Heavy metal is one of the most influential music genres in the world. But where did it come from? Who invented it? In this article, we will explore the full story of heavy metal and its origins. We will discuss who some of the key players were in developing this genre of music, and how it has evolved over the years. Heavy metal is a genre that is always changing and evolving, so there is always something new to learn about it!
Table of Contents
What Defines Heavy Metal?
To understand where heavy metal came from, we need to first define what it is. Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by highly amplified distortion, extended guitar solos, aggressive vocals, and overall loudness. The genre’s roots can be traced back to hard rock and blues-rock bands who were experimenting with new sounds and ways of playing their instruments.
Some of the earliest heavy metal bands include Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple. These bands laid the foundation for what would become one of the most popular genres in music history. They took the sounds of hard rock and blues rock and added their own unique twist to it, creating a sound that was all their own.
Black Sabbath is often credited with inventing heavy metal. Their 1970 self-titled debut album is considered to be one of the first heavy metal albums ever released. The band’s dark, brooding sound was unlike anything that had been heard before and it struck a chord with many fans who were looking for something heavier than what was currently on the radio.
Led Zeppelin is another band that was hugely influential in the development of heavy metal. Their blues-infused sound was heavier than anything else that was being played at the time. They were also one of the first bands to use distorted guitar sounds, which would become a staple of the genre.
Deep Purple is another band that played a major role in the development of heavy metal. They were one of the first bands to use extended guitar solos and they are also credited with being one of the loudest bands ever, reaching decibel levels that were previously thought to be impossible.
These three bands laid the foundation for what would become heavy metal.
Over the years, heavy metal has continued to evolve and change. New bands have taken the sounds that these early bands created and added their own spin on it. As a result, heavy metal is always evolving and changing, with new sounds and styles being developed all the time. [1]
Characteristics
There are a few key characteristics that define heavy metal. Firstly, it is characterized by highly amplified distortion. This gives the music a heavier sound and makes it more aggressive. Secondly, extended guitar solos are another defining characteristic of heavy metal. These solos often last for several minutes and show off the technical skill of the guitarist. Thirdly, heavy metal is also known for its aggressive vocals. The vocalists in these bands often have very powerful voices that can be heard over the music’s loud instrumentation. Finally, overall loudness is another key characteristic of heavy metal. This is achieved through the use of amplifiers and other audio equipment to make the music as loud as possible.
These characteristics are what define heavy metal and make it unique from other genres of music. Over the years, these characteristics have remained relatively unchanged, even as the genre has evolved and changed.
Style and Themes
Heavy metal is typically characterized as being dark, aggressive, and rebellious. The lyrics often deal with topics such as death, violence, war, and other dark subject matter. The music itself is often very heavy and distorted, with fast-paced drums and guitars. This combination of elements creates a sound that is both aggressive and dark.
The look of heavy metal bands is also usually very dark and aggressive. The members often dress in all black and wear a lot of leather and chains. This look adds to the rebellion image that many heavy metal bands portray.
Why Is It Called Metal Music?
The word “metal” is often used to describe the heavy, distorted sound of this genre. This is because the music is characterized by highly amplified distortion, which gives it a heavier sound. Additionally, metal is also used to describe the aggressive and rebellious nature of this type of music.
Music That Inspired the Rise of Metal Music (the 1950s and 1960s)
The roots of heavy metal can be traced back to the 1950s and 1960s. During this time, a number of different genres were beginning to emerge. These included rock and roll, blues, and psychedelic rock. All of these genres would eventually influence the development of heavy metal.
One of the earliest bands to play what would later be known as heavy metal was Cream. They were a British band that formed in 1966 and released their debut album, Fresh Cream, in 1967. The album featured extended guitar solos and heavier distorted sounds than what was typically heard at the time. This sound would go on to influence many future heavy metal bands.
Finally, the third influential band from this era was Led Zeppelin. They were a British band that formed in 1968 and released their debut album, Led Zeppelin, in 1969. Led Zeppelin was known for their heavy sound and blues-influenced style. They would go on to be one of the most successful bands of all time and would influence countless future metal bands.
