Heavy Metal ABC

8/10/2019 Heavy Metal ABC

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There is an abundance of information available on the internet concerning the birth and infancy ofheavy metal, from Black Sabbath's genre-defining debut to the mid-70s streak ofJudas Priest to theNew Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement that rose to prominence in the late '70s and early '80s.A history lesson, then, is not my intention. Most of the albums on this list were released well afterheavy metal was an established form of "rock". As such, this article shouldn't be confused for a heavy metaltimeline, and is merely reflective of my personal opinion as to what from this era of metal is essentiallistening. These releases span over a decade, and even further with respect to geography and ideology.Common ties between them may not be readily apparent, but you can count on one similarity: the music andattitude of heavy metal.

So what exactly am I listening to? The artists on this list don't sound like the heavy metal I've heard!It's true, many of the bands being heralded as heavy metal in 2008 have little to do with the originalheavy/traditional/classic metal movement. This sort of music has more in commonwith the bluesy hard rock

leanings of Led Zeppelin than the groove of Pantera, which is where many modernbands derive their sound.I'm not sure who invented the "New Wave of American Heavy Metal" tag for Lamb of God and their peers,but it's misleading in that these bands sound nothing like heavy metal of old and have nothing in commonwith the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. I can't guarantee that fans of "modern heavy metal" will enjoythese older bands, though it's not uncommon for modern metal bands themselves to "give props" to the founders.In any event, distinction must be made in order for this list to be as clear aspossible: heavy metalheard on VH1, Fuse and other media outlets is not necessarily the same form of m

usic that constitutesthe majority of the bands presented here.

Angel Witch - Angel Witch (1980)

It's falling, it's falling, the final bell is tolling, the world is at its end

First up is an immortal classic released ahead of its time in 1980. Hailing from London, England,Angel Witch were among the first playing this sort of heavy metal and they undou

btedly inspired manyof their aspiring metal peers. Manilla Road even 'borrowed' the riff in "Angel of Death" for theirCrystal Logic album! The guitar work exhibited on Angel Witch's self-titled owed heavily (no pun intended)to Black Sabbath and proto-metal bands from before the metal explosion of the '80s. Not only were AngelWitch pioneers, but they did it better than most of their successors.



Budgie - Budgie (1971)

I grow my mind inside my head, I grow my hair to keep it fed

This album is an example of seminal proto-metal from 1971.Â Budgie were contemporaries of Black Sabbathand the few other "metal" bands playing around then. They worethe tag proudly, though. Guts is a great song and so is "Rape of the Locks" whichlaments the socialpressures of having long hair! That's as metal as it gets. Good singer, good guitar work, heavy for itstime and lasting memorability make this an essential.

Cloven Hoof - A Sultan's Ransom (1989)

As one with the universe, beyond pleasure or pain, die hard retrogression, being reborn again

Cloven Hoof played NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) early on their 1984

self-titled, but theychanged to the style of traditional metal on display here toward the end of the'80s. This is the epitomeof that style. The synths may be outdated and cheesy, but it's still catchier than Ebola and had someawesome ideas. Bands like Cloven Hoof are to thank for the dark lyrical themes inseparable from metal.That's a good thing, considering the alternative (KISS).

Diamond Head - Lightning to the Nations (1980)

As I watched my mother die, I lost my head, revenge now I sought, to break withmy bread

Diamond Head were one of the first NWOBHM bands. It's ironic, then, that they were so uncelebrateduntil Metallica covered several songs from this album. Forming in 1976 (with demos dating back to 1977),DH didn't officially release an album until 1980, which still put them at the forefront of this newmetal thing. Lightning to the Nations is classic NWOBHM and easily defines whatmetal was about at that time.You can be sure that Metallica took notes from this album when they wrote Kill '

em All.

Exciter - Heavy Metal Maniac (1983)

Stand up and fight, yeah! Stand up and fight, fight!

Exciter aren't your typical heavy metal band. Thrash metal may have been a fledg



ling movement in 1983,but that didn't slow them in their efforts to produce one of the fastest, rawest and meanest albums around.This is not your grandfather's vinyl! If Heavy Metal Maniac were a vehicle, it would be Mad Max's Ford Falcon.Built for speed, and not the most pristine album you'll hear, Exciter's debut was an accomplishmentin pushing the raw sensibilities of bands like Motorhead, while remaining reluctant to abandon thetraditional metal side of their heritage. Some call this speed metal; I call itheavy/thrash.Semantics aside, Heavy Metal Maniacwill kick your ass.

