A Natural Progression for Getting Into Hard Rock and Metal
If you’ve ever wanted to get into the world of headbangers, this is the guide for you. Like most people, I did not automatically jump into heavy music. Below, I have listed the natural progression that I used to discover my now favorite genre of music. I will list bands by name, and the best method is to use Pandora or another internet music app to make stations for them. That said, I think we can get started.
Step 1 - Research
In order to understand modern hard rock, you first have to explore its roots. So back to the 80’s we go! Go ahead and check out Skid Row, AC/DC, and Def Leppard if you haven’t already. These famous hair bands (that iTunes ignorantly classifies as “classic rock”) helped define what hard rock would someday become. Some others that are worth checking out are Twisted Sister, KISS, and Bon Jovi.
Step 2 - Warm-Up
Believe it or not, music has changed since the 80’s. In order to get a feel for how modern hard rock has developed, try some good old fashioned Punk Rock. Some crucial bands to know are Bowling for Soup, All Time Low, and Fall Out Boy. Some of these bands are known more popularly as “pop-punk.” That’s because they’ve changed with the times. Check out some of their earlier works, and you will be better off.
Some may think that this step is pointless and that they can skip it. Just remember, if you skip your warm-up, then you’ll get cramps later in the race. Trust me guys, this step is not to be left out.
Step 3 - Three Days Grace
Three Days Grace is probably the most important band you will ever listen to. Virtually every hard rock fan I know had started off listening to TDG. If there was ever a band designed to introduce people to modern hard rock, it’s Three Days Grace. Their music is accessible to almost everyone, and they have songs on both the hard and soft side.
Make a Three Days Grace station on Pandora, listen the hell out of it, and then move on to the next step. You can also check out Skillet, Pop Evil, and Shinedown.
Step 4 - Kick It Up a Notch
So, you’ve had your first real taste of hard rock. Time to take it to the next level. I highly recommend Five Finger Death Punch, Avenged Sevenfold, and Disturbed. These three iconic bands have shaped the path of Heavy Metal in the past decade. You should also listen to Halestorm if you like a great female vocalist.
Be warned, they are incredibly heavy, but they all have some softer songs too. They are serious head-bangers.
Step 5 - Explore
After following the steps above, you should have a pretty good idea of what your style of hard rock is. Now it’s up to you to continue exploring the vast world of heavy metal and discover new bands that fit your style.
Some other great bands that were not listed already but are definitely worth mentioning are:
- Bullet For My Valentine
- Adelitas Way
- The Pretty Reckless
- Icon for Hire
- Seether
- Stone Sour
- Slipknot
- Falling in Reverse
- Breaking Benjamin
- Black Stone Cherry
- We As Human
- Thousand Foot Krutch
- Papa Roach
You could also create Heavy Metal and Hard Rock stations on Pandora.
Good Luck, and have fun Rock On!
Did you like the Natural Progression style of blog today? Leave me a comment and let me know.
Seriously, one comment would be nice.....
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