The Transformation Throughout Heavy Metal History

Undoubtedly, music is a key player in our society. It has the incredible ability to bring joy and comfort as well as entertain us and boost morale. Like all other music genres, heavy metal has the ability to make us relax and elevate our moods. 

For a long time, metal music has lived in the hearts of many and still continues to attract more listeners. Its relevance and unique feel keep calling to the hearts of fans; It is the true definition of creativity and free expression.

Let’s be honest — making metal music is a true art. Coming up with incredible melodies, playing different instruments to match the beat, writing lyrics, plus the energy metal artists give is unmatched and truly deserves more attention. 

But how did this genre start? What changes has it seen throughout the years? If you’re interested in the evolution of metal music, then you can dive into it with the help of instruments like the Epiphone Les Paul Special.

The Rise of Heavy Metal

Heavy metal started as a collection of different sounds put together. However, at the time, many called it a musical mayhem as it sounded like different noises all in play. Slowly, it transitioned to take on aspects of other genres. For instance, it incorporated rock and roll vibes, the symphony of jazz, and the melancholy of blues, with different instruments in play. 

But like any other music genre, it truly started due to creative individuals who wanted to try something new. Teenage guitarist Frank Iommi is the pioneer of heavy metal. He lost his fingertips in a devastating accident, but instead of calling it quits on his music career, he trained himself to tune his guitar lower, worked on a few pieces, and voila, the birth of heavy metal music. 

He became the lead guitarist of the band Black Sabbath and made legendary music in the 60s. Since then, heavy music has gradually diversified and changed to this fantastic genre, with thunderous drums, emphatic beats, and distorted guitar sounds being the main focal point.

Genres like thrash metal became really popular due to their loud, aggressive beats and had a substantial international following, especially for artists like Metallica and Slayer. 

However, after some time, we’ve seen heavy music evolve to more diversified and sophisticated beats like glam metal in the 80s, with Bon Jovi and Motley Crue leading the force. Later on, we saw the rise of hair metal, born out of glam metal and spandex. It grew in popularity as artists were well-known for their excessive use of leather and teased hair.

Nu-metal also emerged in the 90s, giving fans a mix of hip-hop and rock. This class of metal music added more funk with the inclusion of rock and roll beats. Plus, it’s really the best representation of metal music fusing with other genres. 

Groove metal also came up, but it was more post-thrash, driving most of its inspiration from the thrash era, hence commonly characterised by loud beats. Popular artists like Sepultura, Lamb of God, and Prong are still making amazing groove metal music that lives in the hearts of loyal metal fans.

Today, the popular metal music is death metal. Gruesome lyrics and extreme volume define this extreme subgenre. It’s become more appealing to today’s Gen Z. Obituary, Deicide, and Autopsy are just some of the iconic death metal bands whose music still resonates with metal fans.

However, the rise of metal music was not without its challenges. Over the years, people associated metal music with racism, satanic cults, aggressive behaviour, and suicide. Critics have for long called it out for its violent lyrics and sex-themed content.

Although these characteristics persisted, heavy metal music played critical roles in politics and labour, especially in the ‘90s. Today’s research points to the immense mental health benefits this genre poses to society.

Why Should You Listen to Heavy Metal Music

It’s Versatile 

Talk about great flexibility; you can play metal music to suit different situations and moods. For instance, if you want to feel pumped during your workout, you can play some quick-paced, high-energy metal. That’s set to get you going and psych you up.

You could play metal even while gaming, whether action video games or card and board games like poker. Metal music will, by far, help you focus better. Try it.

If you find yourself bored or sleepy while studying, you could play metal even when studying. But you may want to consider which type of metal music you prefer. If you’re studying, you’ll need to go for slow-paced metal music like doom metal, alternative metal, or even the avant-garde genre.

Metal Concerts Are Electrifying

Have you ever been to a concert and regretted spending on your ticket? For heavy metal music concerts, you’ll never be dissatisfied.

Metal concerts give off energy like no other. The vibes and energy you feel are simply off the charts. Trust me, you don’t want to miss a metal concert.

They draw you in and give you the most unforgettable experience. Besides, attending a live show or streaming it online makes you appreciate heavy metal artists’ depth and musical talent.  

Metal Music Will Make You Try New Experiences.

With the style that heavy metal takes, it makes you appreciate new and complex melodies. Heavy music makes you long for unique experiences, and you’ll end up trying new things. Well, that shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the origins of the heavy metal industry resulted from new experiments. 

Research shows that heavy metal improves your mental health and makes you open to trying new things. Ideally, it makes you find more fulfilling activities and adds character and spice to your life. 

Metal music has transitioned from various forms throughout the years. This rich genre offers more than what meets the eye. Try listening to some hits, and you may just find your favourite genre.