A genre of music that evolved from rock in the late 70s and early 80s.
Is characterized by heavily distorted guitars, giving them a deep, rough sound, which is where the "heavy" part came from; powerful drums, and thick bass. Usually includes very complex guitar work and amazing solos.
Black Sabbath is often considered the original heavy metal band. Bands like Metallica and Iron Maiden are considered the perfectors of the genre, and pioneers of the overall 80s metal scene.
Over the years, it has evolved into several subgenres. The most popular one with metalheads is thrash metal, but there are several others such as power metal, doom metal, black metal, death metal, etc.
The most recent subgenre that's spawned in today's modern scene is nu metal. This subgenre has basically the same characteristics of traditional metal, except for the fact that guitar solos are very rare, if not included at all. This has caused many metalheads to look down upon it as "shit", "poser metal", or "mallcore" (many people also link it to "emo", as sometimes they may have similar lyrics).
Contrary to popular belief, heavy metal is NOT Satanic. Only black metal (and sometimes death metal) bands portray that kind of imagery. However, it's not because they actually worship Satan, but because they're against Christianity as a whole. Some other metal bands of other genres may occasionally use Satanic imagery in their songs, but once again, it's not because they worship Satan. It's just to add deeper meaning and emotion to their songs.
Also contrary to popular belief, it is NOT all mindless incomprehensible screaming. There is another subgenre of metal called "metalcore". These bands usually scream all the lyrics in their songs, and at the moment, metalcore is the most popular subgenre of metal. However, screaming metal bands only account for less than 25% of the entire genre. Metal bands like Iron Maiden, Stratovarius, Symphony X, and Kamelot incorporate very melodic vocals in their music, hardly ever screaming, if at all. If they do scream, it's only for a moment, to add emotion to a section of the song.
Is characterized by heavily distorted guitars, giving them a deep, rough sound, which is where the "heavy" part came from; powerful drums, and thick bass. Usually includes very complex guitar work and amazing solos.
Black Sabbath is often considered the original heavy metal band. Bands like Metallica and Iron Maiden are considered the perfectors of the genre, and pioneers of the overall 80s metal scene.
Over the years, it has evolved into several subgenres. The most popular one with metalheads is thrash metal, but there are several others such as power metal, doom metal, black metal, death metal, etc.
The most recent subgenre that's spawned in today's modern scene is nu metal. This subgenre has basically the same characteristics of traditional metal, except for the fact that guitar solos are very rare, if not included at all. This has caused many metalheads to look down upon it as "shit", "poser metal", or "mallcore" (many people also link it to "emo", as sometimes they may have similar lyrics).
Contrary to popular belief, heavy metal is NOT Satanic. Only black metal (and sometimes death metal) bands portray that kind of imagery. However, it's not because they actually worship Satan, but because they're against Christianity as a whole. Some other metal bands of other genres may occasionally use Satanic imagery in their songs, but once again, it's not because they worship Satan. It's just to add deeper meaning and emotion to their songs.
Also contrary to popular belief, it is NOT all mindless incomprehensible screaming. There is another subgenre of metal called "metalcore". These bands usually scream all the lyrics in their songs, and at the moment, metalcore is the most popular subgenre of metal. However, screaming metal bands only account for less than 25% of the entire genre. Metal bands like Iron Maiden, Stratovarius, Symphony X, and Kamelot incorporate very melodic vocals in their music, hardly ever screaming, if at all. If they do scream, it's only for a moment, to add emotion to a section of the song.
*Traditional Metal - Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest
*Thrash Metal - Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Megadeth, Testament, Exodus
*Power Metal - Blind Guardian, Manowar, Stratovarius, Helloween, Edguy, Rhapsody of Fire
*Progressive Metal - Dream Theater, Symphony X, King's X, Opeth
*Grindcore - Napalm Death, Anal Cunt, Carcass
*Death Metal - Cannibal Corpse, Behemoth, Necrophagist, Children of Bodom
*Black Metal - Venom, Emperor, Bathory, Dimmu Borgir, Mayhem, Burzum
*Nu Metal - Korn Slipknot, Deftones, Disturbed, System of a Down
*Metalcore - Unearth, Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage, Trivium (early albums), Hatebreed
In my opinion, all heavy metal is good. I know there are many "true metalheads" that will say all nu metal sucks, or all metalcore sucks, and that only old metal is good, but then they're not appreciating the metal genre as a whole. I say, why take your anger out on subgenres of your own favorite music, when you could take it out on those that are obscuring it further, like rap and pop?
