Abbreviated as BOC, Blue Öyster Cult started in 1967 in New York and has sold more than twenty-four million records worldwide. Known mostly as a hard rock band, they’ve also dipped into psychedelic rock, acid rock, progressive rock, and more.
BOC is known as “thinking man’s metal.” They’ve influenced dozens of bands, including plenty on this list, and they even inspired a famous Saturday Night Live skit.
Recommended Listening: Make sure you hear “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.” It remains one of the most famous classic rock and metal songs ever. Also, check out “Burnin’ for You,” “Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll,” and “Godzilla.”
Blondie
Pioneers in American new wave and punk rock in the mid-to-late 70s, Blondie was started by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein. Underground until 'Parallel Lines' in 1978, over the next three years, they would achieve a number of hit singles.
The Band has been on the road for decades and joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, having sold over forty million records worldwide. They're even still active; their eleventh studio album, 'Pollinator,' came out May 5th, 2017.
Recommended Listening: 'Parallel Lines' was the breakout album for Blondie and spawned the hit single “Heart of Glass.” Also, listen to their second number-one UK single, “Maria,” in 1999.
Tool
Nothing transcends musical styles like Tool. Formed in 1990, the band has produced only six albums despite being active since its formation. However, the group has won four Grammy Awards for their efforts.
Combining progressive rock and psychedelic rock, Tool is an intensely private band and didn't even allow online streaming until 2019. They released their sixth album 'Fear Inoculum' in August of 2019, thirteen years after 2006's '10,000 Days'.
Recommended Listening: Focus on 2001's 'Lateralus,' what most fans consider the top selection, and '10,000 days'. Listen to the albums in one sitting, in a quiet room with good headphones. You'll thank us.
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters began as a one-man project by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl. The band has four Best Rock Album awards from the Grammys and has sold twelve million albums in the United States alone.
The band's most recent album came in 2017, titled 'Concrete and Gold,' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 120,000 copies in the first week. The album also debuted at number one on twelve other national charts.
Recommended Listening: 'In Your Honor,' released in 2005, is their most lauded album, a certified platinum album by the RIAA, which also includes the hit single “Best of You.”
Metallica
The pioneers of the thrash metal genre, Metallica, started with fast tempos, aggressive riffs, and intense musicianship that hasn't stopped. Jabbing forward with their first album, 'Kill 'Em All,' Metallica then followed up with 'Ride the Lightning', which grew the band into a household name.
Through their ten albums, Metallica has had all ten certified platinum by the RIAA, including one that was certified Diamond: 'Metallica,' released in 1991.
Recommended Listening: If you like your metal, just pick an album (except for maybe 'St. Anger'). Their most famous songs are likely “Enter Sandman” from 'Metallica,' and “Master of Puppets” from the album of the same title.