3.7 Heavy metal

Heavy metal emerged in the late 1960s, blending blues rock and psychedelic influences into a powerful new sound. Characterized by distorted guitars, aggressive rhythms, and often dark themes, it represented a significant shift in modern music's landscape.

The genre's development was shaped by cultural factors like post-war industrial decline and social unrest. Pioneering bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple laid the groundwork for metal's distinctive sound and attitude, influencing countless musicians and subgenres to follow.

Origins of heavy metal

• Heavy metal emerged as a distinct genre in the late 1960s and early 1970s, evolving from blues rock and psychedelic rock
• Represents a significant shift in the landscape of modern music, characterized by its aggressive sound and rebellious attitude
• Influenced the development of numerous subgenres and impacted popular culture beyond music

Precursor genres

Top images from around the web for Precursor genres

• 

  Taxonomía del Heavy Metal: aprende en 4' a identificar 26 géneros — El blog de Javier Otero View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Metal Genealogy.jpg - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Free Psychedelic Rock Star Poster Vector View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Taxonomía del Heavy Metal: aprende en 4' a identificar 26 géneros — El blog de Javier Otero View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Metal Genealogy.jpg - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Precursor genres

• 

  Taxonomía del Heavy Metal: aprende en 4' a identificar 26 géneros — El blog de Javier Otero View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Metal Genealogy.jpg - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Free Psychedelic Rock Star Poster Vector View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Taxonomía del Heavy Metal: aprende en 4' a identificar 26 géneros — El blog de Javier Otero View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Metal Genealogy.jpg - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Blues rock laid the foundation with its use of distorted guitar and emphasis on virtuosic playing
• Psychedelic rock contributed experimental elements and complex song structures
• Garage rock influenced the raw, energetic approach of early heavy metal
• Hard rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple bridged the gap between blues-based rock and heavy metal

Early pioneers

• Black Sabbath considered the first true heavy metal band, formed in Birmingham, England in 1968
• Led Zeppelin incorporated heavy guitar riffs and powerful vocals, influencing metal's development
• Deep Purple contributed to the genre with their heavy sound and prominent use of the Hammond organ
• Judas Priest helped define the metal sound with dual lead guitars and Rob Halford's operatic vocals
• Motörhead bridged the gap between heavy metal and punk rock, influencing thrash metal

Cultural influences

• Post-World War II industrial decline in working-class areas of the UK and US
• Vietnam War and social unrest of the late 1960s and early 1970s
• Occult and mystical themes in literature and popular culture
• Technological advancements in guitar and amplifier technology
• Counterculture movement and rejection of mainstream values

Musical characteristics

• Heavy metal revolutionized the sound of rock music with its emphasis on power, volume, and intensity
• Introduced new techniques and approaches to songwriting and performance in modern music
• Pushed the boundaries of musical virtuosity and technical proficiency

Distorted guitar sound

• Achieved through overdriving amplifiers or using distortion pedals
• Creates a thick, sustained tone that forms the backbone of heavy metal's sound
• Allows for greater sustain and harmonic richness in guitar playing
• Evolved from blues rock guitarists pushing their amplifiers to their limits
• Different types of distortion (tube, solid-state, digital) offer varied tonal characteristics

Power chords

• Consist of the root note and perfect fifth, often with the root doubled at the octave
• Provide a strong, harmonically simple foundation for riffs and rhythmic patterns
• Allow for easy transposition and movement up and down the fretboard
• Often played with palm muting technique for a tighter, more percussive sound
• Form the basis of many iconic metal riffs (Smoke on the Water, Iron Man)

Complex song structures

• Move beyond traditional verse-chorus-bridge format of pop and rock music
• Incorporate extended instrumental sections, multiple themes, and tempo changes
• Draw influence from progressive rock and classical music compositions
• Often feature intricate arrangements and layered instrumentation
• Examples include multi-part suites and concept albums (Metallica's "...And Justice for All")

Virtuosic solos

• Showcase technical proficiency and musical creativity of guitarists
• Often feature advanced techniques like sweep picking, tapping, and whammy bar manipulation
• Draw inspiration from classical music and jazz in terms of scale use and harmonic complexity
• Serve as a centerpiece in many metal songs, highlighting individual musicianship
• Influential soloists include Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, and Yngwie Malmsteen

Lyrical themes

• Heavy metal lyrics often explore darker aspects of human experience and imagination
• Provide a platform for social commentary and expression of personal struggles
• Contribute to the genre's controversial reputation and appeal to its fanbase

