article JJ's Bizarre Blog #79 - Kingdom of Music Part 2 - How British Steel Was Forged in Community Blog

article JJ's Bizarre Blog #79 - Kingdom of Music Part 2 - How British Steel Was Forged in Community Blog https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-79-Kingdom-of-Music-Part-2-How-British-Steel/ba-p/7452164 <P><SPAN>Greetings, salutations and welcome back! It's time for the second half of the mighty megablog about the music of the United Kingdom! In the <A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-78-Kingdom-of-Music-Part-1-Britannia-Rules-the/ba-p/7436195" target="_self">previous part</A>, we covered an immense diversity of sounds and ideas and how these have had an immense impact on the music of the entire world. But if all that weren't enough, there is one British-born phenomenon that is unlike anything else in the history of music. Allow me to tell you how one crazy idea by a bunch of eccentric Birmingham teens created one of the most recognizable and passionate fanbases in the world, this of course being heavy metal! Without further ado, let's dive in!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <P><A href="spotify:track:2ISPUUp4pzssWuR2Ic09vR:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2ISPUUp4pzssWuR2Ic09vR:small</A> </P> <P><A href="spotify:track:5Cxxh3q7bNWV0RE8ys1ScU:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5Cxxh3q7bNWV0RE8ys1ScU:small</A> </P> <P><A href="spotify:track:4Alx3P79IVFjAwaqNR2ibQ:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4Alx3P79IVFjAwaqNR2ibQ:small</A> </P> <P><A href="spotify:track:7hf0X6r7aRB8eh5kpBvkFN:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7hf0X6r7aRB8eh5kpBvkFN:small</A> </P> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>To understand how metal was born, we need to trace the source of the river. Fundamentally, it's a subgenre of rock music and as luck would have it, the UK has had no shortage of amazing talent across any genre of rock imaginable! We already covered much of the more popular ones in the first part, including the British invasion beat sound, soft rock, pop rock and more. Beyond that, there's been plenty of hard rock, rock 'n' roll, psychedelic rock and much more with names such as Dire Straits, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Cream, The Yardbirds just to name a few achieving legendary status worldwide! When the Brits get a hold of guitars, magic happens! </SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:4nFNJmjfgBF7jwv2oBC45b:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4nFNJmjfgBF7jwv2oBC45b:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:1ydZRag9jS1VAXcUs8DAu9:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1ydZRag9jS1VAXcUs8DAu9:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:0PNt5WTw092eED0ru9SuIp:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0PNt5WTw092eED0ru9SuIp:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="31px"><A href="spotify:track:4CNL4GBNTdVIU5Nk6hB4LC:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4CNL4GBNTdVIU5Nk6hB4LC:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="31px"><A href="spotify:track:77wOpffkkQtZpdrvhPKbFq:small" target="_self">spotify:track:77wOpffkkQtZpdrvhPKbFq:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="31px"><A href="spotify:track:1kgdslQYmeTR4thk9whoRw:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1kgdslQYmeTR4thk9whoRw:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:2hjAc6x8EoSLhGxRNg8KEw:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2hjAc6x8EoSLhGxRNg8KEw:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:69P1kjXbkuzJNBY32Vr70e:small" target="_self">spotify:track:69P1kjXbkuzJNBY32Vr70e:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:0GxV3poTM7Z7fKSUqy5qFw:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0GxV3poTM7Z7fKSUqy5qFw:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>One of the most crucial components of the British rock sphere was the amazing progressive rock movement born in the 60s. We were blessed with a whole litany of bands like  King Crimson, Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull, Genesis, Procol Harum, Marillion and many more, all producing long, complex compositions with multiple movements, exquisite musicianship, infusions of folk and classical elements, metaphorical lyrics, concept albums and more. Some even got pretty heavy and quite bizarre. This produced an elevated, more intellectual rock experience that inspired many and became a quintessential aspect of British music in the decade! Once again, the unusual managed to captivate the masses and achieve great fanfare! The prog rock movement greatly expanded what was possible within the confines of guitar-driven rock, showing it could be far more than just short, catchy tunes for the radio and the dancehalls. Naturally, this open-minded approach would go on to inspire countless!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:39AAt95Ts6PIHgMJfnHTNr:small" target="_self">spotify:track:39AAt95Ts6PIHgMJfnHTNr:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:466C6kwoJHLUJ8VHG98hCY:small" target="_self">spotify:track:466C6kwoJHLUJ8VHG98hCY:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2Zb1oaMRMUsyagT6gKV9TV:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2Zb1oaMRMUsyagT6gKV9TV:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1FRi4xi7dnViWnxatYwnxh:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1FRi4xi7dnViWnxatYwnxh:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:4Yw37wsXSsz5V61IBS8cYh:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4Yw37wsXSsz5V61IBS8cYh:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:7fJ336lpndYK0Kn1tLPmGC:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7fJ336lpndYK0Kn1tLPmGC:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3mIFvPNCRsSPh1SyJM3l0A:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3mIFvPNCRsSPh1SyJM3l0A:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0GSNE8polfFfxGWnyx4knV:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0GSNE8polfFfxGWnyx4knV:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:7DsQgIwg23u9gooCxkRTu3:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7DsQgIwg23u9gooCxkRTu3:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2QSuqxALyh7JFoQEBxyo0H:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2QSuqxALyh7JFoQEBxyo0H:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:4Ok5k67CmcMwqTjYyqyR48:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4Ok5k67CmcMwqTjYyqyR48:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2bOMgHIlgr7wcPN3LSK9Rq:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2bOMgHIlgr7wcPN3LSK9Rq:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>Of course, no other progressive rock band of the era has achieved the success of Pink Floyd! Through their brilliant songwriting, unparalleled musicianship from all members and genius lyricism dealing with powerful subjects both personal and societal, they became a cultural institution! Many of their albums remain some of the finest pieces of music ever produced! David Gilmour and Roger Waters became a songwriting duo to rival Lennon and McCartney and their work was instrumental in bringing progressive rock to the masses and helping open the gate to many, so that they can discover an entire new world of music!