I’ve been a huge fan of metal for quite a while, and over the years I have acquired a taste for the more extreme sub genres -- like death metal, black metal, etc. However, I still remember how inaccessible this style of music was before I became a fan. The harsh screaming vocals evident in some of the heavier types of metal, along with the aggression and intensity was a bit overwhelming. There are many people who are not fans of metal, and they might share these feelings. In order to potentially overcome the inherent inaccessibility of metal, I have created a list of 10 albums that may be suited for those who do not normally listen to this aggressive genre of music.

There was a particular methodology in selecting these albums. First, I tried to pick bands and albums that are not already incredibly well known, so no albums by Metallica will be here. I also tried to pick legitimately heavy albums, so I shied away from bands like Poison and Motley Crue.

Alcest, "Écailles de lune" (2010).

Alcest has gone through many style changes throughout their career, starting out with a few atmospheric black metal EPs and most recently releasing a shoegaze/dream pop album.Écailles de lune is essentially a mixing of these two styles: a genre known as blackgaze. Blackgaze combines the dark atmosphere and tremolo-picked guitars of black metal with the fuzzy guitar tones and dream-like vocals of shoegaze.

This is perhaps the most beautiful metal album I have ever heard. The atmosphere is simply breathtaking. There are harsh screams here and there, and while knowing this might scare some people away, trust me when I say the vocals work incredibly well. They are relatively low in the mix and add to the serious and emotional vibe of the album, and are not nearly as intense as vocals in other metal genres.

As I said, Alcest has gone through numerous style shifts, and if you find this to be a bit too overwhelming, they have much more accessible non-metal releases that you should totally check out as well.

Recommended tracks: "Percées de lumière," "Écailles de lune Pt. 1."

Killing Joke, "Pandemonium" (1994).

Killing Joke was, at first, a rather acclaimed '80s post-punk group, and later ventured into darker and heavier territory. Pandemonium embodies this shift, being a top-tier industrial metal record. The tracks are dark and mechanical-sounding, as would be expected from the genre, but they are not very abrasive. Elements of the band’s post-punk past are here as well, making it a unique experience in the industrial metal genre.

This is not a very fast-paced record. The grooves are, for the most part, slow and relaxed. In addition, while heavily down-tuned guitars play throughout each track, it is often the case that the synths are the primary instrument. While certainly a metal album, it is not very intense. The aggression is not nearly as extreme as in other industrial metal albums.

Recommended tracks: "Millennium," "Mathematics of Chaos."

Deftones, "White Pony" (2000).

Deftones is perhaps the most well-respected alternative metal band of the early 2000s. The group’s magnum opus is White Pony. While maintaining the “poppy” and radio-friendly aspects of alternative metal, Deftones are a bit more experimental than your typical alternative metal band. Elements of shoegaze, like fuzzy guitar tones and softly sung dream-like vocals, are present. This creates a contrast with the more aggressive metal elements, creating this uniquely dark yet beautiful atmosphere that has yet to be pulled off as effectively by other alternative metal groups.

Recommended tracks: "Change (In the House of Flies)," "Knife Prty."

Cynic, "Traced in Air" (2008).

Cynic’s sophomore effort, Traced in Air, was released in 2008, more than a decade after their debut Focus. Likewise, this album marks a massive stylistic change from their debut, stripping out any and all death metal elements that were omnipresent in Focus. Traced in Air is a very unique record, and is rather hard to assign genres. It is essentially an experimental yet catchy progressive metal album, with strong influences from jazz fusion. The tracks go through numerous dynamic changes in style, cycling between intense technical surges and softer atmospheric interludes.

This is a rather intense album, at times, but not in the same way as most extreme metal albums. It’s fast-paced and filled with adrenaline, but it is not scary. If this album overwhelms you, it will likely not be due to the metal elements, but to the complex and technical compositions.

Recommended tracks: "The Space for This," "Evolutionary Sleeper."