Dark and controversial topics

• Death, violence, and horror themes prevalent in many subgenres
• Exploration of mental illness, addiction, and personal demons
• Occult and Satanic imagery, often used for shock value or metaphorical purposes
• War and its consequences frequently addressed (Black Sabbath's "War Pigs")
• Dystopian futures and societal collapse explored in lyrics and concept albums

Fantasy and mythology

• Norse mythology heavily influential, especially in power and viking metal
• Tolkien-inspired lyrics and themes in bands like Led Zeppelin and Blind Guardian
• Science fiction concepts explored in progressive and technical metal
• Ancient civilizations and their mythologies (Egyptian, Greek, Mesopotamian)
• Arthurian legends and medieval themes in power and traditional metal

Social and political commentary

• Criticism of government policies and social injustices
• Anti-war messages prevalent in thrash metal (Megadeth's "Peace Sells")
• Environmental concerns addressed in lyrics (Gojira's environmental themes)
• Exploration of personal freedom and individualism
• Critique of religious institutions and organized religion

Subgenres of heavy metal

• Heavy metal's evolution led to the development of numerous subgenres
• Each subgenre emphasizes different musical and lyrical elements of metal
• Demonstrates the genre's adaptability and wide-ranging influence on modern music

Thrash metal

• Emerged in early 1980s, combining heavy metal with hardcore punk elements
• Characterized by fast tempos, aggressive palm-muted riffs, and socially conscious lyrics
• "Big Four" bands: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax
• Influenced the development of more extreme metal subgenres
• Notable albums: Metallica's "Master of Puppets," Slayer's "Reign in Blood"

Death metal

• Developed in mid-1980s, featuring extremely distorted guitars and guttural vocals
• Often incorporates complex rhythms, blast beats, and technical guitar work
• Lyrical themes include gore, violence, and philosophical explorations of death
• Pioneering bands: Death, Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse
• Spawned further subgenres like technical death metal and melodic death metal

Black metal

• Originated in early 1980s, gained prominence in Norwegian scene of early 1990s
• Characterized by shrieked vocals, tremolo-picked guitars, and lo-fi production
• Strong emphasis on atmospheric and often anti-Christian themes
• Notable bands: Mayhem, Darkthrone, Emperor
• Controversial for church burnings and extreme ideologies associated with some bands

Power metal

• Emerged in mid-1980s, emphasizing melody, fantasy themes, and clean vocals
• Features fast, upbeat tempos and anthemic choruses
• Often incorporates elements of classical music and symphonic arrangements
• Prominent bands: Helloween, Blind Guardian, DragonForce
• Popular in Europe and Japan, with a devoted international fanbase

Doom metal

• Rooted in the slow, heavy sound of early Black Sabbath
• Characterized by very slow tempos, low-tuned guitars, and a sense of dread
• Lyrical themes often include depression, fear, and existential angst
• Notable bands: Candlemass, Saint Vitus, Electric Wizard
• Influenced the development of stoner metal and funeral doom subgenres

Visual aesthetics

• Visual elements play a crucial role in heavy metal's identity and appeal
• Contribute to the genre's theatrical and often controversial public image
• Reflect the music's themes and attitudes through various visual mediums

Album artwork

• Often features dark, fantastical, or provocative imagery
• Iconic artists like Derek Riggs (Iron Maiden) and HR Giger (Celtic Frost)
• Elaborate gatefold designs and conceptual art common in vinyl era
• Digital age has seen a resurgence of intricate album art in metal
• Controversial covers have led to censorship issues (Cannibal Corpse albums)

Stage presence

• Theatrical performances with pyrotechnics and elaborate set designs
• Energetic stage movements and headbanging
• Costume elements ranging from leather and spikes to corpse paint
• Use of props and mascots (Iron Maiden's Eddie, Megadeth's Vic Rattlehead)
• Emphasis on creating an immersive, often intimidating live experience

Fashion and style

• Leather jackets, studded accessories, and band t-shirts as staple items
• Long hair and beards common among male musicians and fans
• Corpse paint in black metal scenes
• Diverse styles within subgenres (glam metal's androgynous look, death metal's more utilitarian approach)
• Influence on wider fashion trends and subcultures

Cultural impact

• Heavy metal has had a significant influence on popular culture and society
• Sparked debates about censorship, artistic expression, and youth culture
• Created a global community of devoted fans and musicians

Moral panic and controversy

• Accusations of Satanism and negative influence on youth in 1980s
• PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center) hearings and album labeling
• High-profile court cases involving metal musicians (Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne)
• Debates over violent and sexual content in lyrics and imagery
• Metal's role in discussions about free speech and artistic expression

