Remember that scene in Back to the Future where Marty McFly gets on stage and performs Johnny B. Goode and its mind-bending solo? As that scene was set back in time in the 1950s, he was right to say that the crowd wasn’t ready for it yet. The 1950s captured a time when rock and roll had only started to rise in popularity, and mainstream audiences were just getting used to this new form of music. 

But just a decade or two later, the genre of metal was soon born. It took the incredible driving rhythms, power chords, themes of rebellion, and high-energy vocals of a variety of existing rock genres to develop something new. While blues rock was known for its emotional expression and psychedelic rock emphasized otherworldly soundscapes, metal was unmistakably loud, in-your-face, and straightforward. 

Just like how the rated pay by phone casino sites available offer plenty of options for gamers, metal has developed variations within its genre to cater to diverse preferences. However, the overarching genre is still marked by clear characteristics that attract massive fan bases worldwide. Whether it’s because of community, dramatic performances, defiance of conformity, or the intensity of the musical experience, these bands managed to cater to loyal fanbases even to this very day.

Deep Purple

A list of heavy metal bands would be incomplete without mentioning Deep Purple. While not as commercially well-known to casual listeners, they’re hailed as one of the bands who founded the genre itself. Like many iconic bands of their era, they went through several mini eras of experimentation, starting off more as a psychedelic rock band and later adopting a harder and heavier sound. Even after recording three albums, they seemed to consistently lack direction with their music, and it was the “loud and heavy” ethos they stuck with that worked for them and made them icons. However, their experimentation also proved to be their strength. Famous musicians, like Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich and Queen guitarist Brian May, cite Deep Purple as a major inspiration.

Metallica

It says a lot that Metallica was one of the bands that had a Guitar Hero game dedicated entirely to their songs. Their extensive catalogue of songs featured catchy guitar riffs and solos that worked perfectly with the format of the game. Still, it was also their influential status as one of the biggest bands in thrash metal and their commercial success in the broader genres of metal and rock that made them a no-brainer pick. As Metallica is so heavily influenced by other legendary bands like Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Queen, they clearly used those foundations for good. Yet, they still managed to craft their own sound defined by long instrumental-heavy tracks and progressive epics. While their first few releases were more aggressive in nature, they expanded their range and changed their direction, proving successful.

Judas Priest

Just like the other bands mentioned above, Judas Priest initially struggled to achieve the success that would bring them to the mainstream. The band was innovative and hard-working, creating a large body of work over five albums. Whether due to uncertainty in style at the time, technical problems, or punk rock’s dominance, they didn’t become the Judas Priest we know today until their sixth album, Killing Machine. The band kept their dark lyrical themes regarding vengeance, isolation, angst, and despair but said goodbye to themes surrounding fantasy and decided on a more grounded, realistic approach. During this release, they adopted the leather and studs look they’re famous for now.

Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden’s latest three albums, The Final Frontier, The Book of Souls, and Senjutsu, all reached number 1 in over 25 countries. As a band formed in 1975, it’s quite telling that they continue to sell millions of copies worldwide and garner many listens. With an astonishing 41 albums under their belts, multiple industry awards, and an unbelievable touring record, Iron Maiden is undoubtedly one of the most revered bands of all time. Of course, their success wasn’t without its hitches. Their album imagery, song names, and lyrics naturally sparked some controversy at first, but it was this provocative angle that propelled them to success. People saw Iron Maiden as a band that made metal songs they genuinely wanted to listen to and that weaved in deeper themes relating to society and mortality.

Slipknot

Slipknot stood out with their jarring masks and matching jumpsuits, visual on-stage theatrics, heavy sound, and die-hard fan base. All these components and more have made the band who they are today. They’ve made conscious attempts to musically distance themselves from other potentially similar bands like Korn by including down-tuned guitars, lots of percussion, samples, DJing, and a combination of growling and singing. What makes Slipknot especially famous and iconic is their chaotic live shows that once featured extreme acts and continue to be elaborate and performative. Despite their countercultural essence, the band has been nominated for 11 Grammy Awards and won one.

Lamb of God

Lamb of God, like Slipknot, was also formed in the ‘90s as part of the new wave of heavy metal. Bands from the ‘70s and ‘80s, like Deep Purple and Judas Priest, still exuded those classic rock influences and cleaner sound despite their “heaviness,” but Lamb of God and other metalcore-style bands strayed away from this, going for a much more aggressive edge. Metal fans became accustomed to this new subgenre, incorporating polyrhythms, chugging guitars, intricate drums, and a harsher vocal style. Lamb of God abandoned that straightforwardness and wanted to keep people guessing—and it was received positively. Listeners seeking that new dynamic found it and could enjoy less predictable arrangements and more influences from punk and hardcore genres.