Hard rock is a subgenre of rock music that is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and loud drums. The roots of hard rock can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s when several bands began to experiment with a heavier sound. While there is no one individual or band that can be credited with starting hard rock music, there were several bands that helped to popularize the genre and pave the way for future bands to follow.
One of the earliest bands that can be considered as having a significant influence on hard rock music was Led Zeppelin. The band’s combination of heavy guitar riffs, bluesy solos, and powerful vocals helped to set the template for what would become the sound of hard rock. Led Zeppelin’s influence can be heard in the music of many bands that followed, including Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and AC/DC.
Another influential band from this time period was Black Sabbath. The band’s dark, heavy sound, and lyrics about death and the occult helped to set the tone for the emerging hard rock genre. Black Sabbath’s debut album, released in 1970, is considered by many to be the first true hard rock album.
Deep Purple was another influential band from this time period. The band’s combination of hard rock with classical music elements helped to create a unique sound that would go on to influence many bands in the genre. Deep Purple’s most famous song, “Smoke on the Water,” is considered to be one of the most recognizable riffs in hard rock history.
Other notable bands from this time period include AC/DC, Judas Priest, and Kiss. These bands helped to popularize the hard rock sound and bring it to a wider audience. As the genre continued to evolve, bands such as Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, and Metallica would take the sound of hard rock in new and exciting directions.
In conclusion, while there is no one individual or band that can be credited with starting hard rock music, there were several bands that helped to popularize the genre and pave the way for future bands to follow. Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, AC/DC, Judas Priest, and Kiss were all instrumental in shaping the sound of hard rock and bringing it to a wider audience. As the genre continues to evolve, it is clear that hard rock music will continue to play an important role in the world of rock music. The sources used for this article include Rolling Stone, AllMusic, and The Guardian.
