Metal in Europe vs. Metal in the USA

[AeonicSlumber]

+1

The hipster is too busy drinking his $20 Cosmopolitan

What hipster spends more than $5 on alcoholic beverages and doesn't only drink PBR? lol really???

Agreed... especially for progressive metal. It's too hard for the average American to understand and appreciate.

Therefore (paraphrasing Garrison Keilor) we're all above average

Also I'm no fan of Between The Buried And Me really, but they are not only more "prog" in their musical arrangements than pretty much every band playing PPUSA this year, but they outsell every band playing the fest this year as well. So yeah, that's not really true. If anything American metal kids are TOO prog snobby right now. It's getting out of control.

I guess I didn't know enough about the band. Women in Bikini's are not NSFW here, but simulated lesbian oral sex definitely is.

That's your own fault then. What'd you think was going to happen? That they'd put on clothes and play chess?

 

[ashaman7122]

The metal fans in America only have them selves to blame for the state of metal in America. Support needs to go a little further than just bitching in a forum or posting clever comics.
As for a BTBM fan; the fanbase has always been strong and pretty loyal, I seem to remember this from the beginning. I can't say that about about other bands or types of metal in the U.S. And I can't help but to think it is the lack of support the U.S. metal bands, labels, shows, etc get from the "fans". But I'm sure internet forums will change all of that.
BTBM are exactly were they deserve to be, they earned it so more power to them.
Metal is much stronger in Europe because the fabric so to speak is a lot tighter knit. In Europe everything is connected and everyone knows everyone else. Example in festival season and how fests are planned out so not to interfere with one another. In Europe there is not the same mentality of separatism that America has. And everything over here is so disposable.
I hate even thinking about this.

So...bitching about bitching about stuff on a forum probably won't make a difference either? What a shame.

 

[Magius]

So...bitching about bitching about stuff on a forum probably won't make a difference either? What a shame.

Well, I think he does a little more than that.

 

[J. Golden]

So...bitching about bitching about stuff on a forum probably won't make a difference either? What a shame.

I don't believe I bitching at all. Just pointing out how pointless it is.
Often those who carry on about how bad metal is doing are usually those to blame for it. For instance the jackass who always says there is nothing going on in there local scene yet when something does that guy stays at home in a f@#kin forum. I think ever promoter knows what I'm talking about there.
Oh and then there are those guys who will not look into other bands until the cool kids in class are listening to them. Those douches crack me up.
Then I guess you could toss in the downloading issue and the fact people (in America) don't buy physical product. Jeez there is a list of reasons metal doesn't fair well in America and sadly it is really because of the advantage metal guy here. They are not as rapid about it here as they are in Europe. They are not as trendy in Europe as they are here. etc etc.
What is so sad is that the U.S. have such great bands and America does not seem to appreciate them.
I find the shirt on the Euro guy up top kind of interesting because Amon Armath is metal that sells and is big in the U.S. that guy should be sporting a Heavy Load or oz shirt. Actually no it really should be something like Halloween or Manilla Road, just happens to be two great U.S. bands that get no attention here. Will we ever see Manilla Road on the ProgPower stage, probably not. Do they deserve it, more than most. There is your U.S. appreciation.

 

[nailz]

That's your own fault then. What'd you think was going to happen? That they'd put on clothes and play chess?

Actually, yes. Isn't that the norm, at least, for prog metal shows?

 

[Pellaz]

Hmm, not quite right. Just replace BtB&M with We Came As Romans or something.

