The 1970s were a pivotal era for rock music, and within that decade, certain albums emerged as trailblazers, inadvertently shaping the trajectory of heavy metal in the 1980s. These records, with their unique blend of sound, style, and influence, laid the foundation for the heavy, aggressive, and often melodic metal that would dominate the 80s. Here's a closer look at 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, despite initial critical backlash, has since been revered. The album showcases a seamless fusion of vocalist David Byron's haunting vocals and guitarist Mick Box's intricate riffs. The heavy riffing and fantastical lyricism set a precedent for the epic, theatrical sound that would become a hallmark of 80s metal. Additionally, the album's drummer, Lee Kerslake, would later contribute to Ozzy Osbourne's 'Blizzard Of Ozz,' further cementing the band's influence on the emerging metal scene.
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, the album showcases the band's ability to blend hard rock with a heavier edge. The nuanced musicianship of Eric Bloom, Buck Dharma, Allen Lanier, and the Bouchard brothers is a key factor in the album's enduring appeal. Their influence on the metal genre cannot be overstated, as they paved the way for a new wave of heavy music.
Nazareth - Hair Of The Dog (1975)
Nazareth's 'Hair Of The Dog' is a bone-crushing, guitar-driven album that bridges the gap between 70s and 80s rock. The album's huge guitars and monster vocals, exemplified by Dan McCafferty's powerful delivery, have left an indelible mark on the genre. Its influence is evident in the success of Guns N' Roses, who cited McCafferty and Nazareth as key inspirations. The album's impact on the evolution of heavy metal cannot be understated.
Budgie - Never Turn Your Back On A Friend (1973)
Budgie's early albums were already heavy, but 'Never Turn Your Back On A Friend' pushed the boundaries even further. The album introduces a prototype speed metal sound in the track 'Breadfan,' which later influenced Metallica's cover version. The band's importance is further highlighted by the inclusion of their song on Metallica's 'Garage Inc' compilation. This album is a testament to the band's innovative spirit and their role in shaping the speed metal subgenre.
Led Zeppelin - Presence (1976)
Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' is a pivotal album that showcases the band's evolution towards more ambitious musical territories. The classically-inspired epic 'Achilles Last Stand' is a prime example of how the band's sound influenced the more complex and heavy music of the 80s. The album's impact on bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden is undeniable, as it set the stage for the emergence of new wave 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.' The band's influence on 80s hair metal is significant, as their sound inspired bands like Mötley Crüe, Black N' Blue, and Poison. Their impact on the genre's development cannot be overstated, as they helped pave the way for the rise of 80s hair metal.
Kiss - Kiss (1973)
Kiss's debut album, 'Kiss,' didn't revolutionize the scene, but the success of 'Alive!' in 1975 solidified their place in the 70s hard rock landscape. Classics like 'Deuce' and 'Black Diamond' set the standard for melodic hard rock. The band's over-the-top stage shows also influenced the 80s metal scene, as their theatrical performances became a hallmark of the era.
Aerosmith - Rocks (1976)
Aerosmith's 'Rocks' is a heavier iteration of their early sound, with songs like 'Back In The Saddle' and 'Rats In The Cellar' laying the sleaze-rock blueprint for future bands. Steven Tyler's wails and Joe Perry's riffs set the stage for the aggressive, guitar-driven sound that would define 80s metal. Their influence on the genre's development is undeniable.
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 with its bombastic sound. Songs like 'Stargazer' and 'A Light In The Black' are prime examples of how the album influenced the more aggressive and powerful metal of the 80s. 'Rising' is a blueprint for Dio's later classics, further solidifying its importance.
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. The band's influence on the genre's development is profound, as their innovative sound and style inspired countless bands to follow in their footsteps.
In conclusion, these ten albums from the 1970s played a crucial role in shaping the heavy metal scene of the 1980s. Each album, with its unique blend of sound, style, and influence, contributed to the evolution of heavy metal, leaving an indelible mark on the genre's history.
