I have noticed that when I listen to songs using headphones with equalizer set to heavy metal I am able to clearly get the rhythm and bass licks. Unlike when using normal speakers as they are swallowed by the lead guitar. Any suggestions.

PS...Chai Ngenge new generique has very nice rhythm licks (Who is his rythmist)

It depends on the audio quality and it comes back to how the mix down was done and also the system you're using. I find that with the equalizer at 'Rock' on most systems, the sound is clear and I can hear most instruments.

Audio quality has more say , but i realized if you start off by listening for drumming then the bass, rhythm,mi-solo and finally solo will be easily identifiable to the T. And if you're familiar with the instrumentalist you can then note who is playing what or at least their style.

And if you're familiar with the instrumentalist you can then note who is playing what or at least their style.

Very important point. It is vital to know how each instrument in an arrangement sounds like and how each instrumentalist plays,that makes it easier to distinguish sounds for instance in a typical old Quartier Latin guitar line up of Bourman on accompa,Fofo Le Collegien on mi-solo and Felly Tyson or Ramazani on lead,it would be tough for a mere specatator or listener to tell which guitar is playing which partition.