Essential 2010s traditional heavy metal

The best Traditional Heavy Metal albums of the 2010s.

Where to start with 2010–2019 traditional heavy metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

Top of the 2010s — traditional heavy metal

Top picks from 2010–2019, ranked by where we would start.

Now What?!

Deep Purple

Now What?!

A vibrant mix of classic rock energy and progressive experimentation, showcasing the band's timeless musicality and lyrical depth.

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Infinite

Deep Purple

Infinite

A vibrant mix of classic rock energy and modern production, showcasing Deep Purple's enduring chemistry and musical evolution.

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Music from Another Dimension!

Aerosmith

Music from Another Dimension!

A vibrant blend of bluesy rock and glam-infused anthems that channel classic Aerosmith energy with a modern twist.

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Scream

Ozzy Osbourne

Scream

A blend of aggressive guitar riffs and melodic hooks, showcasing Ozzy's signature vocal intensity over modern production.

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Battle Hymns MMXI

Manowar

Battle Hymns MMXI

Epic power metal anthems collide with orchestral flourishes and roaring vocals, embodying a genre-defining celebration of heavy music.

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The Lord of Steel

Manowar

The Lord of Steel

Epic guitar riffs and thunderous drums create a triumphant soundscape celebrating power and warrior spirit.

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Welcome 2 My Nightmare

Alice Cooper

Welcome 2 My Nightmare

This album provides a cohesive experience that highlights both the heavy sound and the dramatic elements characteristic of Alice Cooper’s work. It's a entry point for new listeners to grasp his unique artistry.

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Paranormal

Alice Cooper

Paranormal

A vibrant blend of classic rock and glam infused with Alice Cooper's trademark theatricality and dark humor.

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Firepower

Judas Priest

Firepower

Explosive riffs and soaring vocals intertwine, delivering a relentless heavy metal experience infused with classic Judas Priest energy.

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Redeemer of Souls

Judas Priest

Redeemer of Souls

A powerful blend of classic heavy metal riffs and soaring vocals that reaffirms Judas Priest's legacy in the genre.

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The Final Frontier

Iron Maiden

The Final Frontier

A grandiose blend of soaring melodies and intricate instrumentation, encapsulating the spirit of progressive heavy metal.

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The Book of Souls

Iron Maiden

The Book of Souls

Epic heavy metal anthems intertwine complex narratives with soaring melodies and intricate guitar work.

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13

Black Sabbath

13

A thunderous return to form, blending heavy riffs with profound lyrical themes and the unmistakable essence of classic doom metal.

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Kingmaker

Pretty Maids

Kingmaker

A dynamic fusion of hard rock and power metal, infused with melodic hooks and a gritty edge.

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Louder Than Ever

Pretty Maids

Louder Than Ever

A thunderous blend of power metal and hard rock, characterized by soaring vocals and relentless guitar riffs.

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Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards

Joe Satriani

Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards

A vibrant mix of intricate guitar work and ethereal melodies, blending rock, jazz fusion, and progressive textures seamlessly.

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Unstoppable Momentum

Joe Satriani

Unstoppable Momentum

A vibrant blend of instrumental rock and blues, showcasing virtuosic guitar work over dynamic rhythms.

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Bubblebath

Poppy

Bubblebath

An eclectic blend of bubblegum pop and industrial grit, Poppy's sound is both playful and unsettling.

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Poppy.Computer

Poppy

Poppy.Computer

Poppy.Computer showcases Poppy's innovative approach to music, effortlessly combining pop melodies with darker, electronic undertones. This album captures the essence of her artistic vision and provides a diverse listening experience that's both engaging and thought-provoking.

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Ave Maria – En Plein Air

Tarja Turunen

Ave Maria – En Plein Air

A lush orchestral tapestry intertwines with Tarja's operatic vocals, creating a serene and ethereal atmosphere throughout the collection.

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From Spirits and Ghosts (Score for a Dark Christmas)

Tarja Turunen

From Spirits and Ghosts (Score for a Dark Christmas)

Haunting arrangements intertwine classical vocals and symphonic elements, transforming traditional Christmas melodies into ethereal soundscapes.

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Rock 'n' Roll Telephone

Nazareth

Rock 'n' Roll Telephone

A gritty blend of hard rock and traditional heavy metal, infused with a sense of nostalgia and defiance.

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Tattooed on My Brain

Nazareth

Tattooed on My Brain

A gritty blend of hard rock and traditional heavy metal, underscoring Nazareth's enduring sound with an updated energy.

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Raise Your Fist in the Air

Doro

Raise Your Fist in the Air

Anthemic heavy metal riffs blend with empowering lyrics, creating an exhilarating call to arms for fans of traditional metal.

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