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10 Essential Albums for Heavy Metal Beginners
If you’re ready to enter the world of heavy metal but don’t know where to start, this list will crank up your speakers and set your foundation right. From roaring riffs to operatic screams, these ten albums are essential introductions to the genre’s power, precision, and pure adrenaline. Each one shaped the metal landscape and still inspires bands today.
‘Ace of Spades’ – Motörhead (1980)
Fast, dirty, and loud, Ace of Spades tore down the line between punk and metal. Lemmy’s raspy snarl and wall-of-sound bass made it the soundtrack to every act of glorious defiance.
‘Appetite for Destruction’ – Guns N’ Roses (1987)
Raw, rebellious, and unapologetic. Axl, Slash, and company bottled pure danger into an album that brought sleaze and swagger back to rock with “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”
‘Black Sabbath’ – Black Sabbath (1970)
The album that started it all. With heavy riffs, haunting lyrics, and an eerie atmosphere, Sabbath invented metal’s dark mystique and gave rock its shadowy twin.
‘British Steel’ – Judas Priest (1980)
Polished but powerful, British Steel defined the sound and style of heavy metal. Rob Halford’s soaring voice and razor-sharp riffs made “Breaking the Law” a forever anthem.
‘Master of Puppets’ – Metallica (1986)
A masterpiece of thrash precision. Complex songwriting meets crushing riffs, showcasing how heavy metal could be epic and intelligent without losing its fury.
‘Number of the Beast’ – Iron Maiden (1982)
Bruce Dickinson’s vocals, Steve Harris’s bass gallop, and songs like “Run to the Hills” turned Maiden into legends. A gateway to the genre’s storytelling and mythic power.
‘Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?’ – Megadeth (1986)
Technical, political, and brilliantly unhinged. Dave Mustaine turned revenge and rebellion into a thrash classic that demanded metal be played fast and smart.
‘Reign in Blood’ – Slayer (1986)
Twenty-nine minutes of pure sonic destruction. Rick Rubin’s production and Slayer’s ferocity pushed the limits of speed, intensity, and precision forever.
‘Vulgar Display of Power’ – Pantera (1992)
Heavy, groove-driven, and aggressive, Pantera redefined metal for the ’90s. Dimebag Darrell’s crushing riffs and Phil Anselmo’s roar created a new standard of intensity.
‘Holy Diver’ – Dio (1983)
Majestic and melodic, Holy Diver showcased Ronnie James Dio’s unmatched vocals and epic vision. It’s the perfect mix of fantasy, power, and pure metal spirit.
‘Stay Hungry’ – Twisted Sister (1984)
Loud, theatrical, and packed with hooks. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” became an anthem for every outsider who ever turned the volume up instead of fitting in.
Gina Alice Releases Playful New Pop Single “Cosplay”
International pop artist and pianist Gina Alice returns with her clever, cheeky, and irresistibly catchy new single “Cosplay,” out now via Republic Records. The track showcases Gina’s signature blend of luminous piano and playful lyricism, exploring the complexities of love with the teasing chorus, “Lemme cosplay as anybody you want me to.”
The accompanying video matches the song’s flair and sophistication, featuring Gina in cinematic close-ups and grand fashion moments as she performs in a striking yellow couture gown. Following her empowering single “Boss” and her acclaimed Dreamcatcher EP, “Cosplay” cements Gina’s reputation as a pop powerhouse with elegance, wit, and musical depth.
Ed Conroy Celebrates Toronto’s TV Legacy with ‘ImagiNation: The Golden Age of Toronto Kids’ TV’
Film historian and Retrontario founder Ed Conroy takes readers on a nostalgic journey through fifty years of children’s television with his new book, ‘ImagiNation: The Golden Age of Toronto Kids’ TV’, out October 14, 2025. From beloved staples like Polka Dot Door, Mr. Dressup, and Today’s Special to the stranger corners of local programming such as Kiddo the Clown, Coming Up Rosie, and Maniac Mansion, the book revisits the vibrant creative hub that defined generations of Canadian childhoods. “ImagiNation took me down memory lane,” says former MuchMusic VJ Erica Ehm. “It shares behind-the-scenes stories about the shows that coloured my world when I was a kid.”
Drawing from extensive archival research and interviews, Conroy chronicles how Toronto became the epicenter of Canadian children’s TV. Beginning in 1952 with CBC’s debut and its first puppet host, Chichimus, the book traces how the city’s studios—CBC, TVOntario, CFTO, and YTV—fueled an extraordinary wave of imagination, producing countless iconic shows that shaped national culture.
