Metal: A History of Headbanging, Heavy Riffs, and Hilarious Facts
Metal, that genre of music that makes your soul scream and your head shake like a bobblehead, has a history as loud and chaotic as its sound. Here’s a quick rundown of its evolution, sprinkled with some chuckle-worthy facts about the metalheads who shaped it:
The Roots:
The 60s: While rock and roll was enjoying its heyday, bands like Black Sabbath were brewing a darker, heavier sound, blending blues with doom-laden lyrics. Ozzy Osbourne’s infamous bat-eating incident during a concert is just one example of the theatricality metal would embrace.
The 70s: Metal exploded, with bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden leading the charge. These groups perfected the heavy metal formula: pounding drums, soaring vocals, and intricate guitar solos. Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, the undisputed “godfather of metal,” was known for his love of whiskey and cigarettes, claiming he once drank a bottle of Jack Daniels a day.
The 80s: The era of hair metal and power ballads arrived. Bands like Def Leppard and Bon Jovi brought a pop-infused metal sound to the masses, often sporting hairstyles that could rival a bird’s nest. Mötley Crüe‘s drummer, Tommy Lee, was known for his off-stage antics, including a public brawl with the band’s manager and a marriage to Pamela Anderson.
Subgenres and Evolution:
Thrash Metal:Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth emerged with a faster, more aggressive sound, fueled by political and social commentary. Did you know Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” was originally intended to be a lullaby?
Death Metal: Emerging in the late 80s, Death Metal pushed the boundaries of brutality with guttural vocals and frenetic tempos. Cannibal Corpse, known for their extreme lyrics, once had their album cover banned by the US government.
Black Metal: This subgenre embraced dark, atmospheric soundscapes, often incorporating themes of Satanism and Norse mythology. Burzum’sVarg Vikernes, one of the pioneers of black metal, was convicted of murder and arson.
Metal Today:
Metal continues to evolve with new subgenres and influences. From heavy metal to folk metal to symphonic metal, there’s a subgenre for every headbanger.
Funny Facts:
Gene Simmons of Kiss, notorious for his stage persona, claims to have been bitten by a bat on stage, just like Ozzy Osbourne.
Slayer’s lead guitarist, Kerry King, once wore a shirt to a concert that read “I’m the only one who hates Slayer.”
Rammstein, the German industrial metal band, is known for their elaborate stage shows and pyrotechnics, which once resulted in a concert being cancelled after a fire extinguisher malfunction.
Metal’s history is a journey of raw power, rebellious spirit, and a touch of humor. Whether you prefer your music heavy, fast, or melodic, there’s a subgenre out there for you. So, crank up the volume, put on your black t-shirt, and let the music move you.
