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Heavy metal was a genre born from the roots of hard rock in the early 1970s but became quite popular in the 1980s. Aggressive rhythms, heavily amplified electric guitars, and dark tones characterized it. Bands such as Black Sabbath, considered by many to be the very first heavy metal band, and Deep Purple created the roots for the genre. Other influential bands such as Venom, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest also helped launch heavy metal into the mainstream.

This genre has spawned numerous subgenres, each with its distinctive sound and themes. Some examples include thrash metal, death metal, power metal, and black metal. The fans of these subgenres, often referred to as ‘metalheads’ or ‘headbangers,’ are drawn to the music’s intensity and its essentially undying spirit of rebellion.

Metal lyrics can be anywhere from personal struggles to societal issues, religion, or even fictional or macabre subjects. The etymology of the genre traces back to the English steel industry, but the musical roots surfaced in 1968 when Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild” referred to “heavy metal thunder” to describe a motorcycle. Ronnie James Dio was one of the first to make use of the term in relating it to heavier music.

Heavy metal originated as a separate genre in the late 1960s and early 1970s, developing from rock and acid rock. Representative bands like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath spearheaded the change in sound for traditional rock into much heavier and darker tones.

The breakthrough for heavy metal was the 1980s; however, with the success epitomized in their album, “The Number of the Beast” by Iron Maiden. Thus, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal started with a host of English bands emerging, most noticeably Venom and Motorhead, solidifying their status in musical history.

With the focus on powerful, fast rhythms and intricate guitar playing, heavy metal is faster and speedier, differentiating it from hard rock. The vocals can also be operatic in nature or utilize growling techniques, furthering the dynamic range of the genre.

Lyrically, heavy metal can vary from a personal struggle to issues concerning society, religion, and even fictional or macabre subjects. Other bands rap about violence, fear, and protest, while others talk about mythology or personal growth. Some even focus on carrying a political message or explore historical themes; a few bands deal with events like World War I and II.

The difference between heavy metal and hard rock is both musical and thematic. Although there is much overlap between the two, heavy metal’s darker, more intense themes make it much different.

Notable bands include Accept, Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Slayer, each of which encapsulates the diversity and influence of heavy metal. With Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, these bands have shaped the genre’s evolution and left an indelible mark on music history.

In all, the growth of heavy metal from its initial point in the 1970s through the height of popularity in the 1980s and onward was a rich musical landscape of rebellion, intensity, and innovative artistry. It continues to be a driving force within contemporary music culture as fans in large part remain enamored with its power and energy.

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