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Top 10 Myths About Metal

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    Posted: 04 Aug 2011 at 8:32pm

Top 10 Myths About Metal

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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 Metal�

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 Metal�. In actuality, Metal has hundreds of subgenres and �Heavy Metal� 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?� 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.� 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.

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Triceratopsoil Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Aug 2011 at 8:47pm
I'm an uneducated freak who can't even form sentences :D
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote UMUR Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 6:38am
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.

Yep that�s me I�m both homosexual, fascist, racist and I have neo-nazist beliefs. In fact I hate everyoneAngry
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bartosso Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 7:36am
Originally posted by UMUR UMUR wrote:

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.

Yep that�s me I�m both homosexual, fascist, racist and I have neo-nazist beliefs. In fact I hate everyoneAngry


You should join our partyStern Smile



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wilytank Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 7:38am
I don't remember Cannibal Corpse having satanic lyrics. Could someone enlighten me?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote UMUR Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 9:06am
Nope no satanic lyrics there. Only gore.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cannon Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 9:28am
Myth #10.
 
How old is old? Confused
 
I don't consider myself a metalhead and I don't call everything "heavy metal" that has harsh sounding screams and heavily distorted guitars.
 
I guess I call myself a "rocker", however I despise most of the "mainstream" music and for that matter most "mainstream" aspects of life. Hollywood/television entertainment industry being one of my biggest aversions.Pinch
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stooge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 1:15pm

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.


The whole talent argument can differ from person to person, instrument to instrument.  There are certain techniques musicians use in metal that people from other styles of music may have difficulty with (intricate double bass drumming, some advanced picking techniques on guitar, etc.).    Metal could be seen as easier to some musicians in that, in a number of it's subgenres, you can get by as a musician with a limited knowledge of music theory, and there isn't much improvisation involved for the most part.  It really all depends on the style of music, and how much the band or individual wants to limit themselves.  

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Triceratopsoil Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 1:39pm
I find metal easier to play than jazz Tongue

Then again I am an uneducated freak who can't even form sentences.


Edited by Triceratopsoil - 05 Aug 2011 at 1:40pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Any Colour You Like Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 4:20pm
HOW DOES ME FORUM SENTANCIS?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Prog Geo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 5:13pm
Nice thread!
Inexistence is the true normality.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote topofsm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 6:51pm
Honestly, I don't run into these kinds of problems at all. People are getting pretty good as far as I can tell as respecting each others' opinions and tastes. Even in church groups I haven't run into a problem. Bands like As I Lay Dying and Disturbed don't really represent metal at all either.

Lost respect for these archives when I saw Creed added, among other bands. Not going to be foruming here anymore. You can keep my reviews if you want.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote J-Man Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 7:30pm
Originally posted by Animal Animal wrote:

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.


Any professional will tell you that metal and jazz are the two most difficult genres to play? Confused

Do you have any links or statistics to support this? I'd be extremely surprised to not see classical music included in the top two... But regardless, some metal is difficult to play, some is not. "Metal" is not an umbrella term for technicality.
Check out my YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/demiseoftime
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Triceratopsoil Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 7:45pm
Guys lets not rag on him too much, considering he's posting what somebody else wrote :)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote J-Man Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 8:07pm
Originally posted by Triceratopsoil Triceratopsoil wrote:

Guys lets not rag on him too much, considering he's posting what somebody else wrote :)

Oh. Didn't notice that. No offense intended. Smile
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Stooge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Aug 2011 at 8:36pm
There's actually some pretty decent discussion under that article (well, not all of it Tongue). 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Time Signature Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Aug 2011 at 4:06am
It may criticize prejudice, generalizations and misjudgments, but the article itself starts out with a sweeping generalization.

Originally posted by Black Frost Black Frost wrote:

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 Metal�. In actuality, Metal has hundreds of subgenres and �Heavy Metal� 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.


I find it kind of funny how the writer criticizes elderly people and teenage girls for having incorrect preconceptions about metal music and at the same time actually makes sweeping generalizations about these two groups of people.


Edited by Time Signature - 06 Aug 2011 at 4:07am
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wilytank Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Aug 2011 at 6:40pm
Hey guys.  Check out the reaction to the same exact thread on Encyclopaedia Metallum.  http://www.metal-archives.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=82497
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote buttsled Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Oct 2011 at 12:22pm
"I don't remember Cannibal Corpse having satanic lyrics. Could someone enlighten me?"
 
'Vomit the Soul' has some Satanic leanings, but you're right. Lumping them in with "Satanic" bands is pretty uninformed.
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