[2025] Iconic metal masterpieces that define the era: A roundup of the latest tracks and timeless favorites
Metal has continued to branch into various subgenres, to the point where there are so many that people sometimes ask, “Is this even metal?” Yet each genre and era has its share of iconic masterpieces.
So this time, without fixating on fine-grained subgenre classifications, we’ve selected essential, must-hear tracks that are important across the broad history of metal.
Alongside historically significant classics, we’ve also included new classics from the 2010s through the 2020s and beyond—songs that will continue to shape metal’s future.
Use this playlist to discover the metal masterpieces that resonate with your own sensibilities!
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Dante’s InfernoIced Earth
Iced Earth is a heavy metal band formed in Florida in 1985.
This track was released in 1995.
At 16 minutes and 26 seconds, it is the longest among their tracks and is inspired by Dante Alighieri’s epic poem The Divine Comedy.
Nothing to loseASIAN BLACK
Also, be sure to check out ASIAN BLACK, a band formed by a stellar lineup.
I can’t cover everything here, but the members include Masaki Fujiwara on vocals, Masanori “Bernie” Kusakabe on guitar, Yoshito Onda on bass, and Yasuhiro Umezawa on drums—artists widely known in the music scene.
Listen for their jaw-dropping technique and emotionally charged lyrics.
The rock influence is strong too, so it’s a must for fans of that sound.
House Of SleepAmorphis
It’s a song by a popular heavy metal band from Finland.
This track features their signature blend of melancholic, beautiful melodies and powerful vocals, making for a perfect match.
It’s a metal classic that exudes a different kind of rugged charm compared to Staind.
Night’s BloodDissection
This is a track from Storm of the Light’s Bane, the masterpiece by Sweden’s legendary melodic black metal band Dissection.
The album is a classic that has had a massive influence on later bands.
This song packs in all the best elements of melodic black metal, letting you fully feel its coolness.
If you’re a metal fan, it’s a must-listen.
NowStaind
It’s a song by a hugely popular American progressive metal band.
From the guitar melody in the intro, the way the track develops is incredibly cool, and I think the heavy guitar sound, together with the powerful vocals, lets it soar as a classic of metal.
StrickenDisturbed
A track that sings about the emotions of a man wounded by a woman.
It was released in 2005 by the American heavy metal band Disturbed.
It reached No.
2 on the U.
S.
charts and was certified Gold.
Alison HellAnnihilator
A track about a girl who is terrified of an evil spirit.
It’s inspired by the true story of a Montreal girl that made the news in the early 1980s.
Released in 1989 by Annihilator, a Canadian thrash metal band.