Metal: Raw Power, Heavy Riffs, and Intense Expression
Metal, also known as heavy metal, is a genre characterized by its aggressive sound, heavy guitar riffs, and powerful vocals. It emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, drawing influence from blues, rock, and classical music. Metal is known for its dark and often taboo lyrical themes, showcasing a wide range of sub-genres including classic metal, thrash metal, power metal, and more. With its intense energy and unapologetic attitude, metal has developed a passionate and dedicated global fanbase.
The term “heavy metal” was coined by writer William S. Burroughs in his 1961 novel “The Soft Machine.”
The iconic “devil horns” hand gesture, commonly associated with metal, was popularized by Ronnie James Dio, a vocalist known for his work in bands like Black Sabbath and Dio.
Metal often explores themes of rebellion, social unrest, mythology, fantasy, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Chronology and History
Noteworthy Artists and Albums
Our Metal Collections
These artists and albums represent a diverse range of metal sub-genres and highlight the genre’s raw power, technical prowess, and thematic exploration. From Black Sabbath’s pioneering heavy sound to Metallica’s influential thrash metal, each artist and album has made a significant impact on the metal genre, shaping its evolution and inspiring generations of metalheads around the world. Metal’s ability to provide an outlet for catharsis and its unapologetic expression continues to resonate with fans who find solace and connection within its powerful embrace.
Why Metal on Vinyl: Raw Power and Sonic Intensity
Metal music, with its relentless energy and thunderous riffs, is elevated to new heights on vinyl. The raw power and sonic intensity of metal are perfectly suited to the vinyl format. Vinyl records preserve the intricate details and aggressive nature of metal, delivering an immersive listening experience that captures the genre’s essence. The deep, rich sound of vinyl enhances the heaviness of guitars and the thundering drums, ensuring that every crushing riff and guttural scream hits you with unparalleled impact. Metal on vinyl is a visceral and intense journey, unleashing the full force of this powerful genre.