Metal isn't a genre that was built for the mainstream. Or at least, that's the conceit the metal scene has often taken to heart, eyeing successful bands with cynicism and accusations of "sell-out!" the second they breach any mainstream barriers, be it Cannibal Corpse appearing in Ace Ventura or Metallica pioneering stadium metal.
Still, over the decades, a surprising number of metal bands have broken through nonetheless, some even landing that unlikeliest of holy grails: a number one album. Here in the UK, we've had our fair share of them, from OG metal masters to nu metal juggernauts to millennial metalcore heroes, all beating out pop stars, heavyweight rappers and arena-filling DJs to sit smugly atop the album chart.
