The Genesis of Metal: My First Metal Song Journey

Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, my musical journey was a peculiar mix of influences, starting with folk music. My parents' tastes shaped young me, but as I entered middle and high school, the landscape changed dramatically. I found myself immersed in the cacophony of rock bands long before I discovered the driving power of heavy metal. However, it was a solitary song and a friend's recommendation that altered the course of my music interests.

My Early Exposure to Heavy Metal

One of the most pivotal moments in my life was when I encountered “Kickstart My Heart” by Motley Crue while playing my PlayStation 2’s all-time favorite racing game, Gran Turismo 3 (GT3). I had no idea this song would later become iconic, leading me down a path that eventually demystified heavy metal for me.

Transitioning from Folk to Heavy Metal

Living in a predominantly rural area, my exposure to music was limited to what my friends and I could procure from a record store an hour away. This wasn’t just a means of entertainment; it was our gateway into understanding and appreciating a new genre. My first experience with heavy metal was a formative one. My friend introduced me to the Swiss extreme metal pioneers, Hellhammer, and their album Triumph of Death. The thud of the drums and the groans of the guitar resonated deeply within me, pushing me away from my preconceived notions about the genre.

Expanding Horizons with More Introspective Metal

After that initial exposure, I delved deeper into the nuances of metal. Songs like "Intruder" by Hellhammer and classics of the era such as "Killing in the Name" by Rage Against the Machine and "Under the Blade" by Swallow the Sun, began to shape my perspective. The heavy and melodic quality of tracks by bands like Slayer, Venom, and Blue Oyster Cult started to resonate with me. These bands combined fantasy and satanic elements, a perfect match for my burgeoning interest in swords and sorcery literature and hardcore punk.

From Pop-oriented Metal to Mainstream Heavy Metal

While my early tastes were more pop-oriented, my tastes matured as time passed. After my friend moved away, it was the college years that marked the entry into mainstream heavy metal. Influenced by the likes of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Black Sabbath, I embraced a more traditional and powerful form of the genre. The albums and concerts I attended during these years underscored the impact of heavy metal on my life.

A Personal Musical Struggle

Despite my love for heavy metal, my personal journey as a musician has been less populated with success. Learning an instrument, especially at a later age, has been a challenge. The iconic “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” remains elusive, and the struggle of consistent practice has only propelled me further to appreciate the complexity of music. If I could go back, I might have started earlier to avoid the roadblocks presented by both middle age and arthritis.

Reflecting on my journey, the transition from folk to heavy metal was a significant shift, marked by the pivotal role of Hellhammer's Triumph of Death. Music, in its broadest sense, has been a constant companion in my life, and I look forward to exploring more of its dimensions.