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3TO7bbrUKrOSPGRTB5MeCz:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3TO7bbrUKrOSPGRTB5MeCz:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5HNCy40Ni5BZJFw1TKzRsC:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5HNCy40Ni5BZJFw1TKzRsC:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6zGFOp6rJZbYSp9DQO5AHY:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6zGFOp6rJZbYSp9DQO5AHY:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3ieDOGcOqVxScs2VZBzidt:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3ieDOGcOqVxScs2VZBzidt:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2dxfyqdrI8XVOT3H1YcOsU:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2dxfyqdrI8XVOT3H1YcOsU:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0OtkNB4TnTzrlid4zipYDV:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0OtkNB4TnTzrlid4zipYDV:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>All of this amazing music would reach the ears of a certain bunch of weirdos in the underground scenes of Birmingham. The guitarist would lose his fingers in an accident, forcing him to play lower, slower and with different techniques. The vocalist would channel his love of horror films and the occult into some dark and macabre lyrics unlike anything else heard before. And the bassist and drummer would bring their love of blues to form one of the finest rhythm sections ever. This band would be known as Black Sabbath and this new sound would be known as <A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-25-Reforging-the-Metal-Tempered-Steel-Edition/ba-p/5979731" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heavy metal</A>! Their work was much darker and more sinister than anything else out at the time and the low tuned riffage was heavy and overwhelming. They were gravely misunderstood at first, but quickly they gained appreciation and suddenly outcasts all over the world resonated with music in a whole new way! Black Sabbath's work is unmatched, their influence immeasurable! Music itself would never be the same again.</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6KmJMlyPp0rPR7LloToCaF:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6KmJMlyPp0rPR7LloToCaF:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3Jnxngdff0lVu2rza1GVx6:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3Jnxngdff0lVu2rza1GVx6:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:079j6LwNuB2sn81TkVl8js:small" target="_self">spotify:track:079j6LwNuB2sn81TkVl8js:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3XclwoQxz4p6Dl7VUf90KW:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3XclwoQxz4p6Dl7VUf90KW:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0p9dEwFFw14hWTvS9v5NLU:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0p9dEwFFw14hWTvS9v5NLU:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2KzvrcvbF1vivbHpPthtB9:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2KzvrcvbF1vivbHpPthtB9:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:29KYPEsbcMcVKnd6iyu6Q5:small" target="_self">spotify:track:29KYPEsbcMcVKnd6iyu6Q5:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:42aY1pEcjp3GWENE6LUPnx:small" target="_self">spotify:track:42aY1pEcjp3GWENE6LUPnx:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:45J20uuWLwg2WluxUHwUd6:small" target="_self">spotify:track:45J20uuWLwg2WluxUHwUd6:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>But as massive as they may be, Sabbath weren't alone in catapulting this new sound. Another crucial player would be the one and only Deep Purple! Having already been around several years before Sabbath, Deep Purple have danced between hard rock and heavy metal throughout their illustrious career, creating a unique balance of heaviness and melody, of simplicity and complexity. While not a prog rock back outright, they bring a lot of the prog influence into their sound as they have no shortage of long, multi-layered and/or chaotic songs and they're known for their lengthy instrumental improvisations sections when playing live. Deep Purple can blow your socks off with speed and energy or soothe your soul with incredible ballads. They can make earwormy hits or advanced compositions you can analize for days. And it's all brilliant! I mean, when your members are all easily among the best at their respective instruments, how could the result be anything other than magical?</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1shQu8Wqk50TnHek8LEOKk:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1shQu8Wqk50TnHek8LEOKk:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6bofgga9Ld54uPgEHlr0Ne:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6bofgga9Ld54uPgEHlr0Ne:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:27WqFiOFm2u1hax2ksdyqK:small" target="_self">spotify:track:27WqFiOFm2u1hax2ksdyqK:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:34RISamoO5iubsOanSlpQo:small" target="_self">spotify:track:34RISamoO5iubsOanSlpQo:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2JhJOPGvtqMpj5RQC8cIYf:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2JhJOPGvtqMpj5RQC8cIYf:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2Vim06YsRb4uJRpbeq6NR6:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2Vim06YsRb4uJRpbeq6NR6:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5xu6aPH06QRtfTqwckG7Pb:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5xu6aPH06QRtfTqwckG7Pb:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:07W9HcJyjXPnKQSMbUcWZU:small" target="_self">spotify:track:07W9HcJyjXPnKQSMbUcWZU:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1XQg8k5LfaOZaRsYefnghq:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1XQg8k5LfaOZaRsYefnghq:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>And then, there was Led Zeppelin! Another collective of absolutely genius musicians, this enchanting quartet would round out the "Unholy Trinity" of English bands that helped birth heavy metal! Zeppelin are known for their amazing riffage, infectious energy and rich, yet approachable sound. They have in their catalogue some of the most iconic rock and metal songs of all time! Like Purple, they have no shortage of catchy hit songs, but are also never afraid to be experimental and embrace more of their proggy side! Yet they also never shied away from increasing the intensity and speed to new highs, which was just the fuel needed for heavy metal to blossom!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5CQ30WqJwcep0pYcV4AMNc:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5CQ30WqJwcep0pYcV4AMNc:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:78lgmZwycJ3nzsdgmPPGNx:small" target="_self">spotify:track:78lgmZwycJ3nzsdgmPPGNx:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0hCB0YR03f6AmQaHbwWDe8:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0hCB0YR03f6AmQaHbwWDe8:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:4PRGxHpCpF2yoOHYKQIEwD:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4PRGxHpCpF2yoOHYKQIEwD:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0QwZfbw26QeUoIy82Z2jYp:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0QwZfbw26QeUoIy82Z2jYp:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6hu1f1cXSw7OAqhpSQ2zDy:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6hu1f1cXSw7OAqhpSQ2zDy:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2eDdFHgqNJltzlvlZFVDWd:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2eDdFHgqNJltzlvlZFVDWd:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:4ItljeeAXtHsnsnnQojaO2:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4ItljeeAXtHsnsnnQojaO2:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0GRBFjza23Im7Xb16c9AaK:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0GRBFjza23Im7Xb16c9AaK:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>Over the course of the 70s and beyond, many bands would arise and other open-minded experimentalists would fuse the proggy sound of the 60s with something meaner and heavier, with Uriah Heep being one such prime example of an underrated band that was crucial to metal's early years! The movement was a fact and the momentum was undeniable! Something new and powerful had been born. And one couldn't have imagined at the time what would follow from here!