HEAVY METAL

By: Karthik Reddy

 British metal band, Iron Maiden performing in Bucharest, 2022

Introduction

Heavy Metal often simply called as Metal is a genre of rock music that includes a group of related styles that are intense, virtuosic, and powerful. Driven by the aggressive sounds of the distorted electric guitar, heavy metal is arguably the most commercially successful genre of rock music. Although the origin of the term ‘heavy metal’ is widely attributed to the novelist William Burroughs, its use actually dates well back into the 19th century, when it is generally referred to cannon or to power more.

History and Development

It was originated in the late 1960 and early 1970s, mostly in the United Kingdom and United States. Though they came to attract wide audiences, they were often derided by critics. Several American bands modified heavy metal into more accessible forms during the 1970s. During the mid-1970s, the English heavy metal band, Judas Priest helped spur the genre’s evolution by discarding much of its blues influence, while another English band, Motorhead introduced a punk rock sensibility and an increasing emphasis on speed. Beginning in the late 1970s, bands in the new wave of British heavy metal such as Iron Maiden and Saxon followed in a similar vein.

By the end of this decade, heavy metal fans became known as “metalheads” or “headbangers”. During the 1980s, the term ‘glam metal’ became popular with rock bands such as Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe and Poison. The lyrics of some metal genres became associated with aggression. Since the mid-1990s, popular styles have expanded the definition of the genre. These include groove metal and Nu metal, the latter of which often incorporates elements of grunge and hip-hop. 

Features of Heavy Metal

The most commonly used line-up for a heavy metal band is a drummer, a bass guitarist, a rhythm guitarist, a lead guitarist, and a singer (who may or may not be an instrumentalist). Keyboards were popular with early metal bands (especially the organ and occasionally the mellotron), but were gradually used less and less frequently. The guitar and the sonic power that it projects through amplification, however, is the key element in heavy metal music. Distortion of the guitar sound is used to create a more powerful, heavier sound. Later, more intricate solos and riffs became a big part of heavy metal music. Guitarists use sweep-picking, tapping and other advanced techniques for rapid playing, and many sub-genres praise virtuosity over simplicity.

As is common in popular music, strong visuals and images are part of heavy metal. Album covers and stage shows are as much a part of the presentation of the material as the music itself, though seldom exceeding the music in priority. Thus, through heavy metal, many artists collaborate to produce a menu of experiences in each piece, thus offering a wider range of experiences to the audience. In this respect, heavy metal becomes perhaps more of a diverse art form than any single form dominated by one method of expression. Whereas a painting is experienced visually and a symphony is experienced audibly, a heavy metal band’s “image” and the common theme that binds all of its music is expressed in the artwork on the album, the set of the stage, the tone of the lyrics, and the clothes of the band, in addition to the sound of the music.

A metal guitar is a highly-amplified electric guitar commonly used in metal music concerts

Notable Artists

In 1968, three of the genre’s most famous pioneers – Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple – were founded.

Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The group comprised vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. With a heavy, guitar-driven sound, they are cited as one of the progenitors of hard rock and heavy metal.

Led Zepplin

Black Sabbath were an English rock band formed in Birmingham in 1968 by guitarist Tony Iommi, drummer Bill Ward, bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne. They are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band’s popularity grew, and by 1973’s Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, critics were starting to respond favourably.

Black Sabbath

Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in London in 1968. the most commercially successful line-up, with Ian Gillan (vocals) and Roger Glover (bass) joining Jon Lord (keyboards), Ian Paice (drums) and Ritchie Blackmore (guitar). They were listed in the 1975 Guinness Book of World Records as “the globe’s loudest band” for a 1972 concert at London’s Rainbow Theatre and have sold over 100 million records worldwide.

Due to their significant contributions towards hard rock and heavy metal, Deep Purple, together with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, have been often cited to as the “Unholy Trinity of British hard rock and heavy metal”.

Deep Purple

Psychological Impact of Heavy Metal:

Listening to this genre of music can improve symptoms of stress and depression. It also might help some people feel accepted, belonging to a community of other like-minded fans. People who prefer metal may also have higher cognitive function based on logic and scientific thinking. Many may also be energized by its powerful sound and find solace in emotionally intense lyrics.

Heavy metal music caters to some very fundamental feelings and experiences humans have in society. It is therefore arguably more than any other genre, has a reputation for the effect it has on its listeners’ behaviours and mental health.

However, concerns have been raised that prolonged exposure to heavy metal music with aggressive themes can increase the risk of aggression, anger, antisocial behaviour, substance use, suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression in community and psychiatric populations.