The Genesis of Heavy Metal: A Debate Between KISS and Black Sabbath

Heavy metal, louder than its name suggests, is a genre with roots that trace back to the 1950s, with a critical evolution occurring in the 1960s and 1970s. The question often arises, who is more deserving of the title for inventing heavy metal music: KISS or Black Sabbath?

Evolution of Rock Music in the 20th Century

The journey of heavy metal, as we know it, began with the evolution of rock music from the 1950s to the 1970s. The transition from early electric guitar sounds to the formation of specific genres such as pop, dance, folk, and psychedelia happened in the 1960s. It was during this experimental period that the Beatles took the lead by experimenting with hard rock and heavy sounds.

As the decade progressed, bands like the Kinks and the Rolling Stones began to experiment with heavier tones. This led to the emergence of psychedelic rock, which further pushed the boundaries of traditional rock music. Jimi Hendrix, along with the Beatles and The Who, became influential in shaping what would later be recognized as heavy metal. Steppenwolf, with their hit "Born to Be Wild" in 1968, coined the term "heavy metal," inspired likely by the comparison of hard rock to metal.

Led Zeppelin and the Formalization of Heavy Metal

The popularity of Steppenwolf's term and the influence of bands like Iron Butterfly played a significant role in the formalization of heavy metal as a distinct genre. Bands like Led Zeppelin capitalized on this cultural shift and were named as the pioneers of heavy metal. Led Zeppelin, with its heavy and dense sound, became a flag bearer for the label, marking a definitive shift from hard rock to metal.

Deep Purple, Mountain, David Bowie, and other bands from the latter part of the 1960s into the 1970s contributed to the growth of heavy metal. When Black Sabbath emerged in 1970, the heavy metal foundation was already in place, albeit in a bubblegum form. Black Sabbath's dark and grungy sound resonated with audiences, but they often got pigeonholed as darker than the mainstream hard rock acts.

Black Sabbath: Pioneers of Heavy Metal

Black Sabbath, while not inventing heavy metal, were instrumental in shaping its characteristics. Their influence extends to the heavy metal imagery, which was largely inspired by Ozzy Osbourne's wardrobe and stage presence. Black Sabbath introduced the head-banging culture to heavy metal, with Ozzy's frequent head-slamming becoming a defining feature of many heavy metal concerts.

The Influence of KISS and Judas Priest

While Black Sabbath left a significant mark, it was KISS and Judas Priest who refined and popularized the heavy metal genre in the 1970s and beyond. KISS's iconic image and shows, along with Judas Priest's development of the studs and leather image, helped define the modern concept of a heavy metal band.

Importantly, as the genre evolved through the 1980s and beyond, with bands like Metallica, Slayer, and others, Black Sabbath's influence continued to be felt. Even Ozzy Osbourne's solo career mirrored and expanded the genre.

Conclusion

So, did Black Sabbath invent heavy metal? No, they were more of original bandwagon jumpers who stayed on the ride long enough to create a lasting impact. Led Zeppelin, likely, deserve more credit as the true founders of the genre. However, the contributions of KISS, Judas Priest, and Black Sabbath collectively shaped the identity of heavy metal that we recognize today.