The Impact of Quiet Riot’s “Metal Health” Album on Metal Music: Bang Your Head to Relive the Glory Days!
In the early 80s, heavy metal music was at its peak, and Quiet Riot was one of the bands ruling the scene. With their album “Metal Health,” the band changed the course of heavy metal music, and the impact of this album is felt today. Let’s take a closer look at how this album influenced the world of metal and how it has become a cult classic.
The Rise of Heavy Metal Music
Before we delve into the impact of “Metal Health,” let’s take a look at the rise of heavy metal music. Heavy metal music originated in the late 60s and early 70s with bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple, among others. The genre evolved over time with more bands joining the scene and developing their unique style.
In the early 80s, heavy metal music reached its peak. With the emergence of many bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and AC/DC, the genre achieved mainstream success. However, it wasn’t all roses for metal as the rise of punk rock and new wave was overshadowing it. But the scene needed a fresh sound, a new band to bring the genre back to life.
The Impact of “Metal Health”
Quiet Riot’s “Metal Health” album released in 1983 was a breath of fresh air and a perfect solution for the struggling metal scene. The album featured the cover of Slade’s “Cum On Feel the Noize,” which became the band’s only top 40 hit in the US and peaked at number five. It was an instant hit, and the album went on to sell more than six million copies worldwide.
The popularity of the album, especially the cover of “Cum On Feel the Noize” among the casual listeners, was a significant factor in attracting new fans to the metal scene. The album had a polished sound, and the production quality was excellent. It paved the way for the glam metal era that flourished later in the decade, featuring bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, Ratt, and Bon Jovi.
The album’s title track “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” became the band’s anthem, and the song’s catchy chorus became a rallying cry for metalheads worldwide. It’s a song that still manages to get everyone headbanging to this day. The album’s success proved that heavy metal was still relevant and far from dead.
The Legacy of “Metal Health”
“Metal Health” cemented Quiet Riot’s place in the world of heavy metal. The album continues to inspire musicians to this day. Cover versions of “Cum On Feel the Noize” by Oasis and “Metal Health” by Stryper show that the album has left an indelible mark on music.
The success of the album changed the way the music industry approached heavy metal music. Record labels realized that heavy metal music had an enormous commercial potential, and they started signing more bands from the genre. Quiet Riot’s “Metal Health” opened the door for other bands to follow and achieve success not only in the US but also internationally.
Conclusion
Quiet Riot’s “Metal Health” was a game-changer for heavy metal music. The album’s success paved the way for the glam metal era, and its popularity proved that heavy metal was still relevant. The album’s impact on music can still be felt today, as it continues to inspire musicians worldwide. If you’re a metalhead, you should give the album a listen, and it will transport you back to a time when headbanging was life. Rock on!
