The 1970s marked the birth of heavy metal, a genre that would go on to influence generations of musicians and fans alike. While the 1980s saw the genre explode into mainstream popularity, the groundwork was laid in the 1970s, with bands that would forever alter the sound and direction of rock music. The 1970s saw a perfect storm of musical innovation, cultural shifts, and raw energy that led to the formation of iconic heavy metal bands. In this article, we’ll explore 14 of the most influential and highly recommended heavy metal bands from that era.
14 Highly Recommended 1970s Heavy Metal Bands
1. Black Sabbath
The Godfathers of Heavy Metal
No discussion of 1970s heavy metal would be complete without mentioning Black Sabbath. Often credited as the pioneers of the genre, Black Sabbath’s music was a unique blend of hard rock, blues, and doom, with dark, ominous themes that were ground-breaking at the time. Formed in 1968 in Birmingham, England, the band’s self-titled album, Black Sabbath (1970), is widely regarded as the first true heavy metal record.
Iconic Sound and Legacy
Black Sabbath’s distinctive sound was shaped by guitarist Tony Iommi’s heavy riffs and the eerie vocals of Ozzy Osbourne. Their influence can be seen in countless metal bands that followed. With albums like Paranoid (1970), which features classics like “Iron Man” and “War Pigs,” Black Sabbath created the blueprint for what would become the heavy metal sound.
2. Led Zeppelin
Trailblazers of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal
While Led Zeppelin is often classified as hard rock, their early albums had a significant influence on the development of heavy metal. Led Zeppelin I (1969) featured heavy, blues-based riffs, but by the time they released Led Zeppelin II (1969), the band had fully embraced heavier, more riff-driven sounds.
Blending Blues, Rock, and Metal
Songs like “Whole Lotta Love” and “Immigrant Song” have become staples of the heavy metal genre. Led Zeppelin’s ability to blend powerful guitar riffs with mystical, epic themes helped lay the foundation for many heavy metal bands to come. While their music is not purely metal, their influence on the genre is undeniable.
3. Deep Purple
Pioneers of the Harder Sound
Formed in 1968, Deep Purple were one of the first bands to combine classical music influences with hard rock, and they are often credited with influencing the early development of heavy metal. Their 1972 album Machine Head is considered a landmark in heavy metal history, featuring the iconic song “Smoke on the Water.”
Technical Mastery and Musical Innovation
With their virtuosic musicianship and dynamic performances, Deep Purple became known for their impressive instrumental solos and complex song structures. Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar work and Jon Lord’s keyboards gave Deep Purple a unique sound that blended rock, metal, and classical influences, making them one of the most important bands in metal history.
4. Judas Priest
The British Steel of Metal
Formed in 1969, Judas Priest became a cornerstone of the heavy metal genre in the 1970s. Their 1976 album Sad Wings of Destiny is widely regarded as one of the first heavy metal albums to fully embrace the genre’s power, speed, and aggression. Lead singer Rob Halford’s high-pitched vocals and Glenn Tipton’s and K.K. Downing’s twin guitar attack became a defining characteristic of Judas Priest’s sound.
Paving the Way for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal
Judas Priest was one of the earliest heavy metal bands to experiment with the speed metal style, which would later influence bands like Metallica and Slayer. Their 1980 album British Steel brought the band worldwide fame, solidifying their place in metal history.
5. Uriah Heep
The Masters of Progressive and Heavy Rock
Formed in 1969, Uriah Heep blended progressive rock with the heavier sounds that would later define heavy metal. Their early albums, like Very ‘eavy… Very ‘umble (1970), are filled with intricate arrangements and heavy, distorted guitar riffs, coupled with the operatic vocals of David Byron.
A Key Influence on Progressive Metal
While Uriah Heep may not have reached the same level of fame as some of their contemporaries, their influence on the progressive and heavy metal subgenres is undeniable. Their blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and progressive rock was a precursor to the more complex forms of metal that would emerge in the 1980s.
6. Iron Maiden
A Metal Icon in the Making
Though Iron Maiden’s peak years came in the 1980s, the band’s roots were planted in the late 1970s. Formed in 1975, Iron Maiden’s early work, including their self-titled album in 1980, was heavily influenced by the sound of the late 70s heavy metal bands. While they would become one of the most influential bands in metal history, their beginnings were heavily shaped by the pioneers of the 1970s.
A New Sound for Heavy Metal
Iron Maiden’s dual guitar attack and soaring vocals, led by Bruce Dickinson, quickly became a staple of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Their galloping rhythms and intricate guitar solos set them apart, and they went on to inspire countless bands in the years to come.
7. Motorhead
Speed, Power, and Rebellion
Motörhead was founded in 1975 by legendary bassist and vocalist Lemmy Kilmister. The band’s sound was a blend of heavy metal, punk rock, and rock n’ roll, creating a raw, high-energy style that became a major influence on both the heavy metal and punk scenes.
