TMU101 - Introduction to Heavy Metal - Dio

Welcome to the genesis of The Metal University! This class is the introduction to the greatest genre of music ever: Heavy Metal. The goal of this class is to provide the student a list of bands whose albums will give them a basic understanding of Heavy Metal. This class was designed for the uninitiated in mind, and covers what can be considered the basics and classics. This is not meant as a definitive guide to Heavy Metal, but a starting point on a grand, epic journey. This is only the beginning!

Introduction to Heavy Metal - Dio

Dio is Italian for “God,” and that should be all you need to know. … Okay, he also sang for Black Sabbath after Ozzy’s departure. And, he sang in a supergroup founded by some banjo player that inspired no one to pick up a guitar, ever. We’re not here to argue which version of Sabbath was better; they’re both awesome. We’re here to discover the who’s who of Heavy Metal, and Ronnie James Dio belongs on this list. His solo band rose to prominence in the 1980’s, receiving radio play until MTV ruined everything. Seemingly following Ozzy again, Dio enlisted a trio of great musicians to realize his vision.

Your listening assignment…

Holy Diver

This debut made everyone stand up, shout, and take notice of the dynamite that was Dio. With Metal masterpieces piercing us straight through the heart coupled with radio rock anthems that tried to force Metalheads to talk to strangers, this album is an auto-include for any rock fan. You’d have to be left out on your own in a cave to have not experienced the magic that is “Rainbow in the Dark.”

Last In Line

In case anyone thought Dio was going to be a one hit wonder, they rocked back with a great sophomore effort. By the opening force that was Vinny Apice and Vivian Campbell, wasn’t going to leave the chains off. Don’t be the last in line to learn of this Metal greatness. Speed at night if you have (just don’t get caught) to immerse your ears in this evil yet divine cacophony of sonic superiority.

Sacred Heart

Some could argue that Ronnie James Dio was vying for king of rock and roll. Instead, he was hungry for the heaven that is Heavy Metal glory, releasing what might be the best Dio album ever. The production got bumped a bit too, giving us biting distorted guitars, and pounding drums and bass. The heavy songs were heavier. The ballads had more power. It was as evil and divine as the rock and roll children could deliver.

Dream Evil

Exit the chops of Vivian Campbell, and enter Craig Goldy, who would stick with Dio for nearly every album until the end. Not to be left naked in the rain, Goldy’s guitaring was perfect for the Dio sound, keeping the crisp bite that had come to define the band. One thing I’ve failed to mention is Jimmy Bain’s galloping bass refusing to hide from the light. In a genre where bass gets blurred, Dio has been content to keep the bass audible nearly to the par of Iron Maiden. Again, this album is packed with what made great music in the 1980’s: headbanging hits, epic radio ballads, and Metal masterpieces.

Check out the Dio metal family tree if you haven’t yet.

TMU101 - Introduction to Heavy Metal - Judas Priest

Welcome to the genesis of The Metal University! This class is the introduction to the greatest genre of music ever: Heavy Metal. The goal of this class is to provide the student a list of bands whose albums will give them a basic understanding of Heavy Metal. This class was designed for the uninitiated in mind, and covers what can be considered the basics and classics. This is not meant as a definitive guide to Heavy Metal, but a starting point on a grand, epic journey. This is only the beginning!

Introduction to Heavy Metal - Judas Priest

Forged out of Metal from chaos to divinity, Judas Priest rose to become the Metal Gods. They took what Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin had created, but shunned folk rock in favor of a twin guitar attack focused on delivering the goods. Simply put: Judas Priest ARE Heavy Metal. Anyone that thinks differently is a poseur, and that person’s opinion about anything can’t be trusted. They debuted in 1973, but it wasn’t until their second album when the groundwork of what it takes to be Metal was established.

Your listening assignment…

Sad Wings

First thing one notices is the guitar tone falls between the dominating heaviness of Sabbath and the dreamy melody of Zeppelin. This changing between ripping riffs enjoyable epitaphs continues to be a Priest trademark forty years later. This album was ahead of its time. The production technology almost fails to capture the epic scope of great tunes as Victim of Changes, Ripper, Tyrant, etc. Listening to them live on later records, it’s almost surreal how heavy these early tunes really are. The only sadness about this album is the poor fools who have yet to listen to it.

British Steel

This is likely the Judas Priest you know. Most are aware of Breaking the Law and Living After Midnight. Imagine the surprise of those expecting radio-friendly metallic rock to be greeted by the pounding anvils and grinding riffs of Rapid Fire? That’s to let the listener know Judas Priest are the Metal Gods in spite of radio hits. This album is a great compilation of Heavy Metal masterpieces and pop friendliness so the less initiated can pretend to participate, like the poseurs they are.

Screaming For Vengeance

This album opens with an intro track, the only intro track I have ever given five stars. This is the album where the production finally met the Metallic vengeance Priest had been playing for over a decade. The balance between riff-heavy headbangers and melodic ballads remains. Radio friendly hits are juxtaposed with blistering Metal masterpieces that could knock blood from a stone. Any fan of Metal failing to have this album is defiled in disgrace.

Painkiller

In the late ‘80’s, Priest released an album called “Turbo” that had numerous radio hits. The ‘problem’ for many was the absence of Metal masterpieces. They’d been accused of selling out. Who are these peasants to dare question the Metal Gods? This album was the result of such blasphemy. In the wake of thrash metal and the surge of Pantera, this album drives out faster than a bullet full of fury. I could use witty puns with lyrics and titles all day. All that matters is this: I had a family member tell me Priest used to be good then Turbo ruined them. It took 5 seconds of this album for that fool to realize the grave error in his thinking, and will never question the Metal Gods again. This album will kick your ass from start to finish, including the epic, evil ballad. This album is Scott Travis’ debut, drummer formerly of Racer X. Such thundering hammers hadn’t blessed Priest’s sound since Les Binks in the late 70’s, and are a perfect compliment to the face-melting guitars.

Check out the Judas Priest metal family tree to see who influenced them and some who they have influenced.

TMU101 - Introduction to Heavy Metal - Ozzy

Welcome to the genesis of The Metal University! This class is the introduction to the greatest genre of music ever: Heavy Metal. The goal of this class is to provide the student a list of bands whose albums will give them a basic understanding of Heavy Metal. This class was designed for the uninitiated in mind, and covers what can be considered the basics and classics. This is not meant as a definitive guide to Heavy Metal, but a starting point on a grand, epic journey. This is only the beginning!

Introduction to Heavy Metal - Ozzy Osbourn

If you don’t know, this is the Godfather of Heavy Metal. He’s had festivals named after him, and his songs receive constant radio play. He was a tabloid favorite in the 1980’s for biting bats, excessive drug use, and unbelievable road stories from bands that thought they were ‘about that life.’ His trademark vocals continue with a rotating lineup of musicians, many of which achieved legendary status in their own right. Despite complaints that his solo output might not be “as Metal” as his offerings with Black Sabbath, Ozzy’s discography undoubtedly offers classic Metal greatness, and accomplished musicians who continue to inspire bands to this day.

Your listening assignment…

Blizzard of Oz

Wine is fine, but whiskey is quicker. This is the album where Ozzy said goodbye to the romance of Black Sabbath and embarked on his solo crazy train. Make no bones about it, this album is overloaded with radio hits and classic Metal. It’s practically mandatory if you want to worship Heavy Metal, and if you don’t have it, chances are one of your parents might...which would make them more Metal than you.

Diary of a Madman

Dear diary, this is my favorite Ozzy album. More radio tunes, more classic Metal greatness, more everything. I think of this album as taking everything that worked on Blizzard and flying even higher over them there mountains. Randy Rhoads is a force or nature here, stealing away from the madness of his frontman making believers of us all.

The Ultimate Sin

Yes, Randy Rhoads (RIP) is no longer manning the guitar. Too many people consider Jake E. Lee the secret loser of Ozzy’s guitarists, which is an ultimate sin. Every guitarist has been a killer of giants. This album came out in the middle of hairspray and makeup, and it shows. Ozzy and crew took a shot in the dark to stay relevant to the masses, merging classic Metal with the stylings of the time to, thank God, give us a bomb.

No Rest for the Wicked

Decided Jake wasn’t so bad? Well, now he’s gone. Ozzy, being the miracle man he is, pulls the crazy baby Zakk Wylde from obscurity. In a time where Metallica and Megadeth were gaining notoriety, Ozzy stepped up and erased the glamorous tint that came before with a bloodbath in paradise. Ozzy sings that he may not be a hero, but he became one in the annals of Heavy Metal by this point.

TMU101 - Introduction to Heavy Metal - Black Sabbath

Welcome to the genesis of The Metal University! This class is the introduction to the greatest genre of music ever: Heavy Metal. The goal of this class is to provide the student a list of bands whose albums will give them a basic understanding of Heavy Metal. This class was designed for the uninitiated in mind, and covers what can be considered the basics and classics. This is not meant as a definitive guide to Heavy Metal, but a starting point on a grand, epic journey. This is only the beginning!

Introduction to Heavy Metal - Black Sabbath

What is this that stands before you? It’s the introduction to Heavy Metal, the best genre of music ever! Black Sabbath is the band that started it all, so naturally they are a great band for introducing Heavy Metal music. Guitarist Tony Iommi laid proper foundation for the most important thing any Metal song must have: the riff. Bill Ward’s driving drums, Geezer Butler’s heavy low end, and Ozzy Osbourne’s eerie vocals separated the band from hard rock into uncharted greatness. These albums cover the original lineup creating the greatest music genre.

Your listening assignment…

Black Sabbath

As the first Heavy Metal album, it’s a bona fide classic with a handful of songs which received radio play and cover tunes by modern bands. This was a taste of the destruction to come.

Paranoid

Released not long after Black Sabbath, this record continues forging the furnace that is Heavy Metal. Songs from this album have also received considerable amounts of radio play and band coverage. Another must for any Metal fan.

Master of Reality

The riffs continue as we get another solid offering of Heavy Metal classics. I could repeat myself regarding this album, but I won’t. I will say my favorite Black Sabbath song is on this album.

Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

At this stage of the game, Black Sabbath have cemented their sound: heavy riffs with light, intricate interludes. While the rest of the music world was preaching peace and love, Black Sabbath was offering blood & death.