Heavy Metal Pt I
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, the hosts explore the origins and evolution of heavy metal music. Beginning with Black Sabbath's emergence from Birmingham in 1968, they trace how an industrial accident shaped the genre's signature sound, and examine the rise of influential movements like the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, which helped establish the genre through extensive touring and theatrical performances.
The hosts delve into heavy metal's numerous subgenres, from thrash and death metal to groove and nu-metal, while addressing the challenges of categorizing bands within these classifications. They also discuss the genre's distinct cultural impact, examining its dedicated fanbase, fashion, complex musical arrangements, and the ways metal artists have approached social themes through their work.
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1-Page Summary
The Origins and Early History of Heavy Metal
Black Sabbath emerged from Birmingham in 1968, marking a stark departure from the era's upbeat blues rock with their darker, heavier sound. According to the hosts, a workplace accident that cost guitarist Tony Iommi his fingertips inadvertently helped create heavy metal's signature sound, as he had to downtune his guitar and develop a distinctive riff-based style to accommodate his prosthetics.
By the mid-1970s, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal took shape, with bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest establishing heavy metal as a distinct genre through extensive touring and memorable stage shows. These acts would later inspire the formation of influential 1980s bands like Metallica and Slayer.
The Diversification and Evolution of Heavy Metal Subgenres
The hosts discuss how thrash metal emerged in the 1980s with the "big four" - Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax - offering a raw, politically-charged alternative to the decade's flamboyant hair metal. Death metal and black metal soon followed, with Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark noting how bands like Possessed and Venom laid the foundations for these more extreme subgenres.
As grunge rose to prominence in the 1990s, metal evolved further. Bands like Pantera pioneered groove metal, while Korn and Slipknot brought nu-metal to the forefront. The 2000s saw the rise of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, with bands like Lamb of God focusing on technical proficiency and social themes.
The Cultural and Artistic Importance of Heavy Metal
The hosts emphasize heavy metal's unique fanbase and subculture, characterized by passionate support and distinctive fashion. They point to Iron Maiden's ability to fill stadiums worldwide as evidence of the genre's devoted following. The artistic merit of heavy metal is demonstrated through its virtuosic musicianship, complex themes addressing societal issues, and striking visual aesthetics in album art and stage shows.
Challenges Of Defining and Categorizing Heavy Metal Music
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explore the difficulty in definitively categorizing certain bands as heavy metal or hard rock, using examples like Led Zeppelin and Van Halen. They note how the genre's continuous evolution and diversification further complicate classification. The hosts suggest that personal taste significantly influences how people categorize metal, making its definition inherently subjective and complex.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- While Black Sabbath is often credited with pioneering heavy metal, other bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple also played significant roles in the genre's development, and some argue they should receive equal recognition.
- The assertion that Tony Iommi's accident led to the creation of heavy metal's signature sound might oversimplify the genre's evolution, which was influenced by a variety of factors and artists.
- The New Wave of British Heavy Metal was crucial, but it's important to acknowledge the contributions of American and European bands to the genre's development during the same period.
- The influence of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal on bands like Metallica and Slayer is clear, but these bands also drew from other genres, including punk and classical music, to create their sound.
- While the "big four" of thrash metal were pivotal, other thrash bands from different regions also contributed to the genre's development and popularity.
- Death metal and black metal's origins can be traced back to earlier influences and bands beyond just Possessed and Venom, with a multitude of underground acts contributing to the genres' formations.
- The evolution of metal in the 1990s was not solely due to grunge; it was also influenced by the rise of alternative rock and changes in the music industry.
- Nu-metal's popularity can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the cultural zeitgeist of the time and the music industry's marketing efforts, not just the pioneering of bands like Korn and Slipknot.
- The New Wave of American Heavy Metal was one of many movements within metal during the 2000s, and focusing solely on this movement might overlook other important subgenres and regional scenes.
- While heavy metal does have a unique fanbase and subculture, it is not the only genre with a passionate support system and distinctive fashion; other music genres also have strong cultural identities.
- Iron Maiden's success in filling stadiums is significant, but it doesn't necessarily represent the popularity of the genre as a whole, as many metal bands play to smaller audiences.
- The virtuosity and complexity of heavy metal music are notable, but other genres also exhibit high levels of musicianship and thematic depth.
- The challenge of defining heavy metal is not unique to this genre; many musical genres face similar difficulties with classification due to their evolution and the subjective nature of music categorization.
Actionables
- Explore the evolution of heavy metal by creating a playlist that follows the genre's history, starting with Black Sabbath and ending with bands from the New Wave of American Heavy Metal. This will give you a personal sense of the music's progression and the nuances that define each subgenre. For example, you could start with "Black Sabbath" by Black Sabbath, add in "The Number of the Beast" by Iron Maiden, include "Master of Puppets" by Metallica, and finish with "Laid to Rest" by Lamb of God.
