Ep 3. Early Metal Part 2: UK Division

In the third episode of Metal Evolution season 1, entitled Early Metal Part 2: UK Division, the focus is squarely on the United Kingdom and its contributions to the evolution of heavy metal. Host and narrator Sam Dunn continues his exploration of the genre's roots, tracing the early "proto-metal" sound to the UK and the influence of bands like Black Sabbath.

The episode starts with a brief overview of the British music scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which was dominated by the so-called "hard rock" bands, such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Uriah Heep. These bands laid the foundation for the heavier, more aggressive sound that would become known as heavy metal, but it was Black Sabbath who truly paved the way.

Through interviews with music experts and historians, as well as members of bands like Sabbath and Judas Priest, the episode explores Black Sabbath's early days and their impact on the genre. Dunn delves into the band's dark, foreboding sound, which was a stark contrast to the more upbeat, party-friendly rock of their contemporaries. Their influence can be heard in the music of countless other metal bands that followed, and for many fans and musicians, Sabbath is considered to be the godfathers of heavy metal.

The episode then moves on to explore the rise of other British metal bands, including Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. These bands took Sabbath's sound even further, incorporating even more speed and aggression into their music. Again, through interviews with band members and music experts, as well as archival footage, viewers are given a glimpse into the creative process of these bands and how they added their own unique touches to the genre.

One of the key themes of the episode is the struggle that many of these bands faced in terms of gaining mainstream acceptance. The music they were creating was still seen as taboo and rebellious, and many critics dismissed it as nothing more than noise. However, as Dunn points out, the metal community was thriving, with fans around the world eagerly embracing this new sound and culture.

The episode also takes a look at the influence of punk rock on the early British metal scene. While the two genres may seem antithetical, Dunn argues that there was actually a lot of overlap, with both movements embracing the DIY ethos and a sense of rebellion. Bands like Motorhead and Venom emerged from this cross-pollination between punk and metal, creating a raw, aggressive sound that would have a lasting impact on the genre.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a discussion of the impact of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) on the genre. This movement, which emerged in the late '70s and early '80s, saw the rise of bands like Def Leppard, Saxon, and Diamond Head, among others. These bands injected even more melody and accessibility into the metal sound, paving the way for the hair metal bands that would dominate the airwaves in the '80s.

Overall, Early Metal Part 2: UK Division is a fascinating look at the birth and evolution of heavy metal in the UK. Through interviews with key figures in the genre, as well as extensive archival footage, viewers get a sense of the creative energy and rebellious spirit that drove these bands to create such powerful, influential music. Whether you're a die-hard metal fan or simply curious about the history of the genre, this episode is sure to be a fascinating and informative watch.