A beginner's guide to metal genres
Heavy metal music exists in many different ways. I've done my best here to present a semi-chronological list of the many styles one finds under the large umbrella that is metal. This first portion will deal with more established and well-known styles. Next time around, we'll delve into the strange world of extreme metal!
1. Classic Metal. Metal as naked as the day it was born. This is a bit of a grey area for many fans, whether or not these bands are truly “metal” or merely influential. It arose from movements like Psychedelia and the British Blues Revival, so blues and jazz influences are quite obvious. Many were hippies or reformed hippies. They made metal before anyone really knew what it was. Examples: Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Led Zepplin, Cream, The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
2. Heavy Metal. Metal in its purest form- the heaviness and talent of the originals had been taken to new heights. Heavy metal is faster, leaner, but also grander than the originators. It moved away from its blues roots to incorporate more classical scales and stylistic leanings. Vocals, similarly, varied between strong rock singing and a more opera-derived style, often with plenty of falsetto. Examples: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, Angel Witch, Twisted Sister
3. Thrash and Speed Metal. This style erupted in both Germany and America, seemingly independently. American bands were influenced by both heavy metal and hardcore punk. With that punk slant, thrash punches up the tempo and the vocals are delivered in a harder, more aggressive style. Heaviness and speed take precedence over melody. Modern warfare and violence are central themes for many acts. Examples: Slayer, Metallica, Sodom, Exodus, Skorpions
4. Hair and Glam Metal. Hair and Glam were by far the most popular and accessible styles yet. Glam metal is hair metal's sleazy cousin, with the emphasis on sexuality rather than beauty. The music itself was flashy, catchy, and perfect for any strip club or action film. Examples: Motley Crue, Warrant, Poison, Hanoi Rocks, WASP
5. Doom Metal. Doom is different from other styles of metal because it is quite slow and often melancholy, rather than fast and primal. It is an emotional, evocative style of music with many variants but there is usually a common theme of romance, death, and/or despair. It is at times considered a reaction to the speed and raw aggression of thrash. Examples: My Dying Bride, Candlemass, Saint Vitus, November's Doom, Anathema.
1. Classic Metal. Metal as naked as the day it was born. This is a bit of a grey area for many fans, whether or not these bands are truly “metal” or merely influential. It arose from movements like Psychedelia and the British Blues Revival, so blues and jazz influences are quite obvious. Many were hippies or reformed hippies. They made metal before anyone really knew what it was. Examples: Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Led Zepplin, Cream, The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
2. Heavy Metal. Metal in its purest form- the heaviness and talent of the originals had been taken to new heights. Heavy metal is faster, leaner, but also grander than the originators. It moved away from its blues roots to incorporate more classical scales and stylistic leanings. Vocals, similarly, varied between strong rock singing and a more opera-derived style, often with plenty of falsetto. Examples: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, Angel Witch, Twisted Sister
3. Thrash and Speed Metal. This style erupted in both Germany and America, seemingly independently. American bands were influenced by both heavy metal and hardcore punk. With that punk slant, thrash punches up the tempo and the vocals are delivered in a harder, more aggressive style. Heaviness and speed take precedence over melody. Modern warfare and violence are central themes for many acts. Examples: Slayer, Metallica, Sodom, Exodus, Skorpions
4. Hair and Glam Metal. Hair and Glam were by far the most popular and accessible styles yet. Glam metal is hair metal's sleazy cousin, with the emphasis on sexuality rather than beauty. The music itself was flashy, catchy, and perfect for any strip club or action film. Examples: Motley Crue, Warrant, Poison, Hanoi Rocks, WASP
5. Doom Metal. Doom is different from other styles of metal because it is quite slow and often melancholy, rather than fast and primal. It is an emotional, evocative style of music with many variants but there is usually a common theme of romance, death, and/or despair. It is at times considered a reaction to the speed and raw aggression of thrash. Examples: My Dying Bride, Candlemass, Saint Vitus, November's Doom, Anathema.
