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

Hammer Smashed FaceCannibal Corpse

Cannibal Corpse – Hammer Smashed Face

Cannibal Corpse’s debut single, a track that has continued to influence death metal bands around the world with a consistent, unchanging style since the group’s formation.

It stands as one of the signature songs symbolizing the formative era of death metal, packing in all the elements many listeners associate with the genre: inhuman death growls, noisy guitar tones, and rapidly shifting beats.

Its hysterical yet intricately unfolding arrangement is the kind that draws you in deeper the more you listen.

A quintessential early number from a band that forged a new worldview within metal.

Can You Feel My HeartBring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon – Can You Feel My Heart

Bring Me The Horizon’s “Can You Feel My Heart” by the British rock band is a song in a relatively new genre often called “post-hardcore” or “newcore.” This genre is characterized by heavy use of electronic sounds.

While it features the distinctive metal-style shouts, the vocal melodies are clean and easy to listen to, making it a great recommendation for metal beginners.

On top of that, the song’s structure is very engaging and never gets boring, so be sure to give it a listen!

Through The Fire And FlamesDragonForce

DRAGONFORCE – Through the Fire and Flames (Official Video)

This is a signature song by a British band that played a major role in reviving melodic power metal, featuring slightly over-the-top speed-guitar playing and catchy melodies.

The track is renowned for its masterful interplay between guitar and keyboards, performed at a level that can feel almost excessive.

Carry OnAngra

Angra – Carry On (Official)

One of the signature songs by Angra, the metal band from Brazil.

At the time, when the global trend in German metal was to have a short SE-style intro as the first track and a melodious, high-speed song as the second, this number was especially praised for its high level of completion.

With a structure infused with classical elements, top-tier musicianship, and catchy melodies delivered by distinctive high-pitched vocals, it remains a timeless classic that hasn’t lost its luster over the years.

FaintLinkin Park

Faint (Official Music Video) [4K UPGRADE] – Linkin Park

This is a classic song by a Grammy Award-winning band that was effectively forced into hiatus due to the sudden death of its vocalist.

The track is a quintessential example of their signature rap-metal style, combining intense guitar riffs with brisk rap to create a very cool song.

Them BonesAlice In Chains

Alice In Chains – Them Bones (Official HD Video)

“Them Bones” is one of the heaviest songs by the American metal band Alice in Chains.

The band falls under the genre known as grunge, and its dark, cold atmosphere becomes addictive once it grabs you.

The standout features of this track are Layne Staley’s shouted, repeated “Ah!” right from the start, and the crushing guitar that rushes in, using a technique called down-tuning to lower the pitch.

Also, if you find metal songs too fast in tempo, this one isn’t particularly fast, so it’s a good recommendation.

BleedMeshuggah

MESHUGGAH – Bleed (Official Music Video)

Are you familiar with the metal subgenre called “djent”? It emerged in the early 2000s and is characterized by very punchy, complex rhythms using guitars with seven or even eight strings.

The quintessential band and song of djent is Meshuggah’s “Bleed.” Because the vocals are intense screams throughout, it might be better suited for listeners who are at least intermediate among metal beginners.

When you first hear it, its complexity can be overwhelming, and many people may find it off-putting.

However, the surprising thing is that this very complexity becomes addictive—that’s what makes the song so interesting.

The music video is intense as well, but why not muster a bit of courage and give it a watch?