Album Rating: 4.0

Even Led Zeppelin were considered metal at the time, but they were really just the heaviest hard rock band

Using the words "heavy metal" in a song's lyrics in a way that doesn't relate to music genres at all hardly makes a band originators of a genre.

Referring to Steppenwolf obviously.

Album Rating: 4.0

Its about sound rather than lyrics. Any band could use the term heavy metal in a song

Exactly. But it's not like Steppenwolf were doing anything different lyrically anyway. People just picked up on a particular choice of words.

Album Rating: 4.0

I'd always thought that the first heavy metal song was "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks

Album Rating: 4.0

It was the first one that had a heavy riff, yeah

Album Rating: 4.0

@Baron: You're surprised I liked this? I'm surprised that you're surprised.

Album Rating: 4.0

Ars do you jam any other 70's stuff? I think I've only seen you in Zappa and Sabbath threads

Album Rating: 4.0

@MrSirLordGentleman: Zappa, Sabbath, Zeppelin, Yes, Bowie, Beefheart, Stevie Wonder, Floyd, I heard 1 Camel album, heard 1 Can album.

Guys, where would Vanilla Fudge and Blue Cheer fit in all this? Can we call them proto-metal?

Album Rating: 4.0

Definitely. Vanilla Fudge were heavy psych

The Vanilla Fudge debut needs a review hard.

Album Rating: 4.0

Should have had one long ago

I think Blue Cheer's debut is their only reviewed album atm. Both bands were key in laying the precedents for these guys and Purple.

Also, Fudge had the legendary Vinnie Appice, who ended up playing with these guys on MR. Funny, given that Fudge influenced these guys.

Album Rating: 4.0

Their first album has some greats moments

It's not that impressive, but is worth looking into for the historical relevance it had. Plus, Appice does a fine job on it.

Album Rating: 4.0

Nope, Carmine Appice was on VF, Vinnie's old brother

Album Rating: 4.0

Thats was Vinny's brother Carmine Appice

Shit, I got 'em confused.