An introduction to Western heavy metal: the masterpieces that changed the history of metal
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.
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Introduction to Western heavy metal. Masterpieces that changed metal history (’71–’80)
Lets Get RockedDef Leppard
This is the opening track of DEF LEPPARD’s fifth album, Adrenalize, by the UK band.
It’s a quintessentially DEF LEPPARD mid‑tempo song—poppy yet heavy.
In terms of sound design, it carries on from their previous smash-hit album, Hysteria, offering meticulously crafted production and thick, layered backing vocals.
While that reflects the band’s strong songwriting and arranging chops, I can’t help but feel that much of the credit also goes to Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who participated as executive producer.
It’s a classic that hasn’t faded with time.
Personally, I’ve been greatly influenced by DEF LEPPARD’s production approach, so this is one of my absolute favorites!
Make me BadKorn
A track by an alternative metal band known for their distinctive, biting sound.
This song also carries their trademark edge, and stands out as a heavy metal classic with its weighty, technical guitars and thick, sludgy bass.
Home Sweet HomeMötley Crüe
A song by Mötley Crüe, a representative band of the stadium rock movement characterized by large-venue live shows and strong commercial appeal.
Featured on their third album, Theatre of Pain, released in 1985, it’s a rock ballad that begins with a lyrical piano accompaniment.
Although metal bands are often thought to play only hard-hitting tracks, the world of ballads woven from their high level of musicianship is truly stunning.
Covered by numerous artists, this number reveals a new side of Mötley Crüe.
As I DieParadise Lost
A track by Paradise Lost, renowned as pioneers of genres like death-doom and gothic metal, and more popular on the European continent than in their native UK.
Featured on their third album, Shades of God, this groundbreaking number showcases a metal sound that symbolizes the band’s shift toward a more melodic direction while retaining their death-doom roots.
The arrangement, driven by a heavy beat and intensely distorted guitars, offers a deeply satisfying listening experience that epitomizes gothic metal.
It’s a song that reveals the band’s evolution and is recommended even for listeners who are new to gothic metal.
ShotgunLimp Bizkit
It’s a track by a hugely popular American rap-metal band.
This song showcases their signature blend of nimble, technical MC rapping and heavy, aggressive guitar work.
It’s incredibly catchy and a must-mention classic when talking about rap-metal.
Death Of MeAsking Alexandria
It’s a track by a British alternative metal band that enjoys strong popularity, especially among young people.
This song showcases their signature extreme guitar sound and standout death-growl vocals, making it a classic whose even more intense-than-typical heavy metal sound becomes irresistibly addictive.
HeartworkCarcass
A quintessential track by Carcass, a leading extreme metal band known for a heavier sound than earlier metal and songs that are aggressive and high-speed.
It’s the title track from their fourth album, Heartwork, said to have given melodic death metal its legitimacy.
The intro is dramatic, moving from an opening with blast-beat drums and razor-edged guitar riffs into a tear-jerking twin-lead guitar.
Of course it features ferocious death growls, but many listeners will also find themselves absorbed by the band’s superior musicianship and arrangements.
This number shows that death metal is far more than just sheer intensity.