- Design your own heavy metal T-shirt that incorporates elements from the genre's distinctive fashion and visual aesthetics. You don't need artistic skills; simple online tools can help you combine symbols, band logos, and iconic imagery to create a shirt that reflects your understanding of the metal subculture. Wear it to concerts or local events to engage with the community and show your appreciation for the genre.
- Write a short story or create a piece of artwork that captures the complex societal themes often explored in heavy metal. Use the virtuosic musicianship and striking visuals associated with metal as inspiration. This could be a narrative that tackles themes like rebellion or dystopia, or an artwork that visually represents the intensity and depth of metal music. Share your creation on social media platforms dedicated to heavy metal fans to connect with others who share your interest.
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The Origins and Early History of Heavy Metal
An exploration into how Black Sabbath forged the path for heavy metal and a new wave of British bands cemented the genre's distinct characteristics.
Black Sabbath and the Birth of Heavy Metal
Emerging from the tail end of the 1960s, Black Sabbath is credited not only with birthing heavy metal but also signaling the end of the free love era with a sound that contrasted the upbeat blues rock of the time.
Formed In 1968, Black Sabbath Pioneered Heavy Metal With Their 1970 Debut Album "Black Sabbath."
This Birmingham-based band, characterized by Ozzy Osbourne's haunting vocals, began as a distinct turn away from the colorful music of the '60s. They drew from more sinister themes that could be heard within the tracks of their eponymous debut album.
Guitarist Tony Iommi Lost Fingertips, Downtuned Guitar, and Created Iconic Riff-Based Style
The hosts discuss how Tony Iommi, the band’s left-handed guitarist, lost the tips of two fingers in a factory accident, which led to a series of adaptations in his playing style. Iommi created crude finger prosthetics and loosened his guitar strings to make them easier to bend, inadvertently crafting a deeper, heavier sound that became a key component of heavy metal music. This riff-based style was further bolstered by his switch to lighter strings and a slower playing speed to accommodate his prosthetics.
Black Sabbath's Occult Lyrics and Haunting Vocals vs. Upbeat Blues Rock
Black Sabbath's music was also informed by the occult and grislier subject matter, marked by the song "Black Sabbath," inspired by a chilling dream Osbourne had and sharing its name with a Boris Karloff film. Their second album, "Paranoid," is treasured in metal circles, with the iconic "War Pigs" exemplifying the essence of the genre.
The New Wave of British Heavy Metal
In the mid-1970s, the robust British metal scene fostered a generation of bands that brought to the fore heavy metal as a standalone genre.
Mid-1970s British Metal's New Generation
Chuck Bryant talks about bands like Iron Maiden an ...
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The Origins and Early History of Heavy Metal
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Black Sabbath is often credited with pioneering heavy metal, other bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple also played significant roles in the genre's development, contributing to the heavy sound that characterized metal.
- The riff-based style attributed to Tony Iommi's playing could be seen as part of a broader movement in rock music towards heavier and more guitar-centric sounds, not solely as a result of his personal adaptations.
- The occult and darker themes in Black Sabbath's lyrics were not entirely new; they were part of a larger cultural interest in the occult that was present in various art forms at the time.
- The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) was a significant movement, but it was one of many global heavy metal scenes that contributed to the genre's evolution, including those in the United States, Germany, and Scandinavia.
- The assertion that bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest gained fame primarily through touring and ...
Actionables
- Explore the impact of tuning on guitar playability by experimenting with different tunings on a guitar. If you don't own a guitar, many music stores offer rental services. Start with standard tuning and then try downtuning one or two steps to see how it affects the sound and the ease of playing, especially if you have smaller hands or less finger strength. This will give you a personal understanding of how Tony Iommi's physical limitation led to a creative solution that shaped heavy metal.
- Create a playlist that juxtaposes heavy metal tracks with upbeat blues rock to appreciate the contrast in mood and style. Use a music streaming service to curate a playlist starting with classic blues rock songs and then follow each with a heavy metal track. Notice the differences in tempo, vocal style, and atmosphere. This exercise can enhance your understanding of genre evolution and the distinct characteristics that set heavy metal apart ...
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The Diversification and Evolution of Heavy Metal Subgenres
Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark discuss the rich history of heavy metal and its various branches that range from the raw, politically-charged thrash of the 1980s to the guttural convictions of death metal, the ideological darkness of black metal, and the genre's continued evolution into the 21st century.
The Rise of Thrash Metal in the 1980s
Bryant and Clark reminisce over the "big four" of thrash metal—Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax—whose sounds diverged significantly from the flamboyant hair metal of the decade. Metallica's "Ride the Lightning" and "Master of Puppets" are referenced as iconic thrash albums, characterized by a raw sound and less production.
