This is only from my experience with heavy metal (and others I've known), but it seems that heavy metal becomes the focal point of a lot of fan's lives. Why is this?
Why is heavy metal so important?
- Thread starter Nate The Great
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J.
Old Fart
Well, in my case, I wouldn't say it is the focal point, but it sure as hell is one of my focal points (the others being girlfriend, family, and my job).
I wil try to put this simply, because it's way too early to go into a deep discussion. But I think music is a part of everyone's life. It has been a part of cultures for centuries.
Admit it, when you meet a girl and you both start asking questions, getting to know eachother- one of the questions you or her ask is "What kind of music do you listen to?" Don't deny it. Personally, when I say "metal", the girl gets very suspicious. Luckily, my current girlfriend has an open mind.
Anyway, I think once a person gets "into" metal, there is no turning back. When I started listening to metal, it's like a sheet was lifted from my eyes and I saw The Promised Land. And that is why I constantly try to encourage nu-bies to listen to real metal. Once your there, it is Paradise. (WARNING- my previous statement was not intended to begin a nu-metal conversation. Stick with the subject that npearce started)
Metal fans are MUCH more devoted than any other type of music's fans.
And did you know that Metal fans and Classical music fans are usually very smart? And it's funny, but if a metal fan were to "leave" metal, the majority of the time he will start listening to classical music. I shit you not.
I guess it's hard to explain.
I wil try to put this simply, because it's way too early to go into a deep discussion. But I think music is a part of everyone's life. It has been a part of cultures for centuries.
Admit it, when you meet a girl and you both start asking questions, getting to know eachother- one of the questions you or her ask is "What kind of music do you listen to?" Don't deny it. Personally, when I say "metal", the girl gets very suspicious. Luckily, my current girlfriend has an open mind.
Anyway, I think once a person gets "into" metal, there is no turning back. When I started listening to metal, it's like a sheet was lifted from my eyes and I saw The Promised Land. And that is why I constantly try to encourage nu-bies to listen to real metal. Once your there, it is Paradise. (WARNING- my previous statement was not intended to begin a nu-metal conversation. Stick with the subject that npearce started)
Metal fans are MUCH more devoted than any other type of music's fans.
And did you know that Metal fans and Classical music fans are usually very smart? And it's funny, but if a metal fan were to "leave" metal, the majority of the time he will start listening to classical music. I shit you not.
I guess it's hard to explain.
chileanmetal
Tear Your Soul Apart
In some cases, al that you said might be true. Where I think differen from you is abot the "No turning Back" part. I play bass, so if there's something that shows the bass players are good, I like that band, i.e.: Jamiroquai, Mudvayne, Rush, Primus, RHCP, Dream THeatre, Stu Hamm. If we listen to metal bass players, there are a few bass players that you can say "He's talented" i.e.: Death, Children of Bodom.
Besides, I'm very open minded. I don't listen to britney, M2M, N'sick and stuff, but I like Jazz, Classical Music, Thrash, Funk, etc.
The cool thing about metal (IMO) is that makes you feel different. and has a lot of variations. Are U sad?: Lacrimosa, Lacuna Coil. Melodic stuff? In FLames, Dark Tranquillity. etc. So if you are into DeathMetal, you have a lot of variety where you can browse the music you like most. But, in my case, I usually get out of the metal stuff when I want to listen some other stuff.
Besides, I'm very open minded. I don't listen to britney, M2M, N'sick and stuff, but I like Jazz, Classical Music, Thrash, Funk, etc.
The cool thing about metal (IMO) is that makes you feel different. and has a lot of variations. Are U sad?: Lacrimosa, Lacuna Coil. Melodic stuff? In FLames, Dark Tranquillity. etc. So if you are into DeathMetal, you have a lot of variety where you can browse the music you like most. But, in my case, I usually get out of the metal stuff when I want to listen some other stuff.
