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 (’71–’80)

Green MachineKyuss

KYUSS – Green Machine (HD)

Green MachineKyuss

A song by the American rock band Kyuss, who played a central role in the stoner metal genre that fuses metal and psychedelic rock.

Taken as a single from their second album, “Blues for the Red Sun,” this track’s thick band sound and driving pace will get your adrenaline pumping.

Its guitar tone leans more toward blues than metal, which might surprise listeners accustomed to more mainstream metal bands.

With its distinctive yet catchy band sound, this number reaffirms the possibilities of the metal genre.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Home Sweet HomeMötley Crüe

Mötley Crüe – Home Sweet Home (Official Music Video)

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

ShotgunLimp Bizkit

LIMP BIZKIT – SHOTGUN [2011]

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Death Of MeAsking Alexandria

ASKING ALEXANDRIA – The Death of Me (Official Music Video)

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Round And RoundRatt

RATT – Round And Round (Official Music Video)

Round And RoundRatt

A song by Ratt, one of the representative bands of the LA metal scene that flourished in the 1980s.

Featured on their debut album Out of the Cellar, the track’s heavy guitar riff with palm muting and its catchy melody—despite the heaviness—really get you pumped.

Some people might think metal songs have hard-to-understand vocals or are so fast you can’t tell what’s going on, but this track lets you enjoy the coolness of rock along with metal’s weight and depth.

It’s a great recommendation for metal beginners as well.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem