Why Does Latin Music Influence Metal?

A look at how Latin music has had a big influence on metal music, from early metal bands like Black Sabbath to modern metal bands like Lamb of God.

Origins of Latin Music

Latin music has been around for centuries, and it has had a profound influence on metal music. Latin America is home to some of the most talented and influential metal musicians in the world. Many of these musicians have been inspired by the sounds of Latin America, and they have incorporated these sounds into their own music.

African and European musical traditions

African and European musical traditions had a significant impact on the development of Latin music. African music was brought to the Americas by slaves who were forcibly transported from Africa to work in the plantations. This music is characterized by its use of percussion instruments, polyrhythms, and call-and-response vocals. It also has a strong emphasis on rhythm, which is one of the reasons why it has had such a significant influence on Latin music.

European music, on the other hand, was brought to the Americas by settlers and colonists. This type of music is characterized by its use of melodic instruments, such as violins and flutes, and its more structured composition. It also tends to be more lyrical than African music.

Cuban music

Cuban music has been a significant part of Latin music for centuries and has had a profound influence on the development of other genres, such as salsa, bolero, and conga. The island of Cuba is located just 90 miles from the Floridian coast, and its music has been heavily influenced by both African and European traditions.

Cuban music is characterized by its strong rhythm, which is often syncopated (the accents fall on the off-beats). Thissyncopation is known as clave, and it’s a key element in many Cuban musical styles. Cuban music is also known for its use of improvised embellishments, such as grace notes and extended drum solos.

Cuban music was brought to the United States by immigrants in the 19th century, and it quickly became popular in New Orleans. From there, it spread to other parts of the country, including New York City and Miami. In the 1940s and ‘50s, Cuban musicians such as Perez Prado and Machito helped to popularize Latin music in the United States with their lively mambo and rhumba tunes.

How Latin Music Influenced Metal

Latin rhythms have always been a big part of metal, whether it’s the NWOBHM or modern bands like Lamb of God and Mastodon. In this article, we’re going to explore how Latin music has influenced metal over the years.

The Beatles

The Beatles are often cited as one of the biggest influences on metal, and it’s easy to see why. The band’s heavy use of distortion and feedback, combined with their blues-influenced sound, laid the groundwork for what would become metal. Beatles songs like “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” and “Helter Skelter” are still cited as influences by many metal bands today.

Jimi Hendrix

It’s impossible to talk about the relationship between Latin music and metal without mentioning Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix was one of the most influential guitarists of all time, and his band’s 1969 album “Electric Ladyland” featured a cover of the traditional Cuban song “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”. This song, which features a heavy blues-rock guitar riff, is widely considered to be one of Hendrix’s best tracks.

Santana

Santana is a Latin rock band formed in San Francisco, California in 1966 by Mexican-American guitarist Carlos Santana. The band first came to public attention with their performance of ” Soul Sacrifice ” at the Woodstock Music and Art Festival in 1969. Their 1969 debut album, Santana , was a commercial success and reached number four on the Billboard 200 pop charts.

Contemporary Metal Bands with Latin Influence

A variety of contemporary metal bands have taken influence from Latin American music. This is most likely because the two genres share a similar energy and intensity. For example, both genres often feature fast-paced drumming and distorted guitars. Latin American music also often has a sexualized element to it, which can be seen in the way many metal bands dress and perform.

Metallica

Formed in 1981, Metallica is one of the most successful and influential metal bands of all time. The band has sold more than 110 million albums worldwide and has won nine Grammy Awards. Metallica’s music is characterized by its aggressive, powerful sound and its use of heavy guitar riffs and solos. The band’s lyrics often deal with dark and depressing topics, such as death and violence. Metallica’s music has been influenced by many different genres, including classical music, jazz, blues, and country. However, one of the most significant influences on Metallica’s sound is Latin music.

Latin music has had a significant impact on Metallica’s songwriting and sound. Many of the band’s songs contain elements of Latin rhythms and melodies. For example, the opening riff of “Enter Sandman” is based on a traditional Mexican folk song called ” La Cucaracha.” Similarly, the main riff of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” is based on a Spanish flamenco melody. Latin influences can also be heard in the band’s use of percussion instruments, such as congas and bongos. In addition to its musical influences, Latin culture has also had an impact on Metallica’s lyrics and imagery. The band often uses Latin American themes in its songs, such as in “The Call of Ktulu,” which is based on a story by Mexican author H.P. Lovecraft. Similarly, the cover art for Metallica’s 1991 album “Load” features a painting by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

Latin music has been a significant influence on many different genres of music, including metal. Metallica is just one example of a metal band that has been profoundly affected by Latin sounds and culture.

Megadeth

Formed in 1983, Megadeth is an American heavy metal band that was led by guitarist, singer and songwriter Dave Mustaine. The band has gone through numerous lineup changes, with Mustaine being the only constant member. Megadeth released their debut album Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! in 1985 and have since released fifteen studio albums. Megadeth is known for their unique musical style, which combines elements of thrash metal with speed metal and '80s-style hair metal. The band is also known for their politically charged lyrics, which often address topics such as war, religion, addiction and social injustice. Megadeth's Latin influence can be heard on their 1990 album Rust in Peace, which features the song "Holy Wars… The Punishment Due".

Anthrax

Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981. The band has gone through several lineup changes, with vocalist Joey Belladonna being the only constant member. They are considered one of the leaders of the thrash metal scene from the 1980s and are named after the infection. Anthrax’s music often incorporates elements of hard rock, punk rock, and hip hop; their early work was influenced by hardcore punk.