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.

An Introduction to Western Heavy Metal: The Classic Tracks That Changed Metal History (41–50)

Ich WillRAMMSTEIN

Rammstein – Ich Will (Official Video)

Ich WillRAMMSTEIN

It’s a song by a nationally beloved German Tanzmetal band.

This track combines their signature striking synth sounds with an extremely heavy twin-guitar riff, and, with less of the distinctive harsh edge typical of their music, it stands out as a Tanzmetal classic with broad appeal.

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Freezing MoonMayhem

Mayhem – Freezing Moon (HQ)

Freezing MoonMayhem

A track by Mayhem, a Norwegian metal band that epitomized the early black metal scene and earned a fervent global following with their highly ferocious sound.

The song appears on their long-delayed debut album, De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas, whose release was pushed back due to a series of shocking incidents, including a band member’s suicide and a murder.

The relentless blast-beat drumming and a guitar solo that conveys a sense of foreboding make the fusion of their unique worldbuilding and performance quality addictive.

It’s a dark number that represents the band’s early period and expanded the expressive range of the metal genre.

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In My DreamsDokken

Dokken – In My Dreams (Official Music Video)

In My DreamsDokken

A song by the metal band Dokken, formed in the U.

S.

in 1979 and centered around vocalist Don Dokken.

It begins with beautiful choral work, followed by a catchy metal-style guitar riff with palm muting.

The sleek guitar solo is both technical and mindful of the song’s flow, really amping up the energy.

With its pop-leaning melodies and standout harmonies, it’s an accessible track that even metal newcomers should find easy to listen to.

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Last Ride Of The DayNIGHTWISH

Nightwish – Last Ride Of The Day (With Lyrics)

Last Ride Of The DayNIGHTWISH

It’s a song by a symphonic metal band that enjoys nationwide popularity in Finland.

With aggressive synth sounds, heavy guitar riffs, and powerful twin vocals, this track truly stands out as a classic of symphonic metal.

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MasqueradeSymphony X

Masquerade

MasqueradeSymphony X

If we’re talking about SYMPHONY X’s hidden gems, this has to be the one.

It’s a track from their debut album released before they broke through, and unlike their current style, they play a classically inspired, straightforward form of melodic metal.

Even among that, Michael Romeo’s guitar playing really shines.

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Burn It To The GroundNickelback

Nickelback – Burn It to the Ground [OFFICIAL HD VIDEO]

Burn It To The GroundNickelback

This is a popular song by an alternative metal band that enjoys nationwide popularity in Canada, and it was also performed at the Winter Olympics.

The track is a heavy metal classic, featuring an aggressive guitar sound and a powerful vocal performance.

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Black SabbathBlack Sabbath

BLACK SABBATH – “Black Sabbath” (Official Video)

Black SabbathBlack Sabbath

A song by Black Sabbath, the British metal band formed in 1968 and often called the pioneers of heavy metal.

It’s the title track of their debut album, Black Sabbath, and a song that bears the band’s name.

Rather than the fast and furious qualities people often first associate with heavy metal, this track offers a dark, complex structure you can savor.

It exemplifies the depth and breadth of the genre, making it a must-listen both for newcomers to metal and for those who already love it.

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