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.

Introduction to Western Heavy Metal: Masterpieces That Changed Metal History (61–70)

Look at YourselfUriah Heep

Look at Yourself (2017 Remastered)

Look at YourselfUriah Heep

This is the opening track of the self-titled third album by the British hard rock band Uriah Heep, released in October 1971.

It was also the band’s first song to enter the UK charts.

Being a 1970s track, it leans more toward hard rock than heavy metal, but its uptempo drive—powered by band leader Ken Hensley’s roaring Hammond organ—still gets the heart racing even today in the 21st century.

The midsection featuring organ and guitar in unison is thrilling and highly recommended.

In fact, when I first started a band as a keyboard player, I covered this song myself.

It’s a must-listen for keyboard players who love HM/HR!

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OblivionMastodon

Mastodon – Oblivion (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster]

OblivionMastodon

It’s a hugely popular song by an American progressive metal band that has been supported by passionate fans for many years.

Serving as the lead track of their epic rock opera album, it’s a masterpiece that expresses a uniquely distinctive world through technical guitar work.

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Save meEdguy

Edguy – Save me

Save meEdguy

This is a popular song by a German melodic power metal band that enjoys strong popularity in South America.

The track features straightforward, message-driven lyrics delivered with beautiful, melodic vocals, and together with the melodic guitar work, it becomes a truly excellent classic.

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Square HammerGHOST

Ghost – Square Hammer (Official Music Video)

Square HammerGHOST

This is a signature song by the Swedish band Ghost, released in 2016.

Its overwhelming impact is clear from its stellar achievements, including reaching No.

1 on the Billboard charts and being named the “Metal Song of the Decade.” Their unique flair for pairing a mysterious concept—swearing allegiance to the devil—with an instantly singable, catchy melody is truly one of a kind.

From the majestic organ intro that pulls you in at once, you’ll be captivated by its theatrical sound.

This track opens the door to the grand narrative Ghost weaves—why not experience it for yourself?

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Lets Get RockedDef Leppard

DEF LEPPARD – “Lets Get Rocked” (Official Music Video)

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!

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