Heavy metal is a music genre that emerged in the late 1960s. Originally, the word referred to the music that emerged in the early 1970s. Today, the term is also used to refer to all subgenres and is equated with the word metal. In this article, you will find a definition, the history of heavy metal and an insight into the musicological background.
The origin of the term heavy metal
Heavy metal is an English term that refers to elements in chemistry. The characteristics of heavy metals, such as their high molecular density and toxicity, are associated with hardness and danger. The authors consider these characteristics to be ideal for describing the music genre. It cannot be clearly determined when or who first used the term heavy metal in the context of popular music. However, it was in the late 1960s that authors first used the term in the context of popular music, and in the early 1970s it was established as a genre name. For fans of this bold and intense genre, exploring opportunities like the Wantedwin offers, can amplify the excitement and passion for heavy metal culture, blending the thrill of music with enticing rewards.
The music-historical development of heavy metal as a genre
Musically, the music emerged from the genres of blues rock and psychedelic rock. Some musical and structural elements can be found in blues rock music, namely:
- powerful drum sounds
- heavy bass lines
- distorted guitar riffs
- energetic singing
- progression (a chord sequence without rules or certain stylistic guidelines)
Artists adopted the use of amplifiers from psychedelic rock. They turned up the volume, distorted the sounds and used acoustic feedback as musical effects.
In literature and subculture, the British bands Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple are mainly referred to as the so-called founders of the music genre. In the 1970s, the genre consolidated with a second generation of heavy metal, including, among many others, AC/DC, Judas Priest, the Scorpions and Rainbow.
The definition of the heavy metal genre
What is special about heavy metal is that each band creates its own signature sound and tries to maintain it across different albums as the music evolves. It is difficult to define the genre in a uniform way due to the individuality of the individual musical works. According to Deena Weinstein’s ‘Code of Heavy Metal’, acoustic, visual and textual conventions emerged between 1976 and 1983 that form the core of the genre in its classical form. Her attempt to define the genre is explained in more detail below.
The textual dimension
The textual dimension includes the band name, the album and song titles and the lyrics of a metal band. This is because the album and song titles of the bands often reflect the context associated with the band name. The topics of the lyrics are divided into two overarching groups.
One topic is about overcoming everyday worries through fleeting enjoyment, both sexual and intoxicating. Furthermore, the appreciation of rock music is in the foreground, which in the context of the subculture is understood as metal.
The other topic deals with the absence or destruction of various relationships through phenomena, conflicts, violence and death. Often the lyrics are about disorder, oppositions and contradictions. Images of monsters, battles and catastrophes are used to illustrate them. A large and significant source for this range of topics is religion, especially Christianity and paganism. Furthermore, secular literature and films, especially from the literary genres of Gothic, Horror and Fantasy, are also used and serve as the basis for many texts.
While the first topic can also be found in other genres, the second can be specifically assigned to the genre. The only topic that is used in both areas and creates a thematic bridge between the subgenres is singing about the night.
The visual dimension
The visual dimension of heavy metal extends to band logos, albums, cover art, photos, music videos, patches and band shirts. These serve as a unique identifier for a heavy metal band. Furthermore, the visual elements of a live concert, such as costumes, lighting effects, stage sets and choreography, are an important part of the visual dimension. Heavy metal concerts feature over-the-top stage shows, which were previously only seen at psychedelic rock concerts. Various lights in different colours, pyrotechnics, fog machines, lasers and strobes are used to accentuate the music, the band members and the stage set. Furthermore, the visual appearance, such as hairstyle, beard and outfit of the band members, should be mentioned, as these play a defining role in the subculture in general and for the band on stage. The following illustration shows a visual impression of a heavy metal concert.
The acoustic dimension
The acoustic dimension of heavy metal is concerned with the tonal elements of the music. Power is the essential characteristic and is created by high volume. Especially at live concerts, the amplifiers of the instruments and microphones are turned up to the maximum. This effect is replicated in studio recordings with the help of technology.
