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.

Intro to Western Heavy Metal: Legendary Songs That Changed Metal History (11–20)

Through The Fire And FlamesDragonForce

DRAGONFORCE – Through the Fire and Flames (Official Video)

Through The Fire And FlamesDragonForce

This is a signature song by a British band that played a major role in reviving melodic power metal, featuring slightly over-the-top speed-guitar playing and catchy melodies.

The track is renowned for its masterful interplay between guitar and keyboards, performed at a level that can feel almost excessive.

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FaintLinkin Park

Faint (Official Music Video) [4K UPGRADE] – Linkin Park

FaintLinkin Park

This is a classic song by a Grammy Award-winning band that was effectively forced into hiatus due to the sudden death of its vocalist.

The track is a quintessential example of their signature rap-metal style, combining intense guitar riffs with brisk rap to create a very cool song.

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BleedMeshuggah

MESHUGGAH – Bleed (Official Music Video)

BleedMeshuggah

Are you familiar with the metal subgenre called “djent”? It emerged in the early 2000s and is characterized by very punchy, complex rhythms using guitars with seven or even eight strings.

The quintessential band and song of djent is Meshuggah’s “Bleed.” Because the vocals are intense screams throughout, it might be better suited for listeners who are at least intermediate among metal beginners.

When you first hear it, its complexity can be overwhelming, and many people may find it off-putting.

However, the surprising thing is that this very complexity becomes addictive—that’s what makes the song so interesting.

The music video is intense as well, but why not muster a bit of courage and give it a watch?

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Can You Feel My HeartBring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon – Can You Feel My Heart

Can You Feel My HeartBring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon’s “Can You Feel My Heart” by the British rock band is a song in a relatively new genre often called “post-hardcore” or “newcore.” This genre is characterized by heavy use of electronic sounds.

While it features the distinctive metal-style shouts, the vocal melodies are clean and easy to listen to, making it a great recommendation for metal beginners.

On top of that, the song’s structure is very engaging and never gets boring, so be sure to give it a listen!

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Carry OnAngra

Angra – Carry On (Official)

Carry OnAngra

One of the signature songs by Angra, the metal band from Brazil.

At the time, when the global trend in German metal was to have a short SE-style intro as the first track and a melodious, high-speed song as the second, this number was especially praised for its high level of completion.

With a structure infused with classical elements, top-tier musicianship, and catchy melodies delivered by distinctive high-pitched vocals, it remains a timeless classic that hasn’t lost its luster over the years.

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Hoshino Takashi

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