Defining the Punk-Metal Fusion
Motörhead’s 1977 album Overkill showcased their aggressive style and rebellious attitude, with Lemmy’s gruff vocals and fast, relentless guitar riffs defining the band’s sound. Their legacy lives on in the thrash metal bands of the 1980s and the broader punk and metal scenes.
8. Rainbow
The Supergroup of Hard Rock and Metal
Formed in 1975 by former Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, Rainbow combined hard rock, heavy metal, and classical influences. Their early albums, such as Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow (1975), featured a more melodic approach to metal, with Dio’s powerful vocals and Blackmore’s masterful guitar work.
A Fusion of Melodic Metal and Hard Rock
Rainbow’s sound paved the way for more melodic forms of metal. Their music was a perfect balance of heavy riffs and dramatic melodies, making them a significant influence on future generations of metal bands.
9. Blue Öyster Cult
Cult Following and Heavy Rock Sound
Formed in 1967, Blue Öyster Cult became one of the most unique bands of the 1970s, blending hard rock with science fiction and occult-themed lyrics. Their 1976 album Agents of Fortune, which included the hit “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” showed a shift toward a more accessible, radio-friendly sound while still retaining their heavy rock roots.
A Band Ahead of Its Time
Blue Öyster Cult’s lyrics, often focused on science fiction and dark themes, set them apart from other bands in the heavy rock scene. Their ability to craft intricate songs with both heavy riffs and introspective lyrics helped establish them as a pioneering force in the genre.
10. AC/DC
The Aussie Rockers Who Defined Hard Rock
AC/DC formed in 1973 and quickly became known for their high-voltage rock ‘n’ roll. While their music in the 1970s had elements of hard rock rather than pure heavy metal, their influence on the genre is undeniable. Their 1976 album High Voltage is a prime example of their loud, raw energy and rock ‘n’ roll attitude.
Power Chords and Loud Guitars
AC/DC’s driving rhythm and loud, crunchy guitars would go on to influence countless bands, especially in the hard rock and metal scenes. The raw, rebellious energy they brought to their music resonated with fans worldwide, making them one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
11. The Scorpions
From Germany to Global Fame
Formed in 1965 in Hanover, The Scorpions initially played a mix of hard rock and heavy metal. Their 1970s albums, such as Lonesome Crow (1972), were influential in the heavy metal scene, even though the band wouldn’t fully hit its stride until the 1980s.
The Legacy of Power Ballads and Hard Rock
The Scorpions became known for their catchy melodies and anthemic choruses, and their evolution into a global metal powerhouse began in the 1970s. Their music laid the groundwork for their later success and their legacy in the world of hard rock and metal.
12. Hawkwind
The Space Rock Pioneers
Hawkwind is often considered one of the originators of space rock, but their influence on the development of heavy metal cannot be overlooked. Their 1972 album Space Ritual is a psychedelic masterpiece, combining heavy guitar riffs with a sense of cosmic grandeur.
The Blurring of Genre Lines
Hawkwind’sunique fusion of space rock, hard rock, and proto-metal was ahead of its time. Their influence can be heard in many of the heavy metal bands that followed, especially in the use of atmospheric elements and heavy, driving rhythms.
13. Montrose
The Birth of Hard Rock
Formed in 1973 by guitarist Ronnie Montrose, Montrose was one of the early American heavy metal bands to gain recognition. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1973, featured powerful songs like “Rock the Nation,” which helped define the sound of 1970s hard rock and heavy metal.
Powerful Guitar Work and Hard Rock Roots
Montrose’s music blended elements of hard rock and heavy metal, with a focus on catchy riffs and energetic performances. While they were short-lived, their impact on the genre was felt throughout the 1970s and beyond.
14. Thin Lizzy
Rock and Metal Fusion
Thin Lizzy, formed in 1969 in Dublin, Ireland, is best known for their combination of hard rock and heavy metal with a touch of folk and blues influences. Their 1976 album Jailbreak features the iconic hit “The Boys Are Back in Town,” which became a staple of classic rock radio.
Dual Guitars and Melodic Metal
Thin Lizzy’s use of dual lead guitars, a hallmark of many later heavy metal bands, became one of their signature features. Their melodic approach to metal, coupled with strong lyrical storytelling, made them a major influence on both the hard rock and metal scenes.
SEE ALSO: 8 Essential Australian Heavy Metal Tracks to Know
Conclusion
The 1970s was a decade that saw the birth and rapid evolution of heavy metal. From the doom-laden riffs of Black Sabbath to the fast-paced energy of Motörhead, the bands of this era laid the groundwork for everything that followed in the genre. These 14 highly recommended bands not only shaped the sound of heavy metal but also influenced countless artists in the decades to come. Whether it was the dark atmospheres, aggressive riffs, or innovative blending of genres, the legacy of these pioneers continues to live on.
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