An introduction to Western heavy metal: the masterpieces that changed the history of metal
The heavy metal genre has countless subgenres, and its breadth is so vast that even devoted metal fans often have very different tastes.
Some people say, “I like metal, but death metal is a bit much,” while others are only interested in the extreme side of metal, and some can enjoy any kind of metal.
That diversity is part of what makes it so fascinating.
If you’re just getting into metal, you might not know where to start.
In this article, we’ll introduce some recommended classics and popular tracks for metal beginners!
We hope you enjoy this wide-ranging lineup that not only features staple heavy metal, but also spotlights subgenres that showcase metal’s possibilities.
Introduction to Western Heavy Metal: The masterpieces that changed the history of metal (1–10)
Master Of PuppetsMetallica
A song by Metallica, the four-piece metal band known as one of the most globally successful and as pioneers of thrash metal, who continue to perform energetically today.
It’s the title track from their third album, Master of Puppets, and it’s packed with highlights for metal fans, including razor-sharp, palm-muted guitar riffs and a solo featuring lyrical twin-lead guitars.
Its rapidly shifting, dramatic structure conveys a depth that transcends the boundaries of thrash metal.
A monumental masterpiece in rock history that expanded the possibilities of the metal genre.
PainkillerJudus Priest
A song by Judas Priest—one of the most renowned metal bands in the world, also known by the moniker “Metal Gods.” With an opening that kicks off at high speed with double-bass drumming and razor-edged, palm-muted guitar riffs, this track lets you grasp the coolness of metal sound in a single listen.
Beyond its aggressive sonics, the dizzyingly complex and ever-shifting song structure truly befits the name “Metal Gods.” Featuring a cutting high-register vocal and top-tier musicianship that ramps up the excitement, it’s one of Judas Priest’s signature tracks.
The TrooperIron Maiden
A representative band known for bringing the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, born in the UK in the 1980s, to worldwide attention, Iron Maiden created a new current in metal with their music.
This track, included on their fourth album, Piece of Mind, features an arrangement that charges forward like a battlefield—perfectly matching the vibe of its Japanese title, “A Battle Without Tomorrow” (“Aces High” style urgency), and really gets your adrenaline pumping.
Iron Maiden’s trademark palm-muted guitar riffs became a standard for metal riffs and influenced bands across the globe.
With its heavy, powerful sound and strikingly beautiful high-tone vocals, it’s a quintessential metal classic.
Holy Wars…The Punishment DueMegadeth
The American metal band Megadeth’s signature song is “Holy Wars.
.
.
The Punishment Due.” This track belongs to the thrash metal genre, characterized by chugging, tightly picked guitars and rapid-fire drumming.
There are two reasons this song is recommended for beginners.
First, the vocals aren’t as extremely intense as so-called “metal shouts.” Second, the solo by the guitarist at the time, Marty Friedman, is highly melodic.
The beautiful solo, which carries a slightly Asian flavor, is sure to hook beginners!
WalkPantera
A song by Pantera, an American metal band formed around the brothers Vinnie Paul on drums and Dimebag Darrell on guitar.
Released in 1993 as their seventh single, its aggressive sound driven by a heavy shuffle beat sent audiences around the world into a frenzy.
With fist-pumping arrangements and a uniquely punchy kick drum where you can almost hear the hardware, it’s a track that delivers a sound only Pantera could create.
Although the band disbanded and, in 2004, the shocking news broke that Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed on stage, this song continues to live on in the hearts of many metal fans today.
Angel Of DeathSLAYER
A track by Slayer, a U.
S.
metal band counted among the Big Four of thrash metal and often cited as a root of extreme metal for their aggressive sound.
Featured on their third album, Reign in Blood, this song is hailed as a masterpiece that will go down in thrash metal history.
With fiercely distorted guitars and a relentlessly fast, driving beat, it packs in everything you imagine when you think of metal.
Although the band ended its activities in 2019, this classic will surely be passed down to future generations as a quintessential metal anthem.
Eagle Fly FreeHelloween
A song by the metal band Helloween that sent fans around the world into a frenzy when members who had supported the band’s golden era made a sensational return and the group announced a seven-member lineup in 2021.
Included on their third album, Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II—which cemented the band’s global success—it’s a track often cited as the origin of German melodic speed metal.
With catchy yet wistful melodies and technical arrangements that incorporate solos for every part, its classical atmosphere revolutionized the prevailing image of metal.
Even today, it is frequently performed live and stands as one of Helloween’s signature masterpieces.