These three bands were some of the earliest to play what would later be known as heavy metal music. They laid the foundation for the genre and influenced many future bands. Heavy metal would continue to develop throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and beyond. But it all started with these three groundbreaking bands from the 1960s.
Who Was the 1st Heavy Metal Band?
The first heavy metal band is often considered to be Black Sabbath. They were a British band that formed in 1968 and released their self-titled debut album in 1970. The album featured a dark and heavy sound that was unlike anything else that was being made at the time. It also had lyrics that dealt with topics such as death, violence, and other dark subject matter. This combination of elements set them apart from other bands of the time and helped to define the genre of heavy metal.
Black Sabbath would go on to be one of the most successful and influential metal bands of all time. They would help to shape the sound of metal music and influence countless future bands. If it wasn’t for Black Sabbath, heavy metal as we know it may not even exist today. [2]
Mainstream Heavy Metal Music from the 1970s
The 1970s was the decade when heavy metal started to take off. This was due in part to the success of Black Sabbath, as well as other bands that were beginning to emerge. Some of the most popular and influential metal bands from this era include Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Queen, and Kiss. These bands helped to bring metal music into the mainstream and make it more popular than ever before.
During this decade, metal music began to evolve and branch out into different subgenres. Some of these subgenres include hard rock, glam metal, and thrash metal. Each of these subgenres would go on to have a significant impact on the future of heavy metal music.
The 1970s was a pivotal decade for heavy metal. It was during this time that the genre really began to take off and become more popular than ever before. This decade would lay the foundation for metal music in the years to come.
Early Sub-Genres of Heavy Metal (the 1980s to 2000s)
In the 1980s, heavy metal began to branch out into different subgenres. This was due in part to the increasing popularity of the genre and the need for bands to differentiate themselves from the competition. Some of the most popular subgenres that emerged during this era include thrash metal, glam metal, and death metal. Each of these subgenres would play a role in shaping heavy metal music. Thrash metal would help to create a more aggressive sound while glam metal would focus more on image and style. Death metal would take things even further with its dark and brutal sound. The 1980s was a decade of change for heavy metal music. This was when the genre began to branch out and evolve into the various subgenres that we know today.
Heavy metal has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1960s. It has evolved and grown into one of the most popular genres of music in the world. With its dark and heavy sound, metal music has something to offer to everyone who likes this genre. If you’re a fan of metal music, then be sure to check out some of the great bands that this genre has to offer. You’re sure to find something that you like. [3]
Black Metal – A Darker Side of Heavy Metal
In the early 1990s, a new subgenre of heavy metal began to emerge. This subgenre was known as black metal. Black metal is characterized by its dark and aggressive sound. It also has lyrics that deal with topics such as death, Satanism, and other dark subject matter. Many black metal bands also have an extreme image, often wearing all black clothing and face paint.
Back metal was initially met with some resistance from the metal community. However, it quickly gained popularity in the underground scene. In the years since its inception, black metal has become one of the most popular and influential subgenres of heavy metal music.
If you’re a fan of heavy metal music, then you should definitely check out black metal. It’s a dark and aggressive style of music that is sure to appeal to fans of this genre.
Death Metal – The Heaviest of All Metal Subgenres
Death metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized by its extreme sound and brutal lyrics. Death metal is one of the heaviest and most aggressive styles of music. It often features fast-paced guitar riffs, blast beats, and guttural vocals. Numerous death metal bands have an intense look to them, sometimes wearing black from head to toe and donning face paint.
Death metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal characterized by fast tempos, guttural vocals, and highly distorted guitars. It emerged in the mid-1980s as a more extreme offshoot of thrash metal, itself an extension of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal which had incorporated elements of punk rock.
Death metal lyrics typically revolve around topics such as death, dying, violence, gore, Satanism, and other macabre subject matter.
Musically, death metal employs many of the same elements as other styles within the heavy metal genre: heavily distorted guitars played with palm muting and low chord progressions; dense bass lines; and drumming featuring blast beats. However, death metal also incorporates elements of other genres, such as punk rock, grindcore, and thrash metal.
