When you really think about it, it’s stunning how many major heavy metal stars don’t parlay their success into a solo career. For every Ozzy Osbourne or Bruce Dickinson that built a legacy under their own name, there are a hundred that either don’t attempt it or are met with apathy from fans who’d rather the musician stick to their day job. Metal is doubtlessly a band-based business, so, because of that, Hammer’s decided to celebrate the figureheads who not only survive on their own, but make some truly must-hear music in the process. These are the 10 greatest solo albums in heavy music history (limited to one per artist):