Pioneers of Thrash: Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax
The four bands, considered pioneers of the thrash subgenre, were amongst those who cited bands like Iron Maiden as a significant inspiration for their more aggressive and speed-oriented sound.
Thrash Metal Diverged From Flamboyant "Hair Metal," Offering a Raw, Politically-Charged Alternative That Resonated With Younger Listeners
Hair metal dominated the 1980s airwaves with bands like Ratt, Motley Crue, Poison, and Skid Row. Their presence on MTV, characterized by an over-the-top flamboyancy, was distinctly different from thrash metal's straightforward aggression.
Thrash Metal's "Big Four" Influences on 1980s and Beyond
Josh Clark appreciated Metallica, particularly the album "And Justice For All," possibly the perfect metal album in his view. Anthrax was mentioned as a personal favorite from Clark's eighth-grade year. These bands influenced legions of followers and set a standard for the thrash metal subgenre that resonated well beyond the 1980s.
The Emergence of Death Metal and Black Metal
As Bryant and Clark point out, the darker themes of metal were first seen in bands like Merciful Fate and their lead singer King Diamond, which set the grounds for death and black metal to emerge.
1980s: Possessed, Venom Laid Death and Black Metal Foundations
San Francisco's Possessed released "Seven Churches" in 1985—what is considered legitimate death metal—while Venom and Bathory were pivotal in laying the foundations for black metal.
Death Metal: Guttural Vocals, Complex Rhythms, Gore and Violence Themes. Black Metal: Shrieking Vocals, Satanic/Anti-Christian Themes
Clark notes that death metal features themes of gore and complex rhythms, while black metal is known for its shrieking vocals and satanic themes.
Norwegian Black Metal's 1990s Infamy Included Church Burnings, Murders, and Violence, Cementing Its Extreme and Controversial Reputation
The hosts recount the infamous events involving the Norwegian black metal band Mayhem, which included suicides, church burnings, and murders, giving the subgenre a notorious reputation.
Diversification of Metal in the 1990s and 2000s
As the hosts continue, they note the diversification in ...
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The Diversification and Evolution of Heavy Metal Subgenres
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax are often cited as the "big four" of thrash metal, some argue that other bands like Testament, Exodus, and Overkill also played crucial roles in the development of the genre and deserve similar recognition.
- The distinction between thrash metal and hair metal is not always clear-cut, as some bands exhibited elements of both styles or evolved from one to the other over time.
- Some critics might argue that while "Ride the Lightning" and "Master of Puppets" are indeed iconic, other albums from the era or from other bands could also be considered equally influential in the thrash metal genre.
- The influence of thrash metal's "Big Four" is significant, but it's important to acknowledge the contributions of the broader metal community and other genres that also shaped the music scene of the 1980s and beyond.
- Death metal's themes are diverse and not limited to gore and violence; some bands focus on philosophical, historical, or other thematic content that is not necessarily violent.
- Black metal's themes extend beyond satanism and anti-Christianity, with many bands exploring paganism, nature, and personal struggle.
- While Possessed, Venom, and Bathory were foundational, other bands like Death and Morbid Angel also played significant roles in the development of death metal, and their contributions could be highlighted.
- The Norwegian black metal scene's infamy sometimes overshadows the musical and cultural contributions of the genre, and not all bla ...
Actionables
- Create a themed playlist to explore the evolution of metal by selecting songs from different subgenres and eras, starting with thrash metal and moving through to the New Wave of American Heavy Metal. This will give you a personal sense of the genre's progression and the nuances between each style. For example, you might start with Metallica's "Master of Puppets," then move to Death's "Symbolic," and finish with Lamb of God's "Redneck."
- Write a short story or piece of creative writing inspired by the themes and imagery found in death and black metal. Use the intense emotions and narratives from the music as a backdrop for your characters or setting. If you're not into writing, try creating a visual art piece, like a painting or digital artwork, that captures the same essence.
- Host a ca ...
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The Cultural and Artistic Importance of Heavy Metal
Discussing the cultural and artistic significance of heavy metal, with a focus on Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath, the hosts delve into the passionate fanbase, subculture, and artistic expression that define this fervent music genre.
The Devoted Fanbase and Subculture of Heavy Metal
The fanbase and subculture surrounding heavy metal music are unique and deeply rooted in a shared appreciation for the genre.
Heavy Metal Fans Are Known For Their Passionate Support and Tight-Knit Communities
Lady Gaga, among other celebrities, has expressed admiration for the passionate support and dedication of Iron Maiden's fanbase, even hoping to inspire a similar level of commitment from her own followers. This devotion is exemplified by Iron Maiden's ability to consistently fill stadiums, especially in regions like South America, where they have an exceptionally fervent following.
