Collection: Proto-Metal

Proto-Metal is a transitional genre that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, bridging the gap between hard rock and the emergence of heavy metal. Characterized by its heavier, more aggressive sound compared to traditional rock music, Proto-Metal laid the groundwork for the metal genre's future development. It often features distorted guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and intense drumming. The genre encompasses a wide range of influences, including the raw energy of Protopunk, which infused a rebellious, DIY ethos into the evolving metal sound. More recently, the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM) has revived many Proto-Metal elements, blending classic metal aesthetics with modern production techniques to create a nostalgic yet fresh take on the genre. Proto-Metal's influence can be heard in numerous subgenres of metal and continues to inspire musicians seeking to capture the essence of metal's formative years.

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