The right name can make or break a band, as it’s often the first thing prospective fans, labels and other industry people hear about them. If it’s unique and enticing, it’s guaranteed to garner further interest; if it’s in any way unappealing, it could completely kill any and all future opportunities.

Maybe the designation derives from one of the member’s personal lives, or perhaps it comes from an inside joke, pop culture reference or another kind of external stimuli.

READ MORE: 10 Rockers Who Legally Adopted Their Stage Name

Usually, journalists are discouraged from ever asking artists about it, but as the 20 groups on this list prove, sometimes the tales behind their titles are just too enticing to ignore.

Where 20 Rock + Metal Band Names Come From

Solving the mysteries behind the monikers.

12 Stories Behind the People on Iconic Rock + Metal Album Covers

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