Holy Wars…The Punishment DueMegadeth1rank/position

Megadeth – Holy Wars…The Punishment Due

The American metal band Megadeth’s signature song is “Holy Wars.

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The Punishment Due.” This track belongs to the thrash metal genre, characterized by chugging, tightly picked guitars and rapid-fire drumming.

There are two reasons this song is recommended for beginners.

First, the vocals aren’t as extremely intense as so-called “metal shouts.” Second, the solo by the guitarist at the time, Marty Friedman, is highly melodic.

The beautiful solo, which carries a slightly Asian flavor, is sure to hook beginners!

ParanoidMegadeth2rank/position

Megadeth – Paranoid

This is the commercial song for the first-generation X-Trail.

Speaking of Megadeth, they are one of the bands known as part of America’s “Big Four of thrash metal.” This is a cover of Black Sabbath, but the sound is more refined and fits perfectly with the sporty feel of the X-Trail.

Tornado Of SoulsMegadeth3rank/position

Tornado Of Souls

Megadeth’s “Tornado of Souls” is memorable for its razor-sharp intro riff woven with harmonics.

But we should also touch on Marty Friedman’s guitar solo—familiar to Japanese living rooms—that almost feels like enka.

In metal guitar solos, it’s not just about speed; sorrowful melodies that blend bending and vibrato—the so-called “weeping phrases”—are also key.

In this solo, Marty delivers a truly heartrending performance, and there’s a lot to learn from its powerful expressiveness.

In My Darkest HourMegadeth4rank/position

In My Darkest Hour – Megadeth

A track by the American thrash metal band Megadeth.

It was written by lead vocalist Dave Mustaine, inspired by the death of his good friend and Metallica member Cliff Burton.

It is included on the 1988 album So Far, So Good.

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So What!.

Peace SellsMegadeth5rank/position

Megadeth – Peace Sells

Megadeth’s classic “Peace Sells” is a powerful anti-war and politically conscious work featured on the 1986 album Peace Sells.

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but Who’s Buying?.

Dave Mustaine’s sharp social commentary explodes over razor-edged guitar riffs, profoundly stirring listeners.

Especially amid today’s unstable international climate, the song’s message has lost none of its relevance.

Beyond its provocative lyrics, its highly refined thrash metal sound has also earned wide acclaim.

As a voice calling for peace and understanding, it’s a track that deserves to be heard now more than ever.

Symphony Of DestructionMegadeth6rank/position

Symphony Of Destruction

A track from Countdown to Extinction, the fifth album by Megadeth—one of the so-called Big Four of thrash metal—released in 1992.

While thrash metal is often associated with fast tempos, this album centers on medium-tempo songs and ended up being the band’s most commercially successful.

In Japan, this song has been featured in guitar magazines and is considered a model example of a heavy metal riff.

The lead guitarist at the time was Marty Friedman, well known to Japanese audiences, and the guitar solo is composed of phrases that truly serve as a textbook example.

Good Mourning/Black FridayMegadeth7rank/position

Megadeth-Good Mourning/Black Friday

One of Megadeth’s darkest songs, featuring fantastical imagery.

It tells of a man who commits terrifying murders.

The song was inspired by a friend of drummer Dave Mustaine who was obsessed with the occult and used to jot down strange symbols.