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

Freak On a LeashKorn

Korn – Freak On a Leash (Official HD Video)

A track that sings about the music industry.

It was released in 1999 by the American nu metal band Korn.

The animated music video, which won a Grammy Award and an MTV Video Music Award, was illustrated by Todd McFarlane.

HeartworkCarcass

Heartwork

A signature masterpiece from the later period of Carcass, known as the ‘Butchers of Liverpool’! In their early days they made a powerful impact as pioneers of the grindcore/goregrind genre, but after guitarist Michael Amott—also of Arch Enemy and Spiritual Beggars—joined, they shifted toward a melodic death metal direction, reaching a pinnacle with the 1993 album Heartwork.

The fusion of aggressive death metal and melodic guitars still sounds striking today!

SchismTool

TOOL – Schism (Official Video)

A track that sings about the corruption of the church.

It was released in 2001 by the American rock band Tool.

It is characterized by frequently changing tempos throughout the track.

The track reached No.

2 on the U.

S.

charts.

Just To Get To HighNickelback

Just to Get High-Nickelback (with lyrics)

It’s a popular song by a nationally beloved Canadian alternative metal band.

Among their tracks, this one is especially intense—the vocalist’s fierce, powerful delivery, the aggressive guitar sound, and the blistering fast guitar solo are absolutely stunning.

I consider it a classic of heavy metal.

Bonded By BloodExodus

EXODUS – Bonded By Blood (Live at Dynamo Club 1985)

Exodus is a thrash metal band formed in California in 1979.

This track is the title track from their debut album, released in 1985.

The album is said to be one of the most influential in the thrash metal scene.

Blinded By Fearat the gates

At The Gates – Blinded By Fear [Official Video]

Hailing from Sweden, they are pioneers of the genre known as melodic death metal, where aggressive death metal sound is fused with lyrical, melodic guitar work.

This track is the opening number from their fourth album, Slaughter of the Soul, released in 1995 before their initial breakup.

Even within its brief running time of under three minutes, the brilliance of its meticulously crafted song structure stands out.

The sorrow-tinged death growls, thrashy riffs, and melancholic solo—everything is perfect.

We Don’t Need A HeroEdguy

Edguy – We Don’t Need a Hero

It’s a track by a German melodic power metal band.

The song is extremely catchy and pop-oriented, combining melodic vocals with aggressively metal-style guitar riffs.

It’s a masterpiece that deserves recognition in the melodic power metal genre.