It never fails to amaze me how people take one look at me and then listen to the song blaring through the stereo in my car and act shocked. They act as if I'm not supposed to like the music or bands because I do not look like that 'type' of person. What exactly is the type of person that likes heavy metal? Or hard rock for that matter? I wonder what they thought I should listen too? Maybe country? I do that, but why does it seem like a person cannot be eclectic in their choice of music. I happen to like a lot of music genres and will listen to almost anything. Here are the ten bands I listen to the most that people seem to find strange.

1. Black Sabbath

For many of us, Black Sabbath are the quintessential Kings of Metal. What you will find is that the Sabbath fans will differ in age and era. I find myself a fan of both Ozzy Osborne as the lead singer and the brief stint when Ronnie James Dio was their frontman. Many only prefer Ozzy and no one else. I'm indifferent. I like both. I also got the chance to see their farewell tour when it came to my city. That was something to behold.

2. Iron Maiden

Bruce can still move. I love Iron Maiden, and like many people, there are certain songs that I love more than others. Like with Black Sabbath I had the opportunity to see them live during their Book of Souls tour. I was bummed that we didn't get to hear a live version of Hallowed Be Thy Name. That is by far my favorite Iron Maiden song, with Number of the Beast coming in second.

3. Metallica

Who doesn't like Metallica? They are probably one of the best known heavy metal bands outside of Black Sabbath and a few others. I've been listening to them since Ride The Lightning and beyond. Of course, if you hear me talk, I will talk about good Metallica and bad Metallica. There was a time when their music was questionable.

4. Dio

What can I say about Ronnie James Dio? He's a legend in his right. Dio is just one of the many incarnations this man created to play his music. I also happen to be a huge fan of Holy Diver, which most people that I talk too haven't heard his version only the covers for it.

5. Amon Amarth

Swedish metal bands are something else. Who else would bring an actual Viking Longboat as the stage and play you heavy metal but the Swedish, right? Amon Amarth the Viking death metal that I always crank up in the car. Go ahead, listen to Twilight of the Thunder Gods, I dare you.

6. Sabaton

Another Swedish band. Their songs are mostly what some might call war songs. They are about battles that happened throughout history. Their band name, Sabaton, is named after a piece of armor a knight would wear. Do you know where that piece is located?

7. The Eagles

While not metal like the rest, The Eagles are a classic band I've been listening too since I was born. I've got just about all their greatest hits memorized, and I'm incredibly sad I will never get the chance to see them live.

8. Megadeth

Or as I sometimes call them MegaDave. Dave Mustaine and his falsetto are impressive enough. I like the feel of much of their songs. They are one of the few I don't turn the radio channel on.

9. Slayer

Um, Slayer. Enough said.

10. Pantera

You love them, or you hate them. I'm not talking the Glam Metal Pantera; We are discussing the heavy dark, reach into your soul and pull it out, Pantera.