I'm looking for some good metal that my friends will be able to enjoy- they're neophytes to this wonderful genre, and they enjoy overt (superficial, you might say) heaviness and catchy melodies, with harsh vocals mostly being considered "shit." Thus far, they have taken a liking to Dragonforce and Symphony X, but strict adherence to the power metal genre is not a must.

Blind Guardian and Judas Priest, obviously.

Doomsword's most recent album, "My Name Will Live On", sounds like it might be a perfect fit for what you're looking for, if it doesn't have to be power metal. (Though a few songs on the album border on being power metal.) Excellent epic/Viking metal with only clean vocals (and very good ones at that), plenty of heaviness and some extremely catchy melodies. Definitely an album I'd play for someone who liked the kind of sound you describe.

(Their earlier albums are also very good, but they're doomier and somewhat less accessible- if your friends are used to power metal, I'd start off with the newest one.)

Rush! Well okay, I know some people dispute their metal-ness, but picking up albums such as Permanent Waves, Hemispheres, and Farewell to Kings (Especially Permanent Waves, it being my favorite) won't lead you wrong. And plus, it's Geddy Lee - what's not to like about him?

You could also try some viking-era Bathory. Y'know, Blood on Ice or Twilight of the Gods. Quorthorn's vocals are almost entirely clean, and for the most part the music is very engaging. I'd say give it a shot, really.

Finally, try out Therion's Gothic Kabbalah. More strictly clean stuff, and I find the songs are fun as hell while driving or what not.

First off, Manowar. They're very anthemic and catchy, especially on songs like "Metal Warriors." If they happen to like that, also try Grand Magus's Iron Will for something in a similar vein. I'm not sure the latter's earlier albums are what you're looking for, though.

I would also suggest some Accept (Balls to the Wall) as well as early solo Ozzy and, of course, W.A.S.P. - in their case, the first four albums.

Kamelot's Ghost Opera might be a good place to start. It's not heavy by any means, but if they liked Symphony X, it might be a good place to go from there.

Nevermore might be another good one. Solid riffs and pretty good clean vocals as well. This Godless Endeavor or Dreaming Neon Black are both good albums to start with.

Iron Fucking Maiden.

Oh, yes - I also forgot Dio (the solo band). About half of Holy Diver is absolutely godly; even the parts that aren't fit your request, and you'll probably enjoy the album anyway. Dream Evil is likely what you're looking for, as well.

Thanks for the recs guys- I'll have them give a few of these bands a listen, and report back. Unfortunately, I was dismayed to find from the very beginning that she (My buddies girlfriend) absolutely despises Maiden, as she calls the vocals "shit."

Fozzy. New age and very accessible while keeping a heavy vibe about the riffage and what not.

I suggest you practice some of Cannibal Corpse's lyrics on her.

Seriously, what the fuck? I don't hold Iron Maiden's music in high regard, but I can't deny that Bruce Dickinson is one of the greatest metal vocalists.

Not that I like them, but I believe Hammerfall would fit into the simple, catchy metal category, and are therefore worth mentioning.

I would also strongly suggest Alestorm, your friends are bound to like them, judging by how you described their preferences.

Perhaps later you could expose them to more serious stuff, for example the progressive-ish albums by Savatage.

Khull also mentioned Therion's Gothic Kabbalah. As much as I hate them for whoring out and releasing this watered-down, simplistic power metal crap album, your friends might like it.

And since we're on the symphonic power metal page, why not show them some Rhapsody (of Fire)? I guess it'll be up their alley.

Oh, oh, for some catchy folk metal, stick some Tuatha de Danann it their ears, that should be the ticket. It's happy celtic folk metal full of bouncy melodies, good stuff.

Doomsword could be another recommendation, as greenandblack already suggested, but I'm not entirely sure if your friends could get past the thick, slightly doomish sound.

And, err, Metallica?

What's the problem?

armored saint is about as simple as it gets.

Okay, so it looks like traditional metal, power/speed metal, and folk are going to be the way to go, as they have expressed enjoyment of Judas Priest, Metallica, Turisas, and Glittertind. I'm going to spring some Grave Digger on them tonight, which they should appreciate.

