If you’ve ever thought, “How did this loud music culture start and why does it still matter?, it’s time to understand how heavy metal came to be what it is today.

The Origins

Heavy metal did not arrive fully formed. Instead, it grew from the blues-influenced rock of the mid-1960s. Bands such as Cream, The Jeff Beck Group and The Yardbirds experimented with distortion, feedback and a heavier-than-usual sound.

Then, by the late 1960s, certain bands began to push things further. For instance, the song “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf included the lyric “heavy metal thunder”, pointing to a nascent label for the sound that would follow.

The first landmark releases

Often credited with defining the genre, Black Sabbath (from Birmingham, England) released its first album around 1970, introducing distorted guitar riffs, dark imagery and themes of doom and despair.

At roughly the same time, bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple were also contributing critical building blocks, with virtuosic performances and heavier tones.

The conclusion at this stage is that heavy metal emerged from rock’s evolution, and these early bands laid the foundation for what was to come.

The Classic Era: The 1970s to Early 1980s

Once the sound was established, a wave of bands refined and expanded it. In the 1970s and early 1980s, heavy metal became more than just loud riffs: it became imagery, attitude and showmanship.

According to the GRAMMY, this period saw bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Dio (via Dio the band) bring technical proficiency, twin-guitar attacks, soaring vocals and theatrical presentations.

By the late 70s and early 80s, the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) movement mounted. Bands from this wave emphasized speed, melody and a renewed energy.

One consequence: heavy metal began influencing the next generation of even harder styles. The key takeaway is that this era cemented heavy metal as a true genre, not just a louder rock variant.

The Thrash & Extremes: Mid-1980s Onwards

Another pivotal moment came when bands sought to go faster, heavier and more aggressive. The so-called thrash metal movement produced bands like Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth. Thrash brought the tempo up and the riffs more urgent compared to earlier forms of metal.

From thrash, the genre kept branching: death metal, black metal, power metal and more. Each of these took core elements of heavy metal and twisted them in new ways. The result is a music genre that was no longer monolithic but a sprawling tree of styles.

Legendary Bands & Their Impact

Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath deserves its place at the very start of the heavy metal story. They may have sold tens of millions of records, and their album Paranoid is widely cited as one of the early genre-defining works.

Their importance cannot be overstated: just as radio amateurs might gather around pioneering equipment, metal fans gathered around these early sounds, recognising something entirely new.

Metallica

Metallica’s career shows how heavy metal moved into the mainstream. According to one breakdown, they achieved equivalent album sales (including physical, digital, streaming) numbering around 180 million, which places them at the very top among metal acts.

Their success illustrates metal’s capacity to be both extreme and commercially viable.

Scorpions

While often classified under rock, the German band Scorpions also played a major role in metal’s global reach. With estimated worldwide sales exceeding 100 million albums, they helped export the heavy guitar-driven sound to non-Anglo markets. They demonstrate how metal became an international language of sorts, crossing borders..

Heavy Metal’s History is Built on a Handful of Landmark Moments

Just as radio amateurs experiment and communicate over long distances, heavy metal bands experiment and broadcast their sound across decades and continents. That shared spirit of exploration, rebellion and connection makes the story of heavy metal worth following.

For those who love history, music or sub-cultures, the key moments and legendary bands above provide a map. If you dive into the albums, concerts and stories behind them, you’ll find the echoes of thousands of riffs and voices still resonating today.

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Over the decades, metal bands have turned casino floors, card games, and dice rolls into some of the genre’s most memorable anthems. These aren’t just songs about winning or losing money. We’re looking at living dangerously, facing fate, and refusing to play it safe.

Why Metal Musicians Love Gambling Themes

Metal and gambling share the same DNA. Both are about taking chances when everyone else plays it safe. During the wild days of rock tours in the 70s and 80s, musicians spent countless nights in casino towns between shows. Those smoky poker rooms and flashing slot machines became part of the lifestyle, and naturally, that world started showing up in the music.

The gambling metaphor works perfectly for what metal is about:

• Risk and reward – putting everything on the line.
• Defying the odds – doing what seems impossible.
• Living without regrets – accepting whatever comes.
• Freedom from rules – making your own choices.

Platforms like Vox Casino Poland, with a review at https://pl.polskiesloty.com/vox-opinie/, show how gambling has evolved into the digital age, yet metal bands still celebrate the classic imagery of cards, dice, and high-stakes tables. There’s something timeless about the gambler’s mindset that continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades”

When anyone mentions gambling and metal in the same breath, there’s only one song that matters. Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades” from 1980 is the ultimate gambling anthem, and honestly, nothing else comes close.

Lemmy Kilmister’s rough-as-gravel voice snarls over breakneck guitars, creating three minutes of pure adrenaline. The lyrics don’t mess around:

“The pleasure is to play, it makes no difference what you say”

This isn’t really about card games. Lemmy was talking about a whole way of living. The ace of spades, sometimes called the death card, carries darker meaning that matched Motörhead’s aggressive sound perfectly. The song became massive in the UK charts and turned into one of rock’s most recognized tracks.

That iconic album cover with the Ace of Spades card has been tattooed on countless metalheads and remains one of the most instantly recognizable images in rock history.

