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 Tracks That Changed Metal History (21–30)

AfterlifeAvenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold – Afterlife [Official Music Video]

AfterlifeAvenged Sevenfold

A song by the American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold, formed in 1999.

It’s a track that opens with beautiful twin lead guitar harmonies and driving, fast-paced drums.

While the verses feature an aggressive tone, the chorus delivers a melodious and pleasing vocal line, making it a piece that showcases the multifaceted appeal of heavy metal.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Wash It All AwayFive Finger Death Punch

Five Finger Death Punch – Wash It All Away (Explicit)

Wash It All AwayFive Finger Death Punch

It’s a song by a hugely popular American heavy metal band.

This track blends their signature heavy metal with European sonic elements, featuring technically intense guitar work and a resonant, highly skilled vocal performance that makes it a memorable classic.

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In The EndBlack Veil Brides

Black Veil Brides – In The End

In The EndBlack Veil Brides

It’s a track by a popular American band known for their full-body makeup reminiscent of the legendary heavy metal band KISS and their progressive LA metal sound.

This song is a classic, featuring melodic, accessible vocals and standout, well-crafted guitar melodies.

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…To Be LovedPapa Roach

Papa Roach – …To Be Loved

...To Be LovedPapa Roach

It’s a popular song by a well-known American alternative metal band.

The track is a classic of heavy metal, featuring a driving, fast-paced drum beat, heavy metal-style guitar riffs, and vocals with a distinctive distorted edge.

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Spotlight KidRainbow

RAINBOW – Spotlight Kid – LIVE IN JAPAN 1984 – No Intro

Spotlight KidRainbow

This is a classic track from Rainbow’s fifth album, Difficult to Cure (Japanese title: “I Surrender”), formed by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore after leaving Deep Purple.

Since the album’s release, it has almost always served as the opener for Rainbow’s live shows.

With its uptempo rhythm, Joe Lynn Turner’s pop-leaning vocals, and the guitar-and-keyboard solo battle culminating in a thrilling unison section, it’s a masterpiece that distills the appeal of Rainbow’s lineup at the time.

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