Did you know that metal music has over 100 million fans worldwide? Its intense sounds and deep stories make it a powerful genre. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the scene, you'll find everything you need to know. From its 70s origins to the latest trends, explore the best bands, albums, and concerts. Dive into the world of metal and experience its energy. Let's get started!
What is metal music?
Definition and characteristics
Metal music is a genre in its own right. It is characterised by its aggressive guitar riffs and powerful drum beats. The lyrics are often dark or socially critical. Many subgenres exist, such as heavy metal, thrash metal and black metal.
Instruments and sound
Instruments and sound
The electric guitar is the centrepiece of metal. It produces the typical powerful sound through amplification and distortion. Guitarists often use seven-string guitars to achieve lower tones. These additional strings allow for a wider range of sounds.
Distorted basses are also central to metal. They give the music a heavy, aggressive tone. Many bands rely on complex riffs and solos, which are amplified by special pedals.
Standard instrumentation
Metal bands have a typical line-up. This includes drums, electric bass, rhythm guitar, lead guitar and vocals. The drums provide the driving rhythm and give the music structure.
The bass adds depth and supports the guitar sounds. Rhythm and lead guitars often play together, with the lead guitar responsible for solos. The vocals vary greatly from melodic to growls or screams.
Electronic effects
Electronic effects play a major role in shaping the unique sound of metal. Distortion pedals are widely used, creating the characteristic rough tone. Many bands also use reverb and delay effects to expand their sound. While exploring the world of metal, if you're looking for a bit of excitement beyond the music, you can also check out the Richardcasino. It's a great way to explore new casino games without making an initial investment!
Some groups experiment with synthesizers or additional percussionists to create an even denser soundscape. These techniques help to keep metal music so diverse and exciting.
Melody and Harmony
Melodic Riffs
Melodic riffs are an important part of metal music. They create emotions and depth. Many bands use melodic licks and well-thought-out guitar solos to make their songs stand out. These elements give the songs a special touch.
Different Singing Styles
There are many different singing styles in metal. Clean vocals are often contrasted with guttural singing. Some bands use operatic singing techniques. This diversity makes the music exciting and varied.
Classical music
Many metal bands incorporate classical music into their compositions. This creates a multi-layered soundscape. Modal chords and harmonic minor are frequently used techniques. The result is a complex and powerful sound.
Driving song structures
Metal songs often have driving structures. These structures can be simple or complex. Simple structures offer fast, catchy songs. Complex compositions, on the other hand, offer long songs with many variations.
Harmonic trademark
A harmonic trademark of many metal bands is the use of different musical developments. This ensures a unique sound. The combination of hard riffs and melodic elements creates a special atmosphere.
Rhythm and tempo
Fast rhythms
Metal music is known for its fast rhythms. These provide an incredible boost and drive the songs forward. Bands like Slayer and Metallica rely on high playing speeds to generate energy. In their songs, they often alternate between fast and slow passages.
A well-known technique is the so-called ‘blast beat’. This is a very fast drumming technique that makes the song extremely intense. The tempo often varies from 180 to over 240 BPM (beats per minute).
Heavy riffs
Heavy riffs are a trademark of metal. They give the songs depth and weight. Black Sabbath is considered one of the first bands to have popularised heavy riffs. Their song ‘Iron Man’ is a good example of this.
These riffs are often played in a low tuning to create even more impact. Many guitarists use the Aeolian or Phrygian modes to create dark and powerful melodies.
Traditional varieties
Traditional styles like heavy and thrash metal focus on clear rhythmic structures, with bands like Iron Maiden using galloping rhythms. Other subgenres feature their own distinct rhythms, such as doom (slow beats), death (fast, complex rhythms), and progressive (unusual time signatures), each contributing to the diversity of the genre.
High playing speed
Some bands rely on extremely high playing speed. DragonForce is known for their fast solos and driving rhythms. Their second album, ‘Sonic Firestorm’, impressively demonstrates this.
This speed requires a great deal of technical skill and practice. Musicians must be able to play precisely to stay clean at high tempo.
The latter styles
Modern metal bands often combine elements of different styles. They use both traditional and innovative techniques in the rhythm section. This creates a varied sound that appeals to many fans.
For example, bands like Avenged Sevenfold mix melodic elements with aggressive rhythms. Their current line-up is constantly experimenting with new ideas.
Lyrics and images
Creative themes
Metal music often deals with artistic themes such as fantasy, politics and personal struggles. Many songs are about epic battles, mystical worlds or dark visions of the future. Bands like Blind Guardian are known for their fantasy lyrics. Other groups like Rage Against the Machine deal with political issues.
The history of metal
Metal origins
Metal originated in the early 1970s. Bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin are considered the pioneers. They mixed hard rock with dark lyrics and heavy guitar riffs.
This new music style was well received. Young people were drawn to the intense sounds. The term ‘heavy metal’ became popular.
Classic Heavy Metal
During the 1980s, classic heavy metal evolved. Bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest shaped this style. Their music was faster and more technical.
The lyrics often dealt with fantasy, war and mythology. These themes resonated with fans worldwide.
