Metal’s founding father: Tony Iommi on inspiring thrash titans like Metallica

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As a lifelong fan and devotee of heavy metal, I can confidently say that Tony Iommi is nothing short of a god among men. His pioneering work with Black Sabbath has shaped not only the genre itself but also the very essence of my soul as a music enthusiast.

In a recent chat with Guitar World, legendary Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi discussed how his band impacted the development of thrash metal.

Known as one of the pioneers of heavy metal, Iommi acknowledged that bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax (often referred to as the “Big Four” of thrash) built upon Black Sabbath’s influence to create the intense speed and aggression characteristic of thrash metal. He admired how these groups drew inspiration from Sabbath’s music and transformed it into something original, remarking, “What they achieved with the heavy metal sound, turning it into thrash, was remarkable.” Iommi particularly commended Metallica for their inventiveness and recognition of Sabbath’s impact on heavy music.

Black Sabbath significantly shaped the world of heavy metal music, a fact that’s not up for debate. Originating in Birmingham, England back in 1968, the band was instrumental in creating this genre with their self-titled debut album from 1970. They combined foreboding guitar riffs, somber lyrics, and heavy guitar tones to create a unique sound. Tony Iommi’s groundbreaking guitar style, developed partly due to his adaptation following an injury, paved the way for subgenres such as doom and thrash metal.

Songs such as “Symptom of the Universe” pioneered swift and intense riffs which, along with punk rock, significantly influenced the development of the thrash metal genre. It’s clear they are among those bands that fundamentally transformed the landscape of rock music.

Mutual respect between Black Sabbath and Metallica

During Black Sabbath’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, two passionate admirers of the band, underscored their significant impact. In what might have been one of the Rock Hall’s most heartfelt induction speeches, Hetfield shared a personal story about discovering Sabbath as a shy nine-year-old. He described their music as an expression for emotions he couldn’t verbally convey at the time. He acknowledged Black Sabbath’s “powerful riffs” and dark themes as a fundamental element in Metallica’s unique sound, referring to them as the pioneers of heavy metal music.

Ulrich shared similar thoughts, expressing that the development of heavy metal would be dramatically altered without Black Sabbath. Iommi appreciates Metallica not just for their tunes but also their creative approach, which he describes as akin to Black Sabbath’s early collaborative approach during their initial days together. Both groups have indelibly marked the heavy music scene; Sabbath’s groundbreaking riffs continue to inspire countless metal musicians and fans.

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2024-11-29 22:31