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.

An Introduction to Western Heavy Metal: The Classic Tracks That Changed Metal History (41–50)

Don’t Fear the WinterRage

Rage – Don’t Fear the Winter (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Don't Fear the WinterRage

Among the many power metal bands, RAGE stands out as the one that most distinctly embodies a German essence.

Despite being a trio, their intensely powerful sound and melodies imbued with that uniquely German sense of melancholy make this a hidden gem that perfectly matches their forceful style.

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Black SabbathBlack Sabbath

BLACK SABBATH – “Black Sabbath” (Official Video)

Black SabbathBlack Sabbath

A song by Black Sabbath, the British metal band formed in 1968 and often called the pioneers of heavy metal.

It’s the title track of their debut album, Black Sabbath, and a song that bears the band’s name.

Rather than the fast and furious qualities people often first associate with heavy metal, this track offers a dark, complex structure you can savor.

It exemplifies the depth and breadth of the genre, making it a must-listen both for newcomers to metal and for those who already love it.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Ich WillRAMMSTEIN

Rammstein – Ich Will (Official Video)

Ich WillRAMMSTEIN

It’s a song by a nationally beloved German Tanzmetal band.

This track combines their signature striking synth sounds with an extremely heavy twin-guitar riff, and, with less of the distinctive harsh edge typical of their music, it stands out as a Tanzmetal classic with broad appeal.

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SuperheroesRacer X

Racer X – Superheroes (Official Audio)

SuperheroesRacer X

A song by the American heavy metal band Racer X, led by Paul Gilbert—who, at 19 when the band formed, was dubbed the “light-speed guitarist.” As the band is known for the technical prowess of all its members, you can enjoy performances at a very high level.

In particular, the guitar work features highly demanding techniques not only in the solos but also in the rhythm parts, making it a track that’s compelling to listen to for the guitar alone.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Angel EyesRiot

Riot – Angel Eyes (1998)

Angel EyesRiot

A fast-paced tune from an unfortunate album with very poor sound production and, as a result, not the best reputation.

It’s a masterpiece where you can feel RIOT’s signature beautiful melodies in the twin guitars, but perhaps because of that, it isn’t very well known.

You could call it a hidden gem.

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The Final CountdownEurope

Europe – The Final Countdown (Official Video)

The Final CountdownEurope

A song by Europe, the Swedish band that has earned enduring popularity among metal fans as a pioneering presence of Nordic metal.

Its catchy keyboard phrases and the ensemble of a powerful band sound make for an uplifting number.

The high, beautiful vocal melodies convey just how influential they were on later Scandinavian metal bands.

Since the stereotypical intensity people associate with metal isn’t front and center here, it’s a number I’d recommend even to those who aren’t very familiar with the genre.

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Hoshino Takashi

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One With The WorldGamma Ray

Gamma Ray One With The World 1992

One With The WorldGamma Ray

Gamma Ray, the German metal veterans led by Kai Hansen.

Many fans are probably expecting melodic speed metal, but these mid-tempo tracks are surprisingly great as well.

The way it gradually builds from the restrained guitar solo into the subsequent key change is downright dramatic.

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