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. Legendary songs that changed the history of metal (’81–’90)

Where Dead Angels LieDissection

Dissection – Where Dead Angels Lie

Where Dead Angels LieDissection

A signature track by Dissection, the pride of Sweden’s extreme metal scene.

It appears on the legendary masterpiece Storm of the Light’s Bane, released in 1995.

Its beautifully desolate melodies and dark, poetic lyrics create a breathtaking world.

Through themes of angels, darkness, and death, it portrays the fragility and solitude of human existence.

Imbued with Jon Nödtveidt’s profound sentiments, this work opened up a new frontier in black metal and continues to be beloved by many fans.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to experience metal’s raw ferocity and beauty at the same time.

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I’m No FoolElegy

Elegy I’m No Fool Video 0001

I'm No FoolElegy

They are a five-piece from the Netherlands.

At the time, because this track was heavily pushed, they were thought to be a German-style band, but in fact they specialize in mid-tempo, progressive songs.

As you can hear in this track as well, the mysterious, floating sound created by the two guitars is a major hallmark of the band.

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One Of These DaysNARITA

Narita – One Of These Days

One Of These DaysNARITA

NARITA is a technical group from Denmark.

You might wonder why a Danish band is called NARITA, but despite the somewhat sketchy-sounding name, they’re a straight-ahead heavy metal band with blazing twin guitars.

Their guitar work was so demanding that it became a hot topic in guitar magazines at the time.

You can catch a glimpse of that here in this track as well.

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In conclusion

The 1990s, when grunge and alternative rock were at their peak, are often said to have been a difficult era for heavy metal.

However, as you can tell from the tracks introduced here, a variety of subgenres were actually emerging at the time.

The history of metal is still being written, and it will continue to move forward without stopping!