While death metal began in the United States and England, it has since spread to other countries such as Norway (where the subgenre is known as “ Norwegian black metal”), Sweden, Finland, Germany, Poland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.
Power Metal – A More Melodic Style of Metal
Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines elements of traditional metal with speed metal. Power metal is typically characterized by its fast tempos, soaring vocals, and epic lyrics. Many power metal bands have a “fantasy” or “sci-fi” theme to their music and lyrics.
Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that originated in the late 1970s. It combines elements of traditional heavy metal with speedmetal, resulting in a more melodic sound.
The power metal sound often features clean singing (rather than the growls and screams associated with death metal), high-pitched vocals, fast tempos, and extended guitar solos. Power metal lyrics often deal with fantasy or science fiction themes.
Power metal bands are often influenced by classical music and folk music, as well as other genres such as progressive rock and speedmetal. Some of the earliest and most influential power metal bands include Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Manowar.
Power metal has since gained popularity in many parts of the world, including Europe, Japan, Brazil, and Latin America. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in power metal in the United States. If you’re a fan of heavy metal music, then you should definitely check out power metal! It’s a more melodic style of metal that is sure to appeal to fans of this genre.
Thrash Metal – A Faster, More Aggressive Style of Metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized by its fast tempo and aggressive sound. Thrash metal often features distorted guitars, double bass drumming, and lyrics that deal with social issues. Many thrash metal bands have an “antiauthoritarian” or “rebellious” image.
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that originated in the early 1980s. It is characterized by its fast tempo and aggressive sound.
Thrash metal often features distorted guitars, palm muting, fast guitar solos, double bass drumming, and lyrics that deal with social issues such as war, violence, and oppression.
The thrash metal style was pioneered by bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax. These bands were often inspired by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), a movement that began in the late 1970s and featured bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.
Who Are the Big 4 Thrash Metal Bands?
The “Big Four” of thrash metal are Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax. These four bands are often credited with popularizing the thrash metal genre and helping to make it the successful and influential genre it is today. [4]
Since their start in 1981, Metallica has become one of the bestselling bands of all time, selling over 100 million albums worldwide.They have released nine studio albums, including such classics as “Master of Puppets” (1986) and “…And Justice for All” (1988).
Slayer is another one of the most successful thrash metal bands, with over 20 million records sold. They have released 12 studio albums, including such classics as “Reign in Blood” (1986) and “Seasons in the Abyss” (1990).
Megadeth is another hugely successful thrash metal band, with over 40 million records sold. They have released 13 studio albums, including such classics as “Rust in Peace” (1990) and “Countdown to Extinction” (1992).
Anthrax is the fourth member of the Big Four of thrash metal. They have sold over 20 million records and released 11 studio albums. Some of their most popular albums include “Spreading the Disease” (1985) and “Persistence of Time” (1990).
Recent Sub-Genres of Metal
There have been many sub-genres of metal that have emerged in recent years. Some of these sub-genres include black metal, deathcore, and djent.
Black metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that originated in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its dark and aggressive sound, as well as its often Satanic or anti-Christian lyrics. Black metal bands often dress in all black clothes and wear black makeup, which gives them a “gothic” look.
Deathcore is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines elements of death metal and hardcore punk. It is characterized by its heavy sound and growled vocals. Deathcore bands often write songs about topics such as violence, death, and misery.
Djent is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its use of extended range instruments, complex rhythms, and “djenty” riffs. Djent bands often incorporate elements of progressive metal into their music.
Nu-Metal
Nu-metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its use of alternative metal, rap metal, and groove metal elements. Nu-metal bands often write songs about topics such as depression, suicide, and addiction.
Some of the most popular nu-metal bands include Linkin Park, Slipknot, and Korn.
Linkin Park is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold worldwide. They have released seven studio albums, including such classics as “Hybrid Theory” (2000) and “Meteora” (2003).
Slipknot is another hugely successful nu-metal band, with over 20 million records sold. They have released five studio albums, including such classics as “Iowa” (2001) and “Vol.
Korn is another one of the most successful nu-metal bands, with over 35 million records sold. They have released 11 studio albums, including such classics as “Follow the Leader” (1998) and “Untouchables” (2002).
