Genre Definition
What is Metal music?
Metal is a music genre that originated 1969--present. UK and USA, late 1960s.
Origin of Metal
UK and USA, late 1960s. Black Sabbath in Birmingham invented the template in 1969-70 -- detuned guitar, sludgy riffs, dark lyrical imagery. Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple were parallel influences. The 1980s NWOBHM (Judas Priest, Iron Maiden) and American thrash (Metallica) diversified the form.
Era: 1969--present
Defining sound of Metal
High-gain distorted guitar (often downtuned), palm-muted riffs, double-kick drumming at 100-220 BPM. Vocals range from operatic clean tenor to guttural death growl depending on subgenre. Low-end is prominent. Production ranges from garage-raw (black metal) to clinical precision (modern prog metal).
Essential Metal albums
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Pioneers of Metal
- Black Sabbath
- Led Zeppelin
- Deep Purple
- Judas Priest
- Iron Maiden
Key Metal artists
Related genres
Frequently asked questions about Metal
- When did Metal start?
- Metal originated 1969--present. UK and USA, late 1960s.
- Who invented Metal?
- Metal was pioneered by Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden. UK and USA, late 1960s. Black Sabbath in Birmingham invented the template in 1969-70 -- detuned guitar, sludgy riffs, dark lyrical imagery. Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple were parallel influences. The 1980s NWOBHM (Judas Priest, Iron Maiden) and American thrash (Metallica) diversified the form.
- Is Metal still popular?
- Metal continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Mastodon.
- What does Metal sound like?
- High-gain distorted guitar (often downtuned), palm-muted riffs, double-kick drumming at 100-220 BPM. Vocals range from operatic clean tenor to guttural death growl depending on subgenre. Low-end is prominent. Production ranges from garage-raw (black metal) to clinical precision (modern prog metal).
- What is the difference between Metal and hard-rock?
- Metal and hard-rock are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the hard-rock definition page for a full comparison.
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