Covering over one hundred programs aired between 1950 and 2000, ‘ImagiNation’ is both a cultural history and a love letter to the creators who built this world. Readers will rediscover favourites like The Friendly Giant, Degrassi Junior High, and Readalong, alongside forgotten treasures and the eccentric characters who made Toronto’s kids’ television scene truly unique. For anyone who grew up with Hammy Hamster, the Fraggles, or the Grogs, Conroy’s book is a joyful rewind through the golden age of wonder, whimsy, and made-in-Canada magic.
Hunter Hayes Announces Holiday EP ‘Evergreen Christmas Sessions’
Hunter Hayes has announced his new holiday EP, ‘Evergreen Christmas Sessions,’ out Friday, November 7th. The project was first teased during a live Zoom on the Official Hunter Hayes App, where fans got an early listen and behind-the-scenes preview. Blending his signature storytelling and genre-bending musicianship, Hayes reimagines four classic holiday songs: “Winter Wonderland,” “Run Run Rudolph,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “Silent Night.” The collection shines with soulful vocals, lush instrumentation, and a relaxed, jazz-inspired warmth that captures the heart of the season.
“Creating this project felt really special and full circle,” Hayes says. “We wanted to try something different, so we gave the project a ‘calm Christmas’ vibe with a chill, dreamy take on the season.” The announcement follows his recent collaboration with Straight No Chaser on “Christmas Is Different” and a surprise appearance at their Ryman Auditorium show. Hayes will continue spreading cheer with a performance at Louisiana Christmas Day on November 30th.
Tracklist:
- “Winter Wonderland”
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
- “Run Run Rudolph”
- “Silent Night”
Steve Geraci Releases Soulful New Single “Paradise Lost”
Boston musician Steve Geraci delivers a cinematic emotional storm on his new single “Paradise Lost,” a soulful, tension-filled track showcasing his alto sax and Stratocaster rhythm, out November 7. The song paints a scene of heartbreak on a “cold, wet pavement stage” as Geraci describes it — lovers caught between reconciliation and ruin. With piano, sax, and guitar driving a cool retro alt-soul sound, and a raw, Morphine-style sax solo building to a frenzied finish, the single channels both restraint and release.
Produced and engineered by Dave Westner (Peter Wolf, Dropkick Murphys) and recorded at David Minehan’s Woolly Mammoth Sound in Waltham, MA, “Paradise Lost” continues Geraci’s run of introspective yet daring releases following “Voice In My Head” and “Save Yourself.” The Needham native and frontman of The Tear Downs says the song’s risks and imperfections are part of its appeal: “Rough and raw, but really emotive and relatable.” With a new EP coming in early 2026, Geraci proves again that authenticity and variety remain his creative compass.
In Mourning Unveil Haunting New Video for “Moonless Sky” from ‘The Immortal’
Swedish progressive melodic death metal band In Mourning have released a chilling new video for “Moonless Sky,” the latest single from their August album ‘The Immortal.’ The track, an emotional and slow-burning highlight, now has a visual that captures its deep sense of despair and introspection. “What makes us stay here, when it becomes so very dark. I think that sentence captures this song, and I think Jonna portrays it in a beautiful way with this video,” says guitarist Bjorn Pettersson. Vocalist Tobias Netzell adds, “It’s a song to catch your breath when you are in the middle of the darkest tempest.”
With ‘The Immortal,’ In Mourning reaffirm their status as one of Sweden’s most fearless and inventive metal acts. Blending emotive melodies, intricate riffing, and staggering intensity, the album stands as a testament to their ability to craft music that is as thought-provoking as it is powerful. Both sonically and emotionally, In Mourning continue to push melodic death metal into uncharted territory.
Alice Cooper Inducted Into 2025 Radio Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and shock-rock pioneer Alice Cooper has officially been inducted into the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the most influential voices in broadcasting. The honor recognizes Cooper’s two-decade career on the airwaves as host of the nationally syndicated programs “Nights with Alice Cooper” and “Alice’s Attic with Alice Cooper,” which is currently distributed by Superadio Networks.
