1.
What was the name of the first metal band ever formed?
Correct Answer
C. Black Sabbath
Explanation
Black Sabbath is considered the first metal band ever made. Formed in 1968, they played a crucial role in the development of the heavy metal genre. Their dark and heavy sound, combined with Ozzy Osbourne's distinctive vocals, set the foundation for future metal bands. Black Sabbath's self-titled debut album, released in 1970, is often regarded as the birth of heavy metal. They pioneered the use of power chords, dark lyrics, and a heavier sound, influencing countless bands that came after them. Their impact on the metal genre is undeniable, making them the correct answer to this question.
2.
Which of these bands is NOT generally considered a pioneer of the death metal genre?
Correct Answer
D. Black Sabbath
Explanation
Black Sabbath is a pioneering heavy metal band, but their style is more aligned with doom metal and traditional heavy metal. Death, Possessed, and Morbid Angel are considered key innovators in the development of death metal, with their fast tempos, guttural vocals, and dark lyrical themes.
3.
Which Swedish progressive death metal band, formed in 1988, is known for their complex and experimental compositions that often incorporate jazz, classical, and Middle Eastern influences, and are considered pioneers of the technical death metal genre?
Correct Answer
D. Opeth
Explanation
The Swedish band known for being pioneers in the technical death metal genre, and for incorporating jazz, classical, and Middle Eastern influences into their complex and experimental compositions, is Opeth. They were formed in 1988 and fit the description perfectly. However, none of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Motörhead, or Iron Maiden match this description as they are not Swedish nor are they primarily known for progressive death metal.
4.
What year was the album "Altars of Madness" by Morbid Angel released?
Correct Answer
B. 1989
Explanation
"Altars of Madness," released in 1989, is the debut album by Morbid Angel and is considered one of the most influential death metal albums of all time. The album showcased the band's technical prowess, with complex guitar riffs, blast beat drumming, and intricate song structures. Tracks like "Maze of Torment" and "Chapel of Ghouls" highlighted the band's blend of speed, precision, and dark, occult-themed lyrics.
5.
Which band is often credited with pioneering the heavy metal genre through their dark, distorted guitar sounds and complex themes?
Correct Answer
C. Black Sabbath
Explanation
Black Sabbath is widely credited with pioneering the heavy metal genre due to their innovative use of dark, distorted guitar sounds and complex themes involving doom and the supernatural. Formed in 1968 in Birmingham, England, the band, featuring iconic members like Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi, established a new musical style marked by Iommi's down-tuned guitar riffs and Osbourne's distinctive vocal style. Their early albums, particularly "Black Sabbath" (1970) and "Paranoid" (1970), laid the foundational sounds and thematic elements that would come to define heavy metal, influencing countless bands that followed. This marked a significant departure from the music of bands like The Beatles or The Rolling Stones, and was more intensely focused on darker and heavier themes and sounds, distinct from the earlier hard rock influences.
6.
Who is the founding member and primary lyricist of the band Cannibal Corpse?
Correct Answer
C. Alex Webster
Explanation
Alex Webster, the bassist and one of the founding members of Cannibal Corpse, has been a driving force behind the band since its inception in 1988. Known for his technical skill and fast, precise playing style, Webster has also been the primary lyricist for many of the band's songs. His graphic and horror-themed lyrics have become a trademark of Cannibal Corpse's music, contributing to their reputation for brutality and extremity.
7.
Which death metal band released the influential album "Leprosy" in 1988?
Correct Answer
B. Death
Explanation
"Leprosy" is the second studio album by Death, released in 1988. It further solidified the band's influence on the death metal genre with its brutal sound and complex compositions. Songs like "Pull the Plug" and the title track "Leprosy" are considered classics and showcase Chuck Schuldiner's evolving songwriting and technical prowess.
8.
Which album by Cannibal Corpse features the song "Hammer Smashed Face"?
Correct Answer
D. Tomb of the Mutilated
Explanation
Hammer Smashed Face is one of Cannibal Corpse's most famous songs and is featured on their third studio album, "Tomb of the Mutilated," released in 1992. The song has become an iconic anthem in the death metal community, known for its intense brutality and graphic lyrics.
9.
Who was Well Renowned biting heads off bats?
Correct Answer
B. Ozzie Osbourne
Explanation
Ozzie Osbourne is well renowned for biting heads off bats. This shocking act occurred during a concert in 1982 when a fan threw a bat onto the stage. Osbourne, thinking it was a rubber toy, bit its head off. This incident became infamous and added to Osbourne's reputation as the "Prince of Darkness" and his wild onstage antics.
10.
Which band won the award for the first 'Best Metal Performance' at the Grammys?
Correct Answer
E. Metallica
Explanation
The Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance was introduced in 1990, marking the first time the Grammy Awards recognized heavy metal music as a distinct category. Metallica won the award for their song "One," which is one of the standout tracks from their 1988 album ...And Justice for All. The song "One" is notable for its complex structure, combining slow, melodic sections with fast, aggressive thrash metal elements. Its lyrics, inspired by Dalton Trumbo's 1939 novel Johnny Got His Gun, tell the story of a World War I soldier who is severely wounded, losing his limbs and senses, and struggles with his condition.