Top 10 Myths About Metal

[Animal]

Top 10 Myths About Metal

by The Black Frost

For over 40 years people across the world have explored Metal and it’s many subgenres. So many misjudgements popped up over time that I believe it is important to let people know how misunderstood the music really is. Here are my top ten myths about Metal, and the truth that comes with them. Please note that these are not my personal opinions.

10 Heavy Metal


Myth: The music is called “Heavy Metalâ€Â￾

So I thought I’d start you off with an easy one. Most people believe that the name of the harsh-sounding screams and heavily distorted guitars is “Heavy Metalâ€Â￾. In actuality, Metal has hundreds of subgenres and “Heavy Metalâ€Â￾ is barely even one of them. Bands such as Cream, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath paved the way for metal bands by creating a unique sound. But while these bands can be called heavy metal, an alarming majority of non-metalheads, especially elderly people and teenage girls, refer to all rock music as heavy metal. Simply because they know nothing of the diversity in the genre.


9 Barbarian


Myth: Metal musicians are uneducated freaks who can’t form sentences

Another common one. Most people view metal lyrics and music as simple and stupid. In reality, most metal musicians are highly intelligent, highly focused people who are capable of writing deep, meaningful lyrics and music. For example, the black metal band Bathory derived much of their music from classical composers. And most metal lyrics are surprisingly literate.


8 Anti-Religion


Myth: All metal is against religion

In most non-metalhead opinions, metal bands religion deserves to be hated, but such is not the case in metal. In most cases, metal is not anti-religious in general, but it is often against Christianity or forms of Christianity. However, many artists are religious, like the American Metalcore band As I Lay Dying, or David Dramian of Disturbed. It is safe to say that Religion is not well liked in metal, but it’s not exactly hated. Although there are exceptions to all rules…


7 Satanic


Myth: Metal promotes Satanism

The genre of music that does feature lots of satanic themes and imagery is called Black Metal, derived from Venom’s thrash album; Black Metal. Although some death and thrash metal, like Slayer, Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel features Satanism, very few black metal musicians actually have satanic beliefs, and the ones that do tend to try not to promote it.


6 Crime


Myth: Metal promotes criminal activity, like murder

While a few people in the metal community have been tied into crime and murder, only one predominant case; that of Varg Vikernes, is relevant. Most metal bands that do have violent or disturbing lyrics and imagery have stated that their content is not to be taken seriously. Most notably Cannibal Corpse, who are infamous for their lyrics, which often elaborate on the more gruesome depictions of murder, death and sexual fetishism.



5 Sexism


Myth: Metal is sexist

While it seems that much of metal, especially in the late 80’s, was designed to trivialize sex and women, now the issue is much less common. And many bands, especially of the Black, Grind and Doom metal genres avoid the topic of sex completely.


4 Fascist


Myth: Metal musicians have fascist, racist or neo-Nazi beliefs

While many musicians say they believe certain races or ethnic groups are better or worse than others, and while some have legitimate beliefs, it is most common that it is part of a stage presence. A good example of this is former Gorgoroth vocalist Gaahl, who is not only homosexual, but has stated that he has racist views, but that he is not serious about them and tries not to express them openly.


3 Children


Myth: Metal is bad for children

Much of metal is oriented towards children and teens as a less serious way to cope with stress than other means available. Although people may tell you that metal poisons the minds of our children, keep in mind that those people are generally very closed-minded and don’t understand.


2 Talentless


Myth: Metal takes no skill to play

Any professional will tell you that metal and jazz are the two most difficult genres of music to play. And while it seems that metal musicians just thrash around while hiding behind distortion, the fast riffs and extreme percussion are almost always 100% real, without any synthesized material. The subgenres of music that tend to edit their music digitally are metalcore, industrial and grind. Most everything else is legitimate.


1 Screamo


Myth: Metal vocals is just screaming

If you like metal, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Wow, can’t he actually sing?â€Â￾ This really annoys metalheads as it is a fact that metal vocals are extremely difficult. And while it seems like it’s effortless, metal vocals range greatly, from growling, to screaming, to shrieking, and everything in between. Next time someone says metal vocals are not singing, simple reply; “It’s just different.â€Â￾ So that concludes my list, and to all those who believe these stereotypes and think metal is dumb. We’ve had a great 40 years, and were getting along just fine without you.

[Metalfreak]

Yeah I can agree with this...especially the last sentence!

In my freshman year of college, I did a research paper for an English class on metal and it's history while defending it. This reminded me of that paper lol

[BlackRoija]

Disagree with 5 and 9. Metal bands and their fans are no more or less intelligent than anyone else, although the curve might be slightly more of a dumbbell than other subcultures.

And sexism is still rampant in metal, as it is in our culture as a whole. Not to the degree of, say, mainstream pop-hop, but bands like Nightwish, Echoes of Eternity, Seven Kingdoms etc. that use female leads who are obviously over-sexualized, used as a gimmick to feign diversity, and as a distraction from the inferior music are still the most popular.

[GameFreac]

"people are generally very closed-minded and don’t understand."

Yep. This stuff used to piss me off but before I got into metal I thought half of these were true so you gotta think from their point of view.

