Proto-metal

Proto-metal, a genre emergent in the late 1960s and early 1970s, is characterized by its heavy, distorted guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and often, raw, blues-infused vocals. Born from the convergence of psychedelia, blues-rock, and hard rock, proto-metal marked a pivotal shift towards the heavier, darker sound that would define metal music. During its heyday, proto-metal bands drew from the experimental and countercultural spirit of the era, incorporating elements of folk, jazz, and avant-garde music. The genre's cultural significance lies in its role as a precursor to heavy metal, punk, and stoner rock, influencing a generation of musicians. Notable for its fusion of heavy instrumentation and bluesy sensibilities, proto-metal stands apart from its contemporaries with its emphasis on sonic intensity and rebellious attitude, laying the groundwork for the development of metal's various subgenres.

Strung Out In Hell

Margarita Witch Cult

Album - 9 Tracks - Released July 18, 2025