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.

Mods might want to delete one of these.

Yeah don't know why there's two. Regarding the list itself though, I have come to ignore these things, although they are assumptions made by many people.

Most common misconception I'm confronted with by people is that metal supposedly is just noise and screaming and that it takes no talent to play, especially for the vocals. If anything I've found that metal utilises an even greater vocal range than any other genre and it really is a special gift to be able to growl or scream properly.

That's true, mostly of those things are myths, specially when it comes to singing, because it must be very hard making agressive vocals.

BTW Cannibal Corpse isn't satanic at all.

I actually agree with a few:

Written by animal on 05.08.2011 at 04:43

9 Barbarian
Myth: Metal musicians are uneducated freaks who can't form sentences

Some of them definitely are, but then so are musicians from other genres.

Written by animal on 05.08.2011 at 04:43

7 Satanic
Myth: Metal promotes Satanism

A lot of metal bands use satanic imagery, because it appeals to stupid metal fans who feel "cool" while listening to something with a pentagram stamped on it.
Even bands that don't sing about satan use inverted crosses in their logos. Metal does promote satanism.

Written by animal on 05.08.2011 at 04:43

1 Screamo
Myth: Metal vocals is just screaming

A shitload of metal "vocalists" do just that. Be it screaming, shrieking, wailing, growling or whatever. The number of vocalists who actualy can sing is very very low compared to the army of "screamers"

Hahaha interesting

I think it's screaming that keeps metal underground.

Written by Daniell on 05.08.2011 at 14:47

I actually agree with a few:

Written by animal on 05.08.2011 at 04:43

7 Satanic
Myth: Metal promotes Satanism

A lot of metal bands use satanic imagery, because it appeals to stupid metal fans who feel "cool" while listening to something with a pentagram stamped on it.
Even bands that don't sing about satan use inverted crosses in their logos. Metal does promote satanism.

Yeah, I didn't really get how that is a myth, it's pretty obvious some bands blatantly promote satanism. So many inverted crosses in logos. So many.

It was an exceptionally good time reading all of this. I HATE when close-minded peoples say that rock (it isn't even Metal, for their) is only noise with growls or shrieks. Bathory, like you said, prove the wrong. For me, Quorthon was the most awesome musician ever born, with his deep and emotionally lyrics, and his complex songs too.
I think this text is an excellent read for those close - minded teenagers too.

Quote:

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

I proved that one wrong to a couple when I won a poetry contest at school. You should've seen the look on the teacher's face when he saw my Slayer shirt when he gave me the prize. Classic.

Yeah, a metal website of all places is where people need to see this.

I allow any douchebag to believe whatever they want about metal. I like the fact that this isn't something that the majority likes or understands. There are so many other genres of music they can have.

Written by Ghostdancer on 06.08.2011 at 23:51

I allow any douchebag to believe whatever they want about metal. I like the fact that this isn't something that the majority likes or understands...

Well said. I like what I like and don't give a crap what anyone else thinks about it. That's all part of it's attraction. Nobody else has to like it for me to enjoy it. While it's nice having friends and fellow listeners like the same bands, etc., most often even the most avid fans have different tastes and sub-genre preferences.

Fortunately, now there is plenty for everyone. We really are spoiled nowadays since the early 80's when there weren't nearly the number of bands and often the albums you could find that were obscure (such as imports) had crappy production (until Slayer signed with Def Jam).

Congratulations for the article, you have stated 10 really developed taboos in the out-metal world. bravo!

Written by [user id=101272] on 06.08.2011 at 23:06

Quote:

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

I proved that one wrong to a couple when I won a poetry contest at school. You should've seen the look on the teacher's face when he saw my Slayer shirt when he gave me the prize. Classic.

True Lol. In fact, a lot of metalheads are very intelligent. My science teacher was a closet black metal fan (he hid it from most teachers and students thought) and he was phenomenally intelligent. And I always wore a band shirt to school. I always got in trouble, because it was out of uniform, but thats irrelevant lol.

These kind of myths always make me smile, for some of them there may be an element of truth blown massively out of proportion or as suggested above bands playing up to it in order to attract younger audiences.
Just read a fascinating book on this if people are interested in the subject Robert Walser : Running with the devil Power, Gender and Madness in Heavy Metal Music where the author debunks a lot of the myths mentioned above. It's a bit academic in some places but has an interesting chapter stating influences of Classical Music such as Bach on Heavy Metal music and the technical skills needed to play well.