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6tEjBy9tS1LTECMV3sTGr2:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6tEjBy9tS1LTECMV3sTGr2:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3AZWaeq95eyHsak4idN7oh:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3AZWaeq95eyHsak4idN7oh:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:70gPbRC5ZBYJjZ0OEuqyTd:small" target="_self">spotify:track:70gPbRC5ZBYJjZ0OEuqyTd:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1IXUA3AV9t4IFPcWT7iK9i:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1IXUA3AV9t4IFPcWT7iK9i:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2XrGq155mgTwVGblyfq0W7:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2XrGq155mgTwVGblyfq0W7:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:06s4tUycpedNdG8JCSWMr7:small" target="_self">spotify:track:06s4tUycpedNdG8JCSWMr7:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>As the 70s rolled on, metal would truly come into its own thanks to the work of one band - Judas Priest! Also from Birmingham (which kind of becomes the metal capital of the UK as you will see), this group of misfits would help metal move away from the blues and progressive rock it spawned from and develop into its own unique style. Infusing a bit of biker culture and new gen edge to their personas, they would forge an even heavier, more distorted and more riff-driven style that would define what heavy metal is! While for older bands the line might've been blurry, there's no hiding it, this definitely isn't hard rock anymore! To this day, Priest remain titans of heavy metal, the gold standard by which all others are judged!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:55cd3NlqktNjhAZcPvaUvk:small" target="_self">spotify:track:55cd3NlqktNjhAZcPvaUvk:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:17hS2mLPFdTzy7YcpBDv0A:small" target="_self">spotify:track:17hS2mLPFdTzy7YcpBDv0A:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2yopMqEC6dKePLpRTUbzJN:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2yopMqEC6dKePLpRTUbzJN:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2iAtvBE3MIBtVV1fkrFdxH:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2iAtvBE3MIBtVV1fkrFdxH:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:28boKyWlmdSup9JoERrQur:small" target="_self">spotify:track:28boKyWlmdSup9JoERrQur:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:08hn5vq1XnVmVQI4mfzsXa:small" target="_self">spotify:track:08hn5vq1XnVmVQI4mfzsXa:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5x1ChlBgkxWf0i1n2NFwKf:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5x1ChlBgkxWf0i1n2NFwKf:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6qopop1Rc9r1RjEIBQhc8d:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6qopop1Rc9r1RjEIBQhc8d:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0Ppw2ttPYrzMVbwJbyfZRL:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0Ppw2ttPYrzMVbwJbyfZRL:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>Their evolution of the sound even got its own name to signify the movement that followed - New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)! Riffy, heavy and full of attitude, this is where heavy metal truly came into its own! During the late 70s and early 80s, this genre ruled the roost thanks to bands like Saxon, UFO, Diamond Head, Angel Witch, etc. and served as a foundation for everything else the genre would evolve into!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:2ov8L95QD25TLpZAZPYWXL:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2ov8L95QD25TLpZAZPYWXL:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:2E7W1X4maFFcjHrVrFA7Vs:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2E7W1X4maFFcjHrVrFA7Vs:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:1soxeK1ZBX9SsSjK4j4ECa:small " target="_self">spotify:track:1soxeK1ZBX9SsSjK4j4ECa:small </A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:7623cs9y5l1b6uPXZ4U2ny:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7623cs9y5l1b6uPXZ4U2ny:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:6Ud2ag3Rxz2ak0KhLG3KXP:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6Ud2ag3Rxz2ak0KhLG3KXP:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:3jkxNGD8TU9Jv9DId3Zt0X:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3jkxNGD8TU9Jv9DId3Zt0X:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:7LYxaN0EpwhRoheZ3eySLw:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7LYxaN0EpwhRoheZ3eySLw:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:7Do01GxFyR7InV31rhROwZ:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7Do01GxFyR7InV31rhROwZ:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:55HmWFBCXVjQdx7p1iySET:small" target="_self">spotify:track:55HmWFBCXVjQdx7p1iySET:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD><A href="spotify:track:4Z9dRIoELtDgGXzTAtEHmp:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4Z9dRIoELtDgGXzTAtEHmp:small</A> </TD> <TD><A href="spotify:track:58KPGS8ZtjD4NH80UUkjws:small" target="_self">spotify:track:58KPGS8ZtjD4NH80UUkjws:small</A> </TD> <TD><A href="spotify:track:46PpkKMj6ZZtG4K8Opb7F6:small" target="_self">spotify:track:46PpkKMj6ZZtG4K8Opb7F6:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>By far the biggest name born of this era though is without a shadow of a doubt the one and only Iron Maiden! Right at the dawn of the 80s, these guys came in like a storm and changed the game forever! Their dual guitar work was mesmerizing, the speed and intensity was unmatched and any lingering rock lyrics about romance or partying were substituted with poetic tales of history, mythology, war and fantasy! Their songs were insanely memorable and found great success, but they also never shied of once again showing that prog rock influence with some lengthy and complex compositions full of rich nuance. Iron Maiden had it all and they changed the game! You can literally split the history of metal up into before them and after them. With their unparalleled worldwide renown, a strong argument can be made that this so boldly and proudly British band are the greatest heavy metal band of all time!