The Music of Heavy Metal Movies

Looking at the history of heavy metal, it’s easy to see how the music of this genre has been used in movies to create a sense of excitement, danger, and suspense. In this blog post, we take a look at some of the most iconic heavy metal movie moments and the songs that made them so special.

The Birth of Heavy Metal

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a new form of rock music was born. This music was louder, faster, and heavier than anything that had come before it. It was also the perfect soundtrack for the new breed of action movies that were being made at the time. These movies changed the way we think about action movies, and they would not have been the same without the music of heavy metal.

Metal in the 1970s

Most historians trace the birth of heavy metal back to the early 1970s, when bands like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple began to experiment with heavier, more distorted sounds. These bands, along with other pioneers like Led Zeppelin and Kiss, laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most popular genres in rock music.

The 1970s was a Golden Age for metal, as many of the genre’s most iconic bands released their debut albums during this decade. Black Sabbath’s self-titled album, Deep Purple’s In Rock, and Led Zeppelin’s IV are just a few of the essential metal albums that were released in the 1970s. These albums would go on to inspire generations of metalheads and help cement heavy metal’s place in popular culture.

By the end of the 1970s, heavy metal had solidified itself as a major force in rock music. The genre would continue to evolve throughout the 1980s and beyond, but its roots can be traced back to this decade.

Metal in the 1980s

The 1980s were a decade of big changes for heavy metal. Hairmetal bands like Mötley Crüe and Poison defined the look and sound of the genre with their hard-partying ways and catchy hooks. But at the same time, a new breed of metal was developing in the underground scene, led by bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. This more aggressive style, known as thrash metal, would come to dominate the metal world in the following decade.

The Rise of Heavy Metal

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a new type of rock music began to emerge. This music was characterized by its loud, aggressive sound and its use of distorted guitars. This new style of music came to be known as heavy metal. Heavy metal quickly became popular with young people, particularly those who were rebellious or who felt misunderstood.

Metal in the 1990s

The 1990s saw the rise of many different subgenres of metal, including nu metal, black metal, and industrial metal. Many of these new genres were influenced by the grunge movement of the early 1990s. Nu metal bands such as Korn and Disturbed became popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Black metal bands such as Mayhem and Burzum emerged in the early 1990s. Industrial metal bands such as Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson gained popularity in the mid-late 1990s.

Metal in the 2000s

The early 2000s saw the rise of a new generation of metal bands, many of whom would go on to critical and commercial success. In 2000, Limp Bizkit released their third album Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water, which featured the hits “My Way” and “Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)”. The album sold over 1.5 million copies in its first week, making it one of the fastest-selling albums in history.

In 2001, Staind released their third album Break the Cycle, which featured the hit single “Outside”. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and would go on to sell over 4 million copies worldwide.

Also in 2001, Linkin Park released their debut album Hybrid Theory, which featured the hit singles “One Step Closer” and “Crawling”. The album was a huge success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album.

In 2003, Metallica released their eighth studio album St. Anger, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was met with mixed reviews from fans and critics, but still sold over 4 million copies worldwide.

In 2005, Avenged Sevenfold released their second studio album City of Evil, which featured the hit single “Bat Country”. The album was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

In 2006, Bullet for My Valentine released their debut album The Poison, which featured the hit singles “Tears Don’t Fall” and “All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)”. The album was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide and receiving a Grammy Award nomination for Best Metal Performance.

In 2008, Slipknot released their fourth studio album All Hope Is Gone, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was a critical and commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

The Future of Heavy Metal

There is no denying that heavy metal movies have made a huge impact on the music industry. Many films have featured metal tracks, and the genre has even been known to influence the soundtracks of some movies. With the popularity of metal films on the rise, it’s safe to say that the future of heavy metal is looking bright.

Metal in the 2010s

The 2010s have been a decade of change for heavy metal. As the genre has continued to evolve, new subgenres and crossover styles have emerged. This has led to an increase in the popularity of metal, with bands such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Slayer still commanding a large following.

Despite this, the 2010s have also seen a decline in the sales of metal albums, with many fans turning to digital streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music. This has resulted in a decline in the number of new metal bands being signed to record deals.

However, there are still plenty of great metal bands out there making great music. Here are just a few of the best heavy metal bands of the 2010s:

-Avenged Sevenfold
-Trivium
-Killswitch Engage
– Lamb of God
-Meshuggah

Metal in the 2020s

Looking ahead to the 2020s, it’s safe to say that heavy metal will continue to be a major force in the world of film music. The genre has proven to be highly adaptable, and its popularity shows no signs of waning any time soon. As moviegoers continue to demand bigger and more epic scores, heavy metal will be there to provide the perfect soundtrack.