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.