Origins

From tales of torture chambers whispered in dusty corners of history to the roar of sold-out stadiums, one name echoes through the ages: Iron Maiden.

Before corpse paint and church burnings, there was Venom – a band that laid the groundwork for metal’s most extreme subgenre, whether they intended to or not.

Metallica’s history is filled with iconic bassists, but who came first? Ron McGovney, the band’s original bassist, often gets overlooked.

Before djent became a buzzword, there was Meshuggah. Their uncompromising vision, technical mastery, and willingness to shatter expectations cemented their place not just as originators, but as true revolutionaries of metal.

For years, their music was traded on worn-out tapes, whispered about in underground circles. Repulsion were the stuff of legend, their album “Horrified” a holy grail for those who craved the most extreme sounds imaginable.

From the raw vocals to the relentless guitar riffs, “No Life ‘Til Leather” serves as a time capsule of Metallica’s beginnings. This demo, a pivotal piece in the band’s history, showcases the moment when four young musicians set the foundation for what would become a legendary career in metal.

The moment the first chord of “No Life ‘Til Leather” hit, something in Scott Ian clicked. This wasn’t just music; it was a manifesto. A manifesto that spoke to him, urging Anthrax to rise, evolve, and conquer new musical heights.

What started as strumming guitars and beating drums for kicks in a garage, evolved into Body Count’s meteoric rise to fame. This group of high school friends, led by Ice-T and Ernie C, transformed their weekend hobby into a groundbreaking fusion of rap and metal.

Behind the heavy riffs and dark themes of Black Sabbath lies the genius of Tony Iommi. His ability to turn adversity into innovation created a sound that became the backbone of heavy metal.

Agnostic Front, rising from the gritty streets of Lower East Side, became the voice of a generation. Their relentless riffs and poignant lyrics crafted the soundtrack of New York Hardcore.

From their first raw rehearsals to their debut gig, their journey was not just about music — it was the birth of a legacy.

Ever wonder how a bunch of guys from different walks of life and with a bit of school rivalry ended up forming one of the biggest heavy metal bands? It all started with a simple ad in a record store.

In the bustling industrial city of Birmingham, England, a musical revolution quietly began in 1968. Four young men, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, crossed paths, unknowingly about to make history.

When we talk about the band Lamb of God, it’s easy to picture their heavy riffs and intense stage presence. But there’s an interesting backstory to this band that many might not know. Once upon a time, Lamb of God went by a different name – Burn the Priest.

In the electric haze of New York City’s 1980s music scene, a unique fusion was taking shape within the walls of the Parsons School of Design. Here, Rob Zombie and Sean Yseult, two art students intertwined in romance and creativity, birthed White Zombie, a band that would redefine the contours of metal music.

Goregrind, with its raw fusion of grindcore intensity and death metal’s dark themes, pushes the limits of metal music. This extreme genre, pioneered by Carcass, captivates a niche global audience with its unique blend of brutal vocals and visceral themes.

Formed in 1969 amidst the gritty backdrop of Birmingham, England, Judas Priest’s early days were marred by tragedy and lineup changes, leading up to the significant moment in 1973 when vocalist Rob Halford joined. This shift not only marked a new beginning for the band but also set the stage for their ascent as heavy metal icons.

In 1984, amidst the societal upheaval of post-dictatorship Brazil, the Cavalera brothers formed Sepultura. Their journey from the raw streets of Belo Horizonte to metal legends was fueled by a blend of aggression, political unrest, and a fierce DIY ethos.

Born from the gritty streets of 1980s England, crust punk became a voice for political dissent and social change, using its harsh, unrefined sound to challenge mainstream culture and promote a DIY, anti-consumerist lifestyle.

The story behind Angus Young’s schoolboy uniform is a compelling narrative of self-expression and stagecraft. How did a simple outfit redefine the visual and performance style of one of rock’s most enduring figures?