Why Do Blacks Like Heavy Metal Music?

If you’re wondering why do blacks like heavy metal music, you’re not alone. While the genre isn’t typically associated with African Americans, there is a rich history of black metalheads dating back to the genre’s early days. In this blog post, we explore some of the reasons why black metal fans might be drawn to the music.

The History of Blacks and Heavy Metal

Heavy metal music has been popular among black people since the 1970s. This genre of music is known for its aggressive sound and themes of rebellion. For black people, heavy metal music is a way to express their frustration with society. It is also a way to connect with other black people who are going through the same struggles.

The early days of heavy metal

Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Distinguished by its aggressive sound, loud volume, and its themes of death, violence, and rebellion, heavy metal was widely controversial upon its emergence. Though often associated with young white males, heavy metal has been embraced by people of all genders and races throughout its history.

The early days of heavy metal were dominated by white male musicians, but there were a few black musicians who made significant contributions to the genre. Jimi Hendrix is often cited as an influence on early heavy metal guitarists, and his bandmates Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding were also important innovators. Hendrix’s style of playing was highly influential on later heavy metal guitarists, particularly those who played in the “shred” style.

In the 1970s, a number of black musicians began to emerge in the world of heavy metal. Ronnie James Dio was an early pioneer in the genre, fronting the bands Elf and Rainbow before embarking on a successful solo career. He would later join Black Sabbath, one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. Other black musicians who made significant contributions to heavy metal in the 1970s include Michael Schenker (UFO), Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), and Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple).

Asheavy metal became more popular in the 1980s, a number of black musicians found success in the genre. Vocalist Corey Glover helped pioneered a new subgenre known as funk metal with his band Living Colour, while George Clinton brought his unique brand of funk to Metallica’s seminal album “Load.” guitarist Zakk Wylde rose to fame as Ozzy Osbourne’s right-hand man, playing on a number of Osbourne’s solo albums and co-writing many of his hits. Others black musicians who found success in heavy metal in the 1980s include Slaughter bassist Dana Strum, Exodus guitarist Rick Hunolt, Sepultura drummer Igor Cavalera, and Anthrax guitarist Dan Spitz.

In recent years, black musicians have continued to play an important role in the world of heavy metal. Guitar virtuoso Synyster Gates has become one of the most recognizable faces in Avenged Sevenfold, while Travis Smith has established himself as one of today’s premier drummers with his work in Opeth and Devin Townsend Project. Mark Morton is one of Lamb Of God’s founding members and primary songwriters, while Andy Copping continues to champion new talent as frontman for Download Festival. Black musicians have also made their mark on heavier styles ofmetal such as deathcore and djent; notable examples include Darren King (MuteMath), Aaron Lewis (Staind), Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed), Sonny Sandoval (POD),Windsor James (Thy Art Is Murder), Ken Susi (Unearth), Tommy Giles Rogers Jr. (Between The Buried And Me),and Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders).

The rise of black metal

Black metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that originated in the late 1980s. It is characterized by fast tempos, shrieked vocals, highly distorted guitars played with tremolo picking, and sometimes blast beat drumming. Songs often have dark and pessimistic lyrics that deal with topics such as Satanism, death, darkness, and anti-Christianity.

The first black metal bands were Venom, Hellhammer/Celtic Frost, Mercyful Fate, and Bathory. These bands were influenced by early heavy metal bands such as Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, as well as punk rock and hardcore punk. The Norwegian band Mayhem is credited with starting the Norwegian black metal scene, which later spawned the second wave of black metal bands such as Emperor, Burzum, Darkthrone, Inquistion, Gorgoroth, and Satyricon.

In the early 1990s, there was a black metal movement in Brazil led by bands such as Sepultura and Sarcófago. In the mid-1990s, a number of Swedish black metal bands emerged: Marduk, Dissection, Watain, Naglfar, Sacramentum, and Necrophobic. In the late 1990s and early 2000s (decade), Norwegian black metal experienced a commercial resurgence withbands such as Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth.

The Influence of Hip Hop on Black Metal

While heavy metal music is typically associated with white, middle-class teenagers, the genre has always had a strong following among black musicians and fans. In fact, many of the pioneers of heavy metal were black musicians who took their cues from the hard-hitting sounds of early hip hop and rock. Let’s take a closer look at the influence of hip hop on black metal.

The connection between hip hop and black metal

It is no secret that black metal and hip hop have had a long and intertwined history. For many, the connection between the two genres is simply a matter of shared African-American culture and history. After all, both genres emerged from working class black neighborhoods in the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, there is more to the connection between black metal and hip hop than just shared origins.

One of the most important things that black metal and hip hop have in common is a DIY ethic. Both genres were born out of a DIY spirit, with artists self-releasing their music and booking their own shows. This DIY ethic is still alive and well in both genres today.

Another important similarity between black metal and hip hop is a focus on social issues. Both genres often deal with issues such as poverty, racism, and violence. This is one of the things that has always drawn black fans to metal music.

Finally, black metal and hip hop both have a strong visual element. For both genres, album artwork, live performances, and music videos are all highly important. This visual element helps to create an immersive experience for fans.

The influence of hip hop on black metal

It is widely accepted that black metal was heavily influenced by hip hop, particularly in the early days of the genre. Venom, Bathory and Celtic Frost all incorporated elements of hip hop into their music, which helped to create the distinctive sound of black metal.

Hip hop has also been an influence on the way black metal is represented visually. Many black metal bands use images and lyrics that are inspired by gang culture, and this is something that can be traced back to the early days of hip hop.

In more recent years, there have been a number of black metal bands who have been openly critical of hip hop, and its effect on society. However, it is undeniable that hip hop has had a significant impact on black metal, and the two genres continue to influence each other today.

The popularity of Black Metal among Blacks

The reasons for the popularity of black metal among blacks

There are a number of reasons why black metal is popular among blacks. Firstly, black metal often has a very aggressive sound which can be appealing to those who are looking for music that is heavy and intense. Secondly, black metal often deals with dark and controversial subject matter, which can be relatable for many black listeners. Finally, black metal bands often have members who are themselves black, which can help to create a sense of identity and community for black fans.

The appeal of black metal to black youth

There are a number of reasons why black youth may be drawn to black metal. For one, the music is often aggressive and intense, which can be appealing to those who are feeling angry or misunderstood. Additionally, black metal often deals with dark and taboo subjects, such as death and Satanism, which can be intriguing to teens who are growing up in difficult circumstances.

Additionally, many black metal bands are fronted by black musicians, which can serve as an inspiration to black youth who may feel like they are not represented in other genres of music. Finally, black metal often has a DIY aesthetic, which can be appealing to young people who are interested in creating their own art.