Other Metal Classics About Taking Chances

Iron Maiden – “Fast Eddie”

Iron Maiden jumped into gambling territory with this track about a pool shark hustling for cash. The song captures that tense atmosphere of backroom games where money and pride are on the line. Eddie’s galloping rhythm section makes you feel like you’re watching the hustler work the table.

Megadave’s High-Stakes Lyrics

Dave Mustaine from Megadeth loved weaving gambling metaphors throughout his writing. While not always directly about casinos, songs like “A Tout le Monde” used the language of risk and consequence.

His rocky life story made him understand what it means to gamble everything on a single moment.

What Makes These Songs Last

Gambling anthems in metal stick around because they tap into something real. Everyone knows these feelings:

• The heart-pounding anticipation before finding out if you won
• The gut punch when things go wrong
• The rush when you beat impossible odds
• The courage it takes to make a big decision

These songs don’t tell people to go gamble or make stupid choices. They acknowledge the darker side of risk-taking while celebrating the guts it takes to face uncertainty. That honesty is what makes them powerful.

Music plays a significant role in gaming environments, with high-energy genres like metal creating specific atmospheres. But the best casino online platforms and physical venues know something important: people aren’t drawn to gambling by the music alone.

Modern Metal Still Plays the Game

Metal bands right now continue exploring gambling imagery, though sometimes with different angles. The themes remain powerful because they speak to fundamental human experiences.

The gambling motif in metal endures because:

• It represents freedom from conventional thinking
• It captures the intensity metal fans crave
• It provides a perfect metaphor for life’s biggest moments
• It celebrates courage in the face of uncertainty

These songs created a lasting bridge between two worlds that value intensity, risk, and living loud. The cards are on the table, the guitars are cranked to eleven, and metal isn’t backing down. Because that’s exactly how it should be.

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The Power of Music: A Positive Influence on Individuals

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of listening to your favorite song and instantly being transported to a place of joy, nostalgia, or excitement. Music has the remarkable ability to lift our spirits, elevate our mood, and create a positive atmosphere. Whether it’s a catchy pop tune, a soothing classical melody, or an energetic rock anthem, music has the power to evoke emotions and trigger a release of endorphins in our brains. This natural “feel-good” response can enhance our overall well-being and contribute to a more positive outlook on life.

Online Casino Game Crash X: An Exciting Musical Experience

Amidst the digital age, where technology has revolutionized entertainment, online casino games have become increasingly popular. One particular game that stands out is Crash X, a thrilling online casino experience that combines the adrenaline rush of gambling with an immersive musical journey. With its fusion of captivating visuals and an electrifying soundtrack, Crash X https://crashxgame.com/ creates a unique gaming experience that is both visually stimulating and audibly enchanting.

The Unique Blend of Music and Gaming

Crash X takes the traditional casino game format and elevates it with a musical twist. As players embark on their gaming adventure, they are accompanied by a carefully curated soundtrack that complements the gameplay and heightens the overall experience. The pulsating beats, melodic hooks, and dynamic soundscapes synchronize with the gameplay, creating a seamless integration of music and gaming elements. This unique blend of music and gaming enhances the immersive nature of Crash X and adds an extra layer of excitement for players.

Music and Stress Relief

In a fast-paced world filled with various stressors, finding effective ways to alleviate stress is crucial for maintaining a healthy mind and body. One remarkable aspect of music is its ability to serve as a powerful stress relief tool. Research has shown that listening to calming music can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation. The soothing melodies and harmonies have a calming effect on our nervous system, helping us unwind and find solace in the midst of daily pressures.

Music’s Impact on Mental Health

The influence of music extends beyond mere entertainment; it can also have a profound impact on our mental health. Scientists have discovered that listening to music can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even enhance our overall psychological well-being. The emotional connection we experience with music allows us to express and process complex emotions, acting as a therapeutic outlet. In fact, music therapy has emerged as a recognized field that utilizes the power of music to improve mental health outcomes and promote healing.

Music’s Ability to Enhance Cognitive Functions

The positive influence of music on our minds goes beyond emotions and mental health. Research has revealed that music has the potential to enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Listening to instrumental music, for example, can improve focus and concentration, making it an effective study aid or background accompaniment during work tasks. Moreover, learning to play a musical instrument has been shown to enhance brain connectivity, promote neuroplasticity, and even contribute to improved academic performance in children.

Scientific Discoveries on the Influence of Music

Advancements in neuroscience have provided valuable insights into the intricate relationship between music and the human brain. Brain imaging studies have shown that when we listen to music, multiple regions of our brain light up, engaging various cognitive processes and emotions. This activation of neural pathways not only influences our mood but also strengthens brain connections, potentially leading to improved cognitive abilities and neuroplasticity.

Music and Emotional Well-being

Scientific research has demonstrated the close connection between music and our emotional well-being. When we listen to music that resonates with us, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which are associated with pleasure and reward. These chemical reactions in the brain contribute to a heightened sense of happiness, emotional fulfillment, and overall positive emotional well-being.

