Here are 11 of the best love songs by some of the biggest bands in heavy metal.
Metal bands aren’t always known for their ability to be touchy-feely, but on more than one occasion, heavy metal has shown that it can not only be downright sentimental but also excel at writing memorable love songs.
Unlike traditional love songs that often focus solely on romance, metal’s approach to the subject is far more unpredictable. Some bands lean into cinematic power ballads that showcase their newfound melodic side, while others channel desire through lust, and some explore the deeper and darker corners of love; the kind that’s far more complicated or consuming.
READ MORE: <span style="text-decoration: underline">The 14 Creepiest Love Songs of All Time</span>
This variation is part of what makes metal’s love songs so compelling: they aim to be honest and true to the band’s musical direction rather than just pretty.
Ranging from the bands who helped pave the way for metal as a whole to some of the genre’s newest acts, and everywhere in between, this Valentine’s Day we’re recognizing some of the genre’s finest lovey-dovey moments.
Grab a box of chocolates, and let’s dive into the best love songs by some of the biggest bands in heavy metal.
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Motörhead, “Love Me Like A Reptile”
If ever there was a love song for people who don’t do love songs, Motörhead delivered it on “Love Me Like A Reptile.”
At a blistering pace, Lemmy turns the concept of a love song on its head. Sure, maybe in Motörhead’s case it’s more lust than love, but it still counts.
The song is basically Lemmy’s ode to sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, stripped of any pretense or real romance. The reptile comparison here isn’t some kind of deep metaphor; he’s talking about cold-blooded desire. This is ‘love’ whittled down to its most simplistic form and pushed through Marshall stacks.
“Knew I had to bite you, baby / When I first laid eyes on you / That moment turned me on / I can’t believe it’s true / And I like to watch your body sway / I got no choice, I’m gonna twist your tail”
Musically, the song charges forward in typical Motörhead fashion with Lemmy’s signature distorted bass leading the way. “Fast” Eddie Clark is absolutely ripping up the song’s iconic riff, and of course, “Love Me Like A Reptile” would be nothing without Philthy Animal himself, Phil Taylor, banging away on the skins.
While “Love Me Like A Reptile” may not resemble a conventional love song, it captures a form of connection that aligns perfectly with Motörhead’s spirit: straightforward and intense. Its inclusion on an album like Ace of Spades (1980) underscores how Motörhead managed to incorporate a love song without compromising their sound.
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Metallica, “Nothing Else Matters”
When Metallica first clawed their way out of the San Francisco Bay Area with their debut, Kill ‘Em All, in 1983, no one would’ve ever believed that they had it in them to write anything resembling a love song.
With a decade as a band under their belt, they finally departed from their thrash roots with The Black Album. Even the angriest, toughest, and loudest bands you know have a heart, and Metallica bared theirs on their 1991 release when they recorded “Nothing Else Matters.”
In a 2012 interview with The Village Voice, frontman James Hetfield dived deep into the inspiration and meaning behind the track: “That was the song that I thought was least Metallica, least likely to ever be played by us; the last song anyone would really want to hear. It was a song for myself in my room on tour when I was bumming out about being away from home. It’s quite amazing; it’s a true testament to honesty and exposing yourself, putting your real self out there and taking the risk.”
As we all know, The Black Album is sometimes a sore subject among Metallica fans, but there’s no denying that it allowed the band to hone their melodic abilities; even giving metal fans a badass song to use for their first dance.
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No list about love songs by big metal bands would be complete without including the forefathers of the genre and a song about Satan falling in love with a human and contemplating changing his evil ways. Duh!
Of course we’re talking about Black Sabbath’s “N.I.B.” — one of the most recognizable and influential riffs in heavy metal history. Over the years it’s been assumed by fans that the title stood for “Nativity In Black,” but we’re sad to say that it’s just a rumor.
Turns out that Tony Iommi was inspired to write one of the most badass riffs of all time but wasn’t feeling inspired to name the song. The title “N.I.B.” was inspired by one thing only: Bill Ward’s beard that eerily resembled a pen nib. (Google it; you’ll see!)
But honestly, it doesn’t get more romantic than:
“Follow me now and you will not regret / Leaving the life you led before we met / You are the first to have this love of mine / Forever with me ’til the end of time“
Black Sabbath FOREVER!
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Pantera, “This Love”
It’s undecided if Pantera has ever really written a true love song, but “This Love” from 1992’s Vulgar Display of Power is as close as they’ve ever gotten.
The song is deceptive; starting out with Dimebag’s clean guitar creates a sound more reminiscent of Alice In Chains than anything else. Everything changes at about a minute and 18 seconds in with a chorus that kicks Pantera’s familiar sound into full gear.
“This Love” leans into toxic love more than anything with Phil Anselmo snarling lyrics such as: “And sometimes I feel so sorry; I regret this—the hurting of you / But you make me so unhappy / I’d take my life and leave love with you / I’d kill myself for you; I’d kill you for myself“
He dives into intimacy’s aftermath—attachment, betrayal—and reconciles what love once meant. The anger behind the lyrics and chugging guitar riffs reveal potent vulnerability.
The quiet-loud dynamic of “This Love” reinforces its place as a love song at its core.
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Type O Negative, “Love You To Death”
Type O Negative built an entire career out of making darkness feel strangely romantic.
“Love You To Death” from 1996’s October Rust finds Peter Steele’s cavernous baritone delivering lines of longing over sprawling melancholic instrumentation that builds across the song’s seven minutes.