Lacuna Coil, "Comalies" (2002).

Lacuna Coil is an Italian gothic metal band that creates an emotional mood, as emphasized by the dark and spiritual lyrics of Cristina Scabbia. They’re essentially a heavier version of Evanescence. Rather than going with a violent and aggressive style like other metal artists, Lacuna Coil creates an artsy and atmospheric vibe. There is heavy use of symphonic keyboards and soaring vocal melodies. The songs often cycle between male and female vocals, further adding to the strong melodicism evident in their music. Lacuna Coil was one of the first metal bands I got into when I was younger and they remain one of my favorite bands. I’d highly recommend this album, along with the rest of their discography.

Recommended tracks: "Heaven’s a Lie," "Swamped."

Kyuss, "Welcome to Sky Valley" (1994).

Kyuss is one of the most chill metal bands I’ve listened to. The songs are relatively heavy, but are normally played at a relaxed tempo with a smooth and cool vibe. Like other stoner metal artists, Kyuss creates a psychedelic and bluesy sensation with their music. Their focus is not on aggression and brutality, but rather on constructing a catchy and groove oriented climate. Some comparisons could be made to bands like The Black Keys and Queens of the Stone Age.

Recommended tracks: "Demon Cleaner," "Gardenia."

Dream Theater, "Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory" (1999).

If you are looking for an epic musical odyssey, look no further than Dream Theater’s Metropolis Pt. 2. This album tells an in depth story about love, hate, addiction, and tragedy. Every member of Dream Theater is a virtuoso in their respective instruments. They do not merely show off their technical abilities however; Dream Theater manages to create a beautiful progressive metal masterpiece that will capture your heart. It’s what I’d like to imagine a metal version of a Shakespeare play would be.

No harsh vocals whatsoever exist here. For every intense and heavy guitar riff there are breathtaking piano interludes, with soaring melodic vocals throughout. Dream Theater was the first metal band I fell in love with, and is a great start for someone looking for something a bit heavier than bands like Rush or Muse.

Recommended tracks: "Fatal Tragedy," "Strange Deja Vu."

Kamelot, "The Black Halo" (2005).

If you want your metal to be less scary while still being adrenaline pumping, power metal may be the solution to all your life’s problems. Kamelot is my favorite band in this genre, as they manage to perfect the incredibly melodic and invigorating atmosphere as expected from power metal, without crossing the line into cheesiness territory like many other groups in the genre. Overall, The Black Halo is a really fun record that shouldn’t be too frightening to the average listener.

Recommended tracks: "The Haunting (Somewhere In Time)," "March of Mephisto."

Primus, "Sailing the Seas of Cheese" (1991).

Primus is a very strange group. They’ve always been rather inventive with their experimental funky weirdness. Unlike most metal bands, the guitar isn’t really the focus for the most part. The freaky riffs produced by Les Claypool’s slapping of the bass are what drives Primus’ songs. Everything just comes together in this unusual yet perfect mess of funk metal. If you want something wild and unorthodox to listen to, while not necessarily desiring something violent or abrasive, Primus may be right up your alley.

Recommended Tracks: "Jerry was a Race Car Driver," "Tommy the Cat."

Rage Against the Machine, "The Battle of Los Angeles" (1999).

It’s a shame how gimmicky rap-metal can be, at times, when there are bands like Rage Against the Machine who pull it off so well. RATM is one of the most popular and socially aware metal groups of the '9s, with fantastic music to go along with their anti-war, anti-oppression messages. Zach de la Roche’s intense verses combine with Tom Morello’s unique funk-inspired grooves to create a sound that has yet to be successfully replicated by anyone else. The tracks are aggressive, but in a hip-hop way rather than an extreme metal way. Rage Against the Machine is a perfect metal band for fans of hip-hop and politically charged lyrics.

Recommended tracks: "Guerilla Radio," "Testify."