Image: Stranger Things 4 [Netflix]
It’s still way too rare to see our favorite genre properly represented in mainstream media. Which is why it’s even more exciting when a heavy track from the metal world makes its way into a movie or TV series. Today, we're highlighting six metal and rock songs that have been featured in TV shows.
1. Metallica – “Master Of Puppets” in “Stranger Things”
In Season 4 of "Stranger Things", Eddie Munson had his big moment as the resident metalhead. Not only did he have to explain to his classmates – in the middle of an emergency – that metal is real music (while holding up Iron Maiden’s Piece Of Mind cassette), but he also pulled off an epic guitar performance, complete with a solo of Metallica’s “Master Of Puppets,” as a distraction. A brilliant scene, for which actor Joseph Quinn even bought a guitar to practice. See for yourself!
2. Motörhead – “Ace of Spades” in "Severance" (2022)
In the same year, 2022, an absolute classic from Motörhead was featured in the thriller series "Severance". We're talking, of course, about “Ace of Spades.” The story follows Irving, a seemingly uptight office worker at the mysterious Lumon Corporation – but in the “Ace of Spades” scene, his true self is revealed. Here's the clip:
@sortedpattern Severance Season 01 Episode 08 // Mötorhead - Ace of Spades // The Best Needle Drops in Movies & TV Part 16 // #severance #johntuturro #tvclips #movieclips #fyp #editing #filmclips #musicsupervisor #metalhead ♬ original sound - sortedpattern
3. Judas Priest – “You Got Another Thing Comin’” in Archer (2020)
Right in the opening scene of Season 11 of the animated series "Archer", a metal track kicks things off. Judas Priest give the new episodes a powerful start with “You Got Another Thing Comin’” during a high-speed chase! There's even a van featuring the Screaming For Vengeance album cover – though here, it cheekily reads “Screaming For Van-geance.”
4. Beartooth – “Keep Your American Dream” in "Criminal Minds: Boxed In"
Beartooth made an appearance in one of the many emotional episodes of "Criminal Minds". Their song “Keep Your American Dream” is featured in Season 10, Episode 5, titled “Boxed In”. Check out the trailer here:
5. The Quireboys – “You Don’t Love Me Anymore” in "Peacemaker" (2022)
This one leans more toward glam rock, with the heartfelt ballad “You Don’t Love Me Anymore” by The Quireboys. If you’re in the mood for a laugh, the live-action adaptation of DC’s "Peacemaker" comics (a spin-off of the "Suicide Squad" movie) is definitely worth a binge night.
6. August Burns Red – “Bones” in "NCIS: LA"
In this case, metal wasn’t used for a fun moment but rather a pretty dark scene. “Bones” by August Burns Red appears in "NCIS: LA" Season 12, Episode 10 (“The Frogman’s Daughter”) as the soundtrack to a torture scene. If you’re up for it – here’s the clip:
