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The first heavy metal bands, such as 'Accept', 'Dio', 'Iron Maiden', 'Manowar' and 'Metallica' originated in the early 80s. Many of them are already classics, some are still making music and releasing successful albums. The early 80s were the period of classic metal notable for classical music influence and anthemic choruses and characterized by the bands like 'Accept' and 'Iron Maiden'.
During the 80s period new subgenres went emerging, including black metal, death metal, thrash metal, and others. Many bands embarked on a heavier sound and even further increase in tempo. Among the experimenters was the San Francisco quartet 'Metallica'. Today they are considered the pioneers of thrash metal and one of the most innovative metal bands ever.
Since the release of their debut album 'Kill 'Em All' in 1983, 'Metallica' were head and shoulders above all pretenders to the throne of thrash metal selling more than 200 million albums. Their album 'Metallica' released in 1991 became the best-selling metal album having sold over 8 million copies in the US and 7 million in other countries.