If it's metal, it's metal. There shouldn't be any arguments about "true and false metal". It's just music. A guitarist doesn't have to be fucking Kirk Hammet or Kerry King to be talented. A song doesn't have to include a blazing fast solo like in Iron Maiden's Hallowed Be Thy Name to be good. Bands don't have to sound like the big names from the 80s to be great.
And speaking of big names.. Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, etc. are NOT the only good metal bands around. Granted, most of today's mainstream metal is unpopular with diehard metalheads, if you keep looking, you'll find many modern metal bands that are surprisingly good, like Edguy and Children of Bodom. Metal did NOT die in the 80s as many think, and this is why it will remain to please us all with its wonderful sound, unlike rap and pop that have no variety or talent whatsoever.
*Thrash Metal - Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Megadeth, Testament, Exodus
*Power Metal - Blind Guardian, Manowar, Stratovarius, Helloween, Edguy, Rhapsody of Fire
*Progressive Metal - Dream Theater, Symphony X, King's X, Opeth
*Grindcore - Napalm Death, Anal Cunt, Carcass
*Death Metal - Cannibal Corpse, Behemoth, Necrophagist, Children of Bodom
*Black Metal - Venom, Emperor, Bathory, Dimmu Borgir, Mayhem, Burzum
*Nu Metal - Korn Slipknot, Deftones, Disturbed, System of a Down
*Metalcore - Unearth, Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage, Trivium (early albums), Hatebreed
In my opinion, all heavy metal is good. I know there are many "true metalheads" that will say all nu metal sucks, or all metalcore sucks, and that only old metal is good, but then they're not appreciating the metal genre as a whole. I say, why take your anger out on subgenres of your own favorite music, when you could take it out on those that are obscuring it further, like rap and pop?
If it's metal, it's metal. There shouldn't be any arguments about "true and false metal". It's just music. A guitarist doesn't have to be fucking Kirk Hammet or Kerry King to be talented. A song doesn't have to include a blazing fast solo like in Iron Maiden's Hallowed Be Thy Name to be good. Bands don't have to sound like the big names from the 80s to be great.
And speaking of big names.. Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, etc. are NOT the only good metal bands around. Granted, most of today's mainstream metal is unpopular with diehard metalheads, if you keep looking, you'll find many modern metal bands that are surprisingly good, like Edguy and Children of Bodom. Metal did NOT die in the 80s as many think, and this is why it will remain to please us all with its wonderful sound, unlike rap and pop that have no variety or talent whatsoever.
by SomeBadJOKE February 04, 2007
A really cool symphonic black metal band from Norway.
Sure, they're not traditional black metal like bands such as Bathory or Emperor, and their lyrics can be somewhat.. crazy.. but the music is intense and awesome.
So, before all of you start yelling at me and calling me some sort of evil goth Satan-worshipper.. first of all, I'm Christian and I don't worship Satan, and second of all, I'm not trying to relate to their lyrics - I just like their music. If I wanted to find some good meaning in lyrics, I'd look at bands like Stratovarius or HIM, both of which are also really good.
So once again, Dimmu Borgir is an awesome band, and for those of you who want some nice heavy metal, I suggest checking these guys out.
Sure, they're not traditional black metal like bands such as Bathory or Emperor, and their lyrics can be somewhat.. crazy.. but the music is intense and awesome.
So, before all of you start yelling at me and calling me some sort of evil goth Satan-worshipper.. first of all, I'm Christian and I don't worship Satan, and second of all, I'm not trying to relate to their lyrics - I just like their music. If I wanted to find some good meaning in lyrics, I'd look at bands like Stratovarius or HIM, both of which are also really good.
So once again, Dimmu Borgir is an awesome band, and for those of you who want some nice heavy metal, I suggest checking these guys out.
by SomeBadJoke August 14, 2006
Yet another one of the overrated terrible rappers that plague the music industry these days. Does nothing but rap about sex, drugs, how great he thinks he is, and a bunch of other meaningless shit. Do you want some examples? Here:
Sex: Grown and Sexy - though it's self explanatory
Drugs: Ridin' - it's basically about smuggling drugs and hiding them from the police
Self-promotion: In the Trunk - Look up the lyrics.. it's ridiculous
The rest of the songs are basically just "shoutouts to his niggas" or something like that, and then he says a bunch of meaningless crap just for the purpose of showing how "gangsta" he is because he can speak in ebonics. Bad idea, you big fake.
If he actually rapped about things that made sense, and not simply some made-up stories of his "ghetto life", then maybe this guy would get a little more respect from me.
Sex: Grown and Sexy - though it's self explanatory
Drugs: Ridin' - it's basically about smuggling drugs and hiding them from the police
Self-promotion: In the Trunk - Look up the lyrics.. it's ridiculous
The rest of the songs are basically just "shoutouts to his niggas" or something like that, and then he says a bunch of meaningless crap just for the purpose of showing how "gangsta" he is because he can speak in ebonics. Bad idea, you big fake.
