Structural control systems have gained popularity for the ability to reduce the structural vibration response of civil structures subjected to different types of dynamic loads. Passive, semi-active, active and hybrid control systems have been widely utilized in various types of structures. This article presents one of the most economical and yet the most effective approaches used in structural vibration control. Herein, a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of the development and application of metallic dampers is discussed. The dampers are classified into five categories: steel, aluminum, lead, copper and shaped-memory alloy dampers. In addition, the details of various computational methods used in the analysis of metallic dampers are briefly explained. This article reveals that the use of metallic dampers is being advanced broadly owing to their low manufacturing costs, stable hysteresis behavior, resistance to ambient temperature, reliability and high energy dissipation capability. It is also concluded that mild steel is the most popular material among metallic dampers.