Heavy Metal Subculture: Distinct Fashion, Black Clothing, Leather, Studded Accessories, Shared Appreciation For Music's Intensity and Power
The heavy metal subculture is distinguished by a distinct fashion sense that includes black clothing, leather, studded accessories, and a shared appreciation for the music's intensity and power. The hosts reflect on Iron Maiden's positive and encouraging image, which they believe contributes significantly to the tight-knit community feeling among fans of the genre.
The Artistic and Creative Expression Within Heavy Metal
Deeply embedded in the world of heavy metal are virtuosic talent, creative themes, and striking aesthetics, each playing a crucial role in the genre's artistic significance.
Virtuosic Talent and Technical Skill of Heavy Metal Musicians Elevate the Genre To an Art Form
The technical skill and artistry of heavy metal musicians are essential to the genre's perception as a form of artistic expression. Chuck Bryant remarks that no metal band is complete without a great guitar player, underlying the significance of virtuosity and technical prowess in heavy metal music.
Heavy Metal Bands Address War, Oppression, and Societal Ills Through Music
Discussing the progression of Blac ...
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The Cultural and Artistic Importance of Heavy Metal
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Iron Maiden has a large fanbase, not all regions exhibit the same level of enthusiasm, and some areas may have declining attendance at heavy metal concerts.
- The heavy metal subculture's fashion can be seen as exclusionary or intimidating to outsiders, potentially limiting its appeal.
- The positive image of Iron Maiden might not resonate with all heavy metal fans, some of whom may prefer the darker or more controversial themes associated with other bands.
- The emphasis on technical skill and virtuosity in heavy metal can sometimes overshadow the importance of emotional expression and songwriting.
- Addressing themes of war, oppression, and societal ills is not unique to heavy metal and can be found across many music g ...
Actionables
- You can explore the unifying power of music by creating a playlist exchange with friends where each person contributes songs from a genre they're passionate about. This not only broadens your musical horizons but also fosters a sense of community and shared experience, similar to what Iron Maiden fans enjoy. For instance, if you're into jazz, add your favorite tracks to the list and in return, get to experience the intensity of heavy metal or any other genre your friends contribute.
- Start a themed fashion challenge on social media to appreciate the distinct styles within various music subcultures. Each week, you and your participants could dress up in a style inspired by a different music genre, sharing photos and thoughts on how the fashion choices influence your perception of the music. This activity can deepen your understanding of the connection between fashion and music, much like the heavy metal subculture.
- Engage with the storytell ...
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Challenges Of Defining and Categorizing Heavy Metal Music
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant tackle the intricate task of defining the elusive boundaries of heavy metal music and how subjective and complex this classification can be.
Blurry Lines Between Metal and Other Rock Subgenres
The hosts discuss bands such as Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, and Aerosmith and their uncertain status as either heavy metal or hard rock. They explore the distinctions and similarities between these bands and the overarching genres, noting how musical experiments with distortion-heavy guitar or themes from "Lord of the Rings" add layers to the categorization challenge.
Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, and Aerosmith: Heavy Metal or Hard Rock?
Clark and Bryant home in on Led Zeppelin, a band which has consistently denied the heavy metal label, preferring associations with blues rock or hard rock. Despite this self-classification, there remains debate among fans and music enthusiasts over where bands like Led Zeppelin belong.
Subgenre Diversification Complicates Metal Categorization
From the sinister tones of Black Sabbath compared to the more upbeat themes of Led Zeppelin to the glam of Van Halen, the variety within rock music complicates subgenre categorization. The hosts contemplate whether Van Halen, with their lack of dark themes and Eddie Van Halen's unique overalls outfit, could count as metal. They also discuss the rise of industrial metal with bands like Ministry, which transitioned from synth pop to industrial, and Godflesh, both illustrating the diversification within metal.
The Subjectivity of Heavy Metal Classification
Throughout their conversation, Clark and Bryant recognize the shifting nature and the nuanced subgenres of metal, highlighting personal taste and subjectivity as major factors in how bands are categorized.
Evolving Definition of Heavy Metal
Metal's many sub-genres and sprawling categorizations are proving to be ever-evolving, resisting an easy definition that can be universally agreed upon. This complexity shows that the definition of heavy metal is not static but rather is constan ...
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Challenges Of Defining and Categorizing Heavy Metal Music
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Create a personalized rock and metal playlist to explore the spectrum of the genre and discover where your preferences lie. Start by selecting a few tracks from bands mentioned, like Van Halen and Led Zeppelin, and then branch out to include industrial metal bands like Ministry. Pay attention to how the music makes you feel and what elements you gravitate towards, such as guitar distortion or thematic lyrics. This will help you understand the nuances of your musical taste and how you personally categorize these bands.
- Host a themed listening party with friends where each person brings a song from a band they believe represents a specific subgenre of rock or metal. This will spark conversation and allow you to see how subjective the categorization can be. It's a fun way to see the variety of interpretations and definitions within your social circle, and you might discover new music that blurs the lines of these ...
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