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Top 8 Influential 70s Metal Music Artists Recommended

by Barbara
Led Zeppelin

The 1970s was a revolutionary decade for music, particularly for the birth and development of heavy metal. While the genre’s roots stretch back earlier, it was in the 1970s that metal began to shape its own distinct identity, influencing generations of musicians and fans. As pioneers of heavy guitar riffs, aggressive drumming, and often dark, rebellious lyrics, 70s metal artists laid the foundation for what would become one of the most enduring and diverse genres in rock history. This article explores some of the most influential 70s metal bands and tracks, highlighting their impact on the evolution of the genre.

The heavy sound that emerged in the 1970s was not just defined by its instrumentation, but also by the themes it explored. From the industrial sounds of Black Sabbath to the more refined melodies of Led Zeppelin, the 70s saw the creation of both the darker, heavier side of metal and its more melodic, experimental variations. Bands like Judas Priest and Motorhead also began to establish their sound during this decade, paving the way for future generations of rock and metal musicians.

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In this article, we will look at some of the standout tracks from 70s metal artists, exploring the origins of their sounds and why these tracks are still revered today. These songs encapsulate the beginning of heavy metal’s influence and remain iconic in shaping the genre. While 70s metal laid the groundwork, it is the combination of sonic aggression, technical musicianship, and rebellious attitudes that continue to define metal’s evolution.

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Top 8 Influential 70s Metal Music Artists Recommended

1. Black Sabbath – “Iron Man” (1970)

Black Sabbath is often credited as one of the founding bands of heavy metal, and their track “Iron Man” from Paranoid is one of the most iconic songs in the genre. The song features a heavy, doom-laden riff, making it instantly recognizable to metal fans worldwide. The slow, grinding guitar riff, combined with Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocals, creates an ominous atmosphere that would come to define much of Black Sabbath’s music. The song tells the story of a man transformed into a powerful, yet tragic, figure, showcasing the band’s talent for combining storytelling with heavy, impactful music. “Iron Man” remains a staple in the metal community, representing the genre’s signature blend of power and darkness.

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2. Led Zeppelin – “Immigrant Song” (1970)

Led Zeppelin was not strictly a metal band, but their influence on the genre is undeniable. Their track “Immigrant Song” from Led Zeppelin III has an unmistakable power and energy that anticipates the aggressive sound of 70s metal. The song’s driving rhythm, combined with Jimmy Page’s powerful guitar riff and Robert Plant’s iconic, shrill vocals, gives it an intensity that few songs of the era could match. The song’s lyrics, inspired by Norse mythology and Viking imagery, helped set the stage for many metal bands to incorporate themes of fantasy, rebellion, and mysticism into their music. “Immigrant Song” remains one of the band’s most iconic and enduring tracks.

3. Judas Priest – “Hell Bent for Leather” (1978)

Judas Priest is one of the most important bands to emerge from the 1970s metal scene, and their track “Hell Bent for Leather” from Hell Bent for Leather represents the band at their most aggressive and defining. The song features a driving beat, twin guitar harmonies, and Rob Halford’s piercing vocals, all of which would become staples of the band’s sound. Lyrically, the song celebrates rebellion and toughness, an anthem for those who live on the edge. The fast-paced, energetic riff and Halford’s soaring high notes showcase the band’s technical prowess and helped solidify their place as one of the key figures in the development of heavy metal.

4. Deep Purple – “Smoke on the Water” (1972)

Deep Purple is another band that played a major role in shaping the sound of 70s metal, and “Smoke on the Water” from Machine Head is arguably their most famous and enduring track. The opening riff is one of the most recognizable in rock history, instantly bringing to mind the power and energy of 70s metal. The song tells the story of a fire that broke out during a Frank Zappa concert at a casino in Montreux, Switzerland, and the lyrics reflect the band’s experience of both chaos and triumph. The combination of Ian Gillan’s powerful vocals, Ritchie Blackmore’s iconic guitar riff, and the overall heaviness of the track cemented “Smoke on the Water” as one of the defining songs of the era.

5. Motorhead – “Motorhead” (1977)

Motorhead was one of the first bands to successfully merge the raw aggression of punk rock with the power of heavy metal, and their self-titled track “Motorhead” from the album Motorhead is a perfect example of their fast and furious style. The song is loud, aggressive, and full of energy, with Lemmy Kilmister’s signature growl and the band’s relentless rhythm section setting the pace. The track’s fast tempo and rebellious lyrics made it an instant classic, and it became an anthem for fans of both metal and punk. “Motorhead” helped define the band’s sound and solidified their place in metal history.

6. Uriah Heep – “Easy Livin’” (1972)

Uriah Heep’s “Easy Livin’” from Demons and Wizards is a classic example of 70s heavy metal with a slightly more melodic twist. The song features soaring harmonies, a driving bassline, and a catchy, sing-along chorus that balances the heaviness of the band’s sound with accessible hooks. The lyrics, which reflect a desire for freedom and living life on one’s own terms, are delivered with passion and energy. The track’s blend of melody and heaviness made it a standout in the 70s metal scene, showcasing Uriah Heep’s ability to combine power with accessibility.

7. AC/DC – “High Voltage” (1975)

AC/DC’s “High Voltage” from their debut album High Voltage is a track that helped define the band’s hard-rocking sound, which would later influence the development of 70s metal. While AC/DC’s style is more rooted in rock ‘n’ roll than traditional metal, their raw energy and powerful guitar riffs certainly paved the way for future metal bands. The song’s simple, straightforward structure is enhanced by its driving beat and energetic performance, with Bon Scott’s distinctive vocals adding a layer of swagger and attitude. “High Voltage” became a signature track for AC/DC and helped establish their place in rock history, making it a must-listen for any metal fan.

8. Alice Cooper – “School’s Out” (1972)

Alice Cooper was one of the most theatrical and influential figures in 70s rock and metal, and “School’s Out” from the album School’s Out is one of his most iconic tracks. The song is an anthem for rebellious youth, capturing the freedom and excitement of the end of school and the beginning of summer. With its catchy chorus, pounding drums, and Alice Cooper’s distinctive vocals, “School’s Out” is a classic of 70s rock that continues to be played in schools and on radio stations to this day. The track’s combination of glam rock, heavy riffs, and playful lyrics helped set the tone for Alice Cooper’s career as one of rock’s most distinctive and theatrical performers.

See Also: 20 Best Power Metal Songs: The Ultimate List

Conclusion

The 1970s was a pivotal decade in the development of metal, with numerous artists and bands laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most influential genres in modern music. From Black Sabbath’s heavy, doom-laden riffs to Led Zeppelin’s more melodic, complex sound, the diversity within 70s metal set the stage for the genre’s evolution throughout the next several decades. Bands like Judas Priest, Motorhead, and Uriah Heep helped refine and define the sound of 70s metal, creating iconic tracks that continue to influence musicians today.

The tracks highlighted in this article represent just a fraction of the contributions made by 70s metal artists. Each song showcases the unique characteristics that defined the genre—powerful guitar riffs, aggressive rhythms, dark and rebellious themes, and an overall sense of energy and intensity. Whether you’re a longtime fan of 70s metal or a newcomer to the genre, these tracks are essential listening for understanding the roots of heavy metal and the lasting impact these bands have had on music. The legacy of 70s metal continues to resonate, influencing new generations of rock and metal musicians and fans alike.

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