IoMP 149: Best Power Ballads in Metal History
Collin and Tom tackle the best power ballads in metal — the songs that prove heavy music can hit just as hard emotionally as it does sonically. From iconic 80s heartbreak anthems to modern metalcore tearjerkers, the episode explores the softer side of metal without losing the power that makes these songs unforgettable.
The duo dives into emotional classics like “She's Gone” by STEELHEART, discussing the song’s meme resurgence and its “anime protagonist standing in the rain after failing his mission” energy. They also explore the crushing emotional weight behind “Hickory Creek” by Whitechapel, and how Phil Bozeman somehow weaponized sadness into one of modern metal’s most devastating ballads.
Things only get heavier emotionally with “Snuff” by Slipknot, where Tom opens up about trying to sing the song without crying — and failing miserably. The guys discuss how the song evolved from heartbreaking to absolutely soul-destroying after the death of Paul Gray, plus why Corey Taylor still struggles performing it live.
There’s plenty of classic glam cheese too, including a hilarious breakdown of “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison and the realization that half the population may have been conceived to “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith. The boys also debate whether these songs are timeless romantic staples… or dangerously close to becoming cliché bedroom playlists.
Elsewhere in the episode, Tom passionately defends The Raven Age and their criminally underrated ballad “The Face That Launched a Thousand Ships.” They celebrate the emotional storytelling mastery of Sabaton with songs like “Christmas Truce” and “The Ballad of Bull”. Both gush over Devin Townsend and the emotional power of “Spirits Will Collide” and “Deadhead.” And yes… there is an extended discussion about a man falling in love with a gargoyle in “...And Then I Noticed That She Was a Gargoyle” by NanowaR of Steel.
Want to hear more and cry your heart out?
Hit play now, but have a tissue box near by…
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