The Teutonic Terror tour is coming to Toronto next Wednesday, featuring Kreator and Accept.  Which got me thinking, who are the top Teutonic Terrors–the 10 best German metal bands?  Unlike, say, picking the top Japanese heavy rock bands or the best female-fronted doom troupes, there are a whole lotta options here.  I’ve even come across a couple Top 10 lists where I haven’t heard of 80 per cent of the entries…  Obviously, Germany is known for producing thrash bands in the 80′s and pumping out power metal today, but are there any German doom bands worthy of inclusion, for instance?  Well, I’ll be revealing my list over the next 10 days.  I’ve tried to keep it balanced while still highlighting the country’s strengths, but in the end, it really all comes down to personal preference.

10. Atlantean Kodex

9. Obscura

8. Tankard

Germany has cranked out more than a few thrash metal bands over the years, but only one of them has made a career–and a 30-year career, at that–singing (mostly) about beer.  From their 1985 Alcoholic Metal demo tape to their new record, A Girl Named Cerveza, which came out in July, these Frankfurters have shared more than a few tales about tipple over the years.  And while the band shows no signs of packing it in anytime soon, they know that the way to die is with a beer in your hand.  Case in point: