It is so refreshing, extremely comforting, to know that there are factually dozens of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock bands that MATTER, bashing out their new releases and touring, since the 1970’s and in some instances, the late 1960’s!! So much for critics who cite “shelf life” of Heavy Metal. There are so many legendary Heavy Metal bands out there that are in their 3rd or 4th decade of championing the flag of Metal for all of us Metalheads. I hereby SALUTE the following list of legendary and historical bands that were/still are instrumental in shaping and defining the world of METAL music – as we know it and enjoy it today. I say THANK YOU to these bands! It is my opinion, that these bands are still around today for they are masters of their musical craft. It is my METAL opinion, that each and every one of these bands belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (some bands on this list already are there). I may miss some bands that should be on this list, however feel free to comment on those bands who belong on this HEAVY METAL & HARD ROCK list and they shall be added. The criteria I am using is: The band is Heavy Metal or Hard Rock * The band has been around since the late 1960’s or 1970’s and still are performing as a band or members are doing solo careers and/or recording new material – the band is current. Here is the list (in no particular order), enjoy:
DEEP PURPLE * MOTORHEAD * NAZARETH * BLACK SABBATH(HEAVEN AND HELL) * VAN HALEN * SAXON * AC/DC * TED NUGENT * MISFITS * RUSH * KROKUS * OZZY OSBOURNE * ZZ TOP * QUEEN & PAUL RODGERS * JUDAS PRIEST * CHEAP TRICK * IRON MAIDEN * ROBERT PLANT * GIRLSCHOOL * FOREIGNER * PAUL STANLEY * LITA FORD * TOMMY SHAW * STYX * DENNIS DEYOUNG * GLENN DANZIG * TWISTED SISTER * WHITESNAKE * HEART * Y&T * SAMMY HAGAR * REO SPEEDWAGON * MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP * UFO * SCORPIONS * UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER * PETER FRAMPTON * JOURNEY * GARY MOORE * ALICE COOPER * MOUNTAIN * KISS * URIAH HEEP *
To compile a complete list on this topic would be rather time consuming and laborious. The point I strive to make here is that as this list proves, quality musicianship coupled with Metal and/or Hard Rock will forever be in demand and last for decades. I have always been a strong believer that the Hard Rock of the late 1960’s and that of the 1970’s helped evolve Heavy Metal into the 1980’s and beyond. I simply cannot help but feel that bands such as Styx, Cheap Trick and Foreigner are relevant to the glorious world of Heavy Metal. I have been won over by these Hard Rock bands that stood the test of time. Listening to Cheap Trick’s “Gonna Raise Hell” from the “Dream Police” album is all the proof I need to hear in regards to any relevance to Heavy Metal. The same holds true for me in regards to “Renegade” by Styx and “Double Vision” by Foreigner. If these same songs were written today, would they have the same historical significance of “shaping Heavy Metal”? I believe the answer is no. These Hard Rock bands and their songs were born in the 1970’s, at a time when there were no multiple genres of Metal.
To make an analogy, in professional sports, athletes and fans are always reminded to be reverent of the past sports teams and athletes who helped shape and change their respective sport for the better. I definitely admire, respect and continue to listen to these bands that helped Metal evolve. By no means do I ignore or disregard the Heavy Metal and Hard Rock bands of yesteryear that for one reason or another disbanded and are no longer current. This article is a celebration of quality Heavy Metal and Hard Rock bands that have persevered, stood the test of time through the Disco era, the PMRC and their silly “parental advisory stickers”, the changing cultural and economic climates over the decades, with little or no help from the mainstream media and yet these bands still exist in 2009! I praise all of these bands and say to them all – WELL DONE!
I highly recommend, to any METAL fan, especially Power Metal fans, FIREWIND. Gus G. is the lead guitarist and writes the music. Wow, what an incredible listen is Gus G.! Sure, Gus G. plays fast, yet there is so much melody in the music of Firewind, Gus G. is to me, one of those lead guitarists that makes his guitar actually sing! I always felt, that the trademark of a great lead guitarist is having established a signature sound, standing out from the crowd. Gus G. in my METAL opinion, does just that. Power Metal always and forever will grab my attentive METAL ears. Firewind delivers mightily on the keyboards, catchy hooks, flamboyant vocals, psyche you up chorus and speedy and melodic guitar with a thunderous rhythm section. If you are interested in Firewind, I suggest you check out “The Premonition”, (released in 2008), it is an essential Power Metal listen. “Mercenary Man” is one strong song, I find it so powerful that it is a Power Metal statement! Gus G. plays the daylights out of his guitar here and lead vocalist Apollo Papathanasio is for me outstanding. Every song on “The Premonition” sounds extremely incredible for me. Firewind does a cover of “Maniac”, (the 1980’s dance tune), making this song obviously heavier and profoundly better! “My Loneliness” is a power ballad that fits right into the mix of songs, lyrically this song stands out and musically glistens with all things Power Metal. I really feel no fan of Power Metal can serve themselves wrong by owning a copy of “The Premonition”.
What makes this such a fun thought is this list can change by the day. I guess it always depends on your METAL mood, yet for now, this list of METAL CD’s would make my ears very comfy. Now, would it be fun to be abducted by a UFO, my answer is a solid no. I can easily be satisfied with this list of METAL CD’s while stranded on a remote tropical island. Now, some may ask – would you have the means to listen to these great METAL CD’s while being stranded? My answer is: Yes. I would have a lifetime supply of batteries waiting for me on the remote planet or tropical island where I am stranded. These batteries would power up my portable CD player, which also has headphones.
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.