Metal music has carved a thunderous path through the world of music since its inception. Over the decades, it has evolved, diversified, and become a genre with immense subcultural influence. Exploring the origins and growth of metal music is a journey that takes us through time, tracing its roots to various musical genres and artistic movements. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the history of metal music, from its humble beginnings to the diverse and influential genre it is today.
The Birth of Metal Music
To understand how old metal music truly is, we need to take a step back to its origins. The roots of metal music can be traced to the late 1960s, a time of musical experimentation and rebellion. It emerged as a response to the prevailing musical trends of the era, which often leaned towards pop and psychedelic rock. The desire for something heavier and more aggressive led to the creation of metal music.
One of the key bands credited with laying the foundation for metal music is Black Sabbath. Their eponymous debut album, released in 1970, is often considered the first true metal music album. Tony Iommi’s iconic guitar riffs, Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocals, and the overall dark and brooding atmosphere set the stage for what would become a defining characteristic of metal music.
The Early Days of Metal Music
In the early 1970s, metal music began to gain momentum. Bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple were pushing the boundaries of sound, incorporating heavy guitar riffs and thunderous drumming into their music. While these bands may not be classified as pure metal music, they played a pivotal role in its development by contributing to the evolution of the heavy sound that would define the genre.
The term “heavy metal” was coined by William S. Burroughs in his 1962 novel, “The Soft Machine.” However, it was not until the early 1970s that the term was widely adopted to describe this emerging genre. The phrase “heavy metal thunder,” borrowed from Steppenwolf’s song “Born to Be Wild,” became synonymous with the powerful and loud sound of metal music.
The 1980s: The Rise of Metal Subgenres
The 1980s marked a significant turning point in the history of metal music. It was during this decade that the genre began to splinter into various subgenres, each with its unique characteristics. This diversification gave rise to a multitude of metal music subcultures.
One of the most influential subgenres that emerged in the 1980s was thrash metal. Bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth pioneered this fast-paced, aggressive style of metal music. With shredding guitar solos and lyrics often tackling social and political issues, thrash metal quickly gained a devoted following.
At the same time, hair metal or glam metal gained prominence. Bands like Poison, Mötley Crüe, and Bon Jovi emphasized a more glamorous and flamboyant image, with a focus on catchy melodies and anthemic choruses. This subgenre brought a more accessible side to metal music, appealing to a broader audience.
The 1980s also witnessed the birth of power metal, characterized by its epic and melodic sound. Bands like Helloween and Manowar embraced fantasy themes and showcased virtuosic musicianship. Meanwhile, death metal and black metal emerged as underground subgenres, known for their extreme, often controversial, and esoteric themes.
The 1990s and Beyond: Further Diversification
The 1990s continued to witness the expansion of metal music into new territories. Alternative metal and nu-metal gained popularity during this decade. Bands like Korn, Limp Bizkit, and System of a Down blended elements of metal music with alternative rock, rap, and electronic influences, creating a fusion that appealed to a younger generation.
Progressive metal also flourished in the 1990s, with bands like Dream Theater and Tool pushing the boundaries of complexity and technicality within metal music. Their intricate compositions and thought-provoking lyrics added a new dimension to the genre.
In the 21st century, metal music continued to evolve and adapt to the changing musical landscape. Subgenres like metalcore and djent emerged, incorporating elements of hardcore punk and progressive metal, respectively. These subgenres appealed to fans who sought a balance between aggression and technicality in their metal music.
The Global Impact of Metal Music
Over the years, metal music has transcended geographical boundaries and cultural differences. It has become a global phenomenon, with passionate fan bases in regions as diverse as Scandinavia, South America, and Japan. Bands from different parts of the world have contributed to the growth and diversification of metal music.
In Scandinavia, particularly in Norway, the 1990s saw the rise of the infamous black metal scene. Bands like Mayhem and Burzum garnered attention not only for their music but also for their involvement in a series of church burnings and violent incidents. This dark chapter in metal music history highlighted the genre’s ability to provoke controversy and push boundaries.
In South America, countries like Brazil and Argentina embraced thrash metal with fervor. Bands such as Sepultura and Rata Blanca achieved international recognition and showcased the global reach of metal music.
Japan, known for its penchant for innovation, contributed to the genre with bands like Babymetal, who fused metal music with J-pop elements, creating a unique and unexpected hybrid that gained a dedicated following.
The Influence of Metal Music on Popular Culture
Beyond its musical impact, metal music has left an indelible mark on popular culture. The iconic imagery associated with metal music, including skulls, pentagrams, and leather attire, has become synonymous with rebellion and non-conformity. The “devil horns” hand gesture, often seen at metal music concerts, has become a universal symbol of the genre.
Metal music has also influenced fashion, inspiring countless individuals to adopt the distinctive style of their favorite bands. The DIY ethos of the punk and underground metal music scenes has spilled over into fashion, with fans customizing their clothing and accessories to reflect their allegiance to the genre.
In cinema and television, metal music has often been used to convey a sense of intensity and power. It has been featured in countless soundtracks, enhancing the emotional impact of scenes in movies and TV shows. Films like “Heavy Metal” and “This Is Spinal Tap” have embraced the genre’s themes and aesthetics, offering a comedic yet affectionate portrayal of the metal music culture.
Modern Metal: A Genre of Endurance
As we move further into the 21st century, metal music shows no signs of fading into obscurity. Instead, it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing musical landscape. Bands like Tool, Slipknot, and Opeth continue to release critically acclaimed albums, proving that metal music remains a relevant and enduring genre.
The internet has played a significant role in the continued vitality of metal music. It has provided a platform for independent and underground bands to reach a global audience. Online communities and streaming platforms have allowed fans to discover new metal music and connect with like-minded individuals from around the world.
Furthermore, metal music festivals, such as Wacken Open Air in Germany and Download Festival in the UK, continue to draw massive crowds. These events showcase the genre’s ability to unite fans from diverse backgrounds, all united by their passion for metal music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of how old metal music is can be answered by tracing its roots back to the late 1960s and early 1970s when bands like Black Sabbath laid the groundwork for the genre. Over the decades, metal music has evolved, diversified, and given birth to numerous subgenres, each with its unique characteristics and fan base.
From the thrash metal of the 1980s to the nu-metal of the 1990s and the djent of the 21st century, metal music has continuously adapted to changing musical trends and cultural influences. It has become a global phenomenon, influencing fashion, film, and popular culture.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that metal music will continue to evolve and thrive, fueled by the passion and dedication of its fans and the creativity of its musicians. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, metal music has left an indelible mark on the world of music, and its thunderous legacy shows no signs of fading away.
