This list of Guitar World's 10 essential classic metal albums is part of a much larger feature—Guitar World's 100 Essential Guitar Albums—which you'll be seeing in the weeks ahead.
For the time being, we'll start you off with these 10 masterpieces from guys named Tipton, Hammett, Young and Slash.
And, to help you get into the spirit of the music on this list, we thought you could use some inspiration:
INSPIRATIONAL VERSE: "I'm on the highway to hell!" — "Highway to Hell," AC/DC
INSPIRATIONAL LICK: "Iron Man," Black Sabbath
THE LOOK: Leather trousers, demin jacket and long, unwashed hair. Shirt optional.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE:
• Guitar: Gibson Les Paul, Gibson Flying V
• Amps: Marshall JCM800 (with 4x12 full stack, dude!)
• Effects: Rangemaster Treble Booster, DOD 250 Overdrive/Preamp, Dunlop Cry Baby Wah, MXR Flanger, MXR Phase 90
“The experience of our work with Jimmy in a vibrant, electric, mystical, and powerful perspective”: Unreleased Jimmy Page/Rich Robinson composition set to feature in upcoming deluxe version of Jimmy Page & the Black Crowes: Live at the Greek
“The king of modern blues getting down and dirty (musically) with a former Van Halen singer”: January 2025 Guitar World Editors’ Picks
