Heavy metal, and its sub-genres, tend to be pretty black and white in terms of fans – you either like metal or you don’t. There are a select few metal albums throughout history, however, that have grabbed the attention of non-metal fans. As someone in a relationship with a partner that doesn’t like metal, these albums feel like rare jewels – and much of the list below comes directly from personal experiences with my wife. These albums can be used to bridge the gap and *maybe* make those non-metal fans appreciate metal more. Here is our list of 10 accessible heavy metal albums for non-metal fans.
1. Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast (1982)
Subject: Heavy Metal 101
Almost everyone knows about IRON MAIDEN. Their third album, and first with Bruce Dickinson on vocals, includes classic songs still played on the radio today. The crystal clear production, impeccable musicianship, and catchy moments make The Number of the Beast a good introduction to metal music.
2. DIO – Holy Diver (1983)
Subject: Heavy Metal 101
Another good metal introduction. The debut solo record from metal’s most iconic voices is a classic in it’s own right. Tracks like “Holy Diver” and “Rainbow in the Dark” transcend the metal genre and Ronnie James Dio’s vocals demand respect from all.
3. METALLICA – Metallica aka the Black Album (1991)
Subject: Intro to Thrash Metal
Controversy! METALLICA’s ‘Black’ album was a jumping off point for many fans who thought the album was too mainstream. Regardless of your stance, few metal albums have impacted the zeitgeist as much as this. Diehard metal fans might dismiss it, but this album caught the attention of hordes of non-metal fans.
4. MEGADETH – Countdown to Extinction (1992)
Subject: Intro to Thrash Metal
This album is good from start to finish. Each song has something to offer, yet the song structures are simple. This added simplicity makes it easier for non-metal fans to jump in and enjoy.
5. SYSTEM OF A DOWN – Toxicity (2001)
Subject: Intro to Alternative/Nu Metal
SYSTEM OF A DOWN’s second album Toxicity added more melody and harmony to their aggressive sound. The album also features elements of many music genres and results in a strange, yet engaging album. The wide variety here is sure to grab the attention of non-metal fans and makes for a great introduction to more aggressive and manic metal.
6. DREAM THEATER – Train of Thought (2003)
Subject: Intro to Progressive Metal
I consider this album diet-prog metal. While DREAM THEATER has always leaned heavily into the prog category, Train of Thought turned down the prog dial and included heavier, darker riffing. This shift in tone exposed them to a number of new metal fans. The album itself is great, and it’s a good starter album if you want to dip your toes in the progressive metal waters.
7. MASTODON – Crack the Skye (2009)
Subject: Intro to Doom Metal
MASTODON is by no means a doom-metal band but a lot of their music characteristics contain doom elements – including slow tempos and down-tuned guitars. This sludge/stoner/prog/psychedelic metal band is hard to pin down, but Crack the Skye is arguably their most accessible. It’s sound and scope are ambitious yet it embraces a classic rock sound.
8. BMTH – Sempiternal (2013)
Subject: Intro to Hardcore Metal
These days BMTH are more pop rock than anything but were true metalcore in the early days. Their major label debut Sempiternal landed directed in the middle of these phases of the band. The result is more refined and reserved sound. It maintains some metalcore characteristics but contains enough emotion and substance to engage non-metal fans.
9. GHOST – Meliora (2015)
Subject: Intro to Metal Themes
It is debatable whether GHOST is truly heavy metal (versus hard rock). The groups themes and on-stage presence tip the scales for me and would be a great introduction to some of the common and more macabre themes in metal.
10. TRIVIUM – The Sin and the Sentence (2017)
Subject: Metal Musicianship Appreciation
What makes this album stand-out? It is the philharmonic orchestra of heavy metal. The instrumentation on this album is unsurpassed. It also includes a balance of radio-friendly, clean vocal tracks along with harder hitting entries. The Sin and the Sentence is set up well to ease non-metal fans into some of the harsher elements of the genre.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
PANTERA – Cowboys from Hell (1990)
Subject: Intro to Heavy Metal
PANTERA invented groove metal with their 1990 Cowboys From Hell released. Looking back, it is also one of the most pure metal albums in history. The attitude, power, forceful riffing, Dimebag Darrell’s inventive soloing, and Phil Anselmo’s (still) diverse vocal range combined to create one of the most influential metal albums of all-time.
BLACK SABBATH – Heaven and Hell (1980)
Subject: Heavy Metal 101
No metal list would be complete without at least mentioning BLACK SABBATH. Their first album after the departure of Ozzy Osbourne is more subdued and approachable than previous outings but maintains the BLACK SABBATH flavor. Tracks like “Heaven and Hell” and “Neon Knights” will win over non-fans immediately – lets not forget that the almighty Dio is behind the mic here.
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