Music Therapy and Healing

Music therapy, a discipline that utilizes music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals, has gained recognition as an effective healing modality. Therapists use various musical elements, including rhythm, melody, and lyrics, to help individuals achieve therapeutic goals, manage pain, reduce anxiety, and improve overall quality of life. The power of music as a therapeutic tool extends to a wide range of conditions, from autism spectrum disorders to dementia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Music’s Effect on Memory and Learning

The influence of music on memory and learning has fascinated scientists for years. Numerous studies have shown that background music can enhance memory recall, especially when the music is personally meaningful or emotionally charged. Furthermore, music has been found to stimulate neural pathways associated with language processing, making it a valuable tool in language learning and acquisition. Whether it’s through mnemonic devices or rhythmic patterns, music has the potential to enhance memory consolidation and improve learning outcomes.

How Music Enhances the Casino Experience

Music plays a vital role in enhancing the overall casino experience, both online and offline. In a casino setting, carefully selected music can create an atmosphere of anticipation, thrill, and glamour. Similarly, in online casino games like Crash X, the music sets the mood and enhances the player’s engagement. Whether it’s the suspenseful build-up as the game approaches a critical moment or the celebratory melodies that accompany a winning streak, music intensifies the emotional connection players have with the game, making it a truly immersive and enjoyable experience.

The Positive Impact of Music in Online Gaming

The incorporation of music in online gaming, such as Crash X, goes beyond mere entertainment value. It taps into the profound influence that music has on our emotions and cognitive processes. The carefully selected soundtracks in games like Crash X not only create an enjoyable ambiance but also contribute to a positive gaming experience. The uplifting melodies, rhythmic patterns, and dynamic variations enhance player engagement, boost mood, and create a sense of excitement. By leveraging the positive influence of music, online casino games like Crash X provide players with an immersive and memorable gaming adventure.

Conclusion

Music, with its captivating melodies and powerful rhythms, has an undeniable positive influence on individuals. From boosting mood and relieving stress to improving mental health and enhancing cognitive functions, the impact of music extends to various aspects of our lives. Scientific discoveries have shed light on the intricate relationship between music and the human brain, highlighting the profound effects that melodies can have on our emotions, well-being, and overall cognitive abilities. Additionally, the fusion of music and gaming in online casino games like Crash X adds an exciting dimension to the gaming experience, further amplifying the positive influence of music. So, let the power of music uplift your spirits, inspire your creativity, and accompany you on a journey of joy and self-discovery.

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Since its inception, rock music has been more than just a genre – it’s a lifestyle, an attitude, a means of expression. It has permeated every facet of our culture, leaving its distinct mark on fashion, film, art, and yes, even our everyday life. From the rebellious anthems of the 60s and 70s to the grunge movement of the 90s, rock music has always had the power to unite people, inspire change, and provide a soundtrack to our personal lives.

In our daily routines, rock music plays a pivotal role, often without us even realizing it. It’s there in the background as we commute to work, its driving rhythm matching our pace as we navigate the urban jungle. It’s there in the songs we hum or sing along to during a break, offering a much-needed reprieve from the day’s stress. It’s there in the anthems that play at sports events, imbuing us with a sense of camaraderie and shared excitement.

Rock music, with its wide range of sub-genres and styles, appeals to a broad spectrum of listeners. It offers something for every mood – from uplifting and empowering tracks that can motivate us at the start of a day, to soulful ballads that can soothe us when we’re feeling down.

Rock Music and Its Unexpected Connection with Online Casinos

Interestingly, the influence of rock music extends beyond the usual realms of radio, TV, and live concerts. It has found its way into a rather unexpected domain – that of online casinos. More specifically, slot machines at online casinos have become a new platform for rock music, amplifying its reach and impact.

Many leading online casinos offer slot machines themed after popular rock bands and musicians. These games brilliantly combine the thrill of gambling with the electric energy of rock music, providing a unique entertainment experience.

For instance, the ‘Motorhead’ slot game celebrates the legacy of the iconic rock band with a high-energy game complete with the band’s hit songs playing in the background. As players spin the reels, they are treated to a potent mix of rock music and casino excitement. Similarly, the ‘Rock Star’ slot game takes players on a journey through the highs and lows of a rock musician’s life, with every spin of the reel accompanied by adrenaline-pumping rock music.

These rock music-themed slots not only provide a novel gaming experience but also serve as a testament to rock music’s enduring popularity and influence. They attract a wide range of players, from avid rock music fans who enjoy the familiar tunes and themes, to casual players who are drawn in by the vibrant graphics and exciting gameplay.

The Enduring Beat of Rock in Our Lives

Whether it’s through the powerful notes of a live concert, the familiar tunes playing on our morning commute, or the rock-themed slot machines at online casinos, rock music continues to play a significant role in our everyday lives. It’s an enduring genre that transcends boundaries and resonates with people from all walks of life.

In the end, rock music’s influence on everyday life – and its surprising connection with online casinos – is a testament to its universal appeal and timeless relevance. It’s a genre that adapts and evolves, finding new ways to connect with audiences and integrate itself into our daily routines.

In the digital age, the fusion of rock music with online gaming platforms further enhances the genre’s accessibility and reach. Now, not only can fans listen to their favorite rock songs, but they can also interact with them in an immersive, engaging way through online casino games. This innovative pairing of rock music and online gaming offers a fresh, exciting dimension to the enjoyment of both.