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:21wB3DaIk112Ry3mEzqfit:small" target="_self">spotify:track:21wB3DaIk112Ry3mEzqfit:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:71kapcyWLxdv7kQpM6jFTv:small" target="_self">spotify:track:71kapcyWLxdv7kQpM6jFTv:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:51S9pXdACCrhputBUl05Cs:small" target="_self">spotify:track:51S9pXdACCrhputBUl05Cs:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:4OROzZUy6gOWN4UGQVaZMF:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4OROzZUy6gOWN4UGQVaZMF:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:4i4t5Asb8cJPzcbmZ5b15u:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4i4t5Asb8cJPzcbmZ5b15u:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:6p8eFfPw3nQkf37aT3AkmK:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6p8eFfPw3nQkf37aT3AkmK:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:3wFGRek61NIF330UwJCI52:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3wFGRek61NIF330UwJCI52:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:2lIAye5LMhs7EfiWDTGC2y:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2lIAye5LMhs7EfiWDTGC2y:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:4L6lZetSWtn949AGIhd5aR:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4L6lZetSWtn949AGIhd5aR:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>But let's dial it back a bit. Before we proceed, there's another insane musical movement from the UK we must talk about. While progressive rock was amazing and all and we've already witnessed its long lasting influence, during the 70s, a certain movement across the pond sought to go in the opposite direction - trim the excess, go back to basics and make rock music simple and punchy again! And this new movement had made its way back to the UK. I'm of course talking about <A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-59-Anthems-of-Undying-Rebellion/ba-p/7079798" target="_blank" rel="noopener">punk rock</A>! The intense, rebellious, politically-charged bands of the era became notorious and became emblematic of the counter-culture of the era, anthems for disenfranchised youth. The UK was a most fertile breeding ground for iconic bands and where the genre really exploded into popularity! By far the most legendary act were the one and only Sex Pistols! These wild-cards only needed one album to write their names in the history books and become the poster children of punk for generations to come, visually, sonically and in terms of their rebellious attitude and nonconformist beliefs.</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:4YjWUQQQaoJ86uj1ru7Zin:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4YjWUQQQaoJ86uj1ru7Zin:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:3NnRRCRN0e4ZDypr11FhJZ:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3NnRRCRN0e4ZDypr11FhJZ:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:5DfIXijlQ4ZxA1ZpWuZlkG:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5DfIXijlQ4ZxA1ZpWuZlkG:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:5jzma6gCzYtKB1DbEwFZKH:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5jzma6gCzYtKB1DbEwFZKH:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:6h54MGmPGmerDMBgHTgIA4:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6h54MGmPGmerDMBgHTgIA4:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:7p949cKSO5MDSjajSrAcfI:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7p949cKSO5MDSjajSrAcfI:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:3amzp9lWccX2kgh2zu30B3:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3amzp9lWccX2kgh2zu30B3:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:7xwRAqrRCQCvv7GB2MFuL8:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7xwRAqrRCQCvv7GB2MFuL8:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:1oJXZbdVdFrx1mSQPPWbhf:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1oJXZbdVdFrx1mSQPPWbhf:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>The power of UK punk only became stronger with the advent of hardcore punk! This even heavier and more intense variety was a massive hit and captivated many worldwide to fight for what they believe in! Bands like English titans Discharge or Scottish legends The Exploited defined the sound of the genre and the very essence of what it means to be a punk rocker! Their influence was so strong, the "Britishness" could even be felt rubbing off on bands from all other corners of the globe.</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5RzgnWHlAQd2L4OCAz5JCW:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5RzgnWHlAQd2L4OCAz5JCW:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:4KbnTUiBGp7kdggQJCybKU:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4KbnTUiBGp7kdggQJCybKU:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2i7krlxMAsbGsLjzUJdg9d:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2i7krlxMAsbGsLjzUJdg9d:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6GaG4UfZdCwifHqrt7P7XV:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6GaG4UfZdCwifHqrt7P7XV:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0zVcO7hz4JaznPwF0Me4IP:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0zVcO7hz4JaznPwF0Me4IP:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1KrD4rUW1GoRh7y53TYTSG:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1KrD4rUW1GoRh7y53TYTSG:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5Vc9Ozg0PTSXlFwoPwJ7YK:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5Vc9Ozg0PTSXlFwoPwJ7YK:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0URyCfp1oO1KOCQ8jc3Fz5:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0URyCfp1oO1KOCQ8jc3Fz5:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:04zgdvDOg0DJpp5UMulQCg:small" target="_self">spotify:track:04zgdvDOg0DJpp5UMulQCg:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>Given that metal was itself a music for and by outcasts, the crossover with punk was inevitable! This would start taking form in the brief speed metal movement! It's early hints already came from pioneering bands, mainly Deep Purple. And while they may reject the label, the rock 'n' roll legends Motörhead defined the sound, with their fast, intense playing, simple no-nonsense songs and free-spirited outlook on life made them beloved by both metalheads and punks alike! Speed metal sought to increase the speed, heaviness and intensity of metal and this would go on to be the nexus point of basically all of the genre's evolution to come!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3qnlwueYpz5WZ06FKaXUoT:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3qnlwueYpz5WZ06FKaXUoT:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3bLfteEOjNnH7Gpa2NgSlF:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3bLfteEOjNnH7Gpa2NgSlF:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1iW2ktyrQHNKZwFTvgP0Ta:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1iW2ktyrQHNKZwFTvgP0Ta:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:16CovcwRSjvpz0I4ZFflUv:small" target="_self">spotify:track:16CovcwRSjvpz0I4ZFflUv:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5YxehSAZjBMcCIUlxGPit9:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5YxehSAZjBMcCIUlxGPit9:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5gp9UXTiUKw0EbKdmdln9O:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5gp9UXTiUKw0EbKdmdln9O:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>The most vital player in sparking the change were the Geordie lords of darkness Venom! Maybe you've heard an album that has spawned a genre before. Well, how about an album that spawned three?! That is the case with their seminal <EM>Welcome to Hell</EM> in 1981. It and it's follow up <EM>Black Metal</EM> the next year showcased a level of darkness, heaviness, speed and intensity unheard of at the time. The imagery and presentation was something else too! Just like that, extreme metal was born and there was no going back. It was a true paradigm shift and it will echo throughout all of metal's remaining history!