Anthrax, Persuader, Wolf, Jag Panzer, Stormwarrior, maybe some Slayer?

I'll throw in some Jag Panzer for them tomorrow. My buddy had apparently heard Holy Diver (the song, not the album), but didn't know it was Dio, which he's now a huge fan of. I'm really starting to wonder about his girlfriend though, as we put on Dio, and she promptly said "this is okay, but I'm going back to listening to Disturbed." This response is becoming increasingly common, and I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't just kill her and have done with it.

Tell her to leave the hall.

I'm surprised Black Sabbath hasn't been mentioned, definately check out the first couple of albums. (First 6 albums are masterpieces, with the first 2 being the absolute peak of human society). Also check out Heaven and Hell (also by Sabbath), this ones a bit more straightforward and metally, but IMO Ozzy era shits all over it.

Also check out Disturbed's latest album Indestructible. It is a very different sound to their earlier crap, and actually has a lot of traditional metal aesthetics (there are actual solos on this album). It's quite catchy, and also has a very pseudo-heavy vibe created by the production and vocals.

Don't worry, I did.



I honestly don't care for anything released by Disturbed beyond Believe, which is a pretty damn good album. I've heard Indestructible, and while their instrumental capabilities have improved significantly, the lyrics come off as rather childish.

Folk you say? I would definitely suggest Crom's Vengeance. Very accessible vocals, great instrumentation without being overly ostentatious, and an overall enjoyable listen. Should fit nicely if they're enjoying the folk vibes.

Yea, but see the thing is, your friends might like it. I find it's a very good gateway album (I've actually gotten 2 people into metal in general through Disturbed and Dragonforce), and when they ask "what other metal bands are good" then BAM! hit em' with some Suffocation and watch them run in fear.

Hm, I think for the beginning these albums will be good:

- Queensryche's first four albums (84, 86, 88, 90)

- Savatage's mid career (from '85 to '94)

- Virgin Steele's albums from 1983 to 1995

- Riot's albums

I just found this awesome Polish band. Very melodic, anthemic and reminscent of traditional 80s metal. Behold Crystal Viper!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY1ohfosSWA

Other than that, there are tons of classic, power metal and gothic metal bands out there perfect for metal newbies.

well... just to work with a theme here...

Volbeat fits this description pretty well.

It's heavy metal mixed with 50's rock and roll. Imagine Elvis if he was in a metal band. They focus on playing short, catchy, hook filled metal, and they have a sound all to their own. I think your friends may enjoy them.

Alice in Chains! Show some from Dirt like Them Bones and they should catch on well.

no.

It's gotta be Kamelot, all girls like Kamelot surely!

It's always worked for me....

edit: though "simple"....maybe not?

Oh, yes. Yes indeed. These kinds of hybrid bands are definitely a good idea for the uninitiated. New album is neat too, btw.
I also second Volbeat.

But I wouldn't use Witchcraft as an introduction into metal per se. They're great, but I always pictured them more as an occult/psych rock band than metal. Catchy and good they are, heavy [metal] they are not.
Instead, I would strongly advise you to use this or this, for example.

Helloween's latest might also ignite some interest. I've yet to find complete non-metalheads who don't like it, same for the two above.

I'm not arguing with the recommendation of Alice In Chains, I'm just saying that in my opinion they're a bullshit band. Also, i'm pretty sure Witchcraft falls pretty well into the "Stoner Metal" genre.

And to the original poster, I would have a serious sit-down conversation with him about his girlfriend's statement about Iron Maiden. Wait, is she only familiar with Blaze Bailey? Because we all know he sucks really bad.

Saying "no" without anything else does not clarify your opinion of them being a bullshit band isn't what the point of this thread is. And nobody cares what you think about them, it's for the OP, not you.

Check some stuff like Entwine or Sparzana. Both very different but have pretty simple riffing and drumming and clean, catchy vocals.

Sparzana: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l2eLjClzEk

Entwine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVsn3w_PYAU

No.

He doesn't.