Where other metal bands might shy away from earnest romanticism, Type O Negative leaned into it completely. Steele’s lyrics are clear in their sentiment:
Yet the band’s signature gothic atmosphere keeps the track from veering into saccharine territory.
The album October Rust marked a shift toward more overtly melodic material for Type O Negative; “Love You To Death” became its emotional centerpiece. It’s a song that proved heavy metal could handle genuine romance without losing its edge.
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Queensrÿche, “Jet City Woman”
Queensrÿche built their reputation on cerebral concept albums and progressive metal complexity; however, “Jet City Woman” — the fourth single from their 1990 record Empire — showed they could wear their heart on their sleeve without sophistication.
The song captures the ache of separation that comes along with life on the road. The title is a nod to Seattle—often referred to as “Jet City,”—the band’s hometown. Former Queensrÿche frontman Geoff Tate wrote this song about his wife at that time who also traveled around as a flight attendant. His delivery is both powerful and vulnerable while building toward arena-rock grandeur.
Chris DeGarmo’s guitar work soars—mimicking sounds of take-off and landing—and emphasizes distance between lovers.
This standout power ballad became one of Queensrÿche’s biggest hits; although still falling behind their biggest hit from Empire: “Silent Lucidity,” which earned them a Grammy nomination.
“Jet City Woman” remains a highlight in Queensrÿche’s impressive catalog—a song about real distance, real devotion, and real love grounded in living life out of a suitcase.
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Judas Priest, “Love Bites”
Judas Priest weren’t most known for their tender side; however, “Love Bites” proved that even Metal Gods could tackle romance without sacrificing their metal cred. Featured on 1984’s Defenders of the Faith, this track finds Rob Halford exploring desire’s painful side.
The album Defenders of the Faith, came during Judas Priest’s commercial peak; while tracks like “Freewheel Burning” got most attention—this vampiric track showed another dimension to their songwriting. It demonstrates that even amidst aggressive material there was still room for melody and emotional nuance.
Lyrically,Rob Halford presents love as something intoxicating and lust-fueled:
“Now you are mine / In my control / A taste of your life / And I own your soul“
This compelling example remains significant as it showcases how Judas Priest expanded their thematic range during this era—adding emotional weight during one of their most celebrated periods.
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Ghost, “Life Eternal”
Ghost have become modern-day giants known for writing love songs drenched in Satanic imagery and ancient Latin melodies often sung on cathedral altars.
The beautiful (and vastly underrated) track “Life Eternal” from their fourth studio release Prequelle(2018) deserves mention here.
The haunting piano intro climbs into an explosive album closer exploring mortality’s ambiguous concept. Some may argue it resembles lost love more than anything else; however Forge’s ardent lyrics make it hard not to view it as purely romantic.
“Can you hear me say your name forever? / Can you see me longing for you forever? / Would you let me touch your soul forever? / Can you feel me longing for you forever?“
Those lines capture yearning for connection transcending time itself—presenting love as vast and enduring rather than fleeting or earthly.
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Ozzy Osbourne, “Mama, I’m Coming Home”
By 1991 Ozzy Osbourne had spent two decades living rock-and-roll lifestyle extremes—but “Mama I’m Coming Home” found him surprisingly reflective territory. Although he seems to refer to his “mama,” he actually speaks to Sharon Osbourne—his wife at that time—for nine years. They would go on to be married for forty-three years.
Written alongside Zakk Wylde and Lemmy Kilmister for his No More Tears, “Mama I’m Coming Home” reflects turmoil-filled times—especially substance abuse he often expressed wouldn’t have been escapable without Sharon’s help during early 1980s.
The tender nature makes it even sadder after Ozzy’s passing in July 2025—it’s difficult getting through four minutes without shedding tears.
The track became one his most commercially successful solo pieces showcasing Ozzy’s tender side seen previously in “Goodbye To Romance” or “You’re No Different.”
“Mama I’m Coming Home” remains one his most enduring tracks reminding us behind bat-biting godfather lies someone just like us.
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Iron Maiden,”That Girl”(FM cover)
Iron Maiden going full-on pop metal wasn’t expected—but they covered FM’s “That Girl” B-Side single “Stranger In A Strange Land” back in 1986! The track appeared later across compilations giving fans glimpse Maiden tackling straightforward rock romance instead usual fare dystopian futures Egyptian mythology.
The original FM version was pure melodic rock—and Maiden didn’t stray far from blueprint! Bruce Dickinson’s vocals bring signature power essentially Maiden’s version love song.
What’s interesting about Maiden covering track during Somewhere In Time era pushing complex synth-layered territory shows they could strip things down delivering catchy tune too.
To our dismay cover never became notable part Maiden legacy—but remains fun entry proving even singing romance Iron Maiden could do well!
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Scorpions,”Still Loving You”
Few power ballads heavy metal history achieved cultural penetration Scorpions’ “Still Loving You.” Released 1984’s Love At First Sting track became worldwide phenomenon topping charts across Europe United States establishing itself defining ballad ‘80s rock era.
Parts melody created Rudolf Schenker mid-1970s—but rejected by Uli Jon Roth being too commercial! Time tastes changed Schenker revisited almost decade later! Vocalist Klaus Meine added lyrics rest history!
Musically “Still Loving You” follows classic power ballad structure executing extremely well! Slow-burning verses subtle build-up explosion chorus can’t help but sing along proves brilliance!
The transcended traditional audience staple mainstream radio frequent wedding slow dance favorite! Nearly four decades later “Still Loving You” remains touchstone not just Scorpions entire genre!