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0px83Dlh4SzQLCvYRNZzVF:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0px83Dlh4SzQLCvYRNZzVF:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0aKxshm6dqSEuSuLh2xRJG:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0aKxshm6dqSEuSuLh2xRJG:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3y0fywMSE5OD4I59jey93S:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3y0fywMSE5OD4I59jey93S:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3GlVq6iVOxZJQ8gPm84avl:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3GlVq6iVOxZJQ8gPm84avl:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1yfQXeHWDCVdSnoWWUV4j4:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1yfQXeHWDCVdSnoWWUV4j4:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:7rLqQQUXxvxqjuXbf7fVVw:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7rLqQQUXxvxqjuXbf7fVVw:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>Probably the most pivotal spawn under the extreme metal umbrella would be <A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-17-Blood-and-Gore-Galore/ba-p/5726773" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death metal</A>! While this heavy and ruthless genre was an invention of the US (and Sweden), it didn't take long for the UK, sandwiched between the founders, to join the fray. Already in the late 80s, several bands were building up British death metal and the visceral medical visuals of Carcass, the historical war tales of Bolt Thrower and the oldschool horror goodness of Cancer just to name a few, all managed to make an impact and leave a lasting impression. What stands out is also how brutally heavy these guys are! Their sound is absolutely relentless in terms of speed, heaviness and sheer might, much more so than many other bands of the era. I can't even fathom how people in the 80s must've reacted to this stuff! To this day, death metal has a strong presence across the UK and they remain one of the genre's most fertile breeding grounds!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6MChOMxPtyDjDt7LZ4ePYO:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6MChOMxPtyDjDt7LZ4ePYO:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:59mAOFlD6Qg0ygG5l3BdCS:small" target="_self">spotify:track:59mAOFlD6Qg0ygG5l3BdCS:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:27XnhL8BZYitaaPz8IdMfq:small" target="_self">spotify:track:27XnhL8BZYitaaPz8IdMfq:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0iXeMjJiEFa45KOM1GGXx4:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0iXeMjJiEFa45KOM1GGXx4:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1XqgFmOLxWfP0FezPiNsO2:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1XqgFmOLxWfP0FezPiNsO2:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:46cTlOJsRIN4ajWxX0eJTG:small" target="_self">spotify:track:46cTlOJsRIN4ajWxX0eJTG:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1cX9kgTnu8abiAP2ZRVvLh:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1cX9kgTnu8abiAP2ZRVvLh:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6tkNuPDvyu3rmXwYuYq5PY:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6tkNuPDvyu3rmXwYuYq5PY:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:04mIoJC6FiJI7mbGPKH1lV:small" target="_self">spotify:track:04mIoJC6FiJI7mbGPKH1lV:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>A huge influence that helped grow the genre and boost its heaviness is the concurrently developing grindcore movement! This offshoot of punk was built on one principle - pushing the speed and intensity of hardcore to the absolute extreme. With blisteringly short songs, relentless brutality and unfiltered political lyrics, grindcore was the even more rebellious offspring of the punk rock movement and the UK was a prime player here too. As death metal joined the party, it mixed with the grind quite naturally thanks to the significant overlap in sound and thus a feedback loop of extreme sounds was born!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:54f2jEBmRrrM7E4WnkTPVX:small" target="_self">spotify:track:54f2jEBmRrrM7E4WnkTPVX:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2IUO6hWyrG7FYDkJZrFpQP:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2IUO6hWyrG7FYDkJZrFpQP:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0E0MVWqNolnZjQMMTlrw2e:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0E0MVWqNolnZjQMMTlrw2e:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:4UiP2ijOf7UPkmRa19H5fY:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4UiP2ijOf7UPkmRa19H5fY:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:075jSmV95NQJxazrAEVda1:small" target="_self">spotify:track:075jSmV95NQJxazrAEVda1:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2DqTFM0q1HtVQrpGQBS30n:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2DqTFM0q1HtVQrpGQBS30n:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>Grindcore itself was pioneered and popularized by one band, one that remains the best of the best and unmatched in their might - the unstoppable Napalm Death. Also from Birmingham, these lads were there in the hayday of punk and were never satisfied with the power it brought. So they pushed further. And further. And further. And further. From the shortest song in the world, to popularizing blast beats in extreme music, Napalm Death are in a league of their own. Despite being known for brutality and heaviness, they also have a massive and varied discography that veers in all sorts of directions, so they're far from a one trick pony! They are the kings of extreme for a reason!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6TcTjkptOtIF6sXyTxb76L:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6TcTjkptOtIF6sXyTxb76L:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1fe4LKaAU20ETlbgQQpSSx:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1fe4LKaAU20ETlbgQQpSSx:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3MVapVOpPTzWSM91WHRygU:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3MVapVOpPTzWSM91WHRygU:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0OhRbz7O9H75Ze9BfLkwo1:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0OhRbz7O9H75Ze9BfLkwo1:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5KUquxYX4L86p197AaPikA:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5KUquxYX4L86p197AaPikA:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0yuBn8hXlFof1pSY7as6Jm:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0yuBn8hXlFof1pSY7as6Jm:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>Given that Venom christened the term <A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-14-In-the-Blackest-Darkness-where-Evil-dwells/ba-p/5657199" target="_blank" rel="noopener">black metal</A>, it seems natural to go here now! Despite technically inventing the genre, UK black metal only really took off in the modern age and now there's an abundance of amazing bands to choose from! They're known for their atmospheric sound, lengthy compositions and poetic lyrics. Given that black metal fans worship Tolkien and this is his homeland after all, there's no shortage of grandiose fantasy tales with lots of picturesque yet dark natural landscapes and folk legends. Bands like Winterfylleth and Wodensthrone also seek to revive and preserve the old Germanic Anglo-Saxon heritage that the isles was built on, tapping into the same mystical beliefs that their brethren in the mainland and over in Scandinavia would