 

[Diabolik]

I don't believe I bitching at all. Just pointing out how pointless it is.
Often those who carry on about how bad metal is doing are usually those to blame for it. For instance the jackass who always says there is nothing going on in there local scene yet when something does that guy stays at home in a f@#kin forum. I think ever promoter knows what I'm talking about there.
Oh and then there are those guys who will not look into other bands until the cool kids in class are listening to them. Those douches crack me up.
Then I guess you could toss in the downloading issue and the fact people (in America) don't buy physical product. Jeez there is a list of reasons metal doesn't fair well in America and sadly it is really because of the advantage metal guy here. They are not as rapid about it here as they are in Europe. They are not as trendy in Europe as they are here. etc etc.
What is so sad is that the U.S. have such great bands and America does not seem to appreciate them.
I find the shirt on the Euro guy up top kind of interesting because Amon Armath is metal that sells and is big in the U.S. that guy should be sporting a Heavy Load or oz shirt. Actually no it really should be something like Halloween or Manilla Road, just happens to be two great U.S. bands that get no attention here. Will we ever see Manilla Road on the ProgPower stage, probably not. Do they deserve it, more than most. There is your U.S. appreciation.

very true. There are so many over looked US bands out there that are still around and no one has shown any interest or even just checked them out. Like you said...Halloween are great. Stuff like Oct 31st, Hallows Eve, Dark Black, Amulance, Hyborian Steel, High Spirits, Zuul, and the list can go on and on. In Chicago we have a great scene growing for traditional metal. About 90% of the fans of metal that live in Chicago have zero clue about it since they are more concerned about the next Symphony X show. We have a club that has monthly metal shows that happens on the last saturday of the month which usually has great line ups and a real nice setting in a great location. I rarely see the usual metal crowd that I do at the normal bigger shows. It is sad that people who love underground music are to scared to comeout of thier comfort zone and explore.
Coming from a guy who used to look down on US metal, look around...there are tons of great bands from our country here and lots of new festivals popping up. Support them.

 

[Stingray11214]

What hipster spends more than $5 on alcoholic beverages and doesn't only drink PBR? lol really???

The type whose college degrees were paid for by Mommy and Daddy and who thinks the world revolves around them. Come up to Brooklyn's North Side and you will see the hipster in all its perverted glory.....if they are not throwing up their guts on you first.

 

[J. Golden]

very true. There are so many over looked US bands out there that are still around and no one has shown any interest or even just checked them out. Like you said...Halloween are great. Stuff like Oct 31st, Hallows Eve, Dark Black, Amulance, Hyborian Steel, High Spirits, Zuul, and the list can go on and on. In Chicago we have a great scene growing for traditional metal. About 90% of the fans of metal that live in Chicago have zero clue about it since they are more concerned about the next Symphony X show. We have a club that has monthly metal shows that happens on the last saturday of the month which usually has great line ups and a real nice setting in a great location. I rarely see the usual metal crowd that I do at the normal bigger shows. It is sad that people who love underground music are to scared to comeout of thier comfort zone and explore.
Coming from a guy who used to look down on US metal, look around...there are tons of great bands from our country here and lots of new festivals popping up. Support them.

But people over here do not and will not come out of that comfort zone. Here the band needs to be in glossy print before people pay any attention to them, mean while that little fest is usually were the true metal really is. I seem to recall arguing this with a good friend of mine many years ago about this.
oh then all the Johnny come lately people; well just look at the chatter about While heaven Wept in this forum, before they were annouced a lot of this people would have never given that band a second thought. Thought they would all claim otherwise.
You know it really says something about bands in the U.S. if they are asked to cross the pond time and time again. Just recently there has been a bootleg greatest hits TTD Cd come out in Japan. Now think about that; not only for you to bootlegged but a greatest hits at that I think the band made some kind of impression to someone.

 

[DuchessOfDork]

You know, I've met way too many people who are willing to open their hearts to metal for me to complain too much. The fact is, my band is pretty small-potatoes, and we seem to be able to (miraculously) get 50 people to come out to a show, even when they don't know who the headliners are. And since none of my band members have any friends or family nearby, we know it's not just people humoring us. XD

So go America! There are a few of you left who are willing to watch and listen to some new stuff, even if it's on a small stage.

