Ep 1. Pre-Metal

In the opening episode of Metal Evolution season 1, viewers are taken on a journey back in time to explore the roots of heavy metal music and its evolution from various musical genres that precede it.

Host Sam Dunn delves into the early days of rock ‘n’ roll and R&B, showcasing how artists like Chuck Berry and Little Richard paved the way for the heavy, distorted guitar sounds that would later become synonymous with metal. Dunn also highlights the importance of blues music in shaping the genre, pointing out how artists like Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters influenced many of the early metal bands.

Moving forward in time, the episode examines the rise of experimental bands like Blue Cheer and The Jimi Hendrix Experience, whose use of distortion and feedback took the sound of rock in a new direction. Dunn also notes the impact of early hard rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, whose heavy, riff-driven music helped to lay the foundation for metal as we know it today.

Throughout the episode, Dunn interviews a variety of musicians and industry experts to get their take on the evolution of metal. These include Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister, who speaks about his early influences and the role his band played in shaping the genre; Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider, who discusses the societal backlash against heavy metal in the 1980s; and producer Bob Ezrin, who shares his insights on the recording process for classic metal albums.

Viewers are also treated to rare archival footage of early metal bands like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Iron Maiden, as well as interviews with trailblazing musicians like Tony Iommi and Ritchie Blackmore.

Overall, episode 1 of Metal Evolution offers a fascinating exploration of the early days of metal, tracing its roots back to various musical genres that came before it and highlighting the influence of key artists and bands along the way. With its passionate host, insightful interviews, and rare archival footage, this episode sets the stage for an impressive exploration of the evolution of one of the most iconic and influential genres of modern music.