Headbanging Songs Trivia Quiz

Answer: Iron Maiden

'Run to the Hills' is a single by the British band Iron Maiden. They were formed in 1975 in London, England, by bassist Steve Harris. The band emerged from the East End pub-rock and early metal scene, and became essential to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement.

Released from the album 'The Number of the Beast', 'Run to the Hills' reached number seven on the UK Singles Chart in 1982 (their first top ten hit in the UK). It also charted in several other countries. It became one of their signature songs and they've continued to play it live over the years.

Answer: Judas Priest

'Living After Midnight' was released as a single from Judas Priest's 'British Steel' album. The band was formed in 1969 in Birmingham, England, a city often seen as the birthplace of heavy metal. Their twin‑guitar attack and leather-and-studs look helped define the genre's sound and image.

The single became one of Judas Priest's most recognisable songs. It reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart in 1980. Its success helped push 'British Steel' to number four on the UK Albums Chart and made them mainstream metal stars.

Answer: Black Sabbath

'Paranoid' is a single by the British band Black Sabbath. The band formed in 1968 in Birmingham, England, when Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Ozzy Osbourne, and Bill Ward got together. They are widely viewed as inventing heavy metal through their dark, heavy riffs.

The single reached number four on the UK Singles Chart in 1970 and remained on the chart for 18 weeks. It was their biggest chart success. The song has since re‑entered the charts multiple times over the decades. This shows its lasting influence on heavy metal.

Answer: Motörhead

'Ace of Spades' is a single by the British band Motörhead, formed in 1975 in London, England and led by bassist and vocalist Ian Fraser Kilmister (Lemmy). 'Lemmy' supposedly came from his habit of asking people 'lemme a fiver' (lend me five pounds/dollars) when he was constantly borrowing money, particularly for slot machines.

It reached number 15 on the UK Singles Chart in 1980 and spent 12 weeks on the chart during its original run. It has reappeared in the charts several times, particularly after Lemmy died in 2015.

Answer: Dio

'Rainbow in the Dark' was recorded by the American band Dio. They formed in 1982 in Cortland, New York, when vocalist Ronnie James Dio left Black Sabbath and created his own band. Known for powerful vocals and fantasy-themed lyrics, Dio became one of the biggest metal acts of the 80s.

The single was released as the second single from Dio's debut album 'Holy Diver'. It reached number 46 on the UK Singles Chart in 1983. Although it didn't chart on the U.S Billboard Hot 100, it became one of his best-known songs through MTV and rock radio.

Answer: Megadeth

'Symphony of Destruction' is a single by the American band
Megadeth. The band was formed in 1983 in Los Angeles, California, by guitarist Dave Mustaine after he left Metallica. They became one of the 'Big Four' thrash‑metal bands, known for technical riffs and politically charged lyrics.

Released in 1992, it reached number 15 on the UK Official Singles Chart and spent three weeks on the chart, but didn't make the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It became one of Megadeth's most successful singles and remains one of their best-known tracks.

Answer: Anthrax

'Caught in a Mosh' is a single by American band Anthrax. They formed in 1981 in New York City. Their mix of speed, humour, and crossover influences made them one of the 'Big Four' of thrash metal.

It was released in 1987 from the album 'Among the Living', but the song didn't chart in the UK or the U.S. However, it became a live favourite and it's one of their best-known tracks.

Answer: Pantera

'I'm Broken' was recorded by the American band Pantera. They formed in 1981 in Arlington, Texas, originally as a glam-metal band before reinventing themselves in the 1990s with a heavier groove-metal sound. Their shift defined a new era of American metal.

Released in 1994 from the album 'Far Beyond Driven', it reached number 19 on the UK Singles Chart and became Pantera's highest-charting UK single. It didn't appear on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song came out as the band reached mainstream success.

Answer: Slayer

'Seasons in the Abyss' is a single by the American band Slayer. They were formed in 1981 in Huntington Park, California, by Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman, Tom Araya and Dave Lombardo. Their extreme speed and aggression made them one of thrash metal's most intense bands.

The single reached number 51 on the UK Singles Chart in 1991. Though not a major chart hit, it became one of Slayer's most well-known songs.

Answer: Saxon

'And the Bands Played On' is a single by British band Saxon. They formed in 1977 in Barnsley and became one of the leading bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, known for their driving riffs and working-class themes.

The song reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart in 1981. The lyrics were written by Biff Byford and describe Saxon's experience performing at the first 'Monsters of Rock' festival at Donington Park in August 1980. It captures the atmosphere of 60,000 fans, the weather uncertainty, and the energy of the day.