As you know, rock is the "father" of metal, but still often people who are far from live music do not see any differences in them. This is far from the same thing, and only an amateur can put them on the same row. We can say that they “walk side by side” or are “in the same team”, having completely different sound features. Therefore, the article will highlight the question of how rock differs from metal. To do this, briefly look into history.
The same pepper, only in profile? Not at all!
People who look at the world a little differently than the main population of the Earth prefer to listen to heavy music, causing a surge of adrenaline in the blood. But even they may wonder what specific fateful genre the composition they like belongs to. This style has grown over the years like an oak tree, and its followers have contributed a lot to the emergence of new branches. And in the 70s, there were craftsmen who called themselves Black Sabbath, which made hard rock heavier, creating a new style called heavy metal. It was well received by true connoisseurs of live sound, and, in turn, gave rise to many more complex areas. But how is rock different from metal if one style is the basis of another?
Similarities and differences
The short word "rock" means many styles, ranging from grunge to hard. But metal is much more difficult and harder to perceive people who are accustomed to songs a la "Hands Up". The content of the songs is also very different. So, for example, punks sing about laid-back pastimes or retinue terrible tales in a modern way (“The King and the Jester”), and the Goths sing the transience of being and the inevitability of death. As you can see, there are differences, and with a deeper analysis there are much more. All genres unite only live guitar music and emotional vocals. But still, without proper experience, it is difficult to understand how rock differs from metal.
Story
Among musicians, it is customary to promote their own creativity, and not to steal other people's compositions. Of course, there are cover versions, but everyone knows and loves their authors. The English word rock itself has two meanings - “rocking” and “rock”. Most likely, it is the first meaning that is related to the style of music, since the style of music directly makes you shake your head in time with a rhythmic melody.
Mostly electronic versions of the instruments are used, with the exception of drums (after all, they are so good) so that the sound is loud and clear. This music is capable of drowning out an entire orchestra, but often rock groups give joint concerts with it, since one should not forget about the “roots”. For the vocalist to be heard, he has to scream and growl into the microphone, which contributes to the expression of transmitted emotions.
Rock was formed from such African musical trends as jazz, blues and country, but it was classical music that had a special influence on the "heavy". Every metalhead must have a favorite maestro, most often Mozart, Bach, Beethoven or Wagner. Guitar riffs are often based on their works. To understand the difference between rock and heavy metal, just listen to, for example, Queen and Iron Maiden. Differences will be evident. The sound of metal is similar to the sound of iron, due to which, in fact, it bears its name with dignity. Vocals Bruce Dickenson once borrowed from opera singers, after which the reception was widely distributed among "colleagues in the shop."
Musical composition
The rock group, like the metal team, consists of (mainly):
- rhythm guitarist;
- solo guitarist;
- bass guitarist;
- vocalist;
- drummer.
Sometimes the composition is supplemented by a keyboard player, violinist or any other musician. By the way, the metal band Apocaliptica consists of tough guys playing electronic versions of instruments such as double bass, cello and violin. There are no guitars there, but the sound is what you need!
The drummer and bassist lead the main rhythm part, setting the desired tempo. The vocalist’s voice can be either crystal clear or “smoky”, which gives the sound a certain charm. The guitar riffs of the rock genre are quite soft and practically do not differ in special sophistication.
How is metal different from rock? Despite the common features, each of the genres has its own characteristics. Metal is distinguished by a more powerful and harsh sound (due to distortion), and some of its styles are performed at a very fast pace, exuding aggression (trash, death, black, hardcore), and in terms of performance they are very complex. Solo parts are distinguished by their beauty and professional performance, and the energetic voice of the vocalist fills the overall musical picture with meaning.
Often, frontmen use such voice techniques as growling or screaming, further complicating the composition. The drum unit is equipped with additional elements. That's the difference between metal and hard rock in the first place. In addition, concerts of heavy groups are somewhat theatrical, as often there are expensive decorations, costumes, makeup, fire shows using pyrotechnics.
Image
Metalworkers stand out from the crowd in that they are most often pulled into black leather with spikes and rivets. Clothing is also traditionally decorated with elements such as chains, and sometimes patronage ribbons. The hair of these knights of our time is long, as the wind of freedom must walk in them. Metallurgists are not indifferent to tattoos, as they also help to complement the image of a brutal man.
Of course, all these are only external attributes that heavy music lovers do not always follow, but if it comes to the musician, then he as a public person must comply with the image. As a sign of greeting, it is customary to show the "goat", which was first used at a concert by Roni James Dio.
The differences between hard rock and heavy metal from each other are very slight, but, nevertheless, quite noticeable. To understand what line lay between them, you must definitely listen to both styles. By the way, the domestic group "Aria" combines both one and the other.
Conclusion: despite the fact that the metal once developed as one of the directions of rock, it has long become an independent genre with many of its branches.