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Recommended hard rock and heavy metal
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A classic hard rock masterpiece. A must-listen recommended album.

The music genre known as hard rock is an outgrowth of rock influenced by the blues, defined at its core by an aggressive sound with loud, high-volume guitars.

That said, many people aren’t quite sure how it differs from heavy metal, and interpretations can vary depending on the listener.

In this article, we introduce classic hard rock albums that have gone down in music history, aimed at those who are interested in bands labeled as hard rock or are thinking of giving them a listen.

We’ve highlighted many “start here” albums, so be sure to check them out!

Hard rock masterpieces: Must-hear recommended albums (11–20)

Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part 2

EAGLE FLY FREEHelloween

Helloween – “EAGLE FLY FREE” (Official Audio)
EAGLE FLY FREEHelloween

The third studio album by Helloween, a power metal band formed in Hamburg, Germany in 1984.

It’s a work that fully embodies the hallmarks of power metal, including speedy, melodic guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and lyrics packed with fantasy elements.

The album went gold, sold well in Japan, and holds an important place in the band’s career.

The track “I Want Out” was released as a single and has become a live staple.

If you want to experience the full appeal of power metal, this is a must-listen.

Master of Puppets

Master of PuppetsMetallica

Metallica – Master of Puppets (Live) [Quebec Magnetic]
Master of PuppetsMetallica

Master of Puppets, the third album by Metallica, an American heavy metal band formed in 1981.

Released on March 3, 1986, this album is a landmark that helped define the thrash metal genre.

It features aggressive sound and lyrics with complex themes, and includes classics such as Battery and Master of Puppets.

Meticulously crafted, the album has received high acclaim, being hailed by Metal Hammer as the greatest metal album of all time.

A must-listen for anyone who wants to fully experience the appeal of heavy metal.

14 Shades of Grey

So Far AwayStaind

Staind – So Far Away (Official Video)
So Far AwayStaind

Formed in Massachusetts in 1995, Staind released their fourth studio album, 14 Shades of Grey, in 2003.

While carrying on their post-grunge sound, the album features songs that focus on frontman Aaron Lewis’s emotions.

From the powerfully distorted guitars and piercing bass to Lewis’s dirty yet lustrous vocals, every part is a pleasure to listen to.

Certified platinum, this work is likely to captivate both hard rock enthusiasts and those who wouldn’t normally gravitate toward the genre.

Firehouse

Don’t Treat Me BadFireHouse

FireHouse is an American hard rock band that gained popularity in the 1990s.

Their debut album, FireHouse, was released in August 1990 and went double platinum in the United States.

Featuring hit songs like “Don’t Treat Me Bad” and “Love of a Lifetime,” it became a major success.

The album is packed with hard rock tracks that are enjoyable no matter which part you focus on—powerfully distorted guitar tones, pop and catchy melodies, and C.

J.

Snare’s glossy vocals.

With heavy riffs and technically dazzling solos driving the guitar sound, this classic record distills the very essence of hard rock.

Pornograffitti

More Than WordsExtreme

Extreme – More Than Words (Official Music Video)
More Than WordsExtreme

Extreme’s second album, Pornograffitti, sent shockwaves through the American rock scene.

It’s a record packed with diverse styles—heavy metal, funk rock, pop metal, and more.

The world crafted by Gary Cherone’s powerful vocals and Nuno Bettencourt’s virtuosic guitar work is stunning.

It also includes acoustic-driven tracks like More Than Words and Hole Hearted, which earned wide support across audiences.

A classic recommended not only for rock fans but for anyone who enjoys a variety of musical genres.

Destroyer

Detroit Rock CityKISS

With their striking look featuring white face paint and flamboyant costumes, you’ve probably seen them at least once even if you don’t know the band.

Hailing from New York, KISS is a group that left a powerful impact and immense influence on subsequent bands in rock history.

Core members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley formed the band’s precursor in 1970, renamed it KISS in 1973, and spent a few years in the trenches.

Their ferocious live performances, however, became the talk of the town and gradually won them popularity.

Then, in 1976, they released Destroyer, which became a global hit and solidified their status as a top act.

While their true essence undoubtedly lies in their live shows, Destroyer is packed with catchy melodies and a diverse lineup of classic songs, showcasing their growth into more professional musicians.

It’s an ideal entry point for anyone new to the band.

Hard rock masterpieces: must-hear recommended albums (21–30)

1984

JumpVan Halen

Van Halen – Jump (Official Music Video) [HD]
JumpVan Halen

In October 2020, the legendary guitarist Edward Van Halen, whose name is etched in music history, sadly passed away.

Van Halen, the band named after Eddie and his older brother, drummer Alex Van Halen, is both a pioneer and a quintessential act of American hard rock.

The Van Halen brothers, who received classical music training from a young age, formed the band with charismatic frontman David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony, known for his adept harmony vocals.

From their 1978 debut, they rocketed to explosive success.

As they dominated the late ’70s through the ’80s with their innovative hard rock sound, the album I especially recommend is their sixth studio release, 1984, put out in 1984.

The collection of classics—featuring Eddie’s shimmering keyboards, technical guitar work, and irresistibly catchy melodies—makes it an album packed with the bright, upbeat sound that defines the 1980s.