TMU101 - Introduction to Heavy Metal - Scorpions

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 - Scorpions

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The Scorpions are probably the most famous musical act to hail from the Teutonic--which is saying something once you start digging into the numerous great Metal bands the area produced. They’ve been around since the early 70’s, releasing albums prior to Judas Priest! A true pioneer in the hard rock genre, they sojourned into the glory of Metal for quite a while before trying to keep up with musical fads perpetuated by radio and MTV. Regardless, the Scorpions have a collection of great Metal records that no fan of the genre should overlook.

Your listening assignment…

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In Trance

This album displays the guitar wizardry of one Uli Jon Roth with the waterfalling notes of “Life’s Like A River,” or mechanical noises of “Robot Man,” or fluttering melodies of “Evening Wind.” All of this helped establish the Scorpions at the top of the bill everywhere but the United States. Even so, they still longed for that fire of US dominance, and continued perfecting the power ballad and riff-based rock they would eventually become known for.

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Taken By Force

Here they are, in the late seventies, rocking and taking. This album bounces back and forth between hard rocking riffs and acoustic melodies much like Black Sabbath. Whether it’s the driving speed of “He’s a Woman, She’s a Man,” or the guitar acrobatics of “Sails of Charon,” this album serves as an early foundation into what would become Heavy Metal.

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Blackout

It may have been Love At First Sting that cemented the Scorpions legacy, but this album gives you what you need in Heavy Metal greatness. The cover alone should be enough to inform you of the glass shattering dynamite packed into this album. If that doesn’t do it for you, the opening riff and dive-bomb within the first seconds will keep you from blacking out. Some may argue that the Scorpions weren’t really a Metal band. This album is the only citation one needs to prove otherwise.

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Love At First Sting

This is the album that brought the Scorpions to the big city nights in the United States. Chances are, you’ve been rocked by a hurricane and have still been loved. This album received heavy radio play with its wild rolling Metal and thrilling power ballads. It surpasses being a Heavy Metal staple and is a landmark album in rock history.

Check out the Scorpions’s metal family tree to see who influenced them and some who they have influenced.