Black Sabbath in 1970, photo by Warner Brothers Records
There’s a reason some of the world’s greatest metal bands are still coveted as reputable musicians even decades after their split. They’ve not only shaped the landscape of rock music with beautifully haunting sounds but also gave loyal followers a chance to escape reality with their iconically dark gothic fashion. Back when everyone else was wearing mustard yellow bell-bottoms, they were donning tight leather pants in the blackest of shades. From smudged guyliner to studded harnesses, these metal rock bands were masters at transferring their sounds into their styles. Concerts became their stage to show off avant-garde gothic outfits with a hint of demonic attitude. Here’s a look back at some of the greatest rock bands that shaped men’s gothic clothing styles as we know it today.