Moreover, these rock-themed slot games offer an innovative way for new generations to discover and appreciate classic rock music. Each game, with its themed graphics and curated playlist, serves as an interactive homage to the rock legends, helping keep their music alive in the popular consciousness.

In essence, rock music’s pervasiveness in our everyday lives – be it through traditional or unexpected channels – reaffirms its status as a powerful cultural force. Its ability to continually find relevance, whether it’s setting the mood for our day or being the soundtrack to our online gaming experience, attests to the genre’s versatility and enduring appeal.

So, the next time you hear the strains of a rock song from a café radio or an online slot game, take a moment to appreciate how this genre continues to influence, inspire, and entertain us in all aspects of our lives. From waking us up in the morning to providing the backdrop for our leisure activities, rock music is a constant companion that adds rhythm and melody to our everyday experiences.

In an era of ever-changing musical landscapes, rock music stands as a genre that has not only withstood the test of time but has also evolved to become an integral part of our daily lives and entertainment forms. Whether through the speakers at a live concert, the radio on a morning drive, or the interactive interface of an online casino game, the rhythm of rock continues to beat strongly, adding a dash of excitement, energy, and soul to our everyday life.

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 The stage explodes with energy as soon as the first chord is struck, sending a wave of electricity through the crowd. Over the years, there have been numerous rock concerts that have left indelible marks on the music industry and the fans’ hearts. These events become historical landmarks, signifying the era, the music, and the spirit of the time.

One such concert was Led Zeppelin’s performance at Madison Square Garden in 1973. It was a spectacle that showcased their raw energy and unique blend of rock and blues. The band played some of their biggest hits, such as “Stairway to Heaven” and “Whole Lotta Love,” leaving the audience in awe. The atmosphere was electric, with fans completely absorbed in the music, and the band at their peak. It was, without a doubt, one of the brightest rock concerts of all time.

The Live Aid concert in 1985 was another monumental event that forever changed the face of rock concerts. Staged simultaneously in London and Philadelphia, the concert featured an impressive lineup of rock legends like Queen, U2, and The Who. The highlight of the show was Queen’s performance, led by the charismatic Freddie Mercury, who had the crowd in the palm of his hand for a full 20 minutes, a feat few artists have ever managed to achieve.

The Fascinating Intersection of Rock and Online Casino

In recent years, the rock music scene has found a curious partner – the world of online casinos. While at first glance, these two might seem like an odd couple, the bond is not as strange as it appears. Both share the spirit of thrill, risk, and excitement.

Many online casinos today feature rock-themed slot machines that cater specifically to music lovers. They offer fans the chance to combine their love for rock music with the thrill of online gambling. These slot machines often come with themes centered around legendary rock bands or iconic rock music symbols, creating a unique blend of entertainment that appeals to a broad demographic.

For instance, the ‘Guns N’ Roses’ slot game, available on numerous online casinos, allows players to immerse themselves in the world of one of the greatest rock bands of all time while also enjoying the thrill of the gamble. The game features some of the band’s biggest hits as background music and even includes a bonus round where players can win extra points by guessing the song being played.

Similarly, the ‘Jimi Hendrix’ online slot is another crowd favorite, capturing the essence of the guitar virtuoso’s psychedelic rock era. Players are treated to Hendrix’s iconic solos as they spin the reels, creating an ambiance that marries the nostalgia of a rock concert with the adrenaline rush of online gambling.

These rock-themed slot machines are just one example of how the online casino industry caters to its diverse audience. By blending popular culture with gambling, they offer a unique form of entertainment that draws in not just gamblers, but also music lovers.

In conclusion, the world of rock concerts and online casinos might seem worlds apart, but they share a common bond. The same thrill, excitement, and anticipation that fill the air at a rock concert can also be found on the casino floor or, in this modern era, the virtual floor of an online casino. Whether it’s the electric energy of a live performance or the spinning reels of a rock-themed slot machine, both experiences offer a unique kind of rush that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Furthermore, these rock-themed online slots create a sense of community among music lovers. Just like at a concert, where fans gather to celebrate and enjoy the music they love, these online slots bring together like-minded individuals who share common interests. It’s a place where they can indulge in their passion for music and enjoy the thrill of gambling, all from the comfort of their own homes.

As technology continues to advance, we can only expect this trend to grow. More rock-themed slot machines will likely emerge, featuring different bands and music eras, further blurring the lines between the online casino industry and the rock music scene.

So, whether you’re a rock music enthusiast looking to relive the glory days of your favorite bands, or an avid gambler in search of new, exciting themes to explore, rock-themed online slots offer the best of both worlds. As the lights go down and the first notes of your favorite rock song play, the feeling is just as exhilarating as standing in the front row of the biggest rock concert.

After all, in the grand scheme of things, rock music and online casinos share the same objective – to provide an outlet for entertainment, a chance for people to escape the monotony of everyday life, and an opportunity to experience something extraordinary. And in that, they hit all the right notes.

So, the next time you log in to your favorite online casino, don’t be surprised if you find yourself headbanging to the beats of your favorite rock band while you spin the reels of a slot machine. After all, in this age of digital entertainment, the brightest rock concerts can happen anywhere – even on the screen of your device.

