The end of the 1970s and the first half of the 1980s were known for developing new wavers and music traditions, including heavy metal. Its roots could be traced to previous music because heavy metal did not emerge as a separate stylistic category but as an attempt of close-knit British and American communities to create something unique (Covach & Flory, 2018). This style of music was based on rock introduced between the 1960s and the 1970s but with more aggressive characteristics. It was a meaningful continuation of the hippie aesthetic propaganda because the success of instrumental performance required virtuosity, originality, and extension in relation to classical music models (Covach & Flory, 2018). Multiple stereotypes were developed around heavy metal; still, its listeners could not ignore a perfect combination of positive and negative qualities like honesty, loyalty, vulgarity, and ignorance.
Heavy metal trends and styles depend on several factors, including its geographical location and current mainstreams. For example, Ozzy Osbourne was one of the most prominent heavy metal musicians in the United Kingdom. He quit Black Sabbath in 1977 and began his solo career, addressing the worth of virtuosity and style. In the United States, metal bands formed their underground movements, and Van Halen (including the guitarist Eddie Van Halen and the singer David Lee Roth) achieved success as one of the first. With time, the use of costumes was integrated into the heavy metal performance. Mötley Crüe and Iron Maiden followed the traditions of Alice Cooper and Led Zeppelin and strengthened the idea of hair bands (Covach & Flory, 2018). Metallica is one of the bands that depicted the true ambitions of metal music. However, despite its rapid emergence in the mainstream during the 1980s, some people think heavy metal has lost popularity. Among the reasons, one should admit the promotion of glam characteristics and pop music. Instead of supporting the harshness and rebellious tone, the genre has lost its edge.
Reference
Covach, J. R., & Flory, A. (2018). What’s that sound?: An introduction to rock and its history (5th ed.). W. W. Norton and Company.