Heavy metal—originally known as hard rock—is a hard-edged rock style derived from the blues-based psychedelic rock of the late 1960s. While every metal band is unique, the sound is typically guitar-oriented, placing great emphasis on the lead guitarist. Very loud volumes drive amplifiers to the point of distortion, frequently manipulated by the guitarist for the desired effect, while the vocals are often shouted and have a limited melodic range.
The name
heavy metal
is said to have been...