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Arch Enemy

This band differs from the others not only by the style of performance, but also by the musicians – everyone knows that the legendary guitarist Michael Amott plays in Arch Enemy. They become more and more popular with each album, and each new album is really better than the previous ones. Some hardcore metal fans may not like the softening of Arch Enemy’s style, but everyone else likes it, and the band is really getting more popular.

Necrophagist

Some of our readers probably don’t know about this band whose members try to combine the aggression of Death Metal with the softness of classical music. If you’ve really never heard them – don’t be lazy, download a couple of tracks and listen to them. You’ll probably like them. Well, if you don’t – just erase the track, you haven’t lost anything.

Behemoth

This Polish band scares almost everyone who hears them for the first time. They stand out not only because of their music, but also because of the way they dress. No jeans and ripped up T-shirts – just stylish costumes designed either by the band members themselves or by designers who help them find style. As for the music – the super-fast drums, and the guitar, everything else stands out here. All in all, a great band that has its own “core” and is simply impossible not to recognize.

Children of Bodom

This Finnish band is known for its melodic riffs.Basically, many metal fans consider Children of Bodom one of the best Scandinavian bands, and in fact, the guys are very popular. I think those who haven’t heard them should do so.

Cannibal Corpse

Everyone has probably heard of these guys. At least, the name of this band, written in chalk or paint, can be found on every fence, more or less long. They make not heavy, but very heavy music, which can be listened to only by those who are true fans of the genre. Well, or those who just pay tribute to fashion and listen to Cannibal Corpse just because they have to.

Mastodon

Well, it’s not exactly a Death Metal band, but nevertheless, there is enough metal in their work to make the band to get into this top. The drums in particular are worth mentioning – it’s just incredible what a drummer from Mastodon is able to do with his instruments. It is worth noting that Mastodon were nominated for a Grammy once, and that is a very prestigious award.

SLAYER

Yeah, that’s right, what’s top Death Metal without this band? At any “metal” show there will be these guys, who are invited everywhere and everywhere. They are very popular in spite of the fact that the musicians of this band are not so professional as Mastodon. Well, at least that’s what they say about them, you don’t need to throw stones at me. It’s interesting that the musicians themselves admit that there are mistakes and flaws in their recordings, but they don’t change anything, because “it’s cool”. Let’s not argue.

Between The Buried And Me

Many metal fans may be surprised that this band is third on the list, but it does make sense. Yes, the guys don’t just play Death Metal, but there is enough metal in their work to make them firmly grounded here. Who doesn’t agree – just haven’t listened to their work. A great mix of musical styles, and the band’s musicians are true masters.

Deicide

Yes, this is probably the most Death Metal band of all. In any case, the told above precisely refers to the style of the band, and, well, of course, to the music. One only has to look at the lead singer, who has an inverted cross tattooed on his forehead, and everything at once becomes clear.

Their brutality surpasses almost every band represented in the top, but their solos are something. If you want a clear impression of the guys’ work, listen to “Homage for Satan.” Hardly anyone will dispute their place on the list.

Death

Naturally, this band takes the first place, as they are practically the founders of the Death Metal style. The band’s name speaks for itself. By the way, their music is rather beautiful and not so brutal as the music of another band called Death.

After listening several compositions from their work, at once it becomes clear, that the musicians put their heart and soul into their compositions. That’s probably why they are so popular.

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Progressive metal is, to put it mildly, a very heterogeneous sub-genre of metal. Wikipedia writes about the huge difference between the sound of many bands and cites King’s X and Opeth as examples. But it’s much more interesting: it’s easy to find an abyss of differences between neighboring tracks from the same band on the same album. In prog metal, even pieces of the same song often sound like they are from five different genres.

To make it a little easier for you to navigate through the chaos, here are albums, which we recommend to listen to for those who are not familiar with this prog-metal. Yes, it is not possible to cover all forms of progressive metal, it is too diverse – but you will get acquainted with many great representatives of this genre.

There is a rule in the list: one band – one album. Albums will go in a weird order, from more old-fashioned sounding to more modern, from quieter to more extreme and growling. Even if this is a very conventional scheme, it will still be easier for many people to start with something more familiar than death metal with jazz harmonies.

Voivod – Nothingface

In a nutshell, progressive metal was born in the mid-80s when bands like Fates Warning and Queensrÿche experimented with heavy, thrash and speed metal. They gradually added ideas from progressive rock – that is, experiments with composition structures, non-standard rhythms and melodies, unusual tuning of instruments, elements of folk, jazz, baroque music and other music of past eras.
So let the first album in the selection be Nothingface from 1989 by the Canadian band Voivod. It’s already like just a heavier version of prog-rock – which is especially emphasized by the cover of Astronomy Domine by Pink Floyd. Thrash metal with unconventional for it riffs, futuristic sound, absence of verse-chorus structure, cardinal change of rhythm within the songs.

King’s X – Gretchen Goes To Nebraska

We propose to close the prog metal theme of the 80’s with the album Gretchen Goes To Nebraska impregnated with Christian allegories. In its time it was not very popular, but years later you can see how King’s X anticipated the sound of many prog metal bands. Not as fast-paced or aggressive sounding as their more nascent peers, but more varied in sound and more instruments: in addition to the usual electric guitars and drums King’s X used wood flute, sitar and dulcimer.

