In the realm of music history, tracing the origins of genres often leads to debates, myths, and legends. The term “metal” in the context of music refers to a genre known for its heavy, distorted sound, aggressive vocals, and powerful rhythms. While the precise moment and band credited with being the first to call themselves “metal” may be elusive, the journey to understanding the birth of heavy metal music is rich with historical context and pivotal moments in musical evolution.
1. The Early Roots of Heavy Metal
To comprehend the emergence of heavy metal, one must delve into the musical landscape of the late 1960s and early 1970s. During this period, rock music was undergoing significant experimentation and diversification. Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who had already carved their places in music history with their distinctive sounds and styles. However, a new wave of musicians sought to push the boundaries of rock music even further.
Influence of Blues and Psychedelic Rock
One of the foundational elements of early heavy metal was its deep roots in blues music. Blues, with its emotive vocals and raw instrumentation, provided a fertile ground for experimentation. Artists like Jimi Hendrix infused blues with psychedelic elements, introducing a heavier guitar sound and paving the way for what would become heavy metal guitar techniques.
Proto-Metal Bands
As the 1960s progressed, several bands began to explore darker, heavier sounds that would later characterize heavy metal. One notable example is Blue Cheer, whose 1968 album “Vincebus Eruptum” is often cited as a proto-metal landmark. The album’s distorted guitar tones and aggressive approach set a precedent for the genre.
Another influential band from this era was The Kinks, whose 1964 track “You Really Got Me” featured a riff-driven sound and a distorted guitar tone that would inspire countless future metal musicians. Similarly, The Who’s “My Generation” (1965) showcased a raw energy and rebellious spirit that resonated with the evolving counterculture movement.
2. The Emergence of the Term “Heavy Metal”
The exact origins of the term “heavy metal” in the context of music remain somewhat nebulous. Several theories and anecdotes exist regarding its inception, each offering a glimpse into the cultural and musical milieu of the time.
Reference in Literature and Pop Culture
One of the earliest documented uses of the term “heavy metal” in a musical context appeared in William S. Burroughs’ 1961 novel “The Soft Machine.” In a passage describing a hypothetical future where soft machines controlled human society, Burroughs writes: “With their diseases and orgasm drugs and their sexless parasite life forms—Heavy Metal People of Uranus wrapped in cool blue mist of vaporized bank notes—And The Insect People of Minraud with metal music.”
This literary reference, though not directly related to music, foreshadowed the cultural shift towards a fascination with heavy, industrial sounds and themes.
Steppenwolf and “Born to Be Wild”
In 1968, the band Steppenwolf released “Born to Be Wild,” a song that would become an anthem for the emerging counterculture movement and is often considered a precursor to heavy metal. The song’s opening line, “Get your motor runnin’, head out on the highway,” captured the rebellious spirit of the era and hinted at the impending rise of heavier, more aggressive music styles.
Pioneering Bands and the Development of Heavy Metal
While the term “heavy metal” was gradually gaining cultural currency, several bands were beginning to crystallize the musical characteristics that would define the genre. These bands laid the groundwork for what would become known as heavy metal, combining elements of blues, psychedelia, and a newfound emphasis on sonic intensity.
3. Black Sabbath: The Architects of Metal
Arguably the most pivotal moment in the establishment of heavy metal as a distinct genre came with the emergence of Black Sabbath. Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968, Black Sabbath consisted of guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is widely regarded as the first true heavy metal album.
Innovative Sound and Themes
Black Sabbath’s music was characterized by Iommi’s heavy guitar riffs, Butler’s thunderous bass lines, and Osbourne’s haunting vocals. Tracks like “Black Sabbath,” “N.I.B.,” and “The Wizard” showcased a darker, more ominous sound that stood in stark contrast to the prevailing rock music of the time.
The band’s lyrics often explored themes of war, death, and the occult, reflecting the societal anxieties of the era. This thematic darkness, coupled with their distinctive musical style, resonated deeply with audiences and laid the foundation for the genre’s future development.
4. Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin: Pushing Boundaries
While Black Sabbath is often credited with pioneering heavy metal, bands like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin also played crucial roles in shaping the genre. Deep Purple’s 1970 album “Deep Purple in Rock” featured iconic tracks like “Speed King” and “Child in Time,” which showcased the band’s virtuosic musicianship and hard-hitting sound.
Led Zeppelin, meanwhile, blended blues, folk, and hard rock influences to create a sound that was both heavy and intricate. Songs like “Whole Lotta Love” and “Immigrant Song” exemplified the band’s ability to combine raw power with musical sophistication, influencing countless aspiring musicians in the process.
5. Cultural Impact and Evolution
As the 1970s progressed, heavy metal continued to evolve and diversify, incorporating elements of progressive rock, punk rock, and even classical music. Bands like Judas Priest, Motorhead, and Iron Maiden emerged during this period, each contributing to the genre’s expanding sonic palette and cultural influence.
New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement revitalized the genre with bands like Iron Maiden, Saxon, and Def Leppard. These bands brought a renewed energy and technical proficiency to heavy metal, garnering international acclaim and expanding the genre’s fanbase.
American Metal: Thrash and Beyond
In the United States, bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth pioneered thrash metal—a subgenre known for its aggressive tempos, complex guitar riffs, and politically charged lyrics. Thrash metal would go on to influence countless bands across the globe and remains a significant force in heavy metal music to this day.
See Also: How Do Death Metal Singers Not Lose Their Voice?
Conclusion
Determining the first band to explicitly call themselves “metal” is a complex task, as the genre’s origins are intertwined with a multitude of influences and musical innovations. While Black Sabbath is often credited with laying the groundwork for heavy metal as a distinct genre, the evolution of heavy metal music is a story of creativity, rebellion, and cultural transformation.
From its blues roots and psychedelic experimentation to the thunderous riffs and soaring vocals that define it today, heavy metal has proven to be a resilient and ever-evolving genre. Whether exploring the depths of human emotion or challenging societal norms, heavy metal continues to captivate audiences and inspire musicians worldwide.
As we reflect on the question of who was the first band to call themselves metal, we are reminded that the essence of heavy metal lies not in a single band or moment, but in a collective spirit of innovation and defiance. It is this spirit that continues to drive the genre forward, ensuring that heavy metal remains a vital force in the world of music for generations to come.
