The 1970s were a pivotal era for rock music, and within that decade, certain albums emerged as trailblazers, inadvertently paving the way for the emergence of heavy metal in the 1980s. These albums, each with their unique blend of sound and style, laid the foundation for the heavy, aggressive, and often melodic music that would define the 80s metal scene. Here's a deep dive into ten such albums, each contributing to the evolution of heavy metal in its own distinct way.
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 nothing short of magical. This record, initially panned by critics, has since been revered as a classic. The influence of this album extends beyond its musical prowess; drummer Lee Kerslake's work on Ozzy Osbourne's 'Blizzard Of Ozz' in 1981 is a testament to its impact on the emerging metal scene.
BlueÖyster Cult - Tyranny And Mutation (1973)
Blue Öyster Cult's 'Tyranny And Mutation' is a testament to their molten riffs and infectious hooks. This album showcases the band's ability to create a unique sound that blends metal with pop sensibilities. The band's lineup, featuring Eric Bloom, Buck Dharma, Allen Lanier, and the Bouchard brothers, is a testament to their musical prowess and their role in shaping the metal genre.
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 undeniable, with Axl Rose citing Dan McCafferty and Nazareth as his inspiration. The album's massive sound and monster vocals set a precedent for the hard rock and metal that would dominate the 80s.
Budgie - Never Turn Your Back On A Friend (1973)
Budgie's early albums were heavy, but 'Never Turn Your Back On A Friend' took it a step further. The album introduces prototype speed metal in the track 'Breadfan,' which later influenced Metallica's cover version. The band's members, Burke Shelley, Tony Bourge, and Ray Phillips, played a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of metal music.
Led Zeppelin - Presence (1976)
Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' is a pivotal album that showcases the band's evolution towards more ambitious musical territories. The epic track 'Achilles Last Stand' is a prime example of how the band's classic sound lent itself to the more complex and heavy music of the 80s. This album's influence can be heard in the works of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden.
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.' The band's influence on 80s hair metal is undeniable, with their sound inspiring bands like Mötley Crüe, Black N' Blue, and Poison. Their impact on the genre's aesthetics and sound cannot be overstated.
Kiss - Kiss (1973)
Kiss's debut album, 'Kiss,' laid the groundwork for the band's success and the rise of melodic hard rock in the 70s. Classics like 'Deuce' and 'Black Diamond' set the standard for the genre. The band's over-the-top stage shows and the success of 'Alive!' in 1975 further solidified their influence on the emerging metal scene.
Aerosmith - Rocks (1976)
Aerosmith's 'Rocks' is a heavier iteration of the band's earlier work, with Steven Tyler's wails and Joe Perry's riffs creating a sleaze-rock blueprint. The album's songs, like 'Back In The Saddle' and 'Rats In The Cellar,' influenced the sound of Guns N' Roses and Skid Row in the late 80s, shaping the direction of metal music.
Rainbow - Rising (1976)
Rainbow's 'Rising' is a harbinger of 80s power metal. With vocalist Ronnie James Dio and guitarist Richie Blackmore, the album pushes the boundaries of 70s rock. Tracks like 'Stargazer' and 'A Light In The Black' are a testament to the band's ability to create epic, bombastic music that would influence later Dio 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. The album's tracks, like 'Jamie's Cryin'' and 'Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love,' set the stage for the unholy amalgam of 80s metal. The band's influence on the genre's aesthetics and sound is undeniable.
These albums, each with their unique characteristics, played a pivotal role in shaping the heavy metal scene of the 1980s. From the heavy riffs of Uriah Heep to the epic bombast of Rainbow, these records laid the groundwork for the aggressive and often melodic metal that would define the decade.