 

[J. Golden]

You know, I've met way too many people who are willing to open their hearts to metal for me to complain too much. The fact is, my band is pretty small-potatoes, and we seem to be able to (miraculously) get 50 people to come out to a show, even when they don't know who the headliners are. And since none of my band members have any friends or family nearby, we know it's not just people humoring us. XD

So go America! There are a few of you left who are willing to watch and listen to some new stuff, even if it's on a small stage.

After you make a trip to Nashville and do a gig let me know if those 50 people showed up? You in in one of the few good areas in the U.S. for metal so you are pretty lucky. Hell most decent bands could put 50 people in a club on a good night. And that Doro show back in 2009 (I believe) most have been a good for you guys then because there was barely over 50 people it seemed, thankfully the local support could bring the crowd. Strangely you crowd was in front of the strange for her though.
Not dissing you guys but you can not suggest you would have that pull out side for your area. Plenty of locals can do it in there area I saw exactly that at Pathfinder when HW played. Several people showed up for that band and left right afterwards. They could not have cared less to see TTD or Aska. Yet they are deemed as "real metal fans".
Damn it about to be attacked again like I was the first time I said this, but it was the f@#kin truth.
Go to W.O.M. III in Oh., great line up of all they bands who traveled far. The turnout was... well it could have been better. The local act Lunarium play and people show up before there set and leave right afterwards. There people are referred to as "true metal warriors", what a f@#kin joke. But point is bands might be able to pull well in their area if they are lucky.
Coming back around to the case in point; these people deemed "true metal warriors" or whatever are what the majority of metal listeners in the U.S. are. And I'm not just basing this on a couple of shows, you can see in other places. CD sakes is one of the most obvious places, ask a U.S. what area of the world pass the most attention. Just watch this forum, most of the chatter is about Euro bands and if a U.S. band comes up in is not talked about for long unless it is Jasonic going on about Manilla Road (preach on brother, one of the greatest metal bands ever).
So in the greater scheme America is really bad with metal. But hey keep that positive attitude I'm sure that will help change things.

 

[DuchessOfDork]

After you make a trip to Nashville and do a gig let me know if those 50 people showed up?

Will do! I haven't booked any gigs in Nashville, but I'll let you know how we do in Chicago.

You in in one of the few good areas in the U.S. for metal so you are pretty lucky. Hell most decent bands could put 50 people in a club on a good night. And that Doro show back in 2009 (I believe) most have been a good for you guys then because there was barely over 50 people it seemed, thankfully the local support could bring the crowd.

That was a good night for us, mostly because we'd only been a full band for a few months. I joined ASoT in August of 2009, so playing for Doro so quickly after we formed, and with band members from all over the US (my drummer and I are the only locals...) was really nice. Plus, Doro was very cool and her band was very encouraging.

So in the greater scheme America is really bad with metal. But hey keep that positive attitude I'm sure that will help change things.

I have to stay positive! If I don't, who will?

 

[dcowboys311]

So in the greater scheme America is really bad with metal. But hey keep that positive attitude I'm sure that will help change things.

Weird, it just seems from what you've been saying that the heart of country music and bumblefuck Ohio are bad for metal. Or are those places a good representation of what metal's like for a population of 300M?

 

[DuchessOfDork]

Didn't Luna Mortis come from Ohio? I know they're not around anymore, but that's proof enough that metal can come from where you least expect it!

 

[Diabolik]

Didn't Luna Mortis come from Ohio? I know they're not around anymore, but that's proof enough that metal can come from where you least expect it!

They are from Wisconsin.

 

[J. Golden]

I have to stay positive! If I don't, who will?

Well someone needs to, I'm to jaded and bitter now it can do that to one. So I do applaud you.

