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)

MasqueradeSymphony X

Masquerade

MasqueradeSymphony X

If we’re talking about SYMPHONY X’s hidden gems, this has to be the one.

It’s a track from their debut album released before they broke through, and unlike their current style, they play a classically inspired, straightforward form of melodic metal.

Even among that, Michael Romeo’s guitar playing really shines.

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Beginner’s Guide to Western Heavy Metal: Masterpieces That Changed the History of Metal (51–60)

Still of the NightWhitesnake

Whitesnake – Still of the Night (Official Music Video)

Still of the NightWhitesnake

This song, included on Whitesnake’s smash-hit 1987 album “Whitesnake” (Serpens Albus), was created around ex-Deep Purple’s David Coverdale and became a hot topic at the time thanks to its star-studded music video.

With a sound that emphasizes the heft characteristic of HM/HR and David Coverdale’s powerful shouts, its production and songwriting pack in all the best elements of ’80s metal.

Even listening in 2021, more than 30 years after its release, I think it’s a track that still shines with undiminished appeal.

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I Am The Black WizardsEmperor

I Am The Black Wizards (Remastered)

I Am The Black WizardsEmperor

A song by Emperor, a black metal band from Norway.

It’s a track where you can fully enjoy black metal’s hallmarks: single-note tremolo-picked guitar riffs, a majestic atmosphere, and shout-style vocals.

Even as its expression shifts, the piece maintains a consistently dark mood—an impressive, highly polished work, as expected.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Burn It To The GroundNickelback

Nickelback – Burn It to the Ground [OFFICIAL HD VIDEO]

Burn It To The GroundNickelback

This is a popular song by an alternative metal band that enjoys nationwide popularity in Canada, and it was also performed at the Winter Olympics.

The track is a heavy metal classic, featuring an aggressive guitar sound and a powerful vocal performance.

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Parallel MindsCONCEPTION

Conception – Parallel Minds(Live)

Parallel MindsCONCEPTION

A technical metal band from Norway.

Vocalist Roy Khan later joined KAMELOT and achieved a major breakthrough.

This song beautifully contrasts Roy’s richly expressive, operatic singing—arguably his true forte—with the cool, tightly chiseled guitar work.

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Martial ArtsRoyal Hunt

Martial Arts (Instrumental)

Martial ArtsRoyal Hunt

An instrumental track by Royal Hunt, a Denmark-based band that blends neoclassical metal with progressive elements.

It’s also famous as the entrance theme of professional wrestler Masahiro Chono, known as the ‘Black Charisma,’ and many people likely hear it on New Year’s Eve.

With classical melodies and aggressive guitar work, it’s a hard yet beautiful number that instantly ramps up the excitement.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24SAVATAGE

Savatage – Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12-24 (HQ)

Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24SAVATAGE

This is one of the rare instrumental tracks by SAVATAGE.

Despite the title, it’s filled with melancholy melodies, and the highlight is the roaring guitar solo by the virtuoso Al Pitrelli.

His expressive solo is nothing short of breathtaking.

Definitely give it a listen.

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