Proto-Metal: The Forerunners of Heavy Sounds

Before the rise of heavy metal, a collection of bands, influenced by blues and rock, began to experiment with heavier sounds and darker themes. This fertile ground gave rise to what we now call “proto-metal,” the forefather of the genre that would revolutionize rock music.

The Roots: From Blues to Rock

Proto-metal traces its lineage back to the bluesy hard rock of the 1960s. Bands like **Led Zeppelin** and **Deep Purple**, with their heavy riffs and soaring vocals, pushed the boundaries of rock music.

**Black Sabbath**, formed in 1968, is often credited with being the first true proto-metal band. Their heavy, dark sound, fueled by Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocals and Tony Iommi’s monstrous riffs, marked a departure from the prevailing pop sounds of the era. Their lyrics, often exploring themes of horror and the occult, laid the groundwork for heavy metal’s penchant for darkness.

Other Notable Proto-Metal Bands:

• **Blue Cheer:** Known for their thunderous sound and blues-infused rock, their 1968 hit “Summertime Blues” showcased their raw power.
• **Uriah Heep:** Featuring intricate arrangements and theatrical performances, their music leaned towards prog rock but still incorporated elements of heavy metal.
• **Budgie:** This Welsh band, known for their melodic hard rock, experimented with heavier sounds and often explored dark themes.
• **SABBATH BLACK SABBATH:** A band named in a humorous jab at Black Sabbath, they played a harder, more blues-influenced sound.

Funny Facts:

• **Ozzy Osbourne’s infamous bat incident:** During a 1982 concert, Ozzy, mistaking a bat for a toy, bit its head off. He later claimed it was a subconscious act, as he was at the height of his drug addiction.
• **Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” was written in a hotel room:** The band’s iconic riff was composed in a hotel room after the band’s equipment was stolen.
• **Uriah Heep’s lead singer, David Byron, had a unique stage persona:** Known for his charismatic and sometimes eccentric behavior, he would often drape himself in scarves and wear makeup on stage.

The Legacy:

Proto-metal paved the way for the rise of heavy metal in the 1970s, setting the stage for the genre’s explosive development. These bands, with their heavy sounds, dark lyrics, and sometimes eccentric stage personas, left an indelible mark on music history, influencing generations of musicians and forging the path for metal’s ongoing evolution.