Catchiness, accessibility, and popularity in metal.

[Wires & Waves]

theres nothing wrong with catchy or accessible music but the fact is that the traits that cause something to be catchy and accessible simply dont lend themselves to certain styles of metal (specifically black and death metal) and thus the music mocks itself when it attempts to assimilate those properties

 

[AchrisK]

I think the problem is that too much metal that is catchy and accessible from the first listen lacks songwriting depth in the long run. Many great bands have very catchy songs. Psychotic Waltz, Agent Steel, Possessed, old Metallica, Slayer, Tankard, etc.

Also, the more extreme you get the less accessible metal becomes. So you will have many of the more exclusive death and black metal fans dissatisfied with more accessible stuff.

I think modern Arch Enemy is a good example of catchiness with a lack of songwriting depth.

 

[Hatebreeder]

they also show sniplets of interviews with CC and goatwhore on headbanger's ball.

They showed Borknagar's "Future Reminiscence" on MTV once. I want to know where I was when this happened.

I think the problem is that too much metal that is catchy and accessible from the first listen lacks songwriting depth in the long run. Many great bands have very catchy songs. Psychotic Waltz, Agent Steel, Possessed, old Metallica, Slayer, Tankard, etc.

Exactly. I tend to not like it when metal bands go big because their musical direction becomes more focused on writing catchy tunes than composing a multi-faceted, deep album.

 

[Attilio II]

the worst thing a true metal band could do is base a song around a 4 note (or chord), 4 measure progression in 4/4 time with lead riffs starting on each root... the definition of unoriginal.

but it's also what makes pop, punk, and rap so popular

 

[Wires & Waves]

you guys kinda miss the point of popular music

 

[Mort Divine]

Shit, I'd say of music in general.

 

[Evil?]

MVSIK IS MEANT TO BE THE MOST BRVTAL YOU CAN BE!!!

edit: I almost feel like this post need a "BRUV " at the end.

 

[cookiecutter]

 

[GoldenDrumer456]

personally i think tht as whole, metal fans care too much how popular a band gets. if u like the music, who gives a shit.

 

[cookiecutter]

Quite the novel supposition!

 

[Cythraul]

I have absolutely no problem with listening to something catchy and accessible. I even sometimes listen to shitty 80s hair metal. But I often find so-called catchy and accessible music to be somewhat shallow and to appeal to baser tendencies within the listener than other sort of music which I think appeals on more of a cognitive level. This is why there is plenty of music that I like but nevertheless think is complete crap in a certain sense.

 

[ohiogrinder]

What is the three things I avoid in looking for metal?

Alex Trebek: that is correct!

 

[thisisaformicatable]

Catchiness and accessibility aren't bad things in themselves, but the problem comes from them being strongly associated with other qualities such as annoying, shallow, disposable, etc. Also bands using these characteristics successfully are sure to create hype and surround themselves with idiot fans, this is another potential turnoff.

 

[Hell Awaits Us All]

Also bands using these characteristics successfully are sure to create hype and surround themselves with idiot fans, this is another potential turnoff.

the problem is that the above should be entirely irrelevant. I don't give a shit how popular, how hyped up, or what type of fanbase a band as. Listen to the music and judge it, things external of the music itself mean nothing to me.

 

[thisisaformicatable]

the problem is that the above should be entirely irrelevant. I don't give a shit how popular, how hyped up, or what type of fanbase a band as. Listen to the music and judge it, things external of the music itself mean nothing to me.

Don't you hate going to concerts and being surrounded by idiots? Personally, a hype band with many idiots getting excited about them is a big red flag for me. I don't even get to the listening to the music stage, you know? That's a problem with catchy and accessible music, some people will listen to it for two seconds and assume it's shallow pap without exploring it any further.

 

[Wires & Waves]

But I often find so-called catchy and accessible music to be somewhat shallow and to appeal to baser tendencies within the listener than other sort of music which I think appeals on more of a cognitive level. This is why there is plenty of music that I like but nevertheless think is complete crap in a certain sense.

whats wrong with baser tendencies you fucking filthy rationalist

 

[challenge_everything]

The Misfits: the most insanely catchy band, with hordes of idiot fans, yet completely and utterly brilliant at what they do.

 

[Hell Awaits Us All]

Don't you hate going to concerts and being surrounded by idiots? Personally, a hype band with many idiots getting excited about them is a big red flag for me. I don't even get to the listening to the music stage, you know? That's a problem with catchy and accessible music, some people will listen to it for two seconds and assume it's shallow pap without exploring it any further.

I don't give a shit how popular, how hyped up, or what type of fanbase a band as. Listen to the music and judge it, things external of the music itself mean nothing to me.

.

 

[thisisaformicatable]

Yes, that's lovely. Of course, some of us don't have time to check out every popular band with idiot fans to see if they might be good. So practically speaking, avoiding such bands can save you a lot of time.

 

[Blue_Jay]

It's so sad that people on here like VVVVV likes bands more if they're unpopular.

My CD collection right now is...

Agalloch - Pale Folklore (I wanted The Mantle but the store didn't have it)
Amon Amarth - With Odin on our Side
Dark Tranquillity - The Gallery
Dissection - The Somberlain (my least favorite CD in my collection)
Gojira - From Mars to Sirius
Iron Maiden - Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (currently my favorite CD in my collection, amazing classical metal CD)
In Flames - Clayman
King Diamond - Them/Conspiracy Compilation
Moonspell - Sin/Pecado
Morbid Angel - Domination
Neurosis - Souls at Zero
Nevermore - Dreaming Neon Black
Pig Destroyer - Phantom Limb
and Sigh - Hangman's Hymn