Scream For Me Fortnite! 5 Metal Icons Deserving Of The Spotlight

It's been a year since the first (and only) metal season of Fortnite Festival [photo: Epic Games]

It's been just over a year since metal icons Metallica made their Fortnite debut, a move that I have no shame in really saying pulled me back into the game. The collaboration was linked to Fortnite Festival, a game mode designed for playing along to songs on a variety of instruments.

If it sounds like I'm describing Guitar Hero, you're not wrong. The whole game mode is one big homage to it - a great nostalgia hit for those who grew up memorising the Tom Morello guitar battle, and a great introduction for younger audiences. There's even "Through the Fire and the Flames", so today's 12 year olds can know the pain of trying to 100% it on hard.

Metallica's appearance, and the time since, has begged the question of why more metal bands haven't been given the spotlight. Sure, mainstream popularity is one thing, but if you're going to have a game mode directly inspired by a game made famous by heavier genres, you'd hope to see more representation.

As such, here are five bands or artists I would like to see make their Fortnite Festival debut over the next few years or so, giving metal that little bit extra representation to a wider, younger audience.

IRON MAIDEN

Arguably, no rock or metal band has had as much as a visual presence through their discography than British metal titans Iron Maiden. Their handsome mascot, Eddie, has adorned each of the band's 17 studio album covers in a whole manner of guises, making for an easy choice of Fortnite skins. You could claim a Victory Royale as Trooper Eddie, 'Save The World' with Cyborg Eddie, or play your favourite tracks as Killers Eddie.

Of course, the discography is ridiculously expansive, and there's no way of pleasing everyone. The setlist for the band's most recent tour gives us a perfect pool of songs to choose from: 'Phantom of the Opera' (for those real endurance tests), 'Wasted Years', and a classic 'Number of the Beast' for good measure.

Scream for me Fortnite! [photo: Riley Edmett]

The band are no strangers to video games, having launched their own mobile game "Legacy of the Beast" back in 2016. And alongside a previous collaboration with asymmetric horror game Dead By Daylight, another video game appearance doesn't seem too unrealistic.

GHOST

After a Roblox minigame, is Fortnite really that far fetched?

If the Ghost's recent Skeletour tells us anything, it's that the band are continuing to rise up the ranks of pop culture icons, reaching new audiences and blossoming as an arena-sized act.

Could Ghost be a future Fortnite Festival headliner? [photo: Jennifer McCord]

Realistically, a Papa V Perpetua skin would be the likely outcome, similar to the silver jacket outfit worn most recently on Jimmy Fallon.

As for the songs, I'm honestly surprised "Mary on a Cross" hasn't appeared yet. That, "Dance Macabre" and "Square Hammer" would make for a devilishly entertaining triple play. It's a tour closer for a reason.

SLIPKNOT

Okay - this one is slightly cheating. At the time of writing, "Before I Forget" is still available in the item shop, and "Unsainted" has also previously been available. However, with no skins, it's still a perfectly valid request.

Much like Ghost and Maiden, Slipknot have gone through several eras defined by a distinct visual style, starting (and now back) with the iconic red jumpsuits. A self-titled era Corey Taylor skin wouldn't be out of place, especially with some of their horror collaborations (looking at you, Leatherface).

The songs are available, so why not some skins? [photo: Epic Games]

ROB ZOMBIE

Again, "Dragula" has been previously available in the item shop, so a skin down the line doesn't seem completely unlikely.

No look is really more iconic than the "Hellbilly Deluxe" cover art, a lot of people's introduction to the man and the music. We know it works stylised, as it's been adapted for both Funko and a more realistic action figure from McFarlane.

Maybe a worthy addition for the next Fortmares?

ALICE COOPER

Next to Metallica, Alice Cooper really wouldn't look out of place. The shock rocker is an icon of the genre, and with plenty of fan favourite songs to choose from, curating the right songs shouldn't be difficult.

There's a handful of outfits to choose from as well, most of which including the iconic top hat. Add his cane for the pickaxe, and you're set.

The stage is set. Who's taking it? [photo: Epic Games]

Who do you want to see take the stage next in Fortnite Festival?