 

[Diabolik]

After you make a trip to Nashville and do a gig let me know if those 50 people showed up? You in in one of the few good areas in the U.S. for metal so you are pretty lucky. Hell most decent bands could put 50 people in a club on a good night. And that Doro show back in 2009 (I believe) most have been a good for you guys then because there was barely over 50 people it seemed, thankfully the local support could bring the crowd. Strangely you crowd was in front of the strange for her though.
Not dissing you guys but you can not suggest you would have that pull out side for your area. Plenty of locals can do it in there area I saw exactly that at Pathfinder when HW played. Several people showed up for that band and left right afterwards. They could not have cared less to see TTD or Aska. Yet they are deemed as "real metal fans".
Damn it about to be attacked again like I was the first time I said this, but it was the f@#kin truth.
Go to W.O.M. III in Oh., great line up of all they bands who traveled far. The turnout was... well it could have been better. The local act Lunarium play and people show up before there set and leave right afterwards. There people are referred to as "true metal warriors", what a f@#kin joke. But point is bands might be able to pull well in their area if they are lucky.
Coming back around to the case in point; these people deemed "true metal warriors" or whatever are what the majority of metal listeners in the U.S. are. And I'm not just basing this on a couple of shows, you can see in other places. CD sakes is one of the most obvious places, ask a U.S. what area of the world pass the most attention. Just watch this forum, most of the chatter is about Euro bands and if a U.S. band comes up in is not talked about for long unless it is Jasonic going on about Manilla Road (preach on brother, one of the greatest metal bands ever).
So in the greater scheme America is really bad with metal. But hey keep that positive attitude I'm sure that will help change things.

So very true.....Chicago is filled with the so called "true metal fans". At most shows we get the I am here more so to be seen and hang out with freinds than to watch the bands or buy merch. Asking most of the people about what new CD's they bought is impossible. Sure they come out for bigger shows but for example....Split Heaven is playing here next month. I can already tell you that this show will be empty. It sucks because they are a great band and people would love them if they actually took the time to hear them. American metal fans are way to lazy and stuck on a few bands and wont look into other bands it seems unless they are told that band is cool and worth a listen.

Dont even get me started about people leaving shows early.....

 

[J. Golden]

Weird, it just seems from what you've been saying that the heart of country music and bumblefuck Ohio are bad for metal. Or are those places a good representation of what metal's like for a population of 300M?

Really, then you tell me if it works so well then way are clubs empty when tours are going around the state, labels are shutting there doors here, labels are not putting releases out over here. Goddamn how long of a list could a make here.
Hey Atlanta is a pretty good size city, obviously Progpower pulls a lot from there. So why do I here that the shows down there seem to fair no as well as expected? I have seen the same thing at Jaxx here in Raleigh. It goes on in NJ, NY, so it is not just middle of nowhere OH. I'm sure it is difficult to understand this if you are not out there going to these things and talking with these bands on a daily basis. But it's the truth, metal's appreciation and devotion is poor here.
I was jjust speaking to a festival promoter from Europe this morning and we were discusing the metal scene here. Even people there can see the difference. But maybe when you are in it you can't see what is around you.

 

[Diabolik]

But people over here do not and will not come out of that comfort zone. Here the band needs to be in glossy print before people pay any attention to them, mean while that little fest is usually were the true metal really is. I seem to recall arguing this with a good friend of mine many years ago about this.
oh then all the Johnny come lately people; well just look at the chatter about While heaven Wept in this forum, before they were annouced a lot of this people would have never given that band a second thought. Thought they would all claim otherwise.
You know it really says something about bands in the U.S. if they are asked to cross the pond time and time again. Just recently there has been a bootleg greatest hits TTD Cd come out in Japan. Now think about that; not only for you to bootlegged but a greatest hits at that I think the band made some kind of impression to someone.

Jason and I discuss this all the time. Literally no one asides a small few would even give WHW the time of day before they were announced. While having them is great since they get more exposure but it is funny when you have the "i've been a fan forever" types coming out of the woodwork. I have been seeing this happen for years.

 

[Metal_Camden]

Actually, yes. Isn't that the norm, at least, for prog metal shows?

you forgot your thinking cap. that way you can super human-ly figure out what time signatures they are playing in.

Best of all, the cap will stay on your head. I mean, its not like your going to be doing a whole lot of headbanging...