Heir Apparent - Graceful Inheritance (1986)

They squander their riches on oceans of wine, the masses are starving while ministers dine

Okay, so I cheated: that's a H, not an F. But there is an F in the album title!As much as I'd like to preserve the continuity of this format, I'd like even more to recommend the best music, and Heir Apparent are better than any 'F' band I

know. These guys released two albums in the '80s and haven't done anything since, despite being active and playing live shows (such as ProgPower 2004). Graceful Inheritance is cult traditional metal with some of the coolest lead guitar this side of Iron Maiden. "The Servant" is an incredible song. Everything here is done well, from songwriting to individual musicianship to the unrestrained falsetto of Paul Davidson. It may not win an award for most memorable or most originalheavy metal album, but it's sure to satisfy fans of the genre.

Griffin - Flight of the Griffin (1984)

Those who live by the sword shall die by the blade, heavy metal attack!

Griffin made up for being a little late to the game in 1984 by perfecting the heavy metal formula introduced by their predecessors. Heavy and fast is the name of the game, with sharp riffs and catchy choruses. They weren't innovators, but they built on what was already there and it worked for them.

Helstar - Nosferatu (1989)

To sleeeeeep, per chance to screaaaaam

James Rivera is the man. Helstar play a late style of '80s traditional metal with healthy doses of speed and thrash metal mixed in. They released a few albums before Nosferatu but I'm not as familiar with them and this is generally considered their best. Frontman James Rivera may be as tall as a fire hydrant, but he has the voice of a giant. Chantable lyrics, riffs made of molten steel, awesome leads and soloing...don't miss this one.



Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden (1980)

Won't you come in to my room, I wanna show you all my wares, I just want to seeyour blood, I just want to stand and stare

We're all (well, most of us) familiar with Maiden, but this is Maiden before Bruce Dickinson and before they went for a polished, commercial sound (not necessarily a bad thing, as Piece of Time, Powerslave, etc. are fantastic in their own right). This is complex NWOBHM with great bass playing and raw, powerful singingby the underrated Paul Di'Anno. Solid album. Maiden have always been a special band, even from the very beginning.

Jag Panzer - Ample Destruction (1984)

I'm living my life causing, warfare! Reigning king of the night, warfare!

I'm not the biggest fan of Jag Panzer because I don't enjoy Conklin's vocals, but as far as the music goes, it's pretty good. This is considered a classic by many, maybe the best traditional metal album ever. I wouldn't go that far, but it

does have its merits, and I can see where its worshipers are coming from. In light of that, it makes this list.

King Diamond - Them (1988)

Motherrrr's getting weaaaaker, looking paler day by day

Abigail is usually the KD album that fans mention first. Abigail had hits like "The Family Ghost" and sported a more polished finish. But that's okay, because they're both good albums. Potential listeners beware, vocallist King Diamond has

an inhumanly high range. I'm not sure I should say he "grows on you", but it's very possible he won't. Regardless: he may have no testicles, but chances are he's still manlier than you. If you should possess the steel nerves to look past (or even enjoy!) the King, you're in for a treat. Andy LaRoque is a fantastic guitarist and he truly shines on these early King Diamond albums. The leads are blazing, the solos are legendary. The concept horror story isn't going to win any Oprah Book Club Awards, but it is entertaining.

Legend - From the Fjords (1979)

Do not defy my bidding, for my magic has the power, to turn you into statues, if you meet with my displeasure

Another album from before its time, From the Fjords was a 1979 release. This isobscure stuff.Â I only know about them because The Lord Weird Slough Feg covered "The Wizard's Vengeance", which is a great song. The drumming is unorthodox because it's fast and technical, unlike most metal in that day (Black Sabbath's BillWard is hardly incompetent, but he's no Billy Cobham). This is a history lessonand stands well on its own musically.



Manilla Road - Crystal Logic (1983)

Through the jungle by the river Styx, I've journeyed long and far this day

If I thought my opinion mattered enough to publish a list of my favorite albums(because that's definitely not what this is), Crystal Logic would be near the top. CL is everything I want from a metal album: dark, complex -- with slight progressive tendencies, defiantly catchy, epic. "Necropolis" will never leave your head. Mark Shelton has a nasally voice but I wouldn't and couldn't choose a better vocalist for this album. This is Manilla Road's peak/opus/masterpiece, and that's saying a lot because they've released an excess of good material over the last three decades. If I hadn't given my soul away for free I would sell it to see them live some day.