International influences
International influences played a major role in the genre’s development. In Japan, visual kei emerged, drawing inspiration from Western glam and heavy music. Scandinavian countries like Norway and Sweden contributed to the rise of black music, known for its dark, atmospheric sounds and controversial performances. In Brazil, a vibrant thrash scene developed, with bands like Sepultura blending their cultural elements, enriching the diversity of the genre.
Most successful metal bands
Some of the most successful heavy metal bands have sold millions of albums worldwide:
Metallica: One of the most popular heavy metal bands of all time.
Iron Maiden: Known for their energetic live performances.
Black Sabbath: The founders of the genre with unforgettable hits.
These bands have influenced generations of musicians and fans alike.
Women in metal
Influence on the scene
Women have played a significant role in shaping the scene, both as musicians and fans. Bands like Arch Enemy and Nightwish highlight the impact of female members. Women also support the genre by attending shows, buying merchandise, and backing their favourite bands.
Challenging stereotypes
Female metal artists often break with traditional role models. Singers like Doro Pesch or Angela Gossow show that women can be just as tough and powerful as men.
They enrich the genre with their unique voices and stage presence. These artists prove that metal is not just a male domain.
Fight for equality
In the scene, women are fighting for equality by forming their own bands and festivals to make their voices heard. Power music artists like Tarja Turunen have created their own niches. Many female artists also use platforms like webradio or streaming services to share their music and gain new fans.
Examples of successful female artists
Some of the most well-known female metal artists are:
Amy Lee of Evanescence
Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil
Simone Simons of Epica
These women have developed their own style and made a lasting impact on the genre.
Significance for the community
Women in the metal scene contribute to diversity. They bring new perspectives and inspire other women to get involved in the scene as well. Their presence shows that metal can be inclusive.
The support of the community is crucial. Many fans appreciate the contribution of female artists and support their success.
Famous bands
Band Motörhead
Motörhead was founded in 1975. Singer Lemmy Kilmister was the face of the band. They are known for their raw, fast sound. Their hit ‘Ace of Spades’ is a classic.
Motörhead has sold millions of albums. They have influenced many metal and rock bands worldwide. Their style inspired guitarists and drummers alike.
Band Korn
Korn was formed in California in 1993. They are considered pioneers of nu metal. Their songs combine metal with hip-hop elements.
The band has won numerous awards. Their albums have sold millions of copies. Korn influenced a whole generation of metal fans.
Band Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath was formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968. They are considered the founders of heavy metal. Ozzy Osbourne was their first singer.
Their dark lyrics and heavy riffs were revolutionary. Albums like Paranoid are legendary. Black Sabbath influenced countless subsequent bands.
German bands: Accept
Accept was founded in Solingen in 1976. They are one of the most successful German metal bands. Hits like Balls to the Wall made them famous.
Accept's music is fast and powerful. Their influence on the European scene is enormous. Many German bands were inspired by them.
European bands: Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden is from London and was founded in 1975. Bruce Dickinson, their singer, is an icon of the genre.
Albums like ‘The Number of the Beast’ are milestones in metal. Their live shows are spectacular and popular worldwide.
Grindcore-influenced bands: Napalm Death
Napalm Death is from Birmingham, England, and started in 1981. They are known for extremely fast and short songs.
Their album ‘Scum’ is considered a seminal work in the grindcore genre. Napalm Death influenced many bands worldwide.
Punk-influenced bands: Slayer
Slayer was formed in California in 1981. Their aggressive style mixes thrash metal with punk elements.
The album ‘Reign in Blood’ is a classic of the thrash metal genre. Slayer inspired many later extreme metal bands.
Further reading
Books and documentaries
There are many books and documentaries that offer deep insights into the history and culture of metal. One recommended book is ‘Sound of the Beast’ by Ian Christe. It covers the development of the genre from its beginnings to the present day. Another good source is ‘Louder Than Hell: The Definitive Oral History of Metal’ by Jon Wiederhorn and Katherine Turman. This collection contains interviews with numerous key figures in the scene.
Documentaries such as ‘Metal: A Headbanger's Journey’ (2005) by Sam Dunn are also worth watching. They shed light on the various subgenres and their particular prevalence worldwide. Another interesting documentary is ‘Iron Maiden: Flight 666’ (2009), which offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most successful metal bands.
Biographies of key figures
Biographies often provide fascinating insights into the lives of important personalities in the metal scene. Ozzy Osbourne's autobiography, ‘I Am Ozzy’, offers a fascinating perspective on his career and life. Lemmy Kilmister, the frontman of Motörhead, offers an honest look at his wild years in metal in his biography ‘White Line Fever’.
Bruce Dickinson's book ‘What Does This Button Do?’ is also worth reading. The Iron Maiden singer not only talks about his time with the band, but also about his other passions, such as flying.
Online resources and magazines
For the latest news and developments in metal, there are various online resources. Websites such as Blabbermouth.net and Loudwire.com regularly report on new albums, tours and news from the scene. YouTube channels like BangerTV also provide interesting content on new releases and trends.
Magazines also play an important role for metal fans. The British magazine Kerrang! is a good source of news and background information.
Final thoughts
Metal music is more than just loud guitars and fast drums. It is a culture, a lifestyle characterised by passion and creativity. You now have a comprehensive insight into the world of metal – from the instruments to the iconic bands.
Want more? Dive deeper, check out new bands or attend a concert. Metal lives through you and your enthusiasm. So, rock out and stay loud!