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8 Memorable 70s Metal Music Hits

by Barbara
Deep Purple

The 1970s marked the dawn of a new era in music, one that would reshape the landscape of rock and roll forever. Heavy metal, as we know it today, owes its roots to the pioneering bands of the ’70s. With thunderous guitar riffs, pounding drums, and electrifying performances, these bands laid the groundwork for the genre’s explosive growth in the following decades. The ’70s saw the birth of iconic sounds, from the blues-influenced hard rock of Led Zeppelin to the raw, aggressive riffs of Black Sabbath. In this article, we explore some of the most influential and impactful metal hits from the ’70s, highlighting how they helped shape the direction of metal music and its subgenres.

8 Memorable 70s Metal Music Hits

1. Black Sabbath – “Iron Man” (1970)

“Iron Man” from Black Sabbath’s Paranoid album is one of the most iconic heavy metal songs in history. The song begins with a haunting, slow-moving riff, which builds into a colossal wall of sound. Ozzy Osbourne’s eerie vocals match the dark, apocalyptic theme of the song, which tells the story of a man transformed into a robot who is ultimately doomed to destroy humanity. The heavy, distorted riffs, combined with Bill Ward’s pounding drums, give the track a sense of urgency and menace. “Iron Man” has become a staple in the heavy metal genre, and its influence can still be heard in many of today’s bands. The song’s monumental riff and unforgettable chorus are what made it an instant classic, forever cementing its place in the metal pantheon.

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2. Led Zeppelin – “Immigrant Song” (1970)

“Immigrant Song,” released on Led Zeppelin’s third album Led Zeppelin III, is one of the band’s most distinctive tracks. The song is fast-paced, with a driving rhythm and a memorable, chanting chorus that gives it an epic, almost mythological feel. The pounding drums from John Bonham set the tone, while Jimmy Page’s guitar riffs add intensity. Robert Plant’s vocals soar with energy, singing about Viking warriors and their journeys to the unknown. The song’s powerful combination of folk influences, hard rock elements, and mythical themes was groundbreaking at the time. “Immigrant Song” helped define the heavy, riff-driven sound that would later be associated with metal, making it one of the band’s most influential tracks.

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3. Deep Purple – “Smoke on the Water” (1972)

“Smoke on the Water” from Deep Purple’s Machine Head is arguably one of the most recognizable rock riffs ever. The song’s iconic riff, played by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, has become a staple of rock music and is often the first riff that budding guitarists learn. The song’s straightforward yet heavy sound, driven by Ian Paice’s powerful drumming and the great organ work of Jon Lord, captures the essence of ’70s metal. The lyrics, written by Ian Gillan, tell the story of a fire that broke out during a Frank Zappa concert in Montreux, Switzerland, which destroyed the casino where they were supposed to record. “Smoke on the Water” was a turning point for Deep Purple, solidifying their place in the heavy metal world with its unforgettable riff and energy.

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4. Judas Priest – “Hell Bent for Leather” (1978)

Judas Priest’s “Hell Bent for Leather” from their album Hell Bent for Leather is one of the defining tracks of the band’s career and a key example of early metal. The song is fast, furious, and packed with attitude. The riff, played by Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, is sharp and powerful, propelling the track forward with unstoppable energy. Rob Halford’s distinctive, high-pitched vocals dominate the song, adding a sense of danger and excitement. The lyrics, which describe a rebellious figure out for vengeance, perfectly encapsulate the themes of defiance and individualism that are central to metal. “Hell Bent for Leather” became a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the best examples of early heavy metal, showcasing Judas Priest’s ability to blend speed and melody with a raw, aggressive sound.

5. Uriah Heep – “Easy Livin'” (1972)

Uriah Heep’s “Easy Livin'” from their album Demons and Wizards is a prime example of the band’s ability to blend hard rock and early metal elements. The song’s energetic riff and pounding drums give it a heavy, driving force, while Ken Hensley’s keyboard work adds an extra layer of complexity to the track. The song’s lyrics are about living a carefree and indulgent life, reflecting the themes of excess and rebellion that were prominent in the rock and roll culture of the time. The song’s catchy chorus and powerful vocals from David Byron made it an instant classic. “Easy Livin’” remains one of Uriah Heep’s most popular tracks and continues to be celebrated as one of the key songs of early heavy metal.

6. Rainbow – “Man on the Silver Mountain” (1975)

Rainbow’s “Man on the Silver Mountain” from their self-titled debut album is a powerful combination of hard rock and early heavy metal. The song opens with a soaring guitar riff from Ritchie Blackmore that instantly grabs the listener’s attention. Ronnie James Dio’s powerful vocals add an extra layer of drama, as the lyrics describe a figure on a mountain who possesses great power. The song’s driving rhythm, heavy guitar work, and soaring vocals are hallmarks of the early metal sound, blending elements of hard rock with darker, more mystical themes. “Man on the Silver Mountain” became one of Rainbow’s most enduring songs, showcasing both Blackmore’s virtuosity and Dio’s incredible vocal range.

7. Motorhead – “Motorhead” (1977)

Motorhead’s self-titled track from their album Motorhead is the anthem that defined the band’s raw, fast, and aggressive sound. The song is a high-octane blast of speed metal, featuring fast tempos, distorted guitars, and Lemmy Kilmister’s unmistakable, gravelly vocals. The lyrics are a straightforward celebration of life on the road and living fast, reflecting the rebellious attitude that became a hallmark of the band. “Motorhead” is a perfect example of the band’s no-nonsense, in-your-face approach to music, and it helped solidify their place in the metal world. The song’s speed, simplicity, and power have made it a classic in the genre.

8. Blue Öyster Cult – “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” (1976)

Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” from their album Agents of Fortune is a unique blend of hard rock and early heavy metal. The song is haunting, with a slow, atmospheric opening that builds into a powerful, catchy chorus. The song’s lyrics, which deal with themes of mortality and love, are introspective and thoughtful, contrasting with the song’s heavy sound. The guitar work by Buck Dharma is subtle yet effective, with the track’s haunting atmosphere creating a sense of unease. “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” became a major hit and remains one of Blue Öyster Cult’s most beloved songs, blending the mystical with the heavy in a way that was groundbreaking at the time.

See Also: 20 Best Power Metal Songs: The Ultimate List

Conclusion

The ’70s was a transformative decade for rock and metal music. Bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple laid the foundation for what would become one of the most influential and enduring genres in music. The hits from this era continue to inspire metal musicians and fans around the world, and the legacy of 70s metal still resonates in the music of today. From the heavy riffs of Black Sabbath to the mythic, epic sound of Led Zeppelin, these bands helped define the sound of metal and solidified its place in the mainstream. The 70s was truly the decade that birthed heavy metal, and its impact can still be felt in every note of music that follows.

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