Dream Theater – Images and Words

Dream Theater essentially took the work of their predecessors and improved on literally every aspect that distinguishes the style. As a result, their record defined for decades to come what much of prog metal would sound like. The album’s first song, Pull Me Under, is almost the most famous composition of the subgenre, and has been inspired by many hundreds of musicians. And John Petrucci became the most famous guitarist of progressive metal.

Umpfel – Cactus

To avoid getting stuck in prog metal classics for a long time, let’s take a short trip from 1989 to 2015 and listen to Umpfel’s debut album. This is probably the least known band on the list – but their debut album can still be called one of the best prog metal records of the decade: you don’t often see so much energy and cheerfulness in a subgenre. Even in a track about a man going insane from insomnia while counting sheep.

Riverside – Second Life Syndrome.

Let’s continue with the even darker Second Life Syndrome, which actually turned Riverside into one of the major prog metal bands of the “noughties.” Whatever they play, everything is rich and savory – even when the lyrical protagonist of the song is filled with endless sadness. And when they play despair – hang on, it will be performed with all the passion possible.

Rishloo – Living as Ghosts with Buildings as Teeth

Another young representative of modern progressive metal, dramatic and fickle. Listen at least to the way the melodies in the song Dead Rope Machine shimmer.

It starts out calm, albeit melancholic. Then the passions escalate sharply – and soon it’s back to normal in just two seconds. After a while, the cycle repeats – but then the song turns into a scream and an almost random drumbeat, which seamlessly transitions into a rhythmic, quiet melody. The tempo of the rhythm grows and grows, everything transforms into screaming and chaos again, and then everything dies down, leaving only a quiet, sad guitar overdubbing.

In many respects it is for such compositions that one wants to listen to prog-metal.

Opeth – Blackwater Park

The real masterpiece and the album worth listening to for everyone who is just getting acquainted with prog metal. Rolling growling and classic clean vocals, aggressive death metal and melancholic acoustic guitar riffs – it’s even amazing how Mikael Okerfeldt, the band leader, manages to combine all this so organically that sometimes you don’t even notice the transitions between the songs with completely different sounding and you just enjoy it.

Gojira – From Mars to Sirius

Here we get to the really “heavy” music in the selection. Technical death metal with an admixture of groove and industrial makes the band sound really thunderous, just like its name (“Gojira” is the original Japanese name of Godzilla). The inclusions of serene melodies and abrupt rhythm changes only emphasize the horror of the album’s main theme – climate change.

Devin Townsend – Terria

And I’d like to finish this selection with Devin Townsend’s solo album. This is one of the first records where his totally unlike anything else style was fully developed, in which uplifting peacefulness and sarcastic extremity can be so energetically combined. His unique voice alone is worth mentioning: there are not many people on earth who can instantly switch from growling and screaming to pure, almost operatic vocals – and then back again, while managing to play the guitar at the same time.

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Progressive metal

At the end of the 1980s progressive metal developed from the combination of progressive rock and various kinds of metal in the works of Dream Theater, Queensrÿche. Its distinctive features are the complex structure of compositions, bizarre musical sizes, unexpected rhythm changes, as well as the professional technique of playing the musical instruments. Progressive metal is characterized by long songs and conceptual albums. In the 1990s and 2000s the genre developed in the works of Ayreon, Symphony X and Opeth. Like power, progressive metal tends to be conceptual in albums.

The further development of progressive music gave birth to such experimental varieties of progressive, cavant-garde metal and post-metal, in which the element of metal is only one of many components. Bands like Ulver and Arcturus, which started out as extreme metal bands, later created unique mixtures of metal with genres and instruments far removed from metal music.

Gothic Metal

Gothic metal emerged as an offshoot of doom metal in the early and mid-1990s. Doom metal bands Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride were involved in its emergence. Gothic metal is a combination of gothic rock and doom metal. Brutal doom metal vocals are often combined with clean, classic female vocals in duets dubbed “Beauty and the Beast”, accompanied by slow, heavy riffs. Clean male vocals also occur. In the mid and late 1990s this line was developed by Lacrimosa, Theatre of Tragedy, Tristania, Lacuna Coil and others. The aesthetics of gothic metal moved away from post-punk and approached a more aristocratic, in the spirit of gothic novels and the Victorian era.

Symphonic Metal

In the mid-1990s, under the influence of gothic metal, doom metal and progressive metal, a genre combining metal and classical music emerged. Sympho-metal bands use academic (“opera”) vocals, chorus, symphonic musical instruments or their imitation with a synthesizer. Often the sympho-metal bands perform with whole orchestras and a lot of singers with different voices. Therion from Sweden is considered to be the founder of the style, which was the first band to fully combine traditional metal with orchestra and opera vocals.

The genre was especially spread in Europe, many bands who played power metal (Nightwish, Rhapsody), gothic metal (Within Temptation, After Forever, Epica), folk metal (Turisas) started to use symphonic and keyboard arrangements in their music. Symphonic black metal (Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, Graveworm) emerged at the junction with black metal. By the end of the 2000s symphonic became one of the most popular metal genres in Europe, especially in Scandinavia (Leaves’ Eyes) and Central Europe (Edenbridge, Delain, Xandria).
Symphonic and folk metal uses violins and wind instruments (Olli Vänskä of Turisas on the photo).