follow! </SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:0RMrP5IfK9O7LBzAcpg5pq:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0RMrP5IfK9O7LBzAcpg5pq:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:0seX6TaYjEH19FjE6En9h6:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0seX6TaYjEH19FjE6En9h6:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:0jmOJj75mUlNk2SUqNia1F:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0jmOJj75mUlNk2SUqNia1F:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:7c0DgUmLcg76YHNXmvOxHl:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7c0DgUmLcg76YHNXmvOxHl:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:3wuwAS42qPQDkJ45FlaaIp:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3wuwAS42qPQDkJ45FlaaIp:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:5m49R1MFuJJgiiry0F5f2H:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5m49R1MFuJJgiiry0F5f2H:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:6rwAEMeIocYa5nkUCfgBLU:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6rwAEMeIocYa5nkUCfgBLU:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:5TfTBnSFYFdRFReACuc04x:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5TfTBnSFYFdRFReACuc04x:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:5IAaVZPHAUdXVuhVVo6z31:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5IAaVZPHAUdXVuhVVo6z31:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>Speaking of taping into ancient traditions, a unique phenomenon is the Scottish magic by Saor! Fusing atmospheric black metal with authentic folk instrumentation, including the iconic bagpipes, this band masterfully retells Scottish history and revives ancient Celtic myths through some dark, yet stunningly beautiful music! Trust me, no matter where you're from, you're going to feel 1000% Scottish listening to this!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2h3t6dEd8EzLSCjWKMZ4ZE:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2h3t6dEd8EzLSCjWKMZ4ZE:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:07CEGnBazaFxhDOwQX2Uas:small" target="_self">spotify:track:07CEGnBazaFxhDOwQX2Uas:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:35tY2FvLKICZMguzsRkYXH:small" target="_self">spotify:track:35tY2FvLKICZMguzsRkYXH:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>But let's dial it back a bit. I mentioned Tolkien just there, so you know what other genre loves them some Tolkien? <A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-29-We-Have-the-Power/ba-p/6103101" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Power metal</A> of course! And especially in the last few decades, UK power metal has been absolutely popping off with amazing bands soaring to new heights! I mean, quite literally all the ingredients to make power metal came from the UK - Tolkien, a lot of other classic fantasy, Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson's operatic tenors, Iron Maiden's dual guitar, the elevated musicianship, all of it! To many today, Dragonforce are synonymous with what power metal is and their face-melting solos have been amazing people worldwide, while their nerdy, cheesy approach has been a breath of fresh air to a genre mainly thought stale. So going off of that, many young power metal bands such as Scotland's absolutely epic space-fearers <A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-60-Legend-of-the-Scottish-Wizard-Pirate/ba-p/7096908" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GloryHammer</A> have been pioneers of the goofier, more daft flavour of power metal, taking the genre in bold new directions, while keeping the epicness, fun factor and musical brilliance intact!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:52fVArVuVU3VeYrehHxezE:small" target="_self">spotify:track:52fVArVuVU3VeYrehHxezE:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:3Lmu3dtUQo2etxILOEtRrH:small " target="_self">spotify:track:3Lmu3dtUQo2etxILOEtRrH:small </A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:6YPHNCfBpq0scOlQFRIBFc:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6YPHNCfBpq0scOlQFRIBFc:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:18UJqCFHca2UVjZIrAHbE7:small" target="_self">spotify:track:18UJqCFHca2UVjZIrAHbE7:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:4caxH2UtmKJnZ3wkDHI6rE:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4caxH2UtmKJnZ3wkDHI6rE:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%" height="30px"><A href="spotify:track:4w63cAIVIEZFmozOXVzf1B:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4w63cAIVIEZFmozOXVzf1B:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>When it comes to <A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-8-Folk-Lore-of-the-World/ba-p/5618150" target="_blank" rel="noopener">folk metal</A>, the UK have long drawn on their rich heritage that I mentioned in the first half. Even during the prog days of the 60s, many bands were implementing folk elements into their music and tapping into traditional tales for inspiration. So naturally, we got bands like Skyclad from Newcastle, universally regarded as one of the earliest ever folk metal bands! The tradition has not waned since. If anything, it's gotten even stronger with the incredible Scottish party animals <A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-60-Legend-of-the-Scottish-Wizard-Pirate/ba-p/7096908" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alestorm</A> bursting onto the scene with their pirate metal bangers and conquering the seven seas in short order, quickly becoming not only one of the most popular folk metal bands in the world, but one of the biggest names in metal as a whole!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3PuIb9PEB8V97MGICfcxko:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3PuIb9PEB8V97MGICfcxko:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5K6px63UDlv61Etcs8rED7:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5K6px63UDlv61Etcs8rED7:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6h04E4QwtdTZcbMHzNSrSn:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6h04E4QwtdTZcbMHzNSrSn:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:719yUkUFKsIrmGA7noLuuk:small" target="_self">spotify:track:719yUkUFKsIrmGA7noLuuk:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0jGDLQLtQqq34NSgeMmxgv:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0jGDLQLtQqq34NSgeMmxgv:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:191tuYYkPXaxD25vBjKbFZ:small" target="_self">spotify:track:191tuYYkPXaxD25vBjKbFZ:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>We can go back even further though. For when Black Sabbath created heavy metal, they spawned its first subgenre too - <A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-41-Descent-into-the-Depths-of-Despair/ba-p/6501732" target="_blank" rel="noopener">doom metal</A>! Many bands were inspired particularly by Sabbath's slow, low tuned sound and dark, macabre lyrics and sought to expand from there. So naturally, throughout all the decades, as metal evolved, branched out and spread worldwide, there was a concurrent doom metal movement enjoying the slower, more melancholic side of life. That's to say, the UK has always been a stronghold for doom and you can say the drab weather definitely helped with setting the right mood to find the inspiration.