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: Legendary Tracks That Changed Metal History (21–30)

Waking The DemonBullet For My Valentine

Bullet For My Valentine – Waking The Demon (Official Video)

Waking The DemonBullet For My Valentine

It’s a famous song by an alternative metal band that enjoys great popularity in the UK.

The track is a classic, featuring heavy, intense guitar sounds characteristic of heavy metal, along with striking vocals that alternate between death growls and resonant clean singing.

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Emerald SwordRhapsody

Rhapsody-Emerald Sword

Emerald SwordRhapsody

A song by the Italian symphonic metal band Rhapsody.

Although the band has repeatedly changed its name and split into different lineups, this track remains one of their signature songs and can be said to epitomize the genre.

Ferocious metal instrumentation is layered with symphonic-style choral parts, resulting in a composition that is both weighty and majestic.

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UnisonicUnisonic

UNISONIC (Kai Hansen / Michael Kiske reunion) Official Video HD!

UnisonicUnisonic

This is a signature song by the German metal band featuring Kai Hansen, who helped found the German metal scene, and Michael Kiske, known for his astonishing high-tone vocals.

The track is a classic, combining a driving, high-speed drum beat with shining melodic guitar work.

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AfterlifeAvenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold – Afterlife [Official Music Video]

AfterlifeAvenged Sevenfold

A song by the American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold, formed in 1999.

It’s a track that opens with beautiful twin lead guitar harmonies and driving, fast-paced drums.

While the verses feature an aggressive tone, the chorus delivers a melodious and pleasing vocal line, making it a piece that showcases the multifaceted appeal of heavy metal.

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AmerikaUriah Heep

Rammstein – Amerika (Official Video)

AmerikaUriah Heep

RAMMSTEIN may not be very well known in Japan, but they’re popular enough to sell out stadiums in the United States and Europe.

This song carries a strongly satirical message aimed at America, which is clearly reflected in its music video.

It also fits well with the mechanical sound characteristic of industrial metal.

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DownfallExodus

EXODUS – Downfall (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

DownfallExodus

This is a track by a thrash metal band that enjoys high popularity in the United States.

The song is notable for its heavy guitar riffs driven by their distinctive guitar sound, and I consider it an important classic in the thrash metal genre.

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The World Is YoursArch Enemy

ARCH ENEMY – The World Is Yours (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

The World Is YoursArch Enemy

This is a popular song by a melodic death metal band from Sweden.

It’s a track that showcases their signature blend of melodic guitars and intense shouted vocals, resulting in a masterpiece where elements of melodic power metal and death metal harmonize beautifully.

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