Genre · Metal Branches
Heavy Metal
Denser riffs, higher gain, technique-focused subculture.
Metal splits from Hard Rock into its own aesthetic and touring circuit. Technique, volume, and darker lyrical themes run in parallel as the style hits MTV and arena charts in the eighties.
Downstream
Pioneer acts
Acts that opened or crystallized this sound—fused landmarks, not a separate encyclopedia.
Representative bands
- Deep PurpleHertford, UK · 1968
- Black SabbathBirmingham, UK · 1968
- Judas PriestBirmingham, UK · 1969
- Iron MaidenLondon, UK · 1975
- RainbowUK / USA · 1975
- MotörheadLondon, UK · 1975
- MetallicaLos Angeles, USA · 1981
- PanteraArlington, USA · 1981
- SlayerHuntington Park, USA · 1981
- MegadethLos Angeles, USA · 1983
- Alice in ChainsSeattle, USA · 1987
- DeftonesSacramento, USA · 1988
- System of a DownLos Angeles, USA · 1994
- EvanescenceLittle Rock, USA · 1995
- Linkin ParkAgoura Hills, USA · 1996