Global spread of metal

• Emergence of strong metal scenes in unexpected locations (Scandinavia, Latin America)
• Internet and digital technology facilitating global metal community
• Metal as a form of cultural resistance in some countries
• Adaptation of metal to local musical traditions (folk metal, oriental metal)
• International metal festivals bringing together fans from diverse backgrounds

Metal subculture

• Development of distinct metal subculture with its own norms and values
• Importance of authenticity and "staying true" to the music
• Metal bars, clubs, and record stores as community gathering places
• Fanzines and underground tape trading networks in pre-internet era
• Online forums and social media continuing metal community traditions

Notable bands and artists

• Key figures who shaped the development and evolution of heavy metal
• Represent different eras, subgenres, and approaches within metal music
• Demonstrate the genre's longevity and continued relevance in modern music

Influential early acts

• Black Sabbath pioneered the heavy metal sound and aesthetic
• Led Zeppelin blended blues, folk, and heavy rock elements
• Deep Purple contributed to the development of hard rock and early metal
• Judas Priest defined the leather-and-studs look and dual-guitar attack
• Motörhead bridged punk and metal, influencing thrash and speed metal

Mainstream success stories

• Metallica achieved massive commercial success while maintaining credibility
• Iron Maiden combined complex compositions with theatrical live shows
• Guns N' Roses blended hard rock and metal elements for widespread appeal
• Pantera brought groove metal to the mainstream in the 1990s
• System of a Down found success with their unique blend of metal and alternative rock

Underground cult favorites

• Celtic Frost pioneered avant-garde approaches to extreme metal
• Mayhem played a central role in the development of Norwegian black metal
• Sleep helped establish the stoner metal subgenre
• Neurosis pushed the boundaries of metal with their experimental approach
• Opeth combined death metal with progressive rock elements

Heavy metal in media

• Metal's influence extends beyond music into various forms of media
• Reflects the genre's cultural impact and its appeal to diverse audiences
• Demonstrates metal's adaptability to different artistic mediums

Metal in film and television

• Documentary films exploring metal culture (Heavy Metal Parking Lot, Metal: A Headbanger's Journey)
• Metal musicians appearing in films (Ozzy Osbourne in Trick or Treat)
• Use of metal music in film soundtracks (The Matrix, Mortal Kombat)
• Metal-themed TV shows (Metalocalypse, Todd McFarlane's Spawn)
• Reality TV shows featuring metal musicians (The Osbournes, Gene Simmons Family Jewels)

Video games and metal

• Guitar Hero and Rock Band games featuring metal tracks
• Metal-inspired video game soundtracks (Doom, Quake)
• Games based on metal bands or musicians (Iron Maiden: Ed Hunter, Brütal Legend)
• Use of metal music in sports and racing games
• Collaborations between metal musicians and game developers (Avenged Sevenfold in Call of Duty)

Metal-themed documentaries

• "Metal: A Headbanger's Journey" explores the culture and history of metal
• "Until the Light Takes Us" examines the Norwegian black metal scene
• "Some Kind of Monster" documents Metallica's internal struggles
• "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" follows an Iraqi metal band during wartime
• "Global Metal" explores metal scenes in various countries around the world

Evolution of heavy metal

• Traces the genre's development from its origins to contemporary forms
• Highlights key movements and shifts in metal's sound and culture
• Demonstrates metal's ability to adapt and remain relevant over decades

New wave of British heavy metal

• Emerged in late 1970s and early 1980s as a response to punk and disco
• Characterized by faster tempos, twin-guitar harmonies, and cleaner production
• Key bands include Iron Maiden, Saxon, and Def Leppard
• Influenced the development of thrash metal and power metal
• Revitalized heavy metal's popularity and commercial viability

Glam metal vs thrash metal

• Glam metal emphasized image, catchy hooks, and mainstream appeal
• Bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Ratt dominated MTV in the 1980s
• Thrash metal emerged as a heavier, faster alternative to glam
• Thrash bands like Metallica and Slayer gained underground following
• Tension between the two subgenres reflected broader debates in metal culture

Nu metal and alternative metal

• Emerged in the 1990s, blending metal with hip-hop and alternative rock elements
• Characterized by down-tuned guitars, rap-influenced vocals, and groove-oriented rhythms
• Bands like Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Slipknot achieved mainstream success
• Controversial within traditional metal circles for its departure from metal orthodoxy
• Influenced the development of metalcore and other fusion genres

Modern metal trends

• Djent movement emphasizing complex rhythms and extended-range guitars
• Revival of traditional heavy metal sounds in the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal
• Increasing prominence of symphonic and orchestral elements in metal
• Rise of technical and progressive metal pushing musical boundaries
• Blending of metal with electronic music and other contemporary genres

