Are the Birmingham lads really the guardians of metal?
Google the question, and you'll most likely see the same thing: Black Sabbath invented heavy metal music. But, that's not to say that heavy metal fused tracks weren't a thing prior to Sabbath's debut launch in 1970. In fact, there's still plenty of fingers pointing to the likes of Led Zepplin, Jimi Hendrix, and even a few tracks from The Beatles.
Yeah, that's right – The Beatles were once considered to be somewhat "heavy metal." But, we have to remember how much the scene evolved once Ozzy and his band of misfits took to the stage and dropped the game-changer. The world wasn't quite accustomed to dark tones with leather roots and cutting riffs. Things were still in their infancy and thousands of musicians still weren't overly convinced with shifting the trend just yet.
BUT ALL IT TAKES IS ONE HEAVY SPARK TO IGNITE A FLAME. AND, WITH THAT – YOU'RE GOLDEN.
You know how it is, right? You follow a trend like a ball of wool, and if it sells – it sells. Why would you break away from something that is making a profit when you can live comfortably playing records that'll make bank? And, you see, that was the problem with a lot of upcoming artists back then; they just weren't prepared to risk a new spark when they already had a flame.
Black Sabbath wanted to push the boat out when they launched their debut album "Black Sabbath" in 1970. They knew they needed to stand out and draw sheep away from a flatlining trend and try something fresh. And, with that, heavy metal was born, and the limits within the music industry had been widened by a quarter-mile.
SO YES – YOU COULD SAY THAT BLACK SABBATH DID INDEED PIONEER HEAVY METAL MUSIC. AND MAN, DID IT PAY OFF!
Push forward fifty years and we've been graced with countless shifts in patterns, styles and global trends from the community. Heavy metal has skyrocketed, and now we face a new age where there are probably more metalheads than any other faction in the world. And that's essentially thanks to Black Sabbath and their ballsy debut back in 1970.
BUT LEST WE FORGET THE OTHER GUARDIANS OF METAL.
Of course, Black Sabbath wouldn't have just sprouted up and built a metal empire without the use of any inspiration. In fact, it's worth taking a glance at the likes of The Who and some of their live works during the late 1960s. Admittedly, Black Sabbath pitched in the gloominess and dark tidings that went on to form the metal that we know and love today. But, without various other artists during the 60s – Black Sabbath wouldn't have had material to build and transcend on.
Black Sabbath may have called it a day, but man – what a career these guys have had. And to think – all of the above probably wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for some ballsy Birmingham lads willing to take a stand against the norm.
To all guardians of metal – we thank you.
HERE'S TO ANOTHER GREAT 50 YEARS OF METAL.
What're your earliest memories of heavy metal? Would you consider Black Sabbath to be the original guardians of metal? Let us know down in the comments below.
– Jord Tury Editor
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