The 1970s were a pivotal era for rock music, and within that decade, certain albums emerged that would have a profound impact on the development of heavy metal in the 1980s. These records, often overlooked in favor of more mainstream hits, laid the foundation for the aggressive, high-energy sound that defined the metal scene of the 80s. Here's a deep dive into ten classic rock albums from the 70s that unintentionally paved the way for heavy metal in the 80s, with a focus on their influence and the broader implications of their sound.
Uriah Heep - Demons And Wizards (1972)
Uriah Heep's 'Demons And Wizards' is a masterpiece that, despite initial critical backlash, has since been revered for its seamless blend of heavy riffs and fantastical lyrics. The album's success set a precedent for the fusion of epic storytelling and heavy metal, influencing bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. The band's drummer, Lee Kerslake, later played on Ozzy Osbourne's 'Blizzard Of Ozz,' further cementing the album's impact on the emerging metal scene.
BlueÖyster Cult - Tyranny And Mutation (1973)
Blue Öyster Cult's 'Tyranny And Mutation' showcases their molten riffs and infectious hooks, a sound that would become a blueprint for many metal bands. The album's musicians, Eric Bloom, Buck Dharma, Allen Lanier, and the Bouchard brothers, were ahead of their time, and their influence can be heard in the nuanced and complex playing of later metal bands.
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 metal. Its influence on Guns N' Roses is well-documented, with Axl Rose crediting Dan McCafferty and Nazareth for his vocal style. The album's massive sound and monster vocals set a standard for the hard rock and heavy metal that would dominate the 80s.
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, introducing prototype speed metal in the track 'Breadfan.' The album's importance is evident in Metallica's cover of the song, which later appeared on their compilation album, 'Garage Inc.' This cover not only showcases the album's influence but also highlights the enduring appeal of Budgie's sound.
Led Zeppelin - Presence (1976)
Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' is a pivotal album that showcases the band's evolution towards more ambitious and classically-inspired music. The epic track 'Achilles Last Stand' is a prime example of how the band's sound influenced the more complex and grandiose musings of 80s metal bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. The album's impact on the development of power metal cannot be overstated.
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, as their sound inspired bands like Mötley Crüe, Black N' Blue, and Poison. Their success set the stage for the rise of 80s hair metal and the over-the-top stage shows that became synonymous with the genre.
Kiss - Kiss (1973)
Kiss's debut album, 'Kiss,' didn't immediately blow the lid off the scene, but the success of 'Alive!' in 1975 solidified their place in the 70s hard rock landscape. The album's classics like 'Deuce' and 'Black Diamond' set the standard for melodic hard rock, and the band's over-the-top stage presence and theatrics would become a blueprint for 80s glam metal.
Aerosmith - Rocks (1976)
Aerosmith's 'Rocks' is a heavier and sleazier album that laid the groundwork for the rise of sleaze-rock in the late 70s and early 80s. Steven Tyler's wails and Joe Perry's riffs set the stage for bands like Guns N' Roses and Skid Row. The album's influence on the aggressive, guitar-driven sound of 80s metal is undeniable.
Rainbow - Rising (1976)
Rainbow's 'Rising' is a harbinger of 80s power metal, with its envelope-pushing bombast and songs like 'Stargazer' and 'A Light in the Black.' The album's fusion of hard rock and progressive elements, coupled with the powerful vocals of Ronnie James Dio, set a new standard for the genre. The album's influence can be heard in later Dio classics and the broader power metal movement.
Van Halen - Van Halen (1978)
Van Halen's self-titled debut is a musical tour de force that set the stage for the unholy amalgam of hot-rodded guitars, aggressive riffs, and soaring choruses that defined 80s metal. The band's innovative playing and the album's tracks like 'Jamie's Cryin'' and 'Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love' inspired countless 80s metal bands to imitate their sound ad nauseam.
In conclusion, these ten classic rock albums from the 70s played a pivotal role in the development of heavy metal in the 80s. Their influence can be heard in the aggressive, high-energy sound of the metal scene, and their impact on the genre's evolution cannot be overstated. These records are a testament to the power of music to transcend time and influence future generations of artists.
