[2025] Iconic metal masterpieces that define the era: A roundup of the latest tracks and timeless favorites

De Mysteriis Dom SathanasMayhem

Mayhem – De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas

This is a track from Mayhem’s first album, De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas, by the founders of black metal and a band with overwhelming charisma.

This album is a historically legendary masterpiece in the black metal scene, but personally, I think this song is the killer track.

It exudes a kind of violent coolness unique to the dawn of black metal.

The thrashy riffs, which clearly show the influence of thrash metal, are also extremely cool.

God of EmptinessMorbid Angel

Morbid Angel – God of Emptiness (Official Video)

They’re a legendary band that has been active since the genesis of death metal.

They’re legendary to death metal fans worldwide, and for those who misunderstand the genre, I’d really like them to listen to this track once and rethink their perception.

This is music from the depths of hell.

The End CompleteOBITUARY

Obituary – The End Complete [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Obituary is an American death metal band.

This track features the band’s signature mid-tempo, heavy songwriting that feels great, paired with outstanding brutal vocals.

It’s a perfect recommendation when you’re in the mood for death metal that fully embraces heaviness!

Love?Strapping Young Lad

STRAPPING YOUNG LAD – Love? (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Known as the Ken Shimura of the metal world, this is a masterpiece by STRAPPING YOUNG LAD.

They’ve been making forward-thinking music since way back, but they’re not very well-known in Japan.

It’s perverse metal—both frenzied and imbued with a lyrical quality that even evokes Deftones.

Not The American AverageAsking Alexandria

ASKING ALEXANDRIA – Not The American Average (Official Music Video)

It’s a song by a British alternative metal band.

This track catapulted them to fame, and I think it’s a masterpiece of alternative metal—the contrast between its very aggressive sound and lyrics and the beautiful sound and melody in the middle section is fascinating.

Lack Of ComprehensionDEATH

DEATH – “Lack Of Comprehension” (Remixed)

A landmark death metal track that probes the limits of human understanding and the meaning of existence.

Featured on Death’s 1991 album Human, it overwhelms listeners with technical playing and intricate ensemble work.

The lyrics explore the futility of humanity grasping everything and the feeling of being overwhelmed by the expansion of knowledge, challenging the audience to confront the honesty of self-reflection.

Chuck Schuldiner’s formidable performance and philosophical lyrics profoundly influenced not only death metal but the evolution of heavy metal as a whole.

A must-listen for anyone who wants to think deeply about the essence of being human.

DemiurgeMeshuggah

MESHUGGAH – Demiurge (Official Music Video)

MESHUGGAH, Sweden’s world-renowned extreme metal band.

It’s often pronounced “Meshuger,” but it’s actually “Meh-SHOO-gah.” Their complex, despair-laden songs are the very essence of depressive metal.

Best experienced in a pitch-dark room, blasting through headphones.