Heavy metal is a genre of music characterized by aggressive and powerful sound, fast tempo, and often dark and introspective lyrics. Defined by its use of heavily distorted guitars, driving rhythms, and growling or screaming vocals, metal originated in the late 1960s and 1970s with bands drawing inspiration from blues, psychedelia, and hard rock. The genre gained mainstream popularity in the 1980s with the rise of thrash metal, a subgenre marked by fast tempo and shredding guitar solos. Metal has had a significant cultural impact, providing a platform for rebellion and self-expression, particularly among youth. It has also branched out into various subgenres, such as power metal, doom metal, and nu metal, incorporating elements from other styles like punk, classical, and electronic music. What sets metal apart is its sonic intensity, lyrical complexity, and theatricality, making it a distinct and enduring force in the music world.

Dobson: Shift III. On Hope and Momentum

Simon Dobson•

Peter Moore

Single - Released March 7, 2025