From metal’s highest highs to its lowest lows, we remember the 20 moments that defined the decade.

The last 10 years have been a fascinating and, at points, turbulent period for heavy metal. We’ve seen some of the world’s biggest bands bow out for good and mourned a few beloved figureheads along the way – we could have added Ronnie James Dio, Vinnie Paul, Jeff Hanneman, Peter Steele, Chris Cornell, Chi Cheng, Dave Brockie, Mitch Lucker and countless others to the names you’ll see in these pages. Ultimately, though, the last 10 years have proven, once again, that metal continues to bring us the most amazing, the most shocking and the most unforgettable moments that music has to offer. As the 2010s come to an end, here are the 20 moments that defined our decade.

“PAUL WROTE MUSIC THAT MADE ME WANT TO PUT MY FACE THROUGH GLASS”

CLOWN