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.

Ozzy Metal Family Tree