[Odinson666]

i wasn't aware metal needed to be defended , and how are they defining religion? granted the bands they listed as being religious suck ...so with the exception of disturbed who is jewish i am assuming they are christian. by definition Erik of Watain would be considered religious, as would the Odinists and neo pagans like , Unleashed, Enslaved, Agalloch, Moonsorrow, Tyr , ...you can see where i am going here.
and true all metal isn't satanic just the good kind.

[badcarburetor]

and true all metal isn't satanic just the good kind.

Haha, brilliant.



I hate when people apologize for what they are into. Like the skinheads with the moronic "boots and braces don't make me racist" shirts. It's like a way of saying "They are the bad ones, not me! I'm a good one. Please don't beat me up."

Dig what ya dig and who gives a fuck how anyone else views your hobby.

Who is the Black Frost and where did this come from? A high school newspaper in Indiana?

[SlashAndThrash]

Who is the Black Frost and where did this come from? A high school newspaper in Indiana?

hahahaha, most likely

[Brian]

It's just different

[Ryan]

i wouldn't say the turd who wrote that is much more knowledgeable than the folks he's talking about

[badcarburetor]

i wouldn't say the turd who wrote that is much more knowledgeable than the folks he's talking about

But, dude, he has a cool name, The Black Forest, making him not only informed, but inciteful and authoritative.

[badcarburetor]

Who is the Black Frost and where did this come from? A high school newspaper in Indiana?

hahahaha, most likely

Woops, I missed that the title in the original post was actually a link to here:http://listverse.com/2011/07/09/top-10- ... out-metal/.

The list is much better with the graphics included. Afterall, what could make a more compelling argument for Point 2, than including a Keanu Reaves pic?

[Metalfreak]

i wasn't aware metal needed to be defended

I just hate it when just because I'm wearing some band shirt, some people automatically think I slaughter animals and shit like that. At work about a year and a half ago, a costumer asked what song was playing and I said "don't know the name of it but it's John Mayer...I'm surprised I know that cause I don't listen to this stuff." so he asked me what I listened to so I said metal. He looked at me funny and then asked "really? so what kind of stuff do you like doing?" I said "ummm go to shows, hang with friends, go to the movies, you know, what most people like doing" and he looked kinda shocked...I also said it a little sarcastically lol. Also, this dumb bitch on marta accused me of worshiping satan just because I had on a morbid angel shirt. David Vincent might but I don't, I just like their music! (except the new album)

In the post office once, I was wearing a shirt with a skull and cross bones and jeans and this asshole got into it with me. And, those people are the ones who started it, I was minding my own business until they started talking to me. I don't know what experiences you've had (or not had) but I've had alot more than just these so I DO feel the need to say to some people "fuck you, we're just like everyone else and every subculture has its assholes, you included!" It's pretty hard to ignore someone yelling at you while you're on a marta train...it's not like you can just leave while it's moving. (you can always go to another car but the crazies may follow you)

@Badcarburetor - I agree with you on "dig what you dig" I could care less what other people like. As long as it makes you happy then go for it! But like I said, I have experienced people yelling at me for what I like and it's hard to ignore that. Other than that, I normally don't care what people think!

[Moloc]

i wasn't aware metal needed to be defended

I just hate it when just because I'm wearing some band shirt, some people automatically think I slaughter animals and shit like that. At work about a year and a half ago, a costumer asked what song was playing and I said "don't know the name of it but it's John Mayer...I'm surprised I know that cause I don't listen to this stuff." so he asked me what I listened to so I said metal. He looked at me funny and then asked "really? so what kind of stuff do you like doing?" I said "ummm go to shows, hang with friends, go to the movies, you know, what most people like doing" and he looked kinda shocked...I also said it a little sarcastically lol. Also, this dumb bitch on marta accused me of worshiping satan just because I had on a morbid angel shirt. David Vincent might but I don't, I just like their music! (except the new album)

In the post office once, I was wearing a shirt with a skull and cross bones and jeans and this asshole got into it with me. And, those people are the ones who started it, I was minding my own business until they started talking to me. I don't know what experiences you've had (or not had) but I've had alot more than just these so I DO feel the need to say to some people "fuck you, we're just like everyone else and every subculture has its assholes, you included!" It's pretty hard to ignore someone yelling at you while you're on a marta train...it's not like you can just leave while it's moving. (you can always go to another car but the crazies may follow you)

@Badcarburetor - I agree with you on "dig what you dig" I could care less what other people like. As long as it makes you happy then go for it! But like I said, I have experienced people yelling at me for what I like and it's hard to ignore that. Other than that, I normally don't care what people think!

I would have told the lady on Marta that, "YES I DO worship the devil. Have you been saved from Jesus? Let's repent to Lucifer right now. C'mon, on your knees. Pray with me! O mighty Satan release this poor wretched creature from Jesus' grip. In the name of all things unholy, I implore you to cleanse her soul from the filth of the Holy Ghost." And then start speaking in tongues and roll your eyes into the back of your head, stick out your tongue and wag it around. Maybe start chanting. I'd bet then she'd leave you alone.

[Ryan]

LOL

[slut rag]

[quote="Ryan"]LOL[/quote]