We have a lot of metal music enjoyers here at the Mic - Jay Kirby aims to get you into the genre with these ten tracks.
Whether it be the uncomfortable heaviness of the music, the garish aesthetics of most bands or the gatekeeping nature of many fans, metal has become arguably the least approachable genre for a casual listener. Your average music enjoyer may write off metal entirely as ‘a bunch of screaming’ or any number of other generalisations; in truth, however, the genre is as diverse as any other, and has become home to one of the most inclusive and earnest communities out there. If you too are willing to give metal a chance, start from the top of this list and work your way down: you may surprise yourself with what you enjoy.
1. Heartbreaker- Led Zeppelin
When Led Zeppelin released their 2nd album in 1969, some hailed it as the first record to cross the line from hard rock to metal. History may not have done this view any favours, but Heartbreaker remains a comfortable way to approach the genre. With its groovy bass lines, iconic guitar solo and timeless vocals, the tracks works to introduce many of the elements of your typical metal song in a more welcoming format.
2. War Pigs - Black Sabbath
As most people’s pick for the ‘first metal band,’ Black Sabbath were sure to make the list. War Pigs may be neither their first song, nor their most popular, but it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of early metal, as well as foreshadowing what the genre might evolve into down the line. Ozzy Osbourne’s unique vocals and Tony Iommi’s riffs laid the groundwork for countless bands, and the various moods the track shifts into throughout its 8-minute runtime provide a comfortable hint towards both doom and progressive metal.
3. Hallowed Be Thy Name - Iron Maiden
The New Wave of British heavy metal was one of the most important eras of metal, and Iron Maiden have undoubtedly become its poster child. Hallowed Be Thy Name is not only a wonderful introduction to one of the only heavy metal bands your Grandma can name, but is also a gorgeous track well worth your time. The song serves up some more modern sounding riffs and guitar solos compared to our last two tracks, and also works to embody a more emotive and thoughtful side of metal than most listener would expect.
4. Master of Puppets - Metallica
Any metalhead worth their salt could name you fifty Metallica tracks, and choosing just one for this list was no mean feat. Ultimately, however, their magnum opus Master of Puppets is simply too essential. The track is the perfect introduction to thrash metal, with its ingenious riffs and blistering solo appealing to anyone, from your average Stranger Things fan to your most diehard rocker. Fans of calmer music may also appreciate the track’s classical-inspired interlude, as well as its purposeful and important messaging.
5. Pull the Plug - Death
The term ‘death metal’ is often tossed around by more casual listeners as a stand-in for ‘the most over-the-top, heaviest genre imaginable.’ In reality, Death were not as unthinkably unapproachable as one might first assume, and they remain one of the most innovative and forward-thinking bands in the genre. Hailing from the group’s second album, Pull the Plug is a great way to acquaint yourself with
screamed vocals and heavier guitar parts.
6. Walk - Pantera
As we start introducing some heavier tracks into the mix, there’s nowhere better to go than to Pantera’s most iconic single - Walk. The track’s raw guitar tone, aggressive vocals and violent theming prove that the fathers of groove metal were not ones to mess around, and the opening riff of the song still rings out across the world. Prospective metalheads will also want to be familiar with one of the most revered and influential guitarists in metal, and Dimebag Darrell’s masterful solo on this track is a worthwhile introduction.
7. Metropolis Part One: The Miracle and The Sleeper - Dream Theater
Love it or hate it, progressive metal has one of the most dedicated fanbases of any subgenre, and Dream Theater are thereby well deserving of an appearance on this list. Metropolis set the stage for countless future experimental tracks, and John Petrucci has influenced almost all guitarists to hear him play. Newcomers to metal may also appreciate the more accessible aspects of the track, such as its more melodic nature and its extensive use of synthesisers.
8. Through the Fire and Flames - Dragonforce
As another more melodic entry on our list, Through the Fire and Flames has gained infamy due to its inclusion in Guitar Hero. It’s a delightfully high energy, over-the-top track characterising power metal perfectly. Listeners may enjoy the thunderous guitar work and drumming that don’t relent from start to finish, and may find the chorus to be infectiously catchy.
9. Psychosocial - Slipknot
Another of the most recognisable names and faces in metal, Slipknot are as relevant today as they were during the rise of Nu-Metal, earning them a place here over the likes of Disturbed or System of a Down. They have a number of beloved tracks to choose from, but Psychosocial is as good as any. Corey Taylor is as much of a celebrity as could realistically arise from the genre and he showcases his
signature vocal style on this track well, supported by some excellent chugging riffs. The song’s iconic status among younger metalheads cannot be overstated.
10. Bleed - Meshuggah
Ending our list on the heaviest track so far, Bleed is almost a rite of passage for prospective metalheads. After Meshuggah solidified themselves as innovators in the genre - almost single-handedly inventing Djent - they dropped one of the most technical and impressive tracks of the decade. Bleed has gone on to influence near all technical or progressive acts that have heard it, and its opening riff is simply legendary.
No list like this could perfectly encapsulate an entire genre, but these ten tracks act as a brief crash course into all things metal. While most newcomers to the genre may struggle with at least one of the above, it’s important to take your time with metal, and learn to love it. I hope to see you in the next mosh pit!
Jay Kirby
Edited by Tabitha Smith
Cover Image courtesy of Pantera via Facebook
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