Best 100 traditional heavy metal releases

Traditional heavy metal, often referred to simply as "heavy metal," is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by its powerful, driving guitar riffs, hard-hitting drumming, and often theatrical vocals that are usually sung in a high-pitched or "screaming" style. Traditional heavy metal typically features complex song structures and guitar solos, and often incorporates elements of classical music or fantasy themes into its lyrics and imagery. Bands such as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Dio are considered pioneers of the genre.