Because it makes me feel more alive. In its wide spread, I can find the right music for my moods and feelings. Its the music that doesn't just resonate in my ears, it resonates in my soul.
There is no turning back for me. I still retain a partial fondness for the music I listened to before, and my tastes remain wide overall. But they're like little tidbits eaten for taste, while Metal is the perfect meal...
There is no turning back for me. I still retain a partial fondness for the music I listened to before, and my tastes remain wide overall. But they're like little tidbits eaten for taste, while Metal is the perfect meal...
When I put on a disc like Emperor's Anthems it's a mind altering experience.I think I'm also so attracted to metal because of the art work,references to the occult . i have to agree that alot of metal artists are influenced by classical music.There's a whole load of bands that do an excellent blend of classical and metal.The kids today definetly need to check out the bands from Europe and the originators of metal.Some of these kids are really sad.
JayKeeley
Be still, O wand'rer!
Attitude.
Because I can sit here in my white collar job earning six-figures surrounded by fat fucks who play golf at the weekend, and still keep the faith in knowing that I'd rather go to Wacken and love every minute of it.
Because I can sit here in my white collar job earning six-figures surrounded by fat fucks who play golf at the weekend, and still keep the faith in knowing that I'd rather go to Wacken and love every minute of it.
The Yngster
Member
Because genres like pop and rap are just phases that people think are cool at the moment. Most people who listen to metal (real metal, not nu-metal) are much more serious about their music.
xenophobe
Active Member
I'm a fan, but then again, I'm a musician... My music IS my life.
It always will be. No exceptions.
It always will be. No exceptions.
Crimson Babe
*nootch*
Because I am myself with METAL! Without it, I woudn't be the same person. It's a part of my life, a very big part! I get aquanticed with my bf through this music...
I admit that most people think it's weird, but those who has the metal heart will undrestand me. It's a lifestyle.
I admit that most people think it's weird, but those who has the metal heart will undrestand me. It's a lifestyle.
LoboUivante
my tummy hurts
metal is improtant to me because i can relaite to a lot of what is going on in the music. there has always been a lot of feeling in the music and that is what attracted me to it in the start.
this is music that reflects who i am, i like to be challanged by my music, i like to have to think about it rather than just have any old crap on.
metal is also so important because it is so adaptable. there are so many extremes in metal from the melodic "lacuna coil" to the insane "dillenger escape plan" there is just so much on offer from metal.
i however don't like to limit myself to just "metal" but i find that it is what i keep coming back to. hell rock'n fuck'n metal!!!
this is music that reflects who i am, i like to be challanged by my music, i like to have to think about it rather than just have any old crap on.
metal is also so important because it is so adaptable. there are so many extremes in metal from the melodic "lacuna coil" to the insane "dillenger escape plan" there is just so much on offer from metal.
i however don't like to limit myself to just "metal" but i find that it is what i keep coming back to. hell rock'n fuck'n metal!!!
Simple question:Would you rather listen to generic,manufactured and silly crap when we have metal?
arcova
FataMorgana
i do agree... metal <outside of school and family> has been the focal point of my life. metal is like a religion to me. i got into metal when i was 16, right at the brink of a personal muscial crisis. i was getting tired of the crap i was listening to in high school, and didn't know where else to go. luckily my metal head boyfriend at the time turned me onto megadeth, and it just took on a life of its own.
since that time, i can define most of the important events in my life in relation to a band.
other than that, it gives me something to connect to as far as songs, people, relationships, something to talk think and analyze and something to look forward to. plus its something intelligent, powerful, dynamic, and worthwhile being sucked into.
since that time, i can define most of the important events in my life in relation to a band.
other than that, it gives me something to connect to as far as songs, people, relationships, something to talk think and analyze and something to look forward to. plus its something intelligent, powerful, dynamic, and worthwhile being sucked into.
for me its the one thing i had to rely on during tough times years ago.besides good metal heals the soul.it can bring you up,or down but is all positive to me.i find slayer to be the best choice when im pissed.
overkiller
seventh milestone
When I started listening to metal I just thought it was cool, like "Hey, listen to this heavy shit" or something 
But as it is today, I'm the only one here still listening to metal, some other people has been there and done that. But, why I stick to metal is because all of the memories I get when I listen to certain songs, and of course, I could get tired of it sometimes. But all in all it's just the great music which made me an addict.
