Join us as we explore the winners of the metal Grammys throughout the years and identify the rightful champions who should have taken home the coveted awards instead! This journey through time allows us to reflect on the decisions made by the Grammys and the artists who truly defined the metal genre.

In some instances, the Grammys accurately awarded the metal award to the most deserving artist, while in other years, the outcomes were baffling. A prime example is the Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance award that went to Jethro Tull in 1989, leaving Metallica fans scratching their heads in disbelief. This moment in Grammy history remains a hot topic of discussion among music enthusiasts.

During this pivotal time, Metallica was soaring in popularity, propelled by their groundbreaking power ballad “One.” This was not just a song; it was accompanied by their very first music video, showcasing their evolution and dominance following the release of Master of Puppets. Meanwhile, Jethro Tull, whose most innovative years were far behind them, emerged victorious with their album Crest of a Knave, sparking controversy and debate among fans of the genre.

After this incident, the Grammys mostly refrained from combining metal and hard rock into the same category, a decision that sought to rectify past mistakes. However, this choice opened the floodgates for further missteps in the years to come, leaving many fans wondering about the integrity of the awards.

READ MORE: 5 Times Grammys Got Best Rock Album Wrong (+ 5 Times They Nailed It)

In the following sections, we will take a detailed look at each year of the Grammys, analyzing which years they got it right and which years warrant a reevaluation of the winners. It’s important to note that suggesting a correction does not imply that the awarded artists were undeserving; rather, it highlights the compelling case for alternative artists who shone brightly during that time.

This exploration promises to spark lively discussions among fans, so let?s dive into the details!