Heavy Metaller needs some class ical .

For sheer adrenaline, I think you ought to check out Holst's "The Planets" (first movement, especially), Thomas Ades's "Asyla" (third movement, especially) and probably Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring". Just as with Rock and Metal, you'll find some part of the piece that you really like, and the rest will probably grow on you as you listen...
Happy Listening!
Kurt

Ccerny: Great question. I just got into this high end thing myself and am currently going through the growing pains of actually critically listening to the music. Those old Grateful Dead recordings just don't cut it. But I recently picked up the Reference Recording of the Minnesota Symphony playing some of Coplands' works and it Rocks! The first cut should be familiar to you: Fanfare for a Common Man covered by Emerson Lake and Palmer - what bass! I only have the one classical album and am afraid that nothing else will touch this. I look forward to listening to all these suggestions.

At a Judas Priest show in the late 80's a sociologist asked members of the crowd as they were leaving who was their favorite band. Of those who answered Judas Priest about 1/4 listed their second favorite band as classical music. I can't add too much to the list but I will add what I think are intense and well recorded performances. Dutoit conducting Montreal for Holst's The Planets, Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique, and Respighi's Pines of Rome. Rite of Spring conducted by Ozawa and Chicago on the new RCA HP remaster. Bach, Virgil Fox CD on the Clearlight label. For Wagner selections Reiner or Solti conducting. For russian selections try Solti's Romantic Russia CD.

You may know that chord progressions in Heavy Metal typically came from Classical Music. You might be surprised at how many heavy metal rockers studied classical music for this reason. But that wasn't your question--I too would recommend Russian composers. They are energetic, dynamic, and passionate. 2 that have not been mentioned that I would try out is Rachmoninov Piano Concerto # 3 and Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture. I also agree that Wagner's Ride of the Valkaries is great. This is slightly off the subject, but if you haven't seen the movie "Crossroads" you might like it--Classical meets Heavy Metal. It's not on my top ten list--but I would list it as one of those "guilty pleasures". And Dekay--I love Barber of Seville--the bugs bunny version too!