A brief history of heavy metal

Metal music is one of the most distinctive and popular genres in the music world. It emerged in the 1970s and has since become a cultural phenomenon, gaining a loyal following worldwide. Here is a brief overview of the history of metal music.

Metal music has its roots in blues, rock, and 1960s psychedelic rock. While some bands were experimenting with sound and creating harder and more aggressive music, it was with the arrival of Black Sabbath in 1970 that metal music began to take shape as a distinct genre. Their dark lyrics, heavy guitars, and powerful sound laid the foundation for what we now call heavy metal.

Following Black Sabbath's success, the metal scene started to expand in the 1970s, and new subgenres of metal emerged. Glam metal, for example, became very popular in the 1980s with bands like Mötley Crüe and Poison. During this period, metal also became a visual phenomenon, with extravagance and visual presentation playing an important role.

In the 1980s, metal music began to intertwine with other subgenres. Thrash metal emerged with bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer, bringing faster tempos, aggressive guitar riffs, and harsh vocals. Simultaneously, death metal developed with bands like Death and Morbid Angel, characterized by extreme vocals and dark lyrics.

The 1990s brought another turning point in the history of metal music with the rise of grunge and alternative rock. These genres gained wide popularity, and for a moment, it seemed like metal would lose its place in the musical landscape. However, in the late 1990s, nu metal emerged with bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit, bringing a new sound and revitalizing interest in metal.

In the 21st century, metal music continues to evolve and penetrate various subgenres. Metalcore, symphonic metal, power metal, and many other styles have emerged, finding their dedicated audiences. Metal music has proven its longevity and ability to adapt, remaining a powerful and influential force in the music industry.