why? is heavy metal called heavy metal

Originally Posted by Mervin

I think the term comes from an NME journalist in the 60's when he was reviewing an album by The Byrds. He likened their guitar sound to a 'heavy metallic noise', or some such sh*t.

That's one popular theory. The other is that it comes from the line "Heavy metal thunder" in "Born to be Wild" by Steppenwolf. This actually refered to the sound of Harley engines, not loud guitar noise.

The reality may be a mix of the two. I think that the term "heavy rock" was used to describe bands such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath etc, shortly before the term "heavy metal" came into common usage.

Google comes up with anothe theory:
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/178700.html

hey who cares why its called heavy metal ??? it just ROCKS !!!!!!!

Originally Posted by jaymz

hey who cares why its called heavy metal ??? it just ROCKS !!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Mervin

Please tell me I read correctly - ununhexium!?

That actually means 116 (un-un-hex). Its a temporary name based on the atomic number. One of these things that only get made in a particle accelerator or something.

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Originally Posted by wyrdness

This actually refered to the sound of Harley engines, not loud guitar noise.

So you mean that the V-twin engine was the father of heavy metal... cool!