Exploring the Origins of My First Metal Song: Triumph of Death

As a listener who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, music held a special place in my life from a young age. While my parents mostly enjoyed folk music in my childhood, my peers and friends were introduced to a variety of rock genres, including heavy metal. One particular song, 'Triumph of Death' by Hellhammer, marked a turning point for me in my musical journey.

My Musical Journey

From the early years, my parents’ taste in folk music was a stark contrast to the rock and roll and punk music coming into my life through my friends. By the time I was in fifth and sixth grade, my peers were listening to popular bands like AC/DC, Def Leppard, Scorpions, and even Pink Floyd. Back then, I mistook song lyrics for different artists, such as thinking “We Don’t Need No Education” was by AC/DC because I simply didn’t know better. My mother, a school teacher, might have been a fan of Pink Floyd, but for me, their music was too complex and didn’t resonate with the spirit of the times.

Discovering New Music

It wasn't until my high school years that I began to explore different genres more deeply, thanks to the influences of my friends. These friends introduced me to a mix of artists that expanded my musical horizons, including Pink Floyd, Emerson Lake Palmer, and Jethro Tull. One friend, in particular, played a song by Hellhammer that caught my attention. 'Triumph of Death' was an instant favorite. This experience helped me overcome my initial disapproval of heavy metal and paved the way for my deeper immersion into the genre.

Carving My Musical Identity

The influence of Hellhammer, and subsequent bands like Venom, Slayer, and Destruction, helped me connect with the music that adventurous and innovative. These bands embodied the fantasy and satanic elements that aligned perfectly with the sword and sorcery books I was reading at the time. The selection of music in my rural hometown was limited, and it was whatever my friend managed to bring from the record store 100 miles away on monthly trips with his father.

Expanding into Diverse Genres

My musical journey didn't stop there. I delved into more mellow, pop-oriented heavy metal, such as Blue Oyster Cult, due to their connection to the fantasy author Michael Moorcock. It wasn’t until later in college, after a friend moved away and his influence waned, that I truly embraced mainstream heavy metal. This shift in my musical preferences marked a significant change in my young adulthood.

Aslt My Path as a Musician

Music has always been a passion of mine, but as a budding musician, I still face numerous challenges. Currently, I’m struggling to play consistently enough to perform even something simple like 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.' Perhaps if I had started learning to play an instrument before middle age and before the onset of arthritis, things might have been different.

Conclusion

My story with 'Triumph of Death' by Hellhammer is just one tale in my broader journey through the world of heavy metal. It represents more than just a favorite song; it marks a pivotal moment in my personal and musical evolution. Exploring different genres, embracing new artists, and overcoming barriers have all played crucial roles in shaping my musical identity.