Was Metal Ever a Mainstream Music Genre?

Yes, metal has been a mainstream music genre, particularly during certain periods since its emergence in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple helped establish the genre, and by the 1980s, heavy metal had gained significant popularity with the rise of bands like Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Slayer.

The Rise and Peak of Metal

The 1980s and early 1990s are often considered the peak of metal's mainstream success. Subgenres like glam metal, exemplified by bands such as M?tley Crüe and Poison, and thrash metal, represented by Metallica and Megadeth, achieved commercial success and widespread radio play. Festivals like Ozzfest and the emergence of MTV helped propel metal into the mainstream spotlight, making it appear as the premier music genre.

The Metal Sound on MTV

MTV played a crucial role in shaping the public perception of metal music. The television network would conduct call-in votes for favorite songs, with these countdowns rarely featuring any genres other than metal. Even when other music styles were gaining fame, like rap with Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and N.W.A., it was the metal bands that dominated the airwaves. The Metallica hit “Seek Destroy,” for instance, became a staple on MTV, showcasing the genre's success.

The Decline of Metal and the MTV Era

This phenomenon, however, marked the beginning of the end for metal. MTV's trend was to identify and promote what was most popular and what would sell. When M?tley Crüe's “Dr. Feelgood” and “Home Sweet Home” dominated the charts, the path for metal was clear. The dark, heavy aesthetic of metal began to gentrify; the heavy makeup and spikes gave way to pink lipstick, spray-tanned hair, and a more polished, commercial sound.

This transformation was akin to adding too much sugar to coffee. A little bit is alright and even enhances the flavor, but too much can completely mask the original taste. In the 1980s, metal became over-saturated with sweet, pop-influenced rock bands catering to teenage girls. The rebellious, angsty youth of metal gave way to grunge, leaving metal to retreat into near-obscurity.

The Resurgence of Metal

In recent years, metal has seen a resurgence in interest. New bands and subgenres have emerged, and metal remains a significant part of the music landscape. However, for a brief period, it seemed as if metal was the most popular and dominant genre on MTV. Bands like Deep Purple and M?tley Crüe were reaching the same heights as new groups like New Kids on the Block and the Fresh Prince, indicating a shift in musical trends.

Some bands, like Metallica and Faith No More, tried to bring back the darker and more intense roots of metal, but the era of ruling the pop charts was over. Grunge took over, and metal largely retreated into its subcultural niche, where real metalheads continue to appreciate its raw, unadulterated power.