The First Metal Song: A Personal Journey into the World of Heavy Metal

Music has the incredible power to shape our lives, and for many, the first metal song they hear marks the beginning of a lifelong journey into a world full of rhythm, passion, and intensity. For me, it all started with Deep Purple's Smoke on the Water, a song that left a lasting impression.

A Lifetime of Discovery

While Deep Purple might not qualify as the most quintessential heavy metal band, their iconic track "Smoke on the Water" is still a classic. It was a truly stunning experience for me the first time I heard it. The song's driving rhythm, brilliant guitar work, and powerful vocal delivery simply could not be topped.

A Digital Milestone

Jumping forward a bit, my Motley Crue song "Kickstart My Heart" holds a special place in my heart. I initially encountered it while playing Grand Theft Auto III on my PlayStation 2. The song's energetic beat and assertive lyrics resonated deeply with me and sparked a love for heavy metal that still persists.

The Origin Story

For many, the journey into heavy metal starts with one song or one experience. For me, that was a clay trial. Hellhammer's Triumph of Death introduced me to the genre. My friend played it for me, and I was immediately captivated by the song's raw power and intensity. This moment marked the end of my pretensions and the beginning of a new era of music appreciation.

A Musical Adolescence

My early exposure to heavy metal was somewhat limited due to my rural upbringing. My parents mostly listened to folk music, and my peers were enjoying AC/DC, Def Leppard, and Scorpions, among others. When I was in high school, a friend introduced me to bands like Pink Floyd, Emerson Lake Palmer, Jethro Tull, and Tangerine Dream, opening up a whole new world of progressive rock.

Then, one day, I discovered Hellhammer, and it was like a breath of fresh air. The song's raw energy and intensity were unlike anything I had heard before. This experience marked the beginning of my journey into heavy metal and helped me shed my prejudices about the genre.

The Fantasy Connection

As my interest in music grew, so did my fascination with fantasy and satanic elements. Bands like Venom, Slayer, and Destruction appealed not only to my musical tastes but also to my thirst for literature. I was reading a lot of fantasy books, particularly those by Michael Moorcock, and the music I heard seemed to fit perfectly with the stories I was reading. This connection between music and literature added another layer to my appreciation of heavy metal.

The Pop Metal Journey

Slowly but surely, I expanded my musical palette to include more pop-oriented heavy metal. Bands like Blue Oyster Cult became a part of my collection due to their connection to Michael Moorcock and his works. This association between music and literature further enriched my experience of heavy metal and made it a more meaningful part of my life.

From Listener to Performer

While my love for heavy metal as a listener grew, my journey as a musician has been quite different. Learning to play a recognizable rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" has proved to be a challenging task, even with a bit of age. It's a reminder that sometimes, the older we get, the harder it is to learn new things. Perhaps I should have started my musical journey earlier in life and avoided the challenges of middle age and arthritis.

The Evolution of Taste

In college, after a friend moved away, my exposure to mainstream heavy metal intensified. However, even then, my tastes remained rooted in the more pop-oriented and fantasy-infused scenes. The selection was limited in my rural area, but my friend managed to get us a variety of music from a record store 100 miles away.

Conclusion

The first metal song one hears can be a defining moment in a journey full of discovery and passion. My journey began with Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" and led me through the raw energy of Hellhammer, the fantasy connections, and the pop-infused world of heavy metal. It is a journey that continues to evolve and grow, enriching my life in countless ways.