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.

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

Tears In The SkyTalisman

Talisman – Tears In The Sky

Tears In The SkyTalisman

Among TALISMAN’s songs, this one falls on the heavier side and may feel a bit unsatisfying to fans who were expecting a more distinctly Scandinavian flavor from the band.

That said, listening now, Marcel Jacob’s groove nestled within the heaviness feels truly satisfying.

It’s a track I’d recommend to all heavy metal fans.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Living For The NightViper

Viper – Living For The Night – Official Video

Living For The NightViper

This is a Brazilian heavy metal band also known for having André Matos, formerly of ANGRA, as a member.

They established an uncharacteristically Brazilian sound early on by fusing classical music with heavy metal.

In this song, you can hear melodies that are both raw and classical.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Was It Worth It ?Children of Bodom

Children Of Bodom – Was It Worth It?

Was It Worth It ?Children of Bodom

This is a song by a melodic death metal band that enjoys great popularity in Finland.

The track is a masterpiece that blends intensely distorted, aggressive guitar melodies with beautiful synth sounds not found in Arch Enemy.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Endless DarkHiM

HIM – Endless Dark [Lyrics Video]

Endless DarkHiM

It’s a song by a Finnish gothic metal band that enjoys high popularity, especially among young women.

The track is notable for its highly technical, heavy guitar riffs and a distinctive worldview, making it a masterpiece worthy of representing gothic metal.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Introduction to Western Heavy Metal: Masterpieces That Changed Metal History (61–70)

OblivionMastodon

Mastodon – Oblivion (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster]

OblivionMastodon

It’s a hugely popular song by an American progressive metal band that has been supported by passionate fans for many years.

Serving as the lead track of their epic rock opera album, it’s a masterpiece that expresses a uniquely distinctive world through technical guitar work.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Green MachineKyuss

KYUSS – Green Machine (HD)

Green MachineKyuss

A song by the American rock band Kyuss, who played a central role in the stoner metal genre that fuses metal and psychedelic rock.

Taken as a single from their second album, “Blues for the Red Sun,” this track’s thick band sound and driving pace will get your adrenaline pumping.

Its guitar tone leans more toward blues than metal, which might surprise listeners accustomed to more mainstream metal bands.

With its distinctive yet catchy band sound, this number reaffirms the possibilities of the metal genre.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy [The Electric Drill Song]Mr. BIG

Mr. Big – Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy [The Electric Drill Song] (MV)

Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy [The Electric Drill Song]Mr. BIG

This is a song by a so-called supergroup formed in 1989 by Billy Sheehan (b), Paul Gilbert (g), Eric Martin (vo), and Pat Torpey (ds), all of whom were already well-established and popular.

It’s a very up-tempo track that lets you fully enjoy the ultra high-speed unison playing by Billy and Paul—both known for their virtuosity—on bass and guitar.

And the undeniable highlight of the song is the unison section in the latter half of the interlude where they use an electric drill on guitar and bass! A truly thrilling track.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem