Heavy Metal Psychedelic Rock from the 60s

Looking for some mind-bending, heavy psychedelic rock from the 60s? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here at our blog, we’ll be highlighting some of the best and most mind-blowing tracks from this genre, so buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!

The History of Heavy Metal

Where did it come from?

Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the United Kingdom and the United States. With roots in blues rock and psychedelic rock, the bands that created heavy metal developed a thick, massive sound, characterized by highly amplified distortion, extended guitar solos, emphatic beats, and overall loudness. The genre’s lyrics and performance styles are sometimes associated with aggression and machismo.

In 1968, three British bands—Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin—commonly cited as pioneers of heavy metal music[10][11] were founded. Though they came to attract wide audiences (especially in the 1970s), they were often derided by critics. During the mid-1970s Judas Priest helped spur the genre’s evolution by discarding much of its blues influence; Motörhead introduced a punk rock sensibility and an increasing focus on speed. Beginning in the late 1970s, bands in the new wave of British heavy metal such as Iron Maiden and Def Leppard followed in a similar vein. Before the end of the decade, heavy metal fans became known as “metalheads” or “headbangers”.

During the 1980s, glam metal became popular with groups such as Mötley Crüe and Poison. Underground scenes produced an array of more aggressive styles: thrash metal broke into the mainstream with bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax),[12] while other styles like death metal and black metal remain subcultural phenomena. Since the mid-1990s popular styles have further expanded with gigs commonly including a diverse range of bands playing death metal, hardcore punk/metal crossover (also known as metallic hardcore or simply hardcore), southern rock-influenced stoner metal or doom metal; while festivals like Ozzfest festivals have become multi day events featuring hundreds of bands each day across several stage indoor/outdoor stages respectively weather permitting (usually stadium outdoor shows).

The first metal bands

The first metal bands started to form in the late 60s, with bands such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin creating a sound that was heavier and more distorted than anything that had come before. This new sound, which came to be known as heavy metal, was a reaction against the peace and love vibes of the hippie movement, and instead celebrated rebellion, alcohol and sex.

Heavy metal soon became the soundtrack to the disaffected youth of the 70s, with its popularity growing throughout the decade. As well as the classic metal bands mentioned above, other important bands of this era include Kiss, Queen and Aerosmith.

In the 1980s, metal went mainstream thanks to a new breed of band such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Metallica. This was also the decade that saw the rise of hair metal bands like Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crue, who brought a more glamourous image to metal music.

Today, heavy metal is as popular as ever, with new bands such as Slipknot and Lamb of God carrying on the tradition of loud, proud and heavy music.

The Sound of Heavy Metal

Heavy metal is a genre of rock that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the United Kingdom and the United States. With roots in blues rock and psychedelic rock, the bands that created heavy metal developed a thick, massive sound, characterized by highly amplified distortion, extended guitar solos, emphatic beats, and overall loudness. The genre’s lyrics and performance styles are sometimes associated with aggression and machismo.

The elements of metal

The term “heavy metal” can be used to refer to a genre of music, or to the actual weight of metal objects. In the world of music, heavy metal is a type of rock that is characterized by its aggressive sound and its use of distorted guitar riffs. Heavy metal music often features themes of death, violence, and rebellion.

The first heavy metal bands began appearing in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These bands were influenced by earlier rock groups such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, as well as by newer bands such as Cream and Jimi Hendrix. One of the earliest and most influential heavy metal bands was Black Sabbath, who created a dark and ominous sound that would set the stage for many subsequent metal bands.

Over time, heavy metal has undergone many changes, with new subgenres emerging constantly. Some of the more popular subgenres include speed metal, power metal, folk metal, and death metal. Despite these changes, heavy metal remains one of the most popular genres of rock music today.

The evolution of the sound

The sound of heavy metal is often credited to the invention of the electric guitar. In the early days of rock and roll, the electric guitar was used primarily for blues and country music. In the late 1950s, a new type of rock and roll known as rockabilly emerged, which combined the sounds of country and blues with a new, heavier sound. This new sound was made possible by the use of electric guitars and amplifiers.

The first heavy metal band is often considered to be British band Cream, who formed in 1966. They were soon followed by other British bands such as The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Led Zeppelin. These bands took the new sound of rock and roll and combined it with elements of blues, jazz, and classical music to create a unique sound that would come to be known as heavy metal.

In the 1970s, heavy metal became increasingly popular, with bands such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Kiss, Queen, and Aerosmith leading the way. This decade also saw the rise of glam metal, which combined the heavy sound of metal with flashy visuals and theatrical stage shows. Bands such as Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Guns N’ Roses epitomized this style of metal.

The 1980s saw the rise of thrash metal, a subgenre of heavy metal that was characterized by its aggressive sound and fast tempo. Bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer were at the forefront of this movement. In the 1990s and 2000s, heavy metal continued to evolve, with bands like System Of A Down blending elements of thrash metal with alternative rock to create a unique sound. Today, there are many different subgenres ofheavy metal music , each with its own distinct style .

The Lyrics of Heavy Metal

Themes and subjects

Heavy metal lyrics are generally characterized by themes of violence, rebellion, and sex. The lyrics are often dark and aggressive, and they may sometimes contain profanity. Heavy metal songs often deal with social issues such as drug addiction, poverty, and suicide.

The evolution of the lyrics

The lyrics of heavy metal have evolved over the years, mirroring the changes in society and culture. In the early days of the genre, the lyrics were often dark and full of despair, reflecting the feeling of hopelessness and powerlessness that many people felt in the face of a rapidly changing world. As the genre developed, however, the lyrics began to deal with more personal issues and emotions, reflecting the inner struggles and turmoil that people were experiencing.

In recent years, heavy metal lyrics have become more positive and uplifting, reflecting a renewed sense of hope and optimism in the face of adversity. This change has been mirrored in society as a whole, as we have become more aware of our ability to change our circumstances and make a difference in the world.

No matter what the lyrical subject matter may be, one thing remains constant: heavy metal is about catharsis. It is about release. It is about finding strength in adversity and rising above it. It is about fighting for what you believe in and never giving up. It is this spirit that has kept heavy metal alive for over four decades, and it is this spirit that will keep it alive for many years to come.

The Culture of Heavy Metal

Psychedelic Rock emerged in the late 60s as a subgenre of rock that incorporated elements of psychedelic music and culture. The genre is characterized by its distorted guitars, mind-altering lyrics, and pumping basslines.Heavy metal music is often associated with a rebellious, countercultural image.

The fans

The fans of heavy metal music are typically seen as rebellious and misunderstood. They are often stereotyped as being angry, aggressive, and antisocial. However, many heavy metal fans are actually quite the opposite. They are often very friendly and welcoming to others who share their love of the music.

Metalheads are often passionate about their music and can be very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the genre. They are also typically very loyal to the bands they love and will follow them faithfully from performance to performance.

The fashion

The fashion of heavy metal was influenced by the hippie culture and the rock music of the time. The early metalheads were often ridiculed by the media and society for their long hair and increasingly eye-catching wardrobe. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) gave rise to a more aggressive style of metal that was influenced by the punk rock movement. This new wave of heavy metal (also known as “true metal”) was marked by faster tempos, heavier guitar riffs, and heavier use of distortion.

In the mid-1980s, American bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax popularized a more thrash-oriented style of metal that was influenced by hardcore punk. This new style of metal (also known as “thrash metal”) featured fast tempos, complex guitar riffs, and aggressive lyrics. At the same time, Swedish bands such as Bathory, Entombed, and Dismember developed a death metal style that was even more extreme than thrash metal.

In the 1990s, black metal band Mayhem popularized a particularly dark and grim subgenre that was characterized by its fast tempos, distorted guitars, and Satanic lyrics. This new style of black metal (also known as ” Norwegian black metal” or “Helvete black metal”) would go on to influence many other black metal bands in Scandinavia

The controversies

Since its inception, heavy metal has been the subject of much controversy. Its detractors have accused it of everything from corrupting the minds of its listeners to promoting satanism and violence. But its fans have always defended it, arguing that it is simply a form of music that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world.

There have been several instances where heavy metal music has been blamed for violence or other negative behavior. In 1992, two teenagers in Florida were arrested for allegedly murdering their parents after listening to the album Judas Priest’s “Stained Class.” The album, which contained the song “Better By You, Better Than Me,” was later found to be not responsible for the crime.

In 1999, two students at Columbine High School in Colorado killed 13 people before taking their own lives. It was later revealed that they were fans of the band Marilyn Manson, leading to accusations that his music had influenced their actions. Manson himself denied any responsibility, and pointed out that the shooters had also been fans of country music and the Bible.

Despite these controversies, heavy metal music has continued to be popular for over four decades. It remains one of the most popular genres of music among young people today.