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)

Living For The NightViper

Viper – Living For The Night – Official Video

Living For The NightViper

This is a Brazilian heavy metal band also known for having André Matos, formerly of ANGRA, as a member.

They established an uncharacteristically Brazilian sound early on by fusing classical music with heavy metal.

In this song, you can hear melodies that are both raw and classical.

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Burn It To The GroundNickelback

Nickelback – Burn It to the Ground [OFFICIAL HD VIDEO]

Burn It To The GroundNickelback

This is a popular song by an alternative metal band that enjoys nationwide popularity in Canada, and it was also performed at the Winter Olympics.

The track is a heavy metal classic, featuring an aggressive guitar sound and a powerful vocal performance.

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Was It Worth It ?Children of Bodom

Children Of Bodom – Was It Worth It?

Was It Worth It ?Children of Bodom

This is a song by a melodic death metal band that enjoys great popularity in Finland.

The track is a masterpiece that blends intensely distorted, aggressive guitar melodies with beautiful synth sounds not found in Arch Enemy.

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Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24SAVATAGE

Savatage – Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12-24 (HQ)

Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24SAVATAGE

This is one of the rare instrumental tracks by SAVATAGE.

Despite the title, it’s filled with melancholy melodies, and the highlight is the roaring guitar solo by the virtuoso Al Pitrelli.

His expressive solo is nothing short of breathtaking.

Definitely give it a listen.

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Martial ArtsRoyal Hunt

Martial Arts (Instrumental)

Martial ArtsRoyal Hunt

An instrumental track by Royal Hunt, a Denmark-based band that blends neoclassical metal with progressive elements.

It’s also famous as the entrance theme of professional wrestler Masahiro Chono, known as the ‘Black Charisma,’ and many people likely hear it on New Year’s Eve.

With classical melodies and aggressive guitar work, it’s a hard yet beautiful number that instantly ramps up the excitement.

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Hoshino Takashi

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