TOP – 10 HEAVY METAL HAND GESTURES

10-THE CLAW
You’re grim. You’re tough. You’re evil. And you’re holding very large apple. Or the scrotum of a recently slain foe, obviously. One of the two.

9-THE DOUBLECLAW
Of course, it you’ve killed two foes then you’ll be needing both hands. Very popular with black metal bands from snowy climates. Possibly caused by frostbite.

8-THE THUMBS-UP
A bit too cheerful for black metal bands, but very popular with pissed-up Australian rock bands and crusty British punks. Comes with compulsory cheesy grin.

7-THE WANKER
Also popular with football crowds and enraged motorists. Not to be confused with the internationally recognised gesture for “would you like a coffee?”

6-THE TWO-FINGERED SALUTE
Either a celebration of victory or a firm “fuck off, twat features!” this is a very British gesture that to this day remains criminally under-used.

5-THE FIST
Witness the forceful power of my mighty clenched hand as I firmly punch the air in a vaguely threatening manner! See also the classic game of ‘Which hand is it in?’

4-THE POINTER
Yeah that’s right, metal fans, I’m pointing at you through the camera lens. And if I use both hands, it makes me look a bit like The Fonz. Yeah.

3-THE MIDDLE FINGER
Known in the US as ‘flipping the bird’, this rude gesture has usurped the UK’s humble two-finger salute. It’s ‘Fuck you!’ in finger form. Essential.

2-THE COMBINATION
Pick any of the above hand gestures and instantly double the impact. “Fuck you, I’m holding an apple!” “Yeah, I’m pointing at you, you big wanker!” “Witness the power of my mighty clenched hand, twat features” ect.

1-THE DEVIL’S HORNS
The Daddy of all metal hand gestures. Invented by Satan, popularised by Ronnie James Dio, used by all of us. Daily. Hourly, even. Horns up!