</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:7sDqKv83Uwg2bhRysgAzzd:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7sDqKv83Uwg2bhRysgAzzd:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0dIVW5xGEYJPpeusB6t9dG:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0dIVW5xGEYJPpeusB6t9dG:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:7adyJzkXS3Txlc0dho3dE7:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7adyJzkXS3Txlc0dho3dE7:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1pa4nD5y2AgGSW1S5BClBg:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1pa4nD5y2AgGSW1S5BClBg:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:03HrsQ9ACv7UKtDcKowz96:small" target="_self">spotify:track:03HrsQ9ACv7UKtDcKowz96:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:4RgU0JeiVoxUls69DSdc09:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4RgU0JeiVoxUls69DSdc09:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>This has been true for all the major doom metal offshoots too. When <A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-26-Fly-High-Towards-the-Riff-Filled-Land-feat/ba-p/6011611" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stoner metal</A> came into being, the UK quickly sprang into action with some of the finest and most iconic bands the genre has ever seen. Meanwhile, bands like Esoteric (from Birmingham yet again) have pioneered the funeral doom sound, seeking to slow down the music to the absolute extreme and bringing in death metal influences to make the sound into an unfathomably heavy, nigh immovable object. Naturally, they remain one of the finest in the genre to this day and many others have followed along this path less travelled.</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0GetEYll0UA71r6lA6FFn0:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0GetEYll0UA71r6lA6FFn0:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2uJ1rFtKH05i4YwfF6nVrz:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2uJ1rFtKH05i4YwfF6nVrz:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3ZL2kD1p8ch1rRC82VoiCq:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3ZL2kD1p8ch1rRC82VoiCq:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6GWBLpyJdf3MOEVENei0UM:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6GWBLpyJdf3MOEVENei0UM:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0lCayTswl9yixRT7kasR8t:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0lCayTswl9yixRT7kasR8t:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:61k1gqRs1sYwKlpqqpRjtX:small" target="_self">spotify:track:61k1gqRs1sYwKlpqqpRjtX:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>On a similar melancholic note, we must also talk about gothic metal! I already mentioned how the gothic rock sound was born and spread here during the 70s, so the heavier variety would soon follow just as the influence of metal spread and evolved. The UK is the proud home of the so-called "Peaceville Three", named after the record label they were all under. These are Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride and Anathema. All three followed a similar trajectory - they all started as very heavy and dark death/doom metal bands, helping bring that particular style into the light. Later, all transitioned into the catchier and much more approachable, but equally as dark and melancholic gothic metal sound, full of feelings of loss, dread and failed romance. While the three have followed very different paths from then on, they've left a tremendous legacy and both the death/doom and gothic metal genres have much to thank them for!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5OTOUyo18hGb3p1QeLOsp8:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5OTOUyo18hGb3p1QeLOsp8:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5WNz7onFzlYrQRH3MgQ299:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5WNz7onFzlYrQRH3MgQ299:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5irUevzIe38NCkXjXK7srD:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5irUevzIe38NCkXjXK7srD:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3mfwwUEFwXERswYBqhKcTC:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3mfwwUEFwXERswYBqhKcTC:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2kLIFARU4q1RIwHwCQUkpp:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2kLIFARU4q1RIwHwCQUkpp:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5DMALvd1DmmWc3iVRSXlno:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5DMALvd1DmmWc3iVRSXlno:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:7izYm6GQBOwPRwi8YW6TkX:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7izYm6GQBOwPRwi8YW6TkX:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1kBxzHxuYvAEV0wtMNSOJt:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1kBxzHxuYvAEV0wtMNSOJt:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0luj50yAtvSwjumr5Kd8j3:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0luj50yAtvSwjumr5Kd8j3:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>But now for something completely different. In the previous part, we covered the immense legacy the UK have left in the world of electronic music and this has trickled into the <A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-39-The-Industrial-Revolution-and-its/ba-p/6443540" target="_blank">industrial</A> sphere too! The genre was pioneered in the 70s by the experimentalists from Throbbing Gristle, who are also credited with coining the genre's name. This is one genre that quickly overlapped with metal, creating a meeting point for outcasts of both realms to enjoy some dark club bangers. During the 80s, the mighty machines Godflesh (created by Napalm Death founder Justin Broadrick, so you'll never guess the hometown) became foundational to industrial metal, helping create an enveloping, distorted sound mixing guitars and crushing bass with computerized drum beats, effects and samples to create bleak, dystopian landscapes. Other bands like Pitchshifter followed suit and later helped evolve the genre into all kinds of crazy directions. The rest, as they say, is history.</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0NERfJl0vNI9MyrblzdWLx:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0NERfJl0vNI9MyrblzdWLx:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:4qVI1SgIKvAjFFQgkLGMKT:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4qVI1SgIKvAjFFQgkLGMKT:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1kAUZ8xm4hcAn00TnqP2oQ:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1kAUZ8xm4hcAn00TnqP2oQ:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6PkXXhO1DFwI5ne35TohoH:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6PkXXhO1DFwI5ne35TohoH:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:4TU35XXlvDdxLGbsWGlfNu:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4TU35XXlvDdxLGbsWGlfNu:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:1svC5Gwom4WDLD5vJDYit3:small" target="_self">spotify:track:1svC5Gwom4WDLD5vJDYit3:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>As we move into the modern age, <A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-73-Core-of-the-Matter/ba-p/7350238" target="_blank">metalcore</A> was a genre that became dominant and would go on to define the sound of a generation. Keeping up with their huge impact from the past, UK bands were among the biggest, most popular and most influential during the era. Some even called it a second British invasion, a new gen of metal-infused boy bands to conquer the charts. Call it whatever you want, but the UK metalcore and deathcore scenes have been strong for decades and remain strong to this day!