Im probably gonna get alot of shit for this but whatever. I think some types of metal have created these problems and myths. Especially the screaming and talentless one. Way too many people think metal is just screaming, and alot of my friends and others think i listen to that stupid screaming shit because i say i like metal, but theyre wrong. Its metalcore, deathcore and death metal ( i like death metal though) that have ruined people's view on metal. Those being one of the most pupular genres right now everyone thinks all metal is like that. Also alot op people seem to think of metal as all of the hair bands of the 80s. But not very many people seem to see all of the other types.

You're referring to mainstream metal there - just because people don't see the true thrash metal you listen to or the underground black metal others listen to doesn't mean they aren't listening to metal. You think deathcore sucks (obviously), and so do I. You don't think the musicians are talented, and I agree (more or less). That doesn't mean they aren't a metal band. Metalcore is also a form of metal. Maybe it's not trve and br00tal but claiming bands like Converge and Zao don't "belong" to metal is absurd. People hate on Striborg for the same reasons - lack of talent, annoying screams, etc.

Literally every comment you make in these forums reeks of ignorance and elitism.

When you're an American teenager without any real problems, you need to get worked up over such trivial things as people prefering to listen to whatever music is trendy than your favorite underground black metal band. Seeing as nobody in real life actually gives a shit enough/doesn't want to listen to you ramble on about your authentic music taste, the internet becomes the only outlet for expressing ones rage at the music taste's of the mainstream sheeple.

Written by Troy Killjoy on 01.11.2011 at 20:43

You're referring to mainstream metal there - just because people don't see the true thrash metal you listen to or the underground black metal others listen to doesn't mean they aren't listening to metal. You think deathcore sucks (obviously), and so do I. You don't think the musicians are talented, and I agree (more or less). That doesn't mean they aren't a metal band. Metalcore is also a form of metal. Maybe it's not trve and br00tal but claiming bands like Converge and Zao don't "belong" to metal is absurd. People hate on Striborg for the same reasons - lack of talent, annoying screams, etc.

Literally every comment you make in these forums reeks of ignorance and elitism.

Well im glad to see you share some of the same views i have haha. But i understand why you say all my post are just about dagging on the music i dont like, and yes i will admit alot of my post are just that, but whats wrong with a little opinnion expressing?

Written by [user id=115824] on 03.11.2011 at 19:27
...whats wrong with a little opinnion expressing?

Absolutely nothing, it just gets tiring reading through the forums and always seeing you post the same stuff.

At least if you're going to rip on deathcore fans you could provide some evidence. Sort of like what Void Eater does with his Youtube videos of kids hardcore dancing at shows.

Written by Troy Killjoy on 03.11.2011 at 22:33

Written by [user id=115824] on 03.11.2011 at 19:27
...whats wrong with a little opinnion expressing?

Absolutely nothing, it just gets tiring reading through the forums and always seeing you post the same stuff.

At least if you're going to rip on deathcore fans you could provide some evidence. Sort of like what Void Eater does with his Youtube videos of kids hardcore dancing at shows.

I will keep that in mind

Next time someone brings up myths 9, 2 or 1, give them a Therion CD.

Written by M C Vice on 18.11.2011 at 09:04

Next time someone brings up myths 9, 2 or 1, give them a Therion CD.

Totally agree after being mesmerised watching them at Bloodstock this year no-one could deny the talent and I didn't hear one scream!

Having said that though is there anything wrong with a bit of screaming/growling every now and then if it's done well even if you can't quite follow the lyrics it can add layers to the music in the same way an extra instrument would.

Written by M C Vice on 18.11.2011 at 09:04

Next time someone brings up myths 9, 2 or 1, give them a Therion CD.

I don't know how this would change their minds.

Written by vezzy on 19.11.2011 at 12:27
I don't know how this would change their minds.

Well, that album is a pretty good OSDM so they might probably get into the genre!

Written by X-Ray Rod on 19.11.2011 at 12:39
Well, that album is a pretty good OSDM so they might probably get into the genre!

You're right about that one.

In fact, it might teach them a good lesson: "Don't listen to Therion after their second album kthxbai"

Written by vezzy on 19.11.2011 at 12:42

In fact, it might teach them a good lesson: "Don't listen to Therion after their second album kthxbai"

Hhahaha well if you dislike symphonic stuff on any level then yes I would agree. I do enjoy their other tunes (the latest one was a snorefest though).
Anyway, I always felt that their death metal period is too underrated, not by Therion fans... But by death metal fans probably because they just don't know.