The first metal rock song is widely considered to be "Helter Skelter" by The Beatles, released in 1968 on their self-titled album (commonly known as the "White Album"). While The Beatles are not typically associated with the heavy metal genre, "Helter Skelter" is often cited as one of the earliest songs to incorporate elements of heavy metal, such as distorted guitars, a heavy sound, and a chaotic energy.
Context and Influence
- "Helter Skelter" was recorded during the sessions for the "White Album" and was intended by Paul McCartney to be a loud and chaotic track.
- The song's raw and heavy sound has been credited with influencing early heavy metal bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple, who further developed and popularized the genre.
Other Early Contributions
While "Helter Skelter" is often cited as the first metal rock song, other early contributions to the genre include:
Blue Cheer - "Summertime Blues" (1968):
- Blue Cheer's cover of "Summertime Blues" is another early example of a song with heavy metal elements, featuring distorted guitars and a loud, aggressive sound.
Steppenwolf - "Born to Be Wild" (1968):
- Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" is often associated with the early days of heavy metal and hard rock, with its heavy guitar riffs and rebellious lyrics.
The Kinks - "You Really Got Me" (1964):
- Although not strictly a metal song, "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks features a distorted guitar sound that influenced early heavy metal bands.
Conclusion
While "Helter Skelter" by The Beatles is often cited as the first metal rock song, other early contributions from bands like Blue Cheer, Steppenwolf, and The Kinks also played a significant role in the development of the heavy metal genre. These early songs laid the foundation for the heavy metal sound that would become more defined and popularized in the 1970s.