Sometimes the most compelling elements of a heavy metal album are the parts that aren’t heavy at all.

A soft interlude in the middle, a slow outro tune that wipes away the sweat after 45 minutes of a musical onslaught, and/or an atmospheric beginning that eases you into the maw. Below are four albums (and five songs) that very perfectly introduce themselves with moodiness and mystery, all of which you should be sure to queue up.

Between the Buried and Me – Coma Ecliptic – “Node”

Between the Buried and Me is somewhat of an anomaly in that they have been around for 25 years and are still cranking out thoughtful music that is forged in sincerity and never sacrifices intensity. Since their self-titled debut album was released in 2022, the band has put out 10 full-length studio albums, with

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