Heavy metal music instrumentals can be tremendously intense and captivating, often creating the ultimate trance-inducing experiences for their listeners.
One of the hallmarks of heavy metal music is its heavy heaviness, often defined by researchers and fans as its power. Heaviness can be defined in three ways: weight, clarity and power (Mynett Metal 14-16; Wallmark et al; Walther-Hansen 105-07)
1. The Chantays – Pipeline
The Chantays are one of the most beloved surf instrumental bands ever, with “Pipeline” widely considered one of the genre’s essential instrumentals. Established in 1961 and still touring extensively today.
Bob Spickard and Brian Carman wrote “Candle in the Wind” while still high school seniors in 1962; its release became part of its success that year, reaching Billboard Top 10 status within one month.
This song has been covered by many artists, such as Dick Dale. Additionally, it can be heard in several films including More American Graffiti and Club Paradise.
Pipeline stands out from other songs from its era with its distinctive sound, thanks to a wide stereo mix and prominent bass guitar, electric piano, and rhythm guitar – unlike most rock and roll tracks of that period which focused more heavily on drums and lead guitar.
Key to the song’s unique sound and distinctive vibe was its slow tempo, creating an eerie and unnerving eeriness that set it apart from other surf songs of its era.
This song originally released as a single 45-rpm in monaural format; modern reissues feature stereophonic sound quality. Furthermore, Dot’s All-Time Hit series and an album from Reprise Records called Two Sides of Chantays also reissue this track.
2. Iron Maiden – Transylvania
Iron Maiden stands as one of the pioneering bands of heavy metal music history and their influence is felt across numerous other metal artists. While there is no shortage of heavy metal instrumentals out there today, one song that stands out among them all is Iron Maiden’s “Transylvania,” written by bassist Steve Harris and one of their most beloved tracks ever.
As is typical for heavy metal bands, guitars dominate most of this song’s components while Harris provides stunning bass work that really stands out on choruses.
Another aspect I appreciate in this song is how it continually shifts tempos, featuring multiple sections. This serves as a great example of how metal artists can incorporate improvisational techniques into their music.
The lyrics to “Wonderland” are captivating as well, covering a number of dark subjects. More specifically, this song tells about lead guitarist Steve Harris’ dreams about attending satanic rituals.
Iron Maiden are known for having a powerful creative drive, evident by this track and many others like it. While other bands might try and copy Maiden, Iron Maiden had its own identity. This factor alone separates them from other bands and ensures their place among us today as highly respected musicians.
3. Joe Satriani – For The Love Of God
Joe Satriani is one of the premier instrumental rock artists. His albums and live performances receive wide critical acclaim; 15 Grammy nominations attest to that fact. Furthermore, Joe maintains an active career as both touring guitarist and guitar camp educator.
Satriani has long been recognized for his instrumental prowess, yet also has an impressive track record when it comes to writing songs with lyrics. Many of his tracks – like those featured on The Elephants of Mars album – tell a tale, with inspiration coming from Marvel comic books as a source.
“For The Love Of God” is one such song. As an anthem for faith, this tune explores what it means to have faith.
The lyrics allude to various battles from history such as the Civil War, Spanish-American War and betrayal by Judas Iscariot of Jesus Christ.
Satriani clearly attaches great meaning to his lyrics, which clearly mean so much to him. Over the years he has written other ballads but this one stands out.
He considers it one of his finest works and it has had an immense effect on people worldwide.
This song can be quite intense and may not appeal to everyone, but it is surely captivating and will cause you to contemplate your relationship with God.
4. Steve Vai – The Attitude Song
Steve Vai made a name for himself during the 1980s by producing critically acclaimed instrumental albums renowned for their advanced guitar pyrotechnics and techniques. In 1984, Flex-Able propelled him into rock music’s forefront.
This album boasts an eclectic collection of songs spanning from funk-metal to speed metal and even “astral psychedelia”, with one stand-out track, “The Attitude Song”, standing out due to its dynamic guitar work and hypnotic tapping.
One track, ‘There’s Something Dead in Here’ is an atonal recording that recalls classic 20th century classical records. While it might not appeal to everyone, if you enjoy atonal non-melodic rock music then this album might just be what you need!
This track showcases Vai’s signature guitar style. This lick uses wide intervals to produce an angular sound while tapping provides wild and jagged melodies.
Bernie Grundman masterfully remastered this album in 2020 and it now comes packaged in an attractive dual pocket gatefold wallet with an immaculate 32-page booklet featuring never before seen photos as well as extensive liner notes written by Vai himself. A superb addition for any guitar player’s collection – and certainly worth its price!
5. John Bonham – Forevermore
John Bonham remains one of the most iconic drummers in rock history and his death is still felt deeply within the music industry. A master of various drumming styles ranging from percussive thunder to jazzy syncopation and precise timing, Bonham was an influential percussionist and masterful drummer who will always be missed by music enthusiasts worldwide.
Led Zeppelin drummer/songwriter Jack DeJohnette made Stairway To Heaven one of its signature tracks during his time with them – becoming an instant radio hit along the way. One of their most complex and demanding tracks, its complexity only added to its sound power.
But this song also serves as an excellent illustration of how the band fused diverse genres into a cohesive whole. After starting off as a straightforward rock and roll song, Bonham soon takes it in another direction and creates something truly original.
This song is not only excellent in terms of its performance but also in its message about being strong and facing the future. There are religious references throughout, drawing inspiration from J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord Of The Rings series for its construction.
Although this song contains religious overtones, it remains an upbeat and enjoyable tune with some unforgettable instrumental moments – particularly Bonham’s drum solo which offers powerful rhythm with his cymbals that rivals any drummer in the world.
6. Jimi Hendrix – The Star Spangled Banner
Jimi Hendrix played the Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock with great passion. For years prior, this song had become personal to him; playing it provided him with an opportunity to express his emotions about America’s national anthem.
Hendrix employed special guitar techniques during his performance that immersed audiences fully into his song, including simulating war sounds like fighter jets and bombs; as well as lower tuning that enabled him to bend strings more easily.
Hendrix used his experiences from war to create this piece, making the song both beautiful and challenging to play.
Hendrix performed this song multiple times during Woodstock in 1969; its most well-known rendition can be seen here. At that momentous event, Hendrix is said to have discovered an unexpected and powerful interpretation of it improvising and creating his own new take.
This performance had a profound effect on American culture and started Hendrix on an intense two-year obsession with the Star Spangled Banner anthem. His identity as an American was strong and this performance symbolized that struggle with America’s national anthem.