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:39iwths0yXkYoB2dWYlNn2:small" target="_self">spotify:track:39iwths0yXkYoB2dWYlNn2:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0ruUpqFjByhpDqn8SN29C2:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0ruUpqFjByhpDqn8SN29C2:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3ZFP6XrE0FHu4duyi7vRoL:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3ZFP6XrE0FHu4duyi7vRoL:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:0QnDGxWFJDj1mXusWBWIp3:small" target="_self">spotify:track:0QnDGxWFJDj1mXusWBWIp3:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2rfrRs263AiX0RBNdR3lmB:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2rfrRs263AiX0RBNdR3lmB:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:7heXxhE7xu0aW2ZtqTD1P3:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7heXxhE7xu0aW2ZtqTD1P3:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5oxfvvsW3cXmfZzOc1bEqz:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5oxfvvsW3cXmfZzOc1bEqz:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6X03JVTjxT5bWtEY3W7X4U:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6X03JVTjxT5bWtEY3W7X4U:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:4537kerrZrPCs8HeJ59BiJ:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4537kerrZrPCs8HeJ59BiJ:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>In fact, some of the very roots of the scene as we know it come from the Isles, as one of the most foundational bands to modern metalcore are the Welsh superstars Bullet For My Valentine! With their potent riffs, amazing melodies, infectious hooks and of course frontman Matt Tuck's exquisite blend of clean and harsh vocals, they took the world by storm in the early 2000s and gave lots of exposure to this new and emerging metalcore sound. Many of us had fallen in love with it before we even knew what this style was called! </SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:4KZV2EUOsmBRCAcwOBjLhK:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4KZV2EUOsmBRCAcwOBjLhK:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3YY0aeelsH2rzffcZ56zjY:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3YY0aeelsH2rzffcZ56zjY:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:7tFxCn0Qb75pbx993wqUIQ:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7tFxCn0Qb75pbx993wqUIQ:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2QFPIjaa5E99aGdcVjUdo7:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2QFPIjaa5E99aGdcVjUdo7:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:2dbKMVQMjThcJ6GIdWK5Tb:small" target="_self">spotify:track:2dbKMVQMjThcJ6GIdWK5Tb:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:4mCfa2wz3OUvldLnhJnW2K:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4mCfa2wz3OUvldLnhJnW2K:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>So there you go, just a sliver of the wide and varied metal that the UK have blessed us with! Just like I mentioned in the previous part, there're countless young bands that still carry the torch onward to this day and keep showcasing that no matter what, that Britain hasn't lost that special air all these years later and they keep producing new brilliant artists to captivate the world. Many of them also defy traditional genre definitions and go in all manner of crazy directions to do whatever they want! You have the melodic metal sensation The Raven Age (formed by George Harris, son of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris) fusing metalcore sensibilities with a classic sound for a really enchanting experience! The absolutely insane party that is Skindred from Newport, Wales offer an unbelievable blend of metal, reggae, funk, hip-hop and more for a sound unlike anything else! New age experimental bands like Akercocke fuse 90% of metal subgenres into a chaotic and eclectic vibe. Enter Shikari blend metalcore with electronics for a potent fusion of power. And all of that is just a drop in the English Channel of what is out there today and of all the amazing unique bands the UK has spawned!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <TABLE border="1" width="100%"> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:4Jb9OsiWAid3E1zZxTlik2:small" target="_self">spotify:track:4Jb9OsiWAid3E1zZxTlik2:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:7FRcx3b2aGYwXVaDY2fYRS:small" target="_self">spotify:track:7FRcx3b2aGYwXVaDY2fYRS:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:5ItFDJsntX2QGNb5ZeoCSG:small" target="_self">spotify:track:5ItFDJsntX2QGNb5ZeoCSG:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:581mukhDjta60CCwpvnjL9:small" target="_self">spotify:track:581mukhDjta60CCwpvnjL9:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6Rx6cs6WOspk55d0QDedSO:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6Rx6cs6WOspk55d0QDedSO:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:31zbtbYSurZtbMWIM4ZXAK:small" target="_self">spotify:track:31zbtbYSurZtbMWIM4ZXAK:small</A> </TD> </TR> <TR> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:3gvNUbSO3tjs4iKEXd6WlL:small" target="_self">spotify:track:3gvNUbSO3tjs4iKEXd6WlL:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:6E1B1ZcZJrXhq0idD4oDd7:small" target="_self">spotify:track:6E1B1ZcZJrXhq0idD4oDd7:small</A> </TD> <TD width="33.333333333333336%"><A href="spotify:track:102vOKAF3ZrSGgEaDKmiUG:small" target="_self">spotify:track:102vOKAF3ZrSGgEaDKmiUG:small</A> </TD> </TR> </TBODY> </TABLE> <P> </P> <P><SPAN>Phew, so there it is! The full spectrum of music from the United Kingdom, presented in full! Now, it would be the height of folly to claim I've covered everything, but I'm confident in saying that at the very least, you now grasp the full scope of just how much incredible, world-altering music has come from here! It's this sheer breadth of amazing work from every genre imaginable that inspired me to want to do this project and give these legends their due respect! Not to mention that, on a personal note, I've grown up with so much of this music that it's practically seared into my heart forever. Focusing on the metal side of things, given that it is my favourite genre, I could never thank the Brits enough for inventing and kickstarting this crazy, beautiful thing! There's probably no other musical fandom that's so passionate, devoted, yet also so globally spread as metal! And the craziest part is, as demonstrated in this blog, the British didn't just invent it, they were there every step of the way as it evolved and branched out. It feels like almost every subgenre blossomed there early on or was outright pioneered by a British band. No matter where in the history of metal you look, the footprint is there and the influence is undeniable! While metal today is a worldwide phenomenon, it cannot be denied, this outcast genre is British-born and British-raised! But as I've shown, even all that is just half the story. So I hope that, if you somehow didn't realize how deep the roots went for UK music and how much of the sounds of the world they've influenced, now you know and have gained some newfound appreciation. Enjoy exploring and keep discovering! Take care and see you all next time! Excelsior!</SPAN></P> <P> </P> <P><A href="spotify:playlist:4KXGAJaHDBMuNJbJUTpT67" target="_self">spotify:playlist:4KXGAJaHDBMuNJbJUTpT67</A> </P> <P> </P> <P><A href="https://community.spotify.com/t5/Music-Discussion/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-The-Index/td-p/7062437" target="_blank">Check out all Blogs in The Index!</A></P> Thu, 28 May 2026 10:11:37 GMT Joan 2026-05-28T10:11:37Z JJ's Bizarre Blog #79 - Kingdom of Music Part 2 - How British Steel Was Forged https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-79-Kingdom-of-Music-Part-2-How-British-Steel/ba-p/7452164 <P><span class="lia-inline-image-display-wrapper lia-image-align-inline" image-alt="Music Bogs.jpg" style="width: 400px;"><img src="https://community.spotify.com/t5/image/serverpage/image-id/208448i0CC36D9B055D96D9/image-size/medium?v=v2&px=400" role="button" title="Music Bogs.jpg" alt="Music Bogs.jpg" /></span></P> Thu, 28 May 2026 10:11:37 GMT https://community.spotify.com/t5/Community-Blog/JJ-s-Bizarre-Blog-79-Kingdom-of-Music-Part-2-How-British-Steel/ba-p/7452164 Joan 2026-05-28T10:11:37Z