Metal is a very old genre of music, with its origins dating back to 1960's. While there was not actual metal during that time, bands were experimenting with heaviness, and it was no suprise that the first metal band (Black Sabbath) was soon to be born.

Metal originally was one genre. But as time passed more genres were born. it is in the 80's, during the days of NWOBHM and Thrash Metal (two very awesome and popular metal genrews) that metal started changing noticeably.

Thrash metal was born when NWOBHM and Hardcore Punk somehow got combined. The first extreme metal genre was created, one that had the energy, speed, craziness and politicalness of punk and the complex riffing, complex lyrical writing abilities, guitar virtuosity and instrumental pwnage of NWOBHM. Thrash was perhaps the most popular and successful genre of metal during its years, with bands like Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax (the big 4 of thrash) as well as smaller acts like OverKill, Testament and Annihaltor enjoying much success. Unfortunately, after the 80's and the appearence of grunge, thrash started fading away and bands simply started lacking the energy and creativity of their past. From what is known, thrash metal though, is slowly getting back onto its feet and coming back with a vengeance.

In 1980's, after Venom made their monumental "Black Metal" album, black metal was (sort of) born, although it was not THAT well defined yet.
Bathory, Celtic Forst and Mercyful Fate (note: th...

A derivative of the devil horns made popular by Ronny James Dio. A Double Viking is giving the sign with both hands with as much enthusiasum as possible.

In the same family as the "too much metal for one hand" sign but a DV is better in that one can more easily toss it up without worrying about putting their hands together. Thus making it far more deadly.

A block of "heavy metal" videos played on Vh1 classic on Monday, Friday and Saturday. Heavy metal is in quotes since, regardless of the name, they tend to play too much glam music, thinking it's heavy metal, and not enough true heavy metal music. Seemingly getting worse.

To first understand a metalhead one has to understand that there are people who listen to metal and then there are people that live it as if it is their purpose for existing. The most important thing in their life is metal, music, and living the lifestyle. If you are someone that just listens to metal and doesn't truly understand the nature of a metalhead then you do not fit into this category.

Metalheads are often loner anti-social types. Though some are lazy and uneducated, this does not go for many Metalheads who follow the ethos of strength and perserverence. Many older metalheads have lived a life being picked on and looked down upon, thus they tend to hit the gym and take up different fighting courses despite what many people believe. Otherwise, they're just born tough. They tend to work common working class jobs such as retail at Sears or Wal*Mart working in the back, or at warehouses loading and shipping equipment. Usually they'll go for a job that doesn't entitle the need for dealing with customers as Metalheads tend to pretty much hate everyone that isn't metal...unless you're an attractive broad that they desire, and then they pretend to like you so that they can get in your pants.

Though anti-social, metalheads above all other forms of sub-culture tend to flock towards their brothers in metal. Your rank and merit within their counter-culture is based on your knowledge and dedication to the music. If you are a flake that just likes to listen to the band yo...

Heavy Metal that is true to its meaning, lyrical content and/or sound. Is by no means, exaggerated, humorous etc. Real Heavy Metal is ofcourse loud, but that alone isin't enough to be truely 'Metal'! Using Heavy and/or Metal in lyrics or title text too much would simply ruin the feeling. Heavy Metal is NOT a substitute term for Rock or Hard Rock! You don't use Heavy Metal, like Hard Rock bands would use the word Rock ( 'I Wanna Rock', 'Let There Be Rock') that is not an attitude of a Metalhead or Metal band! Not that they disregard it, but that Heavy Metal is not really the same as Hard Rock! And Again, real Heavy Metal should flirt with sin like Judas Priest, and/or the occult like Black Sabbath, glorify freedom and touch on subject matter that is 'heavy' or just profound, meaningful and interesting like Slayer-thats what makes it 'heavy'!

Usually consists of a band, who’s sound is obviously derives from metal (has metal influences), such as distorted electrical guitars, and bass guitars, rapid drumming, and heavy vocals. However the difference between faggoth metal and REAL metal is the ideology of the band itself. A faggoth metal band usually poses for popular magazines, while signing on to giant labels in hopes of getting more money. Once this happens and faggoth metal band becomes popular and forgets why they wrote music to begin with. Faggoth metal bands are known to become quite bastardized, and begin adding their own catchy melodies, such as synths, pop-influenced playing style and female vocals. Other faggoth metal bands become so melodic and catchy, that eventually mainstream hits become inevitable. Faggoth metal bands are extremely popular in faggoths/mallgoths that have a conviction that they are listening to the heaviest form of music known to man, which is the only real reason they listen to it. Adherents of faggoth metal are either posers who are too intimidated by the real real metal culture, and know it, thus this becomes the next best thing for them. Either that or some douche bag jock who think it makes him/her appear tough. Unfortunately for them, this is untrue, and in fact, faggoth metal bands are generally rejected and ridiculed by true metalheads. Prime examples of a faggoth metal bands are Cradle of Filth (the quintessential example), and Slipknot (they are really a hard rock band, bu...

A metal head has intense love for metal bands. They usually wear band tee shirts and jeans. Dont care too much about their appearence. We are quiet and keep to ourselves. Believe it or not most of us are inteligent. Most love to draw and are very artistic (such am i). Real metal heads listen to the classic bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica(old), Pantera, Megadeth, GN'R, and that shit. People who say their 'metal heads' who happen to listen to gay nu metal-slipknot, cradle of filth, ext. AREN'T true metal heads. Also, a true metal head wont come out and say 'im a metal head' We dont give a shit about what people think about us and quite frankly could care less. We're close to our friends aspecially the ones who respect us for who we are and dont care about what kinda music we listen to. Like i said before we keep to ourselves but are always up for a fight or to defend our music. ALOT of people mistake metal heads for EMO,GOTH, and PUNK which are very different from metal heads. Emos hate the world and cut themselves and listen to fall out boy *gag* and goths just crave the attention or are depressed. Punks like to pogo and listen to sex pistols and shit like that. Metal heads love life, have senses of humor, and are just fun to be around and rock out with! So for all you metal haters;GO BUY A FALLOUT BOY CD AND DIE!