Why Helter Skelter By The Beatles Is Considered One Of The First Heavy Metal Songs

March 20, 2025

As the sun began to set on the hazy summer of 1968, a group of young musicians was about to change the landscape of music forever. Among them were four friends from Liverpool, known as The Beatles. They had already captured the hearts of millions with their catchy tunes and charming personalities, but in the midst of their fame, they were also exploring new, darker soundscapes. When they recorded “Helter Skelter,” they unwittingly created one of the first heavy metal songs, a track that would not only impact their careers but also shift the entire music genre.

The journey to “Helter Skelter” began when Paul McCartney grew frustrated. He wanted to create a sound that was raw and aggressive, unlike anything The Beatles had produced before. As he listened to The Who’s “I Can See for Miles,” he felt inspired. He wanted to push musical boundaries, to create a sonic experience that would rattle the very walls of conventional pop music. So, in the studio, he rallied his bandmates, John, George, and Ringo, to join him on this wild ride. The result was a chaotic blend of screaming guitars, pounding drums, and frantic vocals that echoed the idea of a twisted carnival ride. It was a song that felt alive, vibrant, and intense—a perfect embodiment of the heavy metal genre that would emerge in the years to come.

But the recording process was far from smooth. There were moments of doubt and frustration as they banged out the raw, energetic sound they were aiming for. The band members wondered if they had gone too far, if their fans would accept this new direction. Yet, inspired by their deep love for music and the desire to innovate, they pressed on. “Helter Skelter” became a testament to their resilience as artists. When it was released as part of the “White Album,” it shocked many listeners, but it also opened doors to a new world of music. Bands that followed started to borrow from its heavy riffs and intense energy, paving the way for heavy metal legends like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.

However, the eerie irony of the song’s legacy lay in how it was co-opted by the dark side of the 1960s counterculture. The infamous Charles Manson misinterpreted the song as a rallying cry for chaos. His twisted beliefs and actions had nothing to do with The Beatles’ message, yet they cast a shadow over the song and the band. For Paul and his mates, that period was a challenging reminder of how art could be misused, and it tested their spirit. But instead of succumbing to despair, they focused on their love for music, proving how passion could triumph over misunderstanding.

Through it all, The Beatles remained committed to their artistic journey. They continued to explore new sounds, taking bold risks that shaped their legacy. “Helter Skelter” became not just a song but a symbol of the power of creativity. Paul’s vision transformed into a rallying cry for musicians who yearned to break free from the constraints of what was expected. The track resonated with a generation craving authenticity and raw energy, and it inspired countless artists to embrace heavier sounds.

Today, when we listen to “Helter Skelter,” we hear more than just a song; we feel the spirit of rebellion and the drive to innovate. It reminds us that true art often emerges from the most tumultuous moments. The Beatles, in their quest to evolve, taught us the importance of courage in creativity, and their legacy lives on as a testament to the beauty of pushing boundaries.