Recommended hard rock and heavy metal

An introduction to Western heavy metal: the masterpieces that changed the history of metal

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Music producer, composer, vocal coach, keyboard playerKei Takahata
From around 1995 to 2000, he built experience as a composer and producer at a major label, then moved to the United States. In Los Angeles, he studied vocalization and singing under top voice trainer Elizabeth Sabine, mastering the so-called Hollywood vocal method she advocated. After returning to Japan, he trained and produced a variety of singers, earning high praise for his direction that maximized the appeal of both the songs and the vocalists. In a collaboration video with Guild’s vocalist ryuichi, he handled keyboard performance, vocal direction, and sound production. (Passed away in 2025)

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.

Beginner’s Guide to Western Heavy Metal: Masterpieces That Changed the History of Metal (51–60)

Ich WillRAMMSTEIN

Rammstein – Ich Will (Official Video)

Ich WillRAMMSTEIN

It’s a song by a nationally beloved German Tanzmetal band.

This track combines their signature striking synth sounds with an extremely heavy twin-guitar riff, and, with less of the distinctive harsh edge typical of their music, it stands out as a Tanzmetal classic with broad appeal.

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The Final CountdownEurope

Europe – The Final Countdown (Official Video)

The Final CountdownEurope

A song by Europe, the Swedish band that has earned enduring popularity among metal fans as a pioneering presence of Nordic metal.

Its catchy keyboard phrases and the ensemble of a powerful band sound make for an uplifting number.

The high, beautiful vocal melodies convey just how influential they were on later Scandinavian metal bands.

Since the stereotypical intensity people associate with metal isn’t front and center here, it’s a number I’d recommend even to those who aren’t very familiar with the genre.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy [The Electric Drill Song]Mr. BIG

Mr. Big – Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy [The Electric Drill Song] (MV)

Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy [The Electric Drill Song]Mr. BIG

This is a song by a so-called supergroup formed in 1989 by Billy Sheehan (b), Paul Gilbert (g), Eric Martin (vo), and Pat Torpey (ds), all of whom were already well-established and popular.

It’s a very up-tempo track that lets you fully enjoy the ultra high-speed unison playing by Billy and Paul—both known for their virtuosity—on bass and guitar.

And the undeniable highlight of the song is the unison section in the latter half of the interlude where they use an electric drill on guitar and bass! A truly thrilling track.

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Angel EyesRiot

Riot – Angel Eyes (1998)

Angel EyesRiot

A fast-paced tune from an unfortunate album with very poor sound production and, as a result, not the best reputation.

It’s a masterpiece where you can feel RIOT’s signature beautiful melodies in the twin guitars, but perhaps because of that, it isn’t very well known.

You could call it a hidden gem.

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Tears In The SkyTalisman

Talisman – Tears In The Sky

Tears In The SkyTalisman

Among TALISMAN’s songs, this one falls on the heavier side and may feel a bit unsatisfying to fans who were expecting a more distinctly Scandinavian flavor from the band.

That said, listening now, Marcel Jacob’s groove nestled within the heaviness feels truly satisfying.

It’s a track I’d recommend to all heavy metal fans.

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