Metal Rock: The Power, Passion, and Priceless Records
Metal rock, has long been a cornerstone of alternative music culture. Here at Clocktower Records, nestled in the heart of Bridport, we’re proud to stock a diverse selection of metal records. With loud distorted guitar, violent and vigorous vocals, and powerful drums, heavy metal albums should be experienced through analogue records. Whether you’re a seasoned headbanger or testing the heavy metal waters, you’ll find something here at Clocktower to fuel your passion for heavy metal.
Rise and Evolution
The roots of the genre are generally traced back to the mid-1960s, when English bands like Cream and the Yardbirds – along with Jimi Hendrix – pioneered the distorted guitar and heavy drums that differentiated the genre from other kinds of rock. As the decade ticked over to the 1970’s, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath both released their first eponymous albums in 1969 and 1970 respectively, arguably spurring the genre into thunderous motion.
While Black Sabbath is usually credited as spearheading heavy metal, the first use of the phrase in a musical context was in a 1970 Rolling Stone review of Humble Pie’s As Safe As Yesterday Is.
Over the decades, metal has splintered into numerous subgenres, including thrash, doom, death, and black metal. Each has its own distinct sonic and cultural identity. There’s one aspect that’s key to any heavy metal band: a solid drummer. Whether its John Bonham from Led Zeppelin or Dave Lombardo from Slayer, drummers capable of giving powerful, frantic, and thundering performances are a necessity for the genre’s bands.
The heavy metal genre has endured while staying true to its core – a raw expression of emotion and power. In the 1980s, bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Metallica dominated. The 1990s saw the rise of extreme subgenres and bands like Alice in Chains and Machine Head. Now, heavy metal survives in the form of Nu Metal and metalcore. From the more traditional As I Lay Dying to Japanese female trio Babymetal, the metal genre has diversified into new and pioneering territory.
Why Metal Rock Records Can Be Expensive
If you’re an avid collector, you may have noticed that some metal rock records can fetch surprisingly high prices. One reason for this is the limited pressings of early metal albums. Back in the early days of metal, many albums were released in limited quantities – there weren’t many early thrash or death metal bands that could afford large pressings. This scarcity, combined with the genre’s newly large and passionate fanbase, makes original pressings highly sought after.
It’s not just the scarcity and increased popularity of records that has upped the price. As with any vinyl record, condition matters. There’s something to say for the fact that metal records, often played loudly and frequently, are harder to find in pristine condition. Finding a mint copy of an early Black Sabbath album or a first pressing of Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is rare, and collectors are willing to pay a premium for these gems.
Albums That Command a Premium Price
Here are just a few examples of metal rock records that can fetch a high price on the collectors’ market:
Black Sabbath – Master of Reality: First UK pressings of this iconic album are highly sought.
Iron Maiden – The Soundhouse Tapes: One of the rarest Maiden releases, this 1979 EP is a holy grail for fans.
Bathory – Self-titled Debut Album: Original pressings of Bathory’s first album are rare, especially in mint condition.
Why Metal Rock Still Resonates Today
Despite being born from a counterculture of the past, metal rock continues to resonate with new generations of fans. Part of the appeal lies in its authenticity – metal is unafraid to tackle dark themes, confront societal issues, or express raw, unfiltered emotion. For many, it serves as a cathartic release, a way to channel frustrations and connect with a community of like-minded people.
Discover Rock at Clocktower Records
If you’re looking to expand your collection or find that elusive rare pressing, Clocktower Records Bridport is the perfect place to start. Whether you’re after a precious first pressing of a classic or the latest sounds from Nu Metal, our knowledgeable and friendly staff can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
So, next time you’re in Bridport, swing by the shop and get digging for your next prized heavy metal record. You never know – you might just stumble upon that priceless record you’ve been searching for.https://clocktowerrecords.co.uk/buy-vinyl-records-at-clocktower-records-your-ultimate-destination-for-music/