Folk-metal

Folk metal is a genre that blends folk music and metal. In this genre, folk instruments are usually added to the traditional guitar lineup of the band: flutes, violins, accordions and bagpipes.

This experiment was first demonstrated by Skyclad in the early 1990s, who mixed Celtic music with thrash metal. Also among the early representatives were Amorphis, who introduced elements of Finnish folk music into death-doom metal.

In the mid-1990s there were local scenes within the genre. German folk metal bands mixed industrial metal (Neue Deutsche Harte) with medieval musical instruments (Subway to Sally, In Extremo, Tanzwut). In Israel, “oriental metal” containing elements of Arabic music (Orphaned Land, Melechesh) emerged. In Ireland, Celtic metal emerged (Cruachan, Primordial). In the early 2000s, a new wave of bands from Scandinavia created their own folk metal, mixed with Viking/Peigan metal. Famous bands, playing at the intersection of these genres, appeared in Finland (Finntroll, Korpiklaani, Moonsorrow, Ensiferum), Sweden (Otyg, Vintersorg), Norway (Trollfest).

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Let us remember how this style began.

Aggression of thrash, anger of black metal, dirtiness and baseness of hardcore – in such atmosphere death metal appeared in the middle of 80s, in which all these qualities were amplified several times. But the main component of this genre, strange as it may seem, is the most usual heavy metal, although there is nothing common between them at first sight. Slayer, Venom, Celtic Frost, Kreator, who are considered the main cultivators of the idea, had a great influence on the formation of death metal. And the main and first death bands were Possessed from San Francisco County and a band from Orlando with the symbolic name Death.

It was Possessed that connected all the dots that had been previously arranged in a mess by various metal heroes. In 1985 they released their debut album Seven Churches, in which they presented a heavier version of thrash that transcended the genre. A little later journalists called the band the first death metal band. However, the team that was active at the same time in Florida – Mantas – could claim this title with much more success. That was the name of Chuck Schuldiner’s project, which later changed its name to Death. Back in 1984 they released four demos and live on cassette tapes with a vocal manner as close as possible to what would later be called growling.

Had the Mantas recorded a studio album, it would hardly have been the same pure death that was heard on the band’s 1985 debut record Death. It was another in-between project between genres, like Possessed, but it was closer to death at the expense of fat overdrive and deeper growls.

But Mantas remained a teenage amateur trio that didn’t come out of the basement, which is why Possessed is considered the first step. After all, it’s one thing to be the first, but not to present your work to the general public, and it’s quite another to have a professional, officially released work that begins to influence followers. And the Mantas are nothing more than a precursor to Death.

Possessed were more extreme than their metal counterparts, being on the edge of thrash and death, leaving a dirty guitar overdrive in their sound. This ensemble was the first to open the gate, in which a little later the roaring torrent of new heavy music fell on the heads of enthusiastic public. They opened the gate, but didn’t enter the band as a whole; they only took a step into the future of metal. Nevertheless, their step became a landmark for the whole genre. The band’s debut, titled Seven Churches, was innovative. Bassist and vocalist Jeff Beserra used growling for the first time in an official release.

However, Beserra’s hoarse screams are not the juicy growl of Barney Greenaway on the first Benediction album or George Fisher, the current Cannibal Corpse frontman, but they are not the scream of Tom Araya, not to mention the melodic vocals of Daddy Hatfield. The accompaniment has largely remained within the thrash framework. However, if before it was possible to set certain limits, nowadays almost every trend has expanded to such an extent and took so many different guises, that the notion of “genre purity” has become almost conditional.

Seven Churches was the band’s only success. Their next album did not reach the level of the debut, disappointing fans and critics, and soon after that the band broke up. And that’s another reason why Schuldiner’s Death is more significant for death. Each of their subsequent albums continued and built on past developments, had some success, and are now all considered classics of the genre.

Both their debuts, Possessed and Death, were produced by the same specialist, Randy Barnes. Thus, Randy turned out to be a kind of “grey cardinal” of death, contributing just as much to the birth of the new genre.

Death was the first band to introduce the genre in its purest form. Chuck Schuldiner and drummer Chris Reifert honed the ideas of their predecessors to the point where the new music gained an identity, a name of its own, and a platform for further free development. At the same time, they laid the foundation for the development of a subgenre that would emerge a little later – progressive-death, metal-fusion, later developed by such bands as Atheist and Sadist. Sometimes it is also called jazz-death, jazz-metal.

The debut album, Scream Bloody Gore, was released in May 1987, and by that time the style was almost complete. This disc was the final step.

Like almost all successful debuts, Death’s debut also did not avoid force majeure. At that time there were only Chuck and drummer Chris Reifert in the line-up. Another Death member, John Hand, even though he is listed as the rhythm-guitarist on the record’s cover, cannot be counted, since he did not take part in this or any other record and never played a single gig as a member of Death. Since 1987, Hand did not show any signs of creative life until 2010, when Death Resurrected was presented to the world. Therefore, we can only mention him in passing as one of the members of the early line-up.