“Hearing my songs across stations around the world never gets old. Hosting Nights With Alice Cooper and, more recently, Alice’s Attic, has deepened my love of radio, playing records, telling stories and connecting with listeners everywhere,” Cooper said. “For that, I want to first thank Andy Denemark from United Stations, who believed in Nights With Alice Cooper and made it happen. And a special thanks to Eric Faison and his team at Superadio, who helped us re-launch the show as Alice’s Attic and have done an incredible job growing the show.”
First inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, Cooper revolutionized the sound and spectacle of rock with his theatrical, genre-bending performances that shaped glam, metal and punk. His enduring passion for storytelling and music discovery translated seamlessly to radio, where Alice’s Attic delivers a five-hour daily mix of classic rock staples, deep cuts and behind-the-scenes tales to fans across the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Held on Oct. 30 at the Swissôtel Chicago, the 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony also celebrated ten other broadcasting luminaries, including Tom ‘Mojo’ Carballo (Mojo in the Morning), Colin Cowherd (Fox Sports Radio), Bob Lacey & Sheri Lynch (The Bob & Sheri Show), DeDe McGuire (DeDe in the Morning), Martha Quinn (The Martha Quinn Show), Scott Simon (NPR’s Weekend Edition) and Shelley ‘The Playboy’ Stewart, as well as industry executives Mike McVay and Julie Talbott.
For more information on the 2025 inductees, visit radiohalloffame.com.
The Wiggles Announce 2026 North American Tour With ‘The Tree of Wisdom Spectacular’
Beloved Australian icons The Wiggles are heading back to North America in 2026 with The Tree of Wisdom Spectacular Tour, supporting their new family album The Tree of Wisdom, available now. The tour promises a colorful celebration of timeless Wiggles classics like “Fruit Salad Yummy Yummy” and “Hot Potato,” alongside new songs such as “Rattlin’ Bog” and “Bush Doof!.” Tickets go on sale Friday, November 7. The tour announcement follows the group’s surprise appearance at Teddy Swims’ sold-out Sydney concert, where they joined him onstage for a joyful medley of Wiggles favorites — a moment Swims called a “dream come true.”
The Tree of Wisdom character, created by Dominic Field, has become a viral phenomenon, amassing over 200 million social media views and drawing fans from Robert De Niro to Dolly Parton. Co-founder and OG Blue Wiggle Anthony Field said the project blends The Wiggles’ signature educational approach with fresh sounds and universal fun. “The Tree of Wisdom is one of the most instantly beloved characters we’ve ever introduced,” said Field. Alongside the tour, The Wiggles are launching a new North American online store featuring exclusive merchandise and a dancing Tree of Wisdom doll.
The Wiggles 2026 North American Tree of Wisdom Spectacular Tour Dates:
Aug 12 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live
Aug 13 – Jacksonville, FL – Moran Theatre at JCPAC
Aug 15 – Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium
Aug 16 – Atlanta, GA – Cobb Energy Centre
Aug 17 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
Aug 18 – Tysons, VA – Capital One Hall
Aug 19 – Hershey, PA – Hershey Theatre
Aug 20 – Philadelphia, PA – Miller Theatre
Aug 22 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Aug 23 – Montclair, NJ – Wellmont Theatre
Aug 24 – Boston, MA – Wang Theatre
Aug 26 – Ottawa, ON – TD Place Arena
Aug 29 – Toronto, ON – Meridian Hall
Punk Rebel Illegal Mind Returns With Fierce New Single “No Test No Voice”
Illegal Mind, the one-man punk uprising led by Maxx Dee, has unleashed his latest sonic blast, “No Test No Voice” — a searing anthem of frustration, rebellion, and raw truth. Built entirely by Dee with guitar, bass, vocals, and a distortion-drenched DAW, the track rips through digital numbness like a live wire. “Freedom of speech should be earned, not abused,” he growls, turning punk into a reflection of modern decay rather than nostalgia. With its jagged riffs and unflinching commentary on social media addiction and performative outrage, the song captures a rare sense of urgency — rebellion without filters.
In the world of Illegal Mind, every sound is handcrafted chaos — equal parts punk defiance and alternative metal venom. The single’s artwork, depicting a faceless crowd glowing in the blue light of their screens, completes the message: this is the mirror we’ve been avoiding. Building on earlier tracks like “Riding Eleanor” and “Zombie Girl,” “No Test No Voice” lights a bonfire for what’s left of punk’s soul. And with a new EP set for 2025, Maxx Dee stands as one of the few artists still screaming through the static — unafraid, unfiltered, and unwilling to turn the volume down.