The 1970s were a pivotal era for rock music, laying the foundation for the emergence of heavy metal in the 1980s. During this time, classic rock giants dominated the scene, and their influence on the evolution of metal cannot be overstated. Here's a deep dive into 10 iconic albums from the 70s that inadvertently paved the way for the heavy metal revolution of the 80s.
Uriah Heep - Demons And Wizards (1972)
Uriah Heep's 'Demons And Wizards' is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends heavy riffs with fantastical lyrics. The album's critical acclaim has grown over time, and it's now revered for its innovative sound. Drummer Lee Kerslake's work on Ozzy Osbourne's 'Blizzard Of Ozz' in 1981 further cements the band's influence on the metal scene. This album's impact on the development of heavy metal is undeniable.
BlueÖyster Cult - Tyranny And Mutation (1973)
Blue Öyster Cult's 'Tyranny And Mutation' showcases their molten riffs and infectious hooks, setting them apart from other bands. The album's lineup, featuring Eric Bloom, Buck Dharma, Allen Lanier, and the Bouchard brothers, is a testament to their musical prowess. Their influence on the metal genre is evident, and their impact on the 80s metal scene cannot be understated.
Nazareth - Hair Of The Dog (1975)
Nazareth's 'Hair Of The Dog' is a bone-crushing, guitar-driven album that bridges the gap between the 70s and 80s. Their influence on Guns N' Roses is well-documented, with Axl Rose crediting Dan McCafferty and Nazareth as his inspiration. The album's heavy rhythms and monster vocals have left an indelible mark on the metal landscape.
Budgie - Never Turn Your Back On A Friend (1973)
Budgie's early albums were already heavy, but 'Never Turn Your Back On A Friend' took it a step further. The album's 'Breadfan' track introduced a prototype of speed metal, which would later influence Metallica's cover on 'Garage Inc.' The band's impact on the metal scene is profound, and their influence on the development of speed metal is undeniable.
Led Zeppelin - Presence (1976)
Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' is a pivotal album that showcases the band's evolution towards more ambitious musical ideas. The epic 'Achilles Last Stand' is a prime example of how the band's classic sound lent itself to the more complex and heavy metal-inspired works of bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. Their influence on the metal genre is profound and far-reaching.
Starz - Starz (1976)
Starz's self-titled debut album is a blend of glam and hard rock, with gritty, pop-oriented tracks like 'Night Crawler' and 'Detroit Girls.' Their influence on 80s hair metal is undeniable, as they inspired bands like Mötley Crüe, Black N' Blue, and Poison. Their impact on the evolution of metal is a testament to their musical prowess.
Kiss - Kiss (1973)
Kiss's debut album, 'Kiss,' laid the groundwork for the band's success, and the breakthrough 'Alive!' album in 1975 solidified their place in the metal scene. Classics like 'Deuce' and 'Black Diamond' set the standard for melodic hard rock in the 70s. Their over-the-top stage shows also influenced the 80s metal scene, making them an essential part of the genre's evolution.
Aerosmith - Rocks (1976)
Aerosmith's 'Rocks' took their sound to heavier levels, with Steven Tyler's wails and Joe Perry's riffs setting the sleaze-rock blueprint for future bands. Songs like 'Back In The Saddle' and 'Rats In The Cellar' inspired Guns N' Roses and Skid Row in the late 80s. Their influence on the metal genre is undeniable, and their impact on the development of sleaze rock is profound.
Rainbow - Rising (1976)
Rainbow's 'Rising' album is a harbinger of 80s power metal. With vocalist Ronnie James Dio and guitarist Richie Blackmore, the album teems with bombast and envelope-pushing sounds. 'Stargazer' and 'A Light In The Black' are prime examples of how the album set the stage for later Dio classics. Their influence on the metal genre is profound and enduring.
Van Halen - Van Halen (1978)
Van Halen's self-titled debut album is a musical tour de force, featuring hot-rodded guitars, aggressive riffs, and soaring choruses. Tracks like 'Jamie's Cryin'' and 'Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love' set the stage for the 80s metal scene, with their influence on bands like Mötley Crüe and Poison. Their impact on the genre is undeniable, and their album is a cornerstone of 80s metal.
The Broader Impact
These 10 albums from the 70s not only shaped the sound of heavy metal but also influenced the aesthetics, stage presence, and overall culture of the genre. From the glam and hard rock of Starz to the epic and bombastic sounds of Rainbow, these bands laid the groundwork for the diverse and influential metal scene of the 80s. Their impact on the evolution of metal is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and shape the future of an art form.
