Most influential rock and metal songs of the 21st century

This track continues to be one of the most streamed metal songs, proving its enduring popularity and influence in modern metal. It is frequently cited in "best of" lists for the 21st century and is considered an iconic track that helped define early 2000s metal.

Ranked by Rolling Stone as an influential rock song of the 21st century, this glam-emo anthem continues to be a beloved and impactful track. Its theatricality and powerful narrative defined a generation of alternative rock.

Consistently listed as one of the best rock songs of the 21st century and the 2000s, this track is praised for its emotional depth and lasting impact. It effectively blends hard rock with rap elements, showcasing Chester Bennington's powerful vocals.

Considered one of the best rock songs of the present century, it continues to inspire listeners with its message of self-dependence. Its moving and meaningful vibe, coupled with its iconic opening, makes it a highly influential track.

This song pushed Rammstein to new heights, making them one of the most talked-about acts within and outside of metal due to their unique industrial metal sound. It captures ominous vibes with haunting vocal melodies underneath tight, punchy instrumentals.

A recent breakout hit, this song demonstrates the genre-bending and innovative directions of modern heavy music, gaining significant traction and influence. It blends progressive metal, R&B, and alternative rock with unique vocal styles.

Ranked highly by Rolling Stone and considered one of the most influential rock songs of the last 40 years, its simple yet powerful riff has become a cultural phenomenon. This iconic track is instantly recognizable and widely influential.

Consistently ranked as a top rock song of the 2000s, this track is celebrated for Chris Cornell's exceptional vocal performance and a powerful, melodic rock sound. Its enduring appeal highlights its significant influence on 21st-century rock.

This track is a highly recommended song for hard rock lovers and is considered a classic of the 21st century. Its unique and challenging guitar part, combined with classic hard rock energy, cemented its place as an influential anthem.

Recognized by Rolling Stone and Loudwire as one of the greatest metal songs of the 21st century, this track showcases Mastodon's significant impact on the genre. It's a powerful and aggressive track from their acclaimed album *Leviathan*.

This track continues to be a benchmark for technical and progressive metal, influencing countless bands in the heavier spectrum of metal. It is known for its extreme technicality, polyrhythms, and heavy grooves, defining the djent subgenre.

This complex and progressive metal track has achieved iconic status, recognized for its intricate musicianship and thought-provoking themes. It showcases Tool's leadership in the progressive scene, influencing countless bands with its innovative structure.

Considered a triumphant masterpiece, this song highlights Ghost's ability to blend metal with catchy, theatrical elements, making them a widely discussed and influential band. It features an undeniable riff and a triumphant, melodic yet heavy sound.

This song is one of the most recognizable tracks of the nu-metal era, defining a snippet in time when rap metal was prominent. It remains a defining track of the early 2000s metal scene, largely due to David Draiman's iconic vocal line.

Babymetal's emergence was a significant moment in 21st-century metal, expanding the genre's boundaries and reaching a new generation of fans globally. This track, with its unique fusion of J-pop and heavy metal, created a distinct and often polarizing sound.

This track is highlighted for its innovative genre-bending approach, which should have led to wider fame, showcasing the experimental and diverse nature of modern metal. It blends blast-beats, death metal, chants, and soulful vocals with brilliant, hooky songwriting.

This highly influential track propelled Spiritbox to the forefront of modern metal, showcasing a fresh and powerful female-fronted presence in heavy music. It features Courtney LaPlante's dynamic vocal range, from ethereal cleans to guttural screams, over djent-influenced riffs.