If you’re a rock music enthusiast, you’ve likely used the term “heavy metal” to describe some of your go-to groups, but have you ever wondered where the term originated?
The history of the phrase began in the 1960s. The earliest use of the term is believed to have been in 1962, in William Burrough’s novel, “The Soft Machine.” Burroughs uses the term to refer to various things from a character named Uranian Willy to the addiction to hardcore drugs: “with their diseases and orgasm drugs and their sexless parasite life forms—Heavy Metal People of Uranus wrapped in cool blue mist of vaporized bank notes—And The Insect People of Minraud with metal music.”
In 1967, the term first entered the music realm when a band called Hapshash and the Coloured Coat titled their album, “Featuring the Human Host and the Heavy Metal Kids.” It wasn’t until 1968, however, when heavy metal was used to actually describe the genre of rock music that would house legends like Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Iron Butterfly, and Metallica (notice a metal theme?). In the May 1968 issue of Rolling Stone, author Barry Gifford comments on the musical stylings of rock band, Electric Flag: “This is the new soul music, the synthesis of white blues and heavy metal rock.”
The pairing of “heavy” and “metal” to describe the genre originates from the beatnik term “heavy,” meaning profound or powerful, while “metal” insinuated intensity. Thus, heavy metal was a class of music that featured intense sound mixed with powerful lyrics. This was not pop music nor a love ballad.
Heavy metal music has evolved through the ages, but the foundation on which it is based remains the greatest example of what the genre is meant to be. Many of the original heavy metal bands are still the most loved and listened to.
Are you a heavy metal fan? Personally, I enjoy Led Zeppelin, but I can’t say I’m too familiar with many of the other iconic metal bands. Do you think we should design a line of coins dedicated to these rock gods? Let me know your thoughts on heavy metal and which bands (metal or not) show up most often on your playlist!
If you haven’t already seen this week’s new release, check out Garm, the 1 oz Silver Hellhound. I can’t think of a more metal animal than a blood stained, red eyed beast who guards the gates of the underworld. And, enter to win some shiny bullion in our Valentine’s Giveaway and our Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway!
Happy Stacking!
-J
Eric says
-J
I didn’t know any of that about heavy metal music. I too don’t know much other than Led Zeppelin, as Stairway to Heaven was usually the last song played at my high school dances. As a kid, I was never into heavy metal, I preferred Bob Seger and Billy Joel. As an adult I gravitated to beach genre and the likes of Jimmy Buffet, Sunny Jim White, Joe Bennett, Bahama Llama, and Jim Morris (who passed last year, RIP). Ten years ago, I took my wife to the Six String Music Festival in New Orleans to see most of those folks. It was a great time, but then again, I’ve never been to New Orleans when it wasn’t a great time. Anyone who’s never been to New Orleans seriously needs to consider putting that destination on their bucket list!
I agree with some of the other posts, I think album covers would be a better choice, as the little I do know about heavy metal is those folks are not the prettiest people on the planet.
Full disclosure: Last week I wrote that I moved my 401k to an all cash position. On Friday, 13Jan2017 the S&P 500 closed at 2,274.64. On Friday, 10Feb2017 it closed at 2.330.10. At this point I’m not looking all that smart, but I don’t feel all that stupid yet, so I’m going to hold the course as we’re only 23 days into the first 100 and I still think there’s much more downside potential then there’s upside.
All the best,
Eric
Michael Lebinowitz says
Do I think a series of old rock bands would be a good idea?
No.
Now my reason. All those mentioned, NONE of them were visual experiences. It was all sound, lots of it, and the louder the better! These were all really ore MTV and I don’t think 95 out of 100 fans of that era could pick out Jimmy Page from Jimmy Morrison if all they had were pictures. Those people could recognize, honestly, they aren’t the prettiest people you ever saw. Janis Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix, Eric Clapton etc etc etc, none of them were going to win any beauty contest. The other thing about so many of these people, they are dead from serious chemical issues. What one person calls the Gods of Heavy Metal, someone else might call The Dead Druggie Rocker Series.
Just my opinion, YMMV.
ProvidentMetals.com says
Fair points. I don’t think the hair metal bands are all that great to look at 🙂
-J
MintErrors.org says
Personally, I think focusing on the Wild Wild West theme is the way to go. The Provident Metals “Prospector” is unbelievably popular at many coin shows. Too bad that die is not available wholesale.
I think if doing the Heavy Metals collection, concentrate on album covers or a part of a cover which will be more generic and pleasing. The area for design will get filled up quite quickly when details and the Bands name become part of the design.
The only other suggestion is to offer a set of rounds that can be collected as a set. So, let’s say you have an area of 4×5 in rounds to depict a full sized picture of a Heavy Metals Theme. In other words, it takes a roll of silver and 20 different dies to complete this Heavy Metal theme.
The only down side to this is the logistics. The company needs to manufacture 20 dies and the design needs to be comprehensive in a singular sort of way, plus as a complete puzzle picture if you have all 20 pieces. I am sure the 4×5 idea of silver can go across many themes – Including that Wild Wild West theme as well.
I vote for the movie “Heavy Metal” as the first design. It’s all about the future and stacking good ole silver. My latest order of silver arrived today from Elemetal came today. I’ll be watching out for any new cool designs you all come up with. =)
ProvidentMetals.com says
Oh, good idea with the album art! I think “News of the World” would be a very cool round. 😀
-J
Steven says
I can’t say my two choices have anything to do with heavy metal. I would like to see a coin on Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Presley coin. The Boss man and the King of Rock ‘n’ roll perhaps on each side of the same coin.
ProvidentMetals.com says
I totally agree those would be more aesthetic choices. 🙂
-J