In his groundbreaking book "The Soft Machine," William Burroughs introduced a new term to the world of rock music - "heavy metal." This term, coined by Burroughs in 1961, has since become synonymous with a genre of music characterized by its loud, aggressive sound and powerful guitar riffs. The term "heavy metal" was originally used by Burroughs to describe the sound of a drug addict hitting the ground after falling from a high building. However, it quickly caught on in the world of music and has since been used to describe a specific style of rock music that is known for its intense and powerful sound. Today, heavy metal is a popular genre of music with a dedicated fan base around the world. Bands like Black Sabbath, Metallica, and Iron Maiden are just a few of the iconic acts that have helped to shape the sound and image of heavy metal over the years. For those interested in learning more about the history of heavy metal and its impact on the world of music, there are a number of resources available online. Websites like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork offer in-depth articles and reviews on the genre, while music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have curated playlists that showcase the best heavy metal has to offer. In addition to online resources, there are also a number of books and documentaries that delve into the world of heavy metal. Titles like "Lords of Chaos" by Michael Moynihan and Didrik Søderlind and the documentary "Metal: A Headbanger's Journey" are just a few examples of the wealth of information available to those looking to learn more about heavy metal music. In conclusion, the term "heavy metal" may have been coined by William Burroughs in his book "The Soft Machine," but it has since grown to become a defining characteristic of a genre of music that has captivated audiences around the world. Whether you're a die-hard fan of heavy metal or just curious to learn more, there are plenty of resources available to help you dive deeper into this iconic genre.

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