Nu-metal is often credited with popularizing heavy metal in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Many nu-metal bands achieved commercial success during this time period, helping to make heavy metal more mainstream than it had been in previous years.
Metalcore
Metalcore is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines elements of hardcore punk and metal. It is characterized by its heavy sound and screamed vocals. Metalcore bands often write songs about topics such as violence, death, and politics.
Avenged Sevenfold is one of the best-selling artists of all time, having sold over 100 million records worldwide. They have released albums, including such classics as “City of Evil” (2005) and “Hail to the King” (2013).
Trivium is another hugely successful metalcore band, with over 20 million records sold. They have released seven studio albums, including such classics as “Ascendancy” (2005) and “The Crusade” (2006).
Killswitch Engage is another one of the most successful metalcore bands, with over five million records sold. They have released seven studio albums, including such classics as “Alive or Just Breathing” (2002) and “As Daylight Dies” (2006).
Metalcore was very popular in the early-to-mid 2000s, with many metalcore bands achieving commercial success during this time period. However, the genre has since declined in popularity, with many metalcore bands breaking up or going on hiatus in recent years.
New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal
New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM) is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines elements of traditional heavy metal and speed metal. It is characterized by its fast tempo, shredding guitar solos, and powerful vocals. NWOTHM bands often write songs about themes such as fantasy, mythology, and history.
Some of the most popular NWOTHM bands include Powerwolf, Sabaton, and Hammerfall. [5]
FAQ
Who is considered the father of heavy metal?
There is no clear consensus on who the father of heavy metal is. However, many people believe that it is either Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi or Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page.
Iommi is often credited with inventing the heavy metal sound, as he was one of the first guitarists to use power chords and distorted guitars. He also popularized the use of palm-muting, which helped create the signature “heavy” sound of metal.
Page is also considered to be a pioneer of heavy metal, as he popularized the use of double-tracked guitars and feedback. He was also one of the first guitarists to experiment with distortion and other effects pedals.
While Iommi and Page are both considered to be pioneers of heavy metal, there is no clear consensus on who the actual father of heavy metal is. This is a highly debated topic among fans and critics alike.
Why is it called heavy metal?
The term “heavy metal” was first used in a song by Steppenwolf called “Born to Be Wild”. In the song, lead singer John Kay described heavy metal as “the power of man and machine combined”.
The term quickly gained popularity within the hard rock and heavy metal community. Many people believe that it is because heavy metal music is “heavier” sounding than other genres of music. Others believe that the term is simply a metaphor for the heavier sound of metal.
Whatever the case may be, the term “heavy metal” has been used to describe this genre of music for over 50 years now. It is one of the most popular and well-known genres of music in the world. [6]
What country listens to the most metal?
Finland is often considered to be the country that listens to the most metal, per capita. This is likely because Finland has produced some of the most popular and well-known metal bands in the world, such as Children of Bodom and Nightwish.
Other countries that are known for their love of metal include Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Germany. These countries have also produced many successful metal bands, such as In Flames and Dimmu Borgir.
While there is no clear consensus on which country listens to the most metal, it is safe to say that there are many countries around the world that are home to die hard metal fans.
Useful Video: Who Really Invented Heavy Metal?
Conclusion
It’s hard to overestimate the influence of heavy metal on music. The genre has been around for over 50 years and shows no signs of slowing down. While there are many bands and styles within heavy metal, the roots of the genre can be traced back to a few key players. In this article, we’ve looked at who invented heavy metal and how their sound has evolved over time. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about this important chapter in music history. Do you have a favorite heavy metal band? Let us know in the comments below!
References:
- https://www.musicianwave.com/history-of-heavy-metal/
- https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/entertainment/music/article/3072431/origins-metal-and-how-it-found-its-place-music
- https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/1980s-heavy-metal-explosion-a-guide-to-sub-genres-249338
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrash_metal
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_wave_of_traditional_heavy_metal
- https://www.quora.com/IN-the-song-Born-To-Be-Wild-Steppenwolf-used-the-term-Heavy-metal-thunder-Do-think-the-term-would-be-used-today-had-not-been-for-that-song