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Compare

Two genres, side by side. The ratings are editorial judgements on a ten-point scale, not measurements. Where they come out level, the difference is in the prose underneath them.

First genre

First wave1981

Second genre

Traditional heavy metal1976

Head to headFirst wave vs Traditional heavy metal
First wave: heaviness 8, melody 5, speed 8. Traditional heavy metal: heaviness 7, melody 9, speed 6.Heaviness8 / 7Melody5 / 9Speed8 / 6
Each corner is a ten-point rating. The further out, the higher.

The difference, by ear

Mercyful Fate are on this list and are technically far more accomplished than the rest of it - traditional metal's musicianship with the occult content that made them influential here.

Traditional heavy metal is sung cleanly where first wave is growled or screamed, and slower: 120 to 170 bpm against 160 to 220. To hear the difference, play Venom next to Judas Priest. They share a root in heavy metal, and traditional heavy metal came first, by five years. United Kingdom appears in the origins of both.

Put together from each genre's vocals, tempo, song length, key acts and place in the tree.

In figures

Heaviness
First wave8
Traditional heavy metal7
−1
Speed
First wave8
Traditional heavy metal6
−2
Melody
First wave5
Traditional heavy metal9
+4

First wave

1981 · UK / Sweden / Switzerland

Where it sits

Heavy metal › Black metal › First wave

In short

The bands that supplied the name and the themes, while still playing speed or thrash metal. Venom released the album that christened the genre.

How it sounds

  • Speed or thrash metal structures rather than black metal proper.
  • Chaotic production, with volume and distortion beyond what the tape could hold.
  • Satanic or occult themes, often theatrical.

Key acts

  • Venom
  • Bathory
  • Hellhammer
  • Mercyful Fate

Start here

The pickBathory - Bathory. Recorded on almost no budget, and it sounds like another planet.

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Traditional heavy metal

1976 · UK / USA · 2 subgenres

Where it sits

Heavy metal › Traditional heavy metal

In short

The classic form: high vocals, twin lead guitars, choruses to raise a fist to. Leather and studs.

How it sounds

  • High vocals with controlled vibrato and sustained top notes.
  • Two lead guitars harmonising and trading solos.
  • Singalong choruses, medium to fast tempos, epic or motivational lyrics.

Key acts

  • Judas Priest
  • Dio
  • Manowar
  • Accept

Start here

The pickJudas Priest - Sad Wings of Destiny. Before the leather, and already perfect.

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