So you think you don’t like heavy metal? That’s cool. But maybe you’ve just never been properly introduced. Like olives, or jazz, or that one cousin you avoided until they showed up with concert tickets. Here are 10 metal albums even non-metalheads might just fall in love with. No screaming required. (Okay, maybe just a little.)
1. Metallica – Metallica (a.k.a. The Black Album)
This is Metallica’s greatest magic trick: taking speed metal and turning it into stadium anthems. “Enter Sandman” sounds like it was born to blare out of a sports arena. It’s big, bold, and—dare I say—catchy. Even your dad probably owns this album and doesn’t know it. A perfect gateway for the metal-curious.
2. AC/DC – Back in Black
Technically hard rock, but close enough to wear the leather jacket. This album is 100% riffs, rhythm, and fun. “You Shook Me All Night Long” is practically karaoke canon at this point. It’s loud, but it grooves. If metal had a house party, AC/DC would be on aux.
3. Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast
Don’t be scared by the title—this is like horror movies with a great soundtrack. Galloping guitars, soaring vocals, and lyrics that sound like they were cribbed from an epic fantasy novel. If you like Shakespeare, Dungeons & Dragons, or both, this is your jam.
4. Ghost – Impera
Imagine a metal band dressed like spooky cardinals but sounding like 1980s stadium pop-rock got haunted by Queen. Ghost is heavy metal for people who like melody, drama, and costumes. “Call Me Little Sunshine” could’ve been on Stranger Things—and that’s a compliment.
5. Black Sabbath – Paranoid
This is the birthplace of heavy metal. But it’s also surprisingly bluesy and laid-back in parts. “Paranoid” and “Iron Man” are riffs you already know, even if you didn’t realize they were metal. Ozzy’s voice is more “mad scientist” than “screaming banshee.” Trust him.
6. System of a Down – Toxicity
Yes, things get weird here—but in a fun way. This is metal for fans of political satire, performance art, and rapid tempo changes. One minute you’re moshing, the next you’re in a Middle Eastern folk song. It shouldn’t work. It totally does. Plus, it’s never boring.
7. Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory
If you grew up in the 2000s, this album was everywhere—and with good reason. It blends nu-metal with rap and emo in a way that feels like teenage angst bottled into perfect little packages. Screams? Yes. Hooks? Also yes. For many, this was the gateway drug.
8. Mastodon – Crack the Skye
This is metal for people who love prog rock, sci-fi, and long headphone sessions. It’s heavy, yes, but also weirdly calming in parts. The title track alone is a journey—think Pink Floyd with battle axes. You don’t just listen to this album, you explore it.
9. Evanescence – Fallen
Amy Lee’s vocals are operatic, emotional, and cinematic. This is the metal album for people who love movie soundtracks and dramatic flair. “Bring Me to Life” was inescapable in the early 2000s for a reason—it’s catchy, emotional, and totally non-threatening.
10. Rammstein – Mutter
German industrial metal? Hear me out. This album is all about rhythm and energy—you don’t even need to understand the lyrics to get into it. It’s dark, theatrical, and feels like something Darth Vader would play while working out. Plus, “Sonne” absolutely slaps.
Heavy metal isn’t all screaming and guitar solos (though we love that, too). It’s emotion, drama, energy, and—believe it or not—melody. If you find the right entry point, it’s just music with extra weight. Like a weighted blanket… but louder.
Go on. Dip your toes in. The amps are warm.