It seems there a very one tracked vision concerning this thread which by far is simple minded.
I think if Metallica was to get praise, why aren't anyone mentioning Dave Mustaine, he wrote alot of tracks which was released and performed by metallica, he wrote music that has been used for Kill Em All, Ride The Lightning and Justice For All, so he is atleast as important as metallica, also his band Megadeth began shortly after Kill em all was released, they are both of same relevance.
Also, when it comes to bands and artists that has inspired bands to become more complex, and heavy, Deep purple is a very vital band to mention, they were EARLY out, in the start of 70 if I'm not wrong, Jimi Henrix, Black sabbath are also vital.
There is also a band that I don't remember the name of, they got a cut in their amplifier , which caused a Sustained sound to occure.
This started a wave where alot of people cut their amplifiers, because they loved the "thick and blurry" sound.
Slayer was early out, about the same time as metallica was out no?.. they are even faster and perhaps more brutal.
Sepultura was early as well.
Pantera was pretty late, but they made metal even heavier I believe.
So I guess, if you pinpoint all bands that has contributed with something, I guess there is no end to how far back we can go to find events that brought metal to become big.
And I guess if one of the Vital bands mentioned didn't start a wave, someone sooner or later would've.
Most of these bands started and released albums/casettes during a time where noone downloaded music ONLINE, they were appreciated, I bet almost everyone of you guys who are posting here on this forum downloaded alot, doing so art has become a daily theft. it sickens me.
But that wasn't the topic, so sorry.
Well, this is just my perspective.