Technical aspects

• Explores the musical and technological elements that define heavy metal
• Highlights the importance of specific instruments and production techniques
• Demonstrates the technical skill and innovation inherent in metal music

Instruments in heavy metal

• Electric guitar central to metal sound, often down-tuned or extended-range
• Bass guitar provides low-end foundation, sometimes with distorted tone
• Drums characterized by double bass technique and complex patterns
• Keyboards used in some subgenres for atmospheric or melodic elements
• Vocals range from clean singing to growls, screams, and other extreme techniques

Production techniques

• Heavy use of compression and limiting to achieve loudness and sustain
• Multi-tracking of guitars to create thick, layered sound
• Triggered drums often used in extreme metal for precision and clarity
• Specialized microphone techniques for capturing high-gain guitar tones
• Use of digital audio workstations for complex editing and arrangement

Live performance technology

• High-powered amplification systems to achieve loud volumes
• In-ear monitoring systems for improved on-stage sound quality
• Wireless systems for guitars and microphones to allow greater stage mobility
• Advanced lighting rigs and pyrotechnics for visual spectacle
• Use of backing tracks or click tracks for synchronized performances

Heavy metal and society

• Examines the relationship between heavy metal and broader social issues
• Highlights metal's role in challenging societal norms and expectations
• Demonstrates the genre's capacity for social commentary and cultural critique

Gender and sexuality in metal

• Traditionally male-dominated genre with increasing female participation
• Exploration of masculinity and gender roles in metal culture
• LGBTQ+ representation and themes in some metal subgenres
• Challenges to sexist attitudes within the metal community
• Female-fronted bands gaining prominence (Arch Enemy, Nightwish)

Race and ethnicity in metal

• Historical perception of metal as predominantly white genre
• Increasing diversity in metal scenes around the world
• Exploration of cultural identity in folk metal and regional scenes
• Prominent metal musicians of color (Tom Araya, Howard Jones)
• Debates over use of cultural symbols and appropriation in metal

Metal and religion

• Complex relationship between metal and organized religion
• Use of religious imagery and themes in lyrics and artwork
• Emergence of Christian metal as a response to perceived Satanic influences
• Black metal's anti-Christian stance and use of pagan themes
• Exploration of Eastern religions and philosophies in some metal subgenres

Global heavy metal scenes

• Examines how heavy metal has been adopted and adapted in different regions
• Highlights the genre's global appeal and cultural flexibility
• Demonstrates metal's role in expressing local identities and concerns

European metal

• Scandinavian countries known for black metal and melodic death metal
• Germany's thrash metal scene and Wacken Open Air festival
• Power metal's popularity in Italy and Finland
• Greek black metal scene with unique Mediterranean influences
• Eastern European metal reflecting post-Soviet cultural shifts

North American metal

• Thrash metal's emergence in San Francisco Bay Area
• Florida's death metal scene centered around Tampa
• New York's hardcore-influenced metalcore movement
• Canadian progressive metal bands like Rush influencing the genre
• Quebec's distinct francophone metal scene

Latin American metal

• Brazil's thriving death metal and black metal scenes
• Sepultura's incorporation of indigenous rhythms into metal
• Mexican metal bands addressing social and political issues
• Argentina's heavy metal tradition dating back to 1970s
• Central American metal scenes emerging despite economic challenges

Asian metal scenes

• Japanese visual kei movement blending metal with glam rock aesthetics
• Chinese metal bands navigating government censorship
• Indian metal incorporating traditional instruments and scales
• Indonesian metal's massive underground following
• South Korean metal gaining international recognition

Critical reception and analysis

• Explores academic and critical perspectives on heavy metal
• Highlights the genre's artistic merit and cultural significance
• Demonstrates the evolving perception of metal in broader cultural discourse

Music criticism of heavy metal

• Early dismissal by mainstream critics as simplistic or lowbrow
• Gradual recognition of metal's musical complexity and virtuosity
• Debates over authenticity and "selling out" within metal community
• Analysis of metal's sonic qualities and their emotional impact
• Exploration of metal's relationship to other genres and art forms

Academic studies on metal

• Sociological examinations of metal subcultures and fan communities
• Musicological analysis of metal's compositional techniques and structures
• Psychological studies on the effects of metal music on listeners
• Anthropological research on global metal scenes and cultural adaptation
• Gender studies perspectives on masculinity and femininity in metal

Metal's place in music history

• Recognition of metal's influence on other genres (grunge, alternative rock)
• Inclusion of metal albums in "greatest of all time" lists and canons
• Metal musicians receiving mainstream awards and recognition
• Preservation of metal history through museums and archives
• Debates over metal's future and relevance in changing musical landscape