Because sometimes the only therapy you need is a mic, a pint, and a room full of headbangers.
Ever been three drinks deep on a Thursday night and suddenly feel possessed by the spirit of Lemmy? Or maybe you’ve been waiting for just the right moment to unleash your inner Bruce Dickinson in front of an unsuspecting crowd at your local dive bar? We got you, mun. 🤘
Whether you’ve got the pipes of Dio or the shouty gusto of a pissed-off Dave Mustaine, metal karaoke isn’t about hitting the notes — it’s about hitting the FEELING. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s usually followed by a sore throat and a kebab.
So here it is — our definitive list of the 22 best metal karaoke songs that’ll have the whole pub chanting, moshing, or at least spilling their pint in approval.
🧨 1. Judas Priest – Living After Midnight
The ultimate metal pub song. Not too hard, not too soft, and every “yeaaah!” feels like a party on wheels. If you’re not strutting by the second verse, are you even trying?
😈 2. Metallica – Enter Sandman
The gold standard. That riff is basically karaoke foreplay. Belt out “EXIT LIIIGHT!” and watch the crowd go full Donington.
🏃♂️ 3. Iron Maiden – Run to the Hills
Can you hit Bruce’s operatic high notes? Doesn’t matter. Just gallop around the karaoke stage like you’re charging into battle and scream your heart out. Proper job!
⚡ 4. Dio – Holy Diver
One word: LEGENDARY. If you can channel even 5% of Ronnie James Dio’s power, you’ve already won karaoke night. Bonus if you make dramatic sword-wielding hand gestures.
🤯 5. System of a Down – Chop Suey!
Wake up! Why’d you leave the keys upon the table!? Absolute chaos. No one knows all the words. That’s fine. Just scream them faster and louder than anyone else.
🖤 6. Slipknot – Duality
Pure catharsis. Slam the mic into your palm and go full Corey. “I PUSH MY FINGERS INTO MY EYYYYES!” Even your gran will be like, “Calm down, love.”
💀 7. Pantera – Walk
Groovy, dirty, and full of swagger. Shout “RE! SPECT! WALK!” like you mean it. Dimebag would be proud. C’mon butt!
🚂 8. Ozzy Osbourne – Crazy Train
ALL. ABOARD. The karaoke train to madness. Fun, frantic, and fantastically weird — just like the Prince of Darkness himself. Diolch Ozzy!
👻 9. Ghost – Square Hammer
Melodic and spooky with a chorus made for shouting. One for the goth crowd who also love a catchy banger.
💔 10. Evanescence – Bring Me to Life
The perfect duet. One does the operatic Amy Lee parts. The other just shouts “WAKE ME UP!” like they forgot to microwave their Greggs.
🃏 11. Motörhead – Ace of Spades
Lemmy didn’t sing. He snarled. You should too. Bonus points if you do it while sloshing beer on yourself.
🧢 12. Linkin Park – In the End
Sing it. Rap it. Cry it. Screech it like it’s 2003 and your MySpace profile is full of edgy quotes. Cathartic AF.
🔥 13. Rammstein – Du Hast
You know the words. Even if you don’t. Just grunt in rhythm and do your best German accent. “DU… DU HAST… DU HAST MICH!” Everyone goes nuts.
🚗 14. Queens of the Stone Age – No One Knows
Slink into this one like a sleazy desert rock god. Great for those who can’t scream but can still be damn cool.
🎭 15. Tenacious D – Tribute
Half-metal, half-comedy, full commitment. One of the most fun karaoke songs ever. Must include dramatic storytelling gestures and high kicks.
🛣️ 16. AC/DC – Highway to Hell
You will stomp. You will shout. You will look like a sweaty Brian Johnson tribute act. And everyone will love it.
🦇 17. Avenged Sevenfold – Bat Country
For those feeling flashy and fancy. Bring out your inner Shadows and let it fly. Don’t forget the melodic screams!
😭 18. Killswitch Engage – My Curse
Half ballad, half emotional breakdown with riffs. If your voice cracks during the chorus, just pretend it’s part of the vibe.
👹 19. Korn – Freak on a Leash
Ready to go full gremlin? You’ll need to mumble, scream, whisper, and scatt like you’re possessed by a funky demon. Do it right, and the crowd won’t know what hit ’em.
🧠 20. Tool – Schism
Feeling brave? Ready to battle weird time signatures and philosophical lyrics? This one’s for the prog nerds who want to show off. Respect, mun.
⚔️ 21. Sabaton – Primo Victoria
You’re not just singing — you’re rallying an army. Chant this one like you’re storming the karaoke battlefield in a Viking helmet.
🍫 22. Babymetal – Gimme Chocolate!!
Completely bonkers. High-speed J-metal madness. You may not know the words, but who cares? SCREAM ABOUT CHOCOLATE AND DO KAWAII POSES.
🎉 Bonus Bangers for the Whole Pub
Because everyone loves a cheesy singalong…
- Twisted Sister – We’re Not Gonna Take It
- Steel Panther – Death to All But Metal
- Bon Jovi – You Give Love a Bad Name
- Manowar – Warriors of the World United (Fist pumps REQUIRED)
💬 Final Thoughts from the Mosh Pit
Karaoke’s not about being pitch-perfect — it’s about vibes, volume, and venomous energy. So whether you’re doing Dio in the mirror or channeling Corey Taylor at your local karaoke dive in Newport, do it LOUD and do it with PASSION.
Don’t forget to bring a mate for backup vocals (or to stop you falling off the stage). 🎤💥
Now grab that mic, scream into the abyss, and give the crowd something to headbang about.
See you in karaoke hell, legends. 🤘🔥
#TheRiffReport | #MetalKaraoke | #ScreamLikeDio | #TidyTunes
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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