Metal music, with its aggressive and powerful sound, has captivated fans around the world for decades. But have you ever wondered why this genre of music is called “metal”? The term itself holds significant meaning and reflects the characteristics and sound of the genre. In this article, we will explore the origins of the term “metal,” its association with the music genre, and the historical and cultural reasons behind its choice.
What is the significance of the term “metal” in relation to the music genre?
To understand why metal music is called “metal,” we must first delve into the significance of the term. The word “metal” refers to a class of chemical elements that possess similar qualities, such as strength, durability, and resilience. These characteristics have been metaphorically applied to the music genre, reflecting its heavy, intense, and robust nature. Metal music is known for its powerful riffs, aggressive vocals, and thunderous drumming, all of which evoke a sense of strength and power, much like the physical properties of metal itself.
Who coined the term “metal” for this style of music?
The exact origins of the term “metal” in relation to the music genre are somewhat disputed. However, it is widely accepted that it was first used in the late 1960s and early 1970s to describe a particular style of rock music that was heavier and more aggressive than its predecessors. One of the key figures associated with coining the term is music journalist Lester Bangs. In his 1970 review of the album “Desperado” by the Eagles, he used the phrase “heavy metal rock” to describe their sound.
Around the same time, another influential figure, Mike Saunders, used the term “heavy metal” in a review of Sir Lord Baltimore’s self-titled album. The review, published in Rolling Stone magazine in May 1971, described the band’s music as “an unrelenting, genre-doomed, battering metallic frenzy.” This usage further solidified the association of the term with a particular style of music.
It’s worth noting that the term “heavy metal” was initially used to describe the music of bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, who were pioneers of the genre. Over time, it became a broader term encompassing a wide range of bands and subgenres that shared similar musical characteristics.
How does the term “metal” reflect the characteristics and sound of the music genre?
The term “metal” aptly reflects the characteristics and sound of the genre through its association with strength, power, and intensity. Just as metal is known for its hardness and resilience, metal music is characterized by heavy, distorted guitars, thunderous drumming, and often aggressive or soaring vocals.
The genre’s heavy use of power chords, palm-muted riffs, and fast guitar solos contributes to the overall “metallic” sound. The music is often tuned lower than traditional rock, creating a deep and powerful sonic landscape. The lyrics in metal songs often explore darker themes such as death, war, and social issues, further amplifying the genre’s intensity and emotional depth.
Moreover, the term “metal” encompasses a wide range of subgenres within the genre itself, such as thrash metal, black metal, and power metal. Each subgenre has its own unique sound and characteristics, but they all share the underlying heaviness and intensity that defines metal music as a whole.
Are there any historical or cultural reasons behind the choice of the term “metal”?
Beyond the musical characteristics, the choice of the term “metal” for this genre also holds historical and cultural significance. The emergence of metal music coincided with a time of social and cultural change, particularly in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This was a period marked by youth rebellion, questioning of societal norms, and the rise of counterculture movements.
The term “heavy metal” may have been influenced by the phrase “heavy metal thunder” from the song “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf, released in 1968. This phrase became synonymous with the feeling of rebellion and freedom associated with motorcycle culture and the open road. The raw power and energy conveyed in the song resonated with the emerging genre of heavy rock, laying the groundwork for the term “heavy metal” to be adopted later.
Additionally, the use of “metal” as a metaphor for strength and power has deeper historical roots. In ancient alchemy, the concept of transforming base metals into noble ones, like gold, symbolized the pursuit of perfection and immortality. The association of metal with strength and transformation may have subconsciously influenced the choice of the term for the genre, as it conveys a sense of power, defiance, and the desire for transcendence.
In conclusion, the term “metal” in relation to the music genre carries significant meaning. It reflects the genre’s characteristics and sound, with its heavy and intense nature, akin to the strength and resilience of metal itself. While the exact origins of the term may be debated, it was popularized by music journalists such as Lester Bangs and Mike Saunders in the early 1970s. The choice of “metal” also holds historical and cultural significance, as it emerged during a time of social change and rebellion, while drawing on metaphors from ancient alchemy. All these factors combined to solidify the term and establish metal as a genre that continues to captivate fans worldwide.
