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)

OblivionMastodon

Mastodon – Oblivion (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster]

OblivionMastodon

It’s a hugely popular song by an American progressive metal band that has been supported by passionate fans for many years.

Serving as the lead track of their epic rock opera album, it’s a masterpiece that expresses a uniquely distinctive world through technical guitar work.

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Beginner’s Guide to Western Heavy Metal: Masterpieces That Changed the History of Metal (51–60)

Spotlight KidRainbow

RAINBOW – Spotlight Kid – LIVE IN JAPAN 1984 – No Intro

Spotlight KidRainbow

This is a classic track from Rainbow’s fifth album, Difficult to Cure (Japanese title: “I Surrender”), formed by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore after leaving Deep Purple.

Since the album’s release, it has almost always served as the opener for Rainbow’s live shows.

With its uptempo rhythm, Joe Lynn Turner’s pop-leaning vocals, and the guitar-and-keyboard solo battle culminating in a thrilling unison section, it’s a masterpiece that distills the appeal of Rainbow’s lineup at the time.

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The Final CountdownEurope

Europe – The Final Countdown (Official Video)

The Final CountdownEurope

A song by Europe, the Swedish band that has earned enduring popularity among metal fans as a pioneering presence of Nordic metal.

Its catchy keyboard phrases and the ensemble of a powerful band sound make for an uplifting number.

The high, beautiful vocal melodies convey just how influential they were on later Scandinavian metal bands.

Since the stereotypical intensity people associate with metal isn’t front and center here, it’s a number I’d recommend even to those who aren’t very familiar with the genre.

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One With The WorldGamma Ray

Gamma Ray One With The World 1992

One With The WorldGamma Ray

Gamma Ray, the German metal veterans led by Kai Hansen.

Many fans are probably expecting melodic speed metal, but these mid-tempo tracks are surprisingly great as well.

The way it gradually builds from the restrained guitar solo into the subsequent key change is downright dramatic.

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We’re Not Gonna Take itTwisted Sister

Twisted Sister – We’re Not Gonna Take it (Extended Version) (Official Music Video)

We're Not Gonna Take itTwisted Sister

A song by Twisted Sister, the metal band often cited as a representative of glam metal thanks to their clownish, flamboyant makeup and catchy style.

It’s an addictive number featuring heavy, metal-typical guitar riffs throughout, paired with vocals that carry a pop sensibility reminiscent of UK punk.

Because it lacks many of the traits commonly associated with so-called quintessential metal tracks, it’s an easy, high-energy listen even for metal beginners and works well as an entry point into the genre.

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Martial ArtsRoyal Hunt

Martial Arts (Instrumental)

Martial ArtsRoyal Hunt

An instrumental track by Royal Hunt, a Denmark-based band that blends neoclassical metal with progressive elements.

It’s also famous as the entrance theme of professional wrestler Masahiro Chono, known as the ‘Black Charisma,’ and many people likely hear it on New Year’s Eve.

With classical melodies and aggressive guitar work, it’s a hard yet beautiful number that instantly ramps up the excitement.

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Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24SAVATAGE

Savatage – Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12-24 (HQ)

Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24SAVATAGE

This is one of the rare instrumental tracks by SAVATAGE.

Despite the title, it’s filled with melancholy melodies, and the highlight is the roaring guitar solo by the virtuoso Al Pitrelli.

His expressive solo is nothing short of breathtaking.

Definitely give it a listen.

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