Night Sun - Mournin' (1972)

Forgive me if I seem too bold, it's nothing newwww, it's nothing oooold

Mournin' tied with the Necromandus album Orexis of Death for N, but that band'sfirst and only outing should be better than it is, so I'm giving the spot away (Orexis of Death was produced by Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, but it doesn't live up to the Iommi standard). Night Sun were a proto-metal band from Germany withnearly equal parts prog rock. Mournin' cameout in 1972. As I said, there's a good bit of progressive rock here, which may liven the experience for our resident King Crimson fans. The buildup to the crescendo riff in "Got a Bone of My Own" is fantastic and made me do a double take the first time I heard it, and the vocals in "Come Down" display an extensive range of not only technical skill but emotional prowess. This one may take you by surprise.

Omen - Battle Cry (1984)

Be my wench toniiight, oh maiden so faaaair

The difference between Night Sun and Omen is staggering. This is axe-murdering heavy metal that I've always imagined as an appropriate soundtrack for the heinous killings of Conan the Cimmerian. I love Conan and I love this too, although it's far more straightforward than something like Crystal Logic and has more in common with Manowar than Rush. That will likely turn a lot of people off, but as a fan of Robert E. Howard I have no shame in enjoying the pulp or the cheese.

Pagan Altar - Volume One (1982)

Politicians standing in line, generals following behind, chained to the dock with the leaders of religion, heads bowed low awaiting the decision

Another eccentric masterpiece! Odd riffs, song structures and deja vu with the nasally vocals. Hardly a knockoff of Manilla Road, Dark Quarterer (a band whose s



elf-titled I wanted to include here, but I don't own the CD and can't do a proper rip) or Cirith Ungol, though, Pagan Altar hold their own exceedingly well.Â Volume 1 is doomier than the mid to fast paced gait of the aforementioned bands. "Judgement of the Dead" is one of the coolest songs to emerge from the '80s. The lyrics and imagery is all very dark, even by metal's standards, touching on the occult among other things. These guys, like Manilla Road, are still releasing newmaterial, and it's almost as good as their early output! Highly recommended. The runner up for 'P' is Pentagram, who were one of the first doom/heavy metal acts.

Q Couldnt find a band for Q.

Rainbow - Rising (1976)

In the heat and the rain, with whips and chains, to see him fly, so many die

Rainbow saw the commercial debut of legendary metal god Ronnie James Dio (I don't count Elf). Before Holy Diver and even before his stint with Black Sabbath, Di

o paired up with guitar virtuoso Ritchie Blackmore and released some of his best material. This is Dio's finest hour; no contest. Holy Diver is good and so is Heaven and Hell/the rest of Dio-era Black Sabbath, but none of it holds a candleto Rising. The 8 minute opus "Stargazer" deserves an album all to itself, and the rest of the songs are almost as good. I can't recommend this highly enough, outstanding performances by all involved, nearly a perfect album.

Stormwitch - Walpurgis Night (1984)

Priest, priest of evillll, spit on every crucifix

Stormwitch played traditional metal in the NWOBHM vein despite being a German band. There are striking similarities to early Iron Maiden, especially in the dualing lead guitars and raw attitude. The lyrics have more of an evil slant than Maiden, and Andy MÃ¼ck is no Paul Di'Anno, but Stormwitch were extremely good in their own right, far from being a Maiden tribute band.

Another 'S' worthy of mention is Saint Vitus' self-titled. It was one of the first doom albums and is probably more doom than traditional metal, but it's too great and was too influential for me to omit.

Trouble - Psalm 9 (1984)

What gives you the right, to put man's life in your hands, you're a cold-blooded killer

Trouble brought something new to the table: religion. Heavy metal had traditionally been either religiously neutral or not so tolerant of the church and its ideas. In came Trouble, who were, musically, one of the darkest and doomiest around. Alongside Candlemass, Pentagram, Saint Vitus et al., they came up with the tem



plate for the doom metal subgenre. Trouble were one of a kind, straddling the line between traditional and doom, playing a slow, dirge-like and most importantly heavy brand of metal. This was an influential album in the '80s and it hasn't lost its zeal. Christian or not, hear Psalm 9.

Grim Reaper - See You in Hell (1983)

Can I make you an offer, you can't refuuuuuse

See U in hell! Pulling another fast one here. I hadn't heard this album in a long time, but two nights ago I went to a metal concert and they played the title track from this CD inbetween bands. It caught me by surprise because this isn't the most well-known material; in fact, I had never heard it come from anywhere besides my headphones. I came home and listened to See You in Hell nonstop. The first two songs are some of the best of their kind, characterized by the sort of galloping traditional heavy metal rhythm section popularized by none other than Steve Harris and co. But the magic of Grim Reaper can be attributed to Steve Grimmett, whose impeccable siren wail kneels to no man! Excessive vibrato? You bet!Testicle deficiency? Arguably so! More metal than lead poisoning? Hell yes!

