Recommended hard rock and heavy metal

An introduction to Western heavy metal: the masterpieces that changed the history of metal

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
Music producer, composer, vocal coach, keyboard playerKei Takahata
From around 1995 to 2000, I built experience with a major label as a composer and producer. I then moved to the United States and studied voice and singing under Elizabeth Sabine, one of Los Angeles’s top vocal coaches, mastering the so-called Hollywood vocal technique advocated by Sabine. After returning to Japan, I have been involved in training and producing a variety of singers. My direction, which brings out the full appeal of both the music and the vocalist, is highly regarded. In the collaboration video with Vo. ryuichi of the band Guild below, I handled keyboards, vocal direction, and sound production. For inquiries and requests regarding voice training and music production, please contact me via the website below. SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-402518821

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. Masterpieces that changed metal history (’71–’80)

Lets Get RockedDef Leppard

DEF LEPPARD – “Lets Get Rocked” (Official Music Video)

Lets Get RockedDef Leppard

This is the opening track of DEF LEPPARD’s fifth album, Adrenalize, by the UK band.

It’s a quintessentially DEF LEPPARD mid‑tempo song—poppy yet heavy.

In terms of sound design, it carries on from their previous smash-hit album, Hysteria, offering meticulously crafted production and thick, layered backing vocals.

While that reflects the band’s strong songwriting and arranging chops, I can’t help but feel that much of the credit also goes to Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who participated as executive producer.

It’s a classic that hasn’t faded with time.

Personally, I’ve been greatly influenced by DEF LEPPARD’s production approach, so this is one of my absolute favorites!

Raise the rankinglower

HeartworkCarcass

Carcass – Heartwork (Official Video)

HeartworkCarcass

A quintessential track by Carcass, a leading extreme metal band known for a heavier sound than earlier metal and songs that are aggressive and high-speed.

It’s the title track from their fourth album, Heartwork, said to have given melodic death metal its legitimacy.

The intro is dramatic, moving from an opening with blast-beat drums and razor-edged guitar riffs into a tear-jerking twin-lead guitar.

Of course it features ferocious death growls, but many listeners will also find themselves absorbed by the band’s superior musicianship and arrangements.

This number shows that death metal is far more than just sheer intensity.

Raise the rankinglower

Radio MagicEARTHSHAKER

Radio Magic – EARTHSHAKER

Radio MagicEARTHSHAKER

A song by EARTHSHAKER, a heavy metal band from the Kansai region that was active from 1978 to 1994 and reunited in 1999.

It features heavy, fast-paced guitar riffs and an outstanding sense of freshness that permeates the entire track.

While the band’s sound is arranged in a quintessentially metal style, the catchy lyrics and vocal melodies make it a pop-leaning number that sticks in your head.

The Japanese lyrics also make it easy to listen to, so if you’re new to metal and unsure where to start, this is a track you should definitely try.

Raise the rankinglower

Introduction to Western heavy metal. Legendary songs that changed the history of metal (’81–’90)

Where Dead Angels LieDissection

Dissection – Where Dead Angels Lie

Where Dead Angels LieDissection

A signature track by Dissection, the pride of Sweden’s extreme metal scene.

It appears on the legendary masterpiece Storm of the Light’s Bane, released in 1995.

Its beautifully desolate melodies and dark, poetic lyrics create a breathtaking world.

Through themes of angels, darkness, and death, it portrays the fragility and solitude of human existence.

Imbued with Jon Nödtveidt’s profound sentiments, this work opened up a new frontier in black metal and continues to be beloved by many fans.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to experience metal’s raw ferocity and beauty at the same time.

Raise the rankinglower

I’m No FoolElegy

Elegy I’m No Fool Video 0001

I'm No FoolElegy

They are a five-piece from the Netherlands.

At the time, because this track was heavily pushed, they were thought to be a German-style band, but in fact they specialize in mid-tempo, progressive songs.

As you can hear in this track as well, the mysterious, floating sound created by the two guitars is a major hallmark of the band.

Raise the rankinglower

One Of These DaysNARITA

Narita – One Of These Days

One Of These DaysNARITA

NARITA is a technical group from Denmark.

You might wonder why a Danish band is called NARITA, but despite the somewhat sketchy-sounding name, they’re a straight-ahead heavy metal band with blazing twin guitars.

Their guitar work was so demanding that it became a hot topic in guitar magazines at the time.

You can catch a glimpse of that here in this track as well.

Raise the rankinglower

In conclusion

The 1990s, when grunge and alternative rock were at their peak, are often said to have been a difficult era for heavy metal.

However, as you can tell from the tracks introduced here, a variety of subgenres were actually emerging at the time.

The history of metal is still being written, and it will continue to move forward without stopping!