman]

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

[@djdanger9812]

That tone was awesome for Symphony Of Destruction dude!

[@scourge34]

Was happily surprised to see Down on here.

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

I do enjoy my groove riffs!

[@scourge34]

@@ShadowMantraSteve As do I.

[@bulleta.k.a9135]

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

[@j.r.curtis8041]

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

[@jacobwells3538]

Amazing vid man

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thank you 🤘

[@jennersarango2952]

Yes man!! King diamond rocks lml

[@PhilosophicalDrummer]

Basically each picks were right choices. Congrats!

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Glad you approve 🤘

[@thomasgendron3875]

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

[@wesleyheitz8359]

86 is harder

[@thomasgendron3875]

@@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

[@Zephr238]

Amazing

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thanks 🤘

[@commandercorndoggakadvs3768]

Sweet Cadillac

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thank you 🤘 the world needs more Caddies!

[@MusicWorldKaraoke]

Great music friend, regards 👍🎼

[@dpants5150]

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

[@Dankehum]

Missed Death.

[@killemallcmfb4078]

Awesome that you threw some bls in there

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

I have a soft spot for a bit of BLS!

[@unspokenghost8222]

Love the content bro🤘🔥

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thanks 🤘

[@welltrev]

Cool video dude!

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@xxcxpl]

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 - ✌️

[@Grommie122]

Subbed for the awesome riffs, then unsubbed for the apple computer, then resubbed for the awesome riffs again

[@kayhaginwald]

your hat for cowboy from hell is sooo cuteee

[@nnnkkk1001]

Needs some new school thrash, like evile and havok

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

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

[@DSavelev792]

Good video, found something new

[@jarrod4115]

*CARCASS ANYONE?? hmm*

[@ravensflight2965]

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

[@williamhopkins1262]

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]

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]

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

[@asmodai2025]

@@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]

@@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.

[@samgresham5909]

Killer video

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Thanks 🤘

[@genocya7]

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

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

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

[@millhouse313]

Holy shit I’ve never really listened to GOJIRA, but back in the day, around 2006? I had a finger tapping riff that I came up with that was a LOT like that song! Damn. “I coulda been a contenda” lol

[@jeffreybailey2558]

Beautiful great job great tone

[@ShadowMantraSteve]

Glad you like it 🤘

[@erick_bastos]

these faces are just so great. LOL

[@JessesAuditorium]

In flammessssss boiiiii