Venom - Black Metal (1982)The Countess takes her midnight bath with blood that once gave life

We have Venom to thank for black metal being so named, despite Venom having little in common with its musicality. Black Metal the album can be summed up as NWOBHM meets Motorhead. Dirty and drunken, slightly thrashy, and perhaps extreme enough to have influenced the genre of black metal in more ways than simple nomenclature, Black Metal is a metal classic, though not a frequent listen of mine. "Countess Bathory" is my favorite track.

Witchfinder General - Death Penalty (1982)

Singing burn her, burn her, burn her to the ground

Taking their cues from Black Sabbath, Witchfinder General joined the wave of bands that would eventually form the subgenre of doom metal. They weren't as earlyas Pentagram or as famous as Candlemass, butDeath Penalty serves as a solid example of NWOBHM mixed with the slow and hazy vibes of doom. The singer recalls Ozzy at times, and the guitar work is undeniably Iommi-influenced, but few metal bands weren'tfollowing Sabbath's lead at the end of the '70s...plus, there's cowbell.

X Japan - Vanishing Vision (1988)

It's all over with me now, and I'll kill you

In the interest of being multicultural, I present X Japan! No, it's actually a good album. They may look like a Japanese version of MÃ¶tley CrÃ¼e, but I can't argue wih the music, which is killer speed metal. Fans of late '80s Riot will probably e



njoy this release. My only complaint is the vocals; they aren't as distinctive as they could be, even when the lyrics are in English. The mix could be to blame, wouldn't be the first time an obscure metal album suffered from a subpar production job. The music is good, though, with memorable riffs and leadwork, and a constant barrage of double bass (would hardly be speed metal otherwise). X Japan weren't far behind their British and American counterparts despite the late release of Vanishing Vision, which happens to be their debut; they formed in 1982 and started recording demos in 1984.

Y Couldnt find a band for Y either.

Zions Abyss - TALES (1991)

Too late to say a prayer, too late to take a stand, no salvation from the savior, this is the final command

Zions Abyss belong to an offshoot of heavy metal called U.S. Power Metal. USPM is different than European power metal, which was invented in part by Helloween and has more of a focus on melody than its American sister. USPM is closely relat

ed to traditional metal; the line separating them is often blurry (Jag Panzer),but Zions Abyss are a fairly textbook example. Expect stripped down riffs and vocals in the mid to high range, very much like Conklin of the Panzer. The tempo is relaxed, unlike most European power metal bands, who have a general mindset of "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead". Zions Abyss wrote some quality riffs. TALESis good rather than great, but give me a break, 'Z' is a bitch.

Okay, but why listen to heavy metal? What's the attraction? I can't speak for all of metaldom, but I can give a personal account of why I enjoy the music enough to keep coming back for more and searching beneath the easily accessible layerof Metallica and Pantera for bands obfuscated by time and a lack of mainstream recognition.

First, escapism. Metal has never been stranger to "socially conscious lyrics" (look to Black Sabbath for anti-war themes) or the political posturing of all-too-many grindcore bands, but often enough everything is steeped so deep in allegory (or fairytaleism, if you think allegory is beyond the capability of metal's artists) that the band's intentions may as well be gibberish. Rhapsody cheesy? No way, that dragon is satirical -- they hate George W, it represents the American political machine! Alright, maybe not, but not all metal subject matter is fluff. Point being: it's easy enough to ignore whatever the bands are trying to say and focus on the over-the-toptitude. Don't want to concern yourself with the plight of poverty-stricken homeless people or your teenangster existential crisis? Listen to Helloween (but not too closely)!

Secondly -- and be forewarned that I'm going to talk out of my ass for a bit here -- I think metal strikes the right chord between complex inaccessibility and "the hook". Much of metal is catchy, but just as much requires multiple listens and a keen ear, and even more (in this listener's opinion) stumbles across (accidentally or not) a sweet balance between the two. This perch may be precarious, with far more metal bands hopping around one-footed trying to imitate the pioneers rather than pave their own way, but when equilibrium between the esoteric andthe commercial is attained, it's rarely ever dull. I live for those bands. These bands.

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Heavy Metal ABC