The History of Heavy Metal

1960s-1970s: The Birth of Heavy Metal

Heavy metal emerged from blues rock, psychedelic rock, and acid rock. Black Sabbath's self-titled debut album in 1970 is often considered the first true heavy metal album.

1970s-1980s: Doom Metal Emerges

Doom metal, characterized by slow tempos, low-tuned guitars, and a heavy, oppressive sound, emerged as a distinct subgenre. Bands like Pentagram and Saint Vitus pioneered this style, drawing heavy influence from Black Sabbath.

1980s: The New Wave of British Heavy Metal and Thrash Metal

Bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest gained popularity. Thrash metal emerged with Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax leading the charge.

Late 1980s-Early 1990s: Death Metal and Black Metal

Death metal, characterized by growled vocals and extreme speed, emerged with bands like Death and Morbid Angel. Black metal, known for its raw production and anti-Christian themes, gained notoriety in Norway.

1990s: Power Metal and Progressive Metal

Power metal, with its fantasy themes and clean vocals, gained popularity with bands like Helloween and Blind Guardian. Progressive metal, combining complex compositions with metal intensity, emerged with bands like Dream Theater.

1990s-2000s: Nu Metal and Groove Metal

Nu metal fused elements of hip-hop and alternative rock with metal, popularized by bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit. Groove metal, characterized by its emphasis on rhythm, was led by Pantera.

2000s-Present: Metalcore and Djent

Metalcore, blending extreme metal with hardcore punk, gained mainstream success. Djent, characterized by its distinctive guitar sound, emerged as a subgenre of progressive metal.