The Heavy Metal was born in the 70s, forged in the incendiary riffs and the rebel attitude of bands that transformed rock into something darker, powerful and visceral. From the pioneers Black Sabbath to the virtuosity of Judas Priest, the vinyls of this decade are relics that capture the birth of a genre. With iconic covers and an analog sound that resonates with authenticity, these discs are essential for any collector. Based on discogs trends and fans’ passion, here we present 5 heavy metal vinyls of the 70s that cannot be missing in your collection. Turn on your toadiscos and immerse yourself in the crib of the metal!
Why collect heavy metal vinyl from the 70s
The 70s were the spark that gave life to Heavy Metal, with bands that combined rock blues, psychedelia and raw energy to create a revolutionary sound. The vinyl of this era, with its evocative covers and its sound warmth, are treasures coveted for their historical and cultural value. These five albums represent the foundations of the genre, with prices ranging from $ 20 to $ 200 USD, and are essential for any fan who wants to honor metal roots.
5 indispensable heavy metal vinyls of the 70s
1. Black Sabbath – Paranoid (1970, Vertigo/Warner Bros.)
Why is it indispensable: Paranoid It is the album that defined heavy metal, with monolithic riffs such as “War Pigs” and “Iron Man.” The disturbing voice of Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi’s dark sound are legendary.
The vinyl: Original ($ 50- $ 150 on discogs) are coveted; reissues of 180g ($ 20- $ 40 on Amazon) sound robust. The cover, with a blurred warrior, is a classic.
Outstanding song: “Paranoid” – frantic and immortal.
Advice: Touches in a weaving (Flucence RT85, $ 500 on Amazon) to capture your sonic weight.
2. Deep Purple – Machine Head (1972, Purple Records/Warner Bros.)
Why is it indispensable: Recorded in Montreux, Machine Head It is a pillar of the Hard Rock and Proto-Metal, with hymns like “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star.” His energy is unstoppable.
The vinyl: Originals ($ 40- $ 120 on discogs) are valuable; Reissues ($ 20- $ 35 on Amazon) have a vibrant sound. The cover, with purple tones, is elegant.
Outstanding song: “Smoke on the Water” – The most iconic rock riff.
Advice: Listen with speakers (Bose S1 Pro, $ 600 on Amazon) for power.
3. Judas Priest – Sad Wings of Destiny (1976, Gull Records)
Why is it indispensable: This album raised the metal with the opeistic voice of Rob Halford and the twin riffs of Tipton/Downing. “Victim of Changes” and “The Ripper” are masterpieces.
The vinyl: Original ($ 60- $ 200 on discogs) are rare; Reissues ($ 25- $ 45 on Amazon) sound clear. The cover, with a fallen angel, is a visual jewel.
Outstanding song: “Victim of Changes” – Emotional and epic.
Advice: Use headphones (Sennheiser HD 660s, $ 400 on Amazon) for vocal details.
4. Rainbow – Rising (1976, Polydor/Oyster)
Why is it indispensable: Con Ronnie James Dio y Ritchie Blackmore, Rising It is an epic metal classic, with songs such as “Stargazer” and “A Light in the Black.” His Grandeur is unmatched.
The vinyl: Originals ($ 50- $ 130 on discogs) are sought; Reissues of 180g ($ 20- $ 40 on Amazon) are warm. The cover, with a rainbow emerging from the sea, is hypnotic.
Outstanding song: “Stargazer” – a mystical odyssey.
Advice: Reproduces in a weaving (Pro-Ject Debut Pro, $ 900 on Amazon) for its sound wealth.
5. Motörhead – Motörhead (1977, Chiswick Records)
Why is it indispensable: Motörhead’s debut fuses punk and metal, with Lemmy’s raw attitude in “Motörhead” and “Lost Johnny.” It is a precursor of Thrash and Speed Metal.
The vinyl: Original ($ 50- $ 150 on discogs) are coveted; Reissues ($ 20- $ 35 on Amazon) capture their ferocity. The cover, with Snaggletooth’s logo, is iconic.
Outstanding song: “Motörhead” – Pure voltage.
Advice: Listen to a stereo system (Edifier R2000DB, $ 300 on Amazon) for aggressiveness.
Why these vinyl
These five vinyl –Paranoid, Machine Head, Sad Wings of Destiny, Rising y Motörhead– They are fundamental due to their influence on heavy metal and its covers that reflect the essence of gender. From the Black Sabbath Doom to the Motörhead speed, they represent the diversity of the 70s. With prices of $ 20- $ 200 on Amazon, Discogs or Nuclear Blast, they are accessible to collectors. Its covers, from mystical warriors to fallen angels, are art pieces that enrich any collection.
Forge your Heavy Metal collection
These vinyls are the basis of a collection that celebrates the origins of heavy metal. Look for them on Amazon, Discogs, Nuclear Blast or fairs such as the FIRA of DISC de Barcelona. Protect your albums with polyethylene covers ($ 10 for 50 on Amazon) and exhirl them in a Kallax Ikea ($ 80).