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Heavy metal, also known as simply metal, is a genre of music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the United States and United Kingdom. It is characterized by loud distorted electric guitars, thundering drums, and forceful, often masculine vocal styles. The genre has also been called hard rock, though this term is generally used to refer to the lighter, catchier subgenre that developed out of the original metal music.

Heavy metal music typically employs a loud, heavy, powerful sound, in both guitar playing and singing. The lyrics and performance style of heavy metal music often have bold, direct, and assertive natures. In some cases, the lyrics of heavy metal express frustration and displeasure with social or political topics.

Some of the most well-known heavy metal bands include Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest,