The Origins of Early Heavy Metal Music

Early heavy metal music can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when a blend of hard rock, blues rock, and progressive rock began to take shape. Though not yet defined as 'heavy metal,' the raw and powerful sound that would come to define the genre could be heard in certain albums and tracks.

Early Influences: Ellis and Cocker

Before heavy metal music became a recognized genre, the early sounds of power chords and raw intensity were heard in songs by artists such as Donovan's "Man" and Joe Cocker's "Little Help from My Friends" live performance. Despite many speculations, there is no concrete evidence that Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin played on these songs. These tracks laid the foundation for the heavier sound that would characterize the genre in the following years.

Black Sabbath: The Pioneers of Heavy Metal

The seeds of what we now recognize as heavy metal were sown by the English band Black Sabbath, whose album "Black Sabbath" (1970) is often cited as one of the earliest heavy metal albums. At this stage, the band had not yet shed its blues rock influence, and their music often blended both heavy metal and classic rock elements. The album "Masters of Reality" (1971) further solidified their position in the early metal scene.

Deep Purple: Hard Rock Parallel to Heavy Rock

While Black Sabbath was pioneering the heavier sound, Deep Purple, also from the UK, were more firmly established in the hard rock genre. However, they had their own unique qualities that slowly moved towards the emerging heavy metal style. The album "Deep Purple in Rock" (1970) is a great example of their evolving sound.

Psychedelic Rock: The Influence of Hawkwind

Psychedelic rock bands like Hawkwind also played a significant role in the development of heavy metal. Their album "In Search of Space" (1971) showcased a unique blend of psychedelic and hard-hitting sounds, contributing to the overall ethos of the genre.

The Definitive Definition: Traditional Metal

While the term 'heavy metal' wasn’t widely used until the mid-1980s, the earliest form of what we now call traditional metal can be heard in albums by Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. These bands' early works contained elements that would define the genre, including heavy riffs, powerful vocals, and a more structured approach to songwriting compared to the more chaotic noise of psychedelic rock.

Second Wave: NWOBHM and Beyond

The second wave of heavy metal emerged in the early 1980s, with the rise of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Mot?rhead, Venom, and Saxon contributed significantly to the evolution of the genre. Albums such as Judas Priest's "Rockaizer" (1978) and Iron Maiden's "Killers" (1981) exemplify the hard, fast, and aggressive sound that would become the hallmark of heavy metal music.

Contemporary Perspectives: Lordi and Modern Metal

While the original early metal bands set the scene, modern interpretations of the genre can still be found in contemporary works. For instance, the first album in the Lordiversity collection by Lordi offers a modern take on early metal music. Comparatively, there is Cold Steel, a comprehensive book that delves into the history and development of heavy metal.

Conclusion

The evolution of heavy metal music from its early roots to its modern forms is a fascinating journey. From the early pioneers like Black Sabbath to the NWOBHM bands and modern influences, the genre has continued to thrive and innovate. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just curious about the genre's origins, exploring these albums and artists can provide a valuable insight into the richness and diversity of early heavy metal music.