But as it is today, I'm the only one here still listening to metal, some other people has been there and done that. But, why I stick to metal is because all of the memories I get when I listen to certain songs, and of course, I could get tired of it sometimes. But all in all it's just the great music which made me an addict.
Nocturnal Emperor
Why so serious ?
because you can apreciate the level of musicianship in most metal bands and because metal produces a fantastic atmosphere
NAD
What A Horrible Night To Have A Curse
It is very funny how metal gets pigeon-holed by those that do know like it. "Oh, it's all that NOISE shit" they say. Yet metal fans find HUGE differences between the bands. Ask any metalhead the difference between Opeth and Cannibal Corpse and they could write you could write a book. Ask the typical pop-cultured non-metal teenager and they think it's all the same. I love metal because it takes itself seriously, there is infinite diversity, it is almost an exclusive genre, and don't forget that it fucking rocks!!!
I got into metal when I was 13, and that was over a decade ago. I listen to lots of different styles of music (classical, jazz, blues, classic rock, etc.) but I always come back to metal, and I can guarantee that I always will.
About girls getting scared of metal heads, yes that does happen. I remember the look on my girlfriend's face when I first played her Cradle of Filth 2 years ago... wow. So I made her a CD with tons of metal on it (and a handful of death metal) and told her to put all her bias aside and listen to the musicianship of this stuff, and realize why I love it. She's a pianist and singer so I knew she could at least respect it from that level. After listening to Carcass one night she said "I can appreciate the music, but I don't like that screaming, and I don't think that I ever will." We went to Hypocrisy a few months ago and she loved it, so she's eating her words now.
I got into metal when I was 13, and that was over a decade ago. I listen to lots of different styles of music (classical, jazz, blues, classic rock, etc.) but I always come back to metal, and I can guarantee that I always will.
About girls getting scared of metal heads, yes that does happen. I remember the look on my girlfriend's face when I first played her Cradle of Filth 2 years ago... wow. So I made her a CD with tons of metal on it (and a handful of death metal) and told her to put all her bias aside and listen to the musicianship of this stuff, and realize why I love it. She's a pianist and singer so I knew she could at least respect it from that level. After listening to Carcass one night she said "I can appreciate the music, but I don't like that screaming, and I don't think that I ever will." We went to Hypocrisy a few months ago and she loved it, so she's eating her words now.
DarkFifl
Member
I'm a very new listener to metal but ... the music does something to me.
In the Gym , it has harnessed my rage and focused it into my lifting. I've even found myself growling a few times when I'm on my last Force rep trying to push myself beyond muscle failure.
When running, the faster songs are excellent to get in step with. It feels great when your on your 7th mile and feel like your gonna die and some great fast and hard metal song comes up to drive you on.
No other music has been able to relax me as much as Metal. My selection is really small because I am new but I have been playing some of the slower accustic stuff before bed and falling right asleep.
I've also been more motivated to work on my website and my art more and more since listening to music. Even though my themes of the art and website have darkened quite a bit
In the Gym , it has harnessed my rage and focused it into my lifting. I've even found myself growling a few times when I'm on my last Force rep trying to push myself beyond muscle failure.
When running, the faster songs are excellent to get in step with. It feels great when your on your 7th mile and feel like your gonna die and some great fast and hard metal song comes up to drive you on.
No other music has been able to relax me as much as Metal. My selection is really small because I am new but I have been playing some of the slower accustic stuff before bed and falling right asleep.
I've also been more motivated to work on my website and my art more and more since listening to music. Even though my themes of the art and website have darkened quite a bit
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