Reifert joined the band in 1986, replacing drummer Erik Brecht, and made his first appearance in the demo known as Rehearsal Tape #13, recorded on March 10. After the release of Scream Bloody Gore, he left the band and started his own, which later became a legend of the genre – Autopsy.

Autopsy, along with Death and Possessed, is considered the third band who founded Death Metal. Although, to be fair, they should be considered pioneers rather than founders, as they started to play actively after the first two bands had become famous. In 1987-88 Reifert’s band released only seven songs in two demos, but the debut album was released only in 1989, when the genre was already thundering all over the world, and Death was already preparing their third program. But it was the breakthrough of their career, and the band entered their name in bloody ink into the annals of death.

The undisputed king of the genre today is an American band Cannibal Corpse, which since 1988 has been slashing brutal, vicious death in almost unchanged form, delighting its fans with its uncompromising, energy and inexhaustible power every time.

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Early bands like Hogan’s Heroes, Earth Crisis and Integrity lean more towards punk, while modern bands like Killswitch Engage, Underoath, All That Remains, Trivium, As I Lay Dying, Bullet for My Valentine and The Devil Wears Prada lean more towards metal.

Sepultura, the band that “laid the foundations” of the genre, and Pantera, which influenced Trivium, Atreyu, Bleeding Through and Unearth, are considered influential in the development of metalcore.

Hardcore punk pioneers Black Flag and Bad Brains were fans and recreated the sound of the metal band Black Sabbath in their works. British street-punk bands Discharge and The Exploited were also inspired by metal. The album “Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood” by the hardcore band

The Misfits had a decisive influence on thrash metal. However, punk and metal remained separate currents in the first half of the 1980s, until the crossover thrash scene and its representatives – Corrosion of Conformity, Dirty Rotten Imbeciles, Suicidal Tendencies. This scene influenced representatives of New York hardcore, like Cro-Mags, Murphy’s Law, Agnostic Front, Warzone. In 1986 Bad Brains demonstrated hardcore breakdowns while combining reggae and metal on the album I Against I.

Early Metalcore (1990s)

Between 1989 and 1995 a new wave of hardcore bands emerged. It included the bands Merauder, All Out War, Integrity, Biohazard, Earth Crisis, Converge, Shai Hulud, Starkweather, Judge, Strife, Rorschach, Vision of Disorder and Hatebreed.

Vocals

Typically, a scream is used as the primary vocal style. This was especially noticeable among the bands of the 1990s. Nowadays, most of the bands add choruses or even verses, sung with “clean” vocals, to the scream. In many ways, this manner came about because of the influence of emo on the genre.

Music

Speedy guitar riffs and the use of gimbal or double bass drumming are staples in metalcore. Guitars’ scale is usually lowered, Drop D, Drop C, Drop B are used. On the drums it is often possible to hear the technique of blast beats.

Ideology

Since initially the scene of metalcore was formed around hardcore punk, then the roots of the ideology of metalcore are in this genre. Mainly artists from hardcore-punk took ideology of straight age, but there were some exceptions like Integrity and Converge. Converge based their lyrics on personal experiences and failed love. Integrity frontman David Helion proclaimed the “Church of the Holy Terror of the Last Judgement”, which he took from the Cathar and Gnostic systems. At the same time, Christianity is very common in metalcore. Many members of famous bands position themselves as religious Christians, for example: the members of Zao, The Devil Wears Prada, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red, Texas in July, Demon Hunter, Oh, Sleeper and Underoath.

Matcore

Matcore emerged in the mid-1990s with the work of such bands as Converge, Botch and The Dillinger Escape Plan. The term itself was coined by analogy with mat-rock. Matkor is characterized by high speed, technicality of performance and unusual rhythm. Some bands, such as Fear Before, for example, add a lot of progressive elements to their music.

Melodic Metalcore

At the beginning of 1990 the third wave of metalcore bands began to form. These bands distinctive feature was much more melodic composition and close relationship with post-hardcore bands. The main basis for this was the mixing of metalcore with melodic death metal, mostly of the Swedish scene like bands like At the Gates, Arch Enemy, In Flames and Soilwork, and in some cases emo. The leading bands of this wave are As I Lay Dying, Trivium, All That Remains, Atreyu, Bullet for My Valentine, Darkest Hour, Eighteen Visions, Killswitch Engage and Poison the Well. Due to the wide popularity of these bands, metalcore entered into the mainstream as a genre, so at the moment the term is understood as the third wave of the genre. Most of the bands of melodic metalcore perform the main vocal parts with clean vocals. According to an article in Revolver magazine, melodic metalcore is an infusion of typical 80’s metal clichés into modern hardcore.

Deathcore

With the growth of metalcore popularity, some lines of the latter have penetrated into death metal. The bands Suicide Silence, Carnifex, Salt the Wound and Job for a Cowboy combined metalcore and death metal. This subgenre combines speed drums (including blast beats), low-tuned guitars, tremolo and growling from death metal with screaming, melodic riffs and breakdowns from metalcore. According to Decibel magazine, Suffocation’s work was the basis for the emergence of deathcore.

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