All right...not that it's gonna do much good...
BTW, I challenged him to listen to SymX before ragging on the metal genre again. Probably he won't even be able to appreciate it, but I had to say it.
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Dear Mr. Grim,
I am quite offended by your treatment of Dimebag Darrell's death--as well as your treatment of his fans. While I have never been into Pantera or Damageplan, I AM a fan of a good number of metal bands, among other genres of music. As such, I've had to deal with this stereotype against metal fans that you are propagating with your article.
Before I get into that, though, I MUST say I am appalled by the nerve you show in denigrating Mr. Abbott's appearance in this article. Worst, however, was calling him a "semi-human barbarian". Again, I did not know him personally at all, but what I have been hearing about him says that he had family and friends he was good to, and he treated his fans with respect. Comments like yours would be bad enough if he were still alive, but it's even worse now because Mr. Abbott cannot defend himself and his family and friends are undoubtedly aware that this sort of thing is being written.
It seems to me you really know nothing about the metal genre, or you would be aware of a large number of very talented bands that create albums that are technically strong, emotionally powerful (and not just negative emotion--positive ones are included, as well), and call upon the listeners to use their brains. I suggest you investigate bands such as Symphony X, Ayreon, Blind Guardian, Dream Theater, and Killswitch Engage (the last of which has lyrics that, if you bother to read them, are genuinely Christian in nature even though the name "Jesus" is not stated), as well as a whole host of other bands I would be happy to recommend.
I would especially suggest Symphony X to you--in addition to allusions to many excellent classical works, their original arrangements (both choral and orchestral, the latter through synthesizers) are truly mindblowing. If you are indeed the classical music guru you claim you are, you should be able to catch every single classical-music allusion in their work (which is the "decoration" upon their own excellent songs, mind you--they are a very original band). Their mastery over their instruments is equally inspiring. I would be glad to provide information on specific Symphony X works to listen to, or works by any of the other bands I have named--IF you are open-minded enough to take me up on this challenge and listen.
I also take great exception to your description of metal fans. I certainly have not become a twisted assassin wannabe as a result of listening to metal. I have a wide variety of interests, strong, loving family ties, good friends--and I laugh and smile just as anybody else does. I do not (as you seem to imagine) wallow in depression and anger. I have been highly successful in my academic studies (don't get any ideas that this letter was written or revised by anybody besides myself), and I am told that I attire myself well. You may believe I am the exception to the rule, but I can assure you that is not the case. And just as you did not know Mr. Abbot, you do not know those fans you saw memorializing him whose looks you did not like. You are engaging in blatant prejudice--judgment on first sight, knowing nothing beyond that first sight.
I think at the VERY least, you should apologize to Mr. Abbott's family and friends for the way you have insulted a man who can no longer defend himself, and for the hurt that they will undoubtedly feel when they find out what you said (and I mean WHEN, not IF--you know how word travels on the Internet). You also owe his fans--and metal fans in general--an apology for broadbrushing them. And finally, you should learn more about the metal genre before dismissing it all. Again--my challenge is open to you, if you are brave enough to accept.
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