Characteristics of the instruments:
- Guitar:
- tonal complexity through distorted and amplified guitar playing (from psychedelic rock)
- melodic, leading instrument with a high level of technical skill (from blues rock)
- guitar solo as an important musical building block
- Drums:
- extensive equipment for varied sounds and complex rhythmic patterns
- mainly in the slower 4/4 time
- Bass guitar:
- rhythmic playing emphasises the low frequencies of the music
- more important role than in many other genres
- the heavy distorted sound is only technically possible after 1960
- Vocals:
- unlike in pop music, as an equal part of the band
- emotionality as an important basis
- strong sound, often also special noises or screams, such as shouting and growling
- Keyboard/Synthesizer
- not part of the standard line-up
- provides a broader sound
A genre in constant development
Heavy metal is a versatile and extensive music genre. New subgenres continue to emerge to this day, influenced by other genres and new developments. However, distorted instrumental sounds, a lot of power through volume and the singing as well as complex rhythmic patterns are characteristics that are indispensable to Heavy Metal as a superordinate genre. If you feel like going on a musical trip around the world, take a look at ESRA, our ethnological music archive.
Where Did the Term ‘Heavy Metal’ Come From?
The term “heavy metal” actually comes from chemistry, where “heavy metals” are substances that are dense and sometimes toxic. This idea was applied to music because the genre is loud, aggressive, and intense. Although the term started being used in the late 1960s, it became more common by the 1970s to describe a new kind of music that was much louder and more energetic than what had come before.
How Did Heavy Metal Develop?
Heavy music is closely linked to rock, especially blues rock and psychedelic rock. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple began creating sounds that were heavier, with louder guitars and a bigger presence than traditional rock. They also started experimenting with darker themes like death, war, and the supernatural.
By the 1980s, the genre had grown and split into different subgenres, like thrash (with bands like Metallica), glam (with bands like Motley Crüe), and power (with bands like Iron Maiden). This expansion continued in the 1990s and 2000s, with new subgenres emerging, such as black and death music.
What Makes Heavy Metal Unique?
Heavy metal is known for its loud, intense sound. Some of the things that make metal music unique include:
- Powerful guitar riffs: The guitar is one of the most important instruments in metal, often played with distortion to make it sound rougher.
- Loud and fast drums: Drums in metal are fast and aggressive, often using double bass pedals to create a deeper, faster beat.
- Strong vocals: Metal singers often have loud, forceful voices, and they sometimes use growling or screaming techniques.
The Look of Heavy Metal
The visual side of metal is also very important. Metal bands and their fans often wear leather jackets, band t-shirts, and other clothes that reflect the tough, rebellious nature of the music. Concerts are a big part of the culture, with big stage setups, loud sound systems, and dramatic lighting.
Themes in Heavy Metal Lyrics
The lyrics of heavy metal songs often explore dark and intense topics. Some common themes include:
- Death and the supernatural: Many songs talk about ghosts, monsters, and otherworldly events.
- Struggles and rebellion: Metal lyrics often deal with personal battles, rebellion against authority, and fighting for freedom.
- Social and political issues: Some metal bands use their music to address issues like war, inequality, and corruption.
The Global Impact of Heavy Metal
Heavy metal isn’t just popular in the U.S. or the U.K.; it’s a global phenomenon. Bands from countries all around the world, including Sweden, Japan, and Brazil, have contributed to the genre. Metal fans, known for their passionate loyalty, come from many different cultures and backgrounds, and the genre has inspired subcultures everywhere.
Conclusion
Heavy metal continues to evolve and thrive. Despite facing challenges from other music genres, it has remained popular because of its powerful sound, rebellious spirit, and loyal fanbase. Whether through its loud guitars or its bold lyrics, heavy metal is a genre that is here to stay, inspiring new generations of fans and musicians.
Sources:
- Walser, Robert (1993): Running with the Devil. Power, Gender and Madness in Heavy Metal Music. Connecticut: Wesleyan University Press.
- Weinstein, Deena (22000). Heavy Metal. The Music and Its Culture. New York: Da Capo Press (rev. ed.).
- Heinen, S. (2017). ‘Odin rules’: Religion, Media and Music in Pagan Metal (Vol. 3). transcript Verlag.
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