The evolution of heavy metal in the 1980s was a complex and multifaceted journey, and its roots can be traced back to the classic rock era of the 1970s. While the 80s saw the rise of a more aggressive and fast-paced sound, the foundations were laid by a diverse range of bands that blended various musical styles and influences. Here's a look at ten classic rock albums from the 70s that played a pivotal role in shaping the heavy metal scene of the 80s, often in unexpected ways.
Uriah Heep - Demons And Wizards (1972)
Uriah Heep's 'Demons And Wizards' is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends heavy riffing with fantastical lyricism. The album's interplay between vocalist David Byron and guitarist Mick Box is a standout feature, and it's no wonder that drummer Lee Kerslake's work on this record would later influence Ozzy Osbourne's 'Blizzard Of Ozz'. This album's impact on the development of heavy metal cannot be overstated, as it showcased a unique blend of fantasy-inspired lyrics and powerful music.
Blue Öyster Cult - Tyranny And Mutation (1973)
Blue Öyster Cult's 'Tyranny And Mutation' is a testament to their metal roots. With molten riffs and infectious hooks, this album is a prime example of the band's ability to create catchy and heavy music. The nuanced musicianship of Eric Bloom, Buck Dharma, Allen Lanier, and the Bouchard brothers further cements BOC's place in the history of heavy metal.
Nazareth - Hair Of The Dog (1975)
Nazareth's 'Hair Of The Dog' is a bone-crushing, guitar-driven album that bridges the gap between the 70s and 80s. Its influence on Guns N' Roses is well-documented, with Axl Rose crediting Dan McCafferty and Nazareth for his vocal style. This album's huge guitars and monster vocals set a precedent for the hard-hitting sound that would define 80s metal.
Budgie - Never Turn Your Back On A Friend (1973)
Budgie's early albums were already heavy, but 'Never Turn Your Back On A Friend' took it a step further. The album's 'Breadfan' track introduced a prototype speed metal sound, which would later influence Metallica's cover version. The band's ability to push the boundaries of heavy music is a testament to their importance in the evolution of metal.
Led Zeppelin - Presence (1976)
Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' is a pivotal album in the history of heavy metal. While their first four albums are often celebrated, 'Presence' showcases a more ambitious and classically-inspired sound. Tracks like 'Achilles Last Stand' set the stage for the more complex and epic musings of bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, shaping the direction of 80s metal.
Starz - Starz (1976)
Starz's self-titled debut album is a blend of glam and hard rock, with gritty, pop-oriented tracks like 'Night Crawler' and 'Detroit Girls'. Their influence on 80s hair metal cannot be overstated, as they inspired bands like Mötley Crüe, Black N' Blue, and Poison. Starz's sound laid the groundwork for the sleaze-rock movement that would dominate the late 80s.
Kiss - Kiss (1973)
Kiss's debut album, 'Kiss', didn't blow the lid off the scene immediately, but its success with 'Alive!' in 1975 ensured that the band's classics like 'Deuce' and 'Black Diamond' set the standard for melodic hard rock in the 70s. The band's over-the-top stage shows also influenced the 80s metal scene, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
Aerosmith - Rocks (1976)
Aerosmith's 'Rocks' is a heavier and more aggressive album than their earlier work. Steven Tyler's wails and Joe Perry's riffs laid the sleaze-rock blueprint for Guns N' Roses and Skid Row in the late 80s. This album demonstrated Aerosmith's intent to take their sound to new, heavier levels.
Rainbow - Rising (1976)
Rainbow's 'Rising' is a harbinger of 80s power metal. With vocalist Ronnie James Dio and guitarist Richie Blackmore, the album teems with bombast and envelope-pushing sound. Tracks like 'Stargazer' and 'A Light in the Black' showcase a unique blend of classic rock and heavy metal, setting the stage for Dio's later classics.
Van Halen - Van Halen (1978)
Van Halen's self-titled debut is a musical tour de force, featuring hot-rodded guitars, aggressive riffs, and soaring choruses. Tracks like 'Jamie's Cryin'' and 'Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love' set the stage for the unholy amalgam of 80s metal. This album's influence on the genre cannot be overstated, as it inspired countless bands to imitate its style.
In conclusion, these ten classic rock albums from the 70s played a crucial role in the development of heavy metal in the 80s. Each album showcases a unique blend of musical styles, influences, and innovation, contributing to the rich tapestry of metal music. From the fantastical lyrics of Uriah Heep to the aggressive riffs of Van Halen, these albums laid the groundwork for the diverse and powerful sound of 80s metal.
