Which band is known for popularizing the genre “heavy metal”?

Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath, formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968, is often cited as the first heavy metal band. Their heavy and dark sound, characterized by occult themes and powerful guitar riffs, laid the groundwork for the heavy metal genre. Their song "Black Sabbath," from their eponymous album released in 1970, is considered the birth of heavy metal. This song was inspired by an experience lived by bassist Geezer Butler, who claimed to have seen a black figure standing at the foot of his bed after reading a book on occultism.