If he actually rapped about things that made sense, and not simply some made-up stories of his "ghetto life", then maybe this guy would get a little more respect from me.
Chamillionaire: "Tryin' to catch me ridin' dirty" *then repeat this like 8 times in 30 seconds - how great, huh?*
by SomeBadJoke August 12, 2006
A good and flexible program for playing sound files and videos. However, it has been known to cause the computer to freeze, or have a greater chance of freezing, which is why I don't use it anymore.
by SomeBadJOKE April 14, 2007
A metal head is someone who listens to metal. Any metal at all. Shut up with all this "only 80s thrash metal" bullshit, and all the "true and false metal" crap.
Both thrash and nu-metal can be good in their own ways. There's no such thing as a "false metal" band. If it's metal, it's metal. Period. Who cares what genre Slipknot is in? Who cares if Testament is from the 80s? They're both metal, so it's not wrong for a metalhead to like them. I personally like both of them, so just stop the stupid debate of which bands are true and which are not.
However, a metalhead may indeed despise such music as rap, pop, or pop punk, for either being mainstream, or full of shit. And most of it is. However, just because a band is mainstream does not specifically mean it sucks. So System of a Down appeared on MTV. Does that mean they're the worst thing to happen to music since 50 Cent? No! They're simply getting their music out to more people. If you really want to vent your anger out because a band is popular, go take it out on their stereotypical fans, for being such airheaded idiots and making the band look bad - not the band itself.
As for the dress code, there is no set one. Most metalheads, however, can be characterized by either shoulder-length or shaven hair, leather jackets, band t-shirts, and lots of studs and spikes in their accessories. There is also no set way to behave in order to be a metalhead. You don't have to do drugs, you don't have to drink, and you don't have to be the toughest S.O.B. in the world who can demolish 20 asses in a fight. You can be a very friendly sweet person who hates fighting and still be a metalhead.
Just be yourself, and listen to all the great metal you love. That, is what makes you a metalhead. Not taking drugs and ranting about true and false metal. That, is what you call an intentional conformist.
Both thrash and nu-metal can be good in their own ways. There's no such thing as a "false metal" band. If it's metal, it's metal. Period. Who cares what genre Slipknot is in? Who cares if Testament is from the 80s? They're both metal, so it's not wrong for a metalhead to like them. I personally like both of them, so just stop the stupid debate of which bands are true and which are not.
However, a metalhead may indeed despise such music as rap, pop, or pop punk, for either being mainstream, or full of shit. And most of it is. However, just because a band is mainstream does not specifically mean it sucks. So System of a Down appeared on MTV. Does that mean they're the worst thing to happen to music since 50 Cent? No! They're simply getting their music out to more people. If you really want to vent your anger out because a band is popular, go take it out on their stereotypical fans, for being such airheaded idiots and making the band look bad - not the band itself.
As for the dress code, there is no set one. Most metalheads, however, can be characterized by either shoulder-length or shaven hair, leather jackets, band t-shirts, and lots of studs and spikes in their accessories. There is also no set way to behave in order to be a metalhead. You don't have to do drugs, you don't have to drink, and you don't have to be the toughest S.O.B. in the world who can demolish 20 asses in a fight. You can be a very friendly sweet person who hates fighting and still be a metalhead.
Just be yourself, and listen to all the great metal you love. That, is what makes you a metalhead. Not taking drugs and ranting about true and false metal. That, is what you call an intentional conformist.
True metalhead: (wearing a Slipknot shirt) Man, I'm bored. Anyone got a metal CD I can listen to?
False metalhead: (stoned out of his mind) yo u stupid lozer, Slipnot sux dik. Why doncha lizzen to true metal liek Pantera and Testament, u fuckin poser! Get high an' drunk, jus' liek all of uz!
True metalhead: For your information, I like both of them, and I don't need to be a stoned fucktard to show it.
False metalhead: Whuh? U cal meh namez?? Gah! (falls to the floor, knocked out)
False metalhead: (stoned out of his mind) yo u stupid lozer, Slipnot sux dik. Why doncha lizzen to true metal liek Pantera and Testament, u fuckin poser! Get high an' drunk, jus' liek all of uz!
True metalhead: For your information, I like both of them, and I don't need to be a stoned fucktard to show it.
False metalhead: Whuh? U cal meh namez?? Gah! (falls to the floor, knocked out)
by SomeBadJoke October 28, 2006
It only takes about 1 or 2 seconds to play something on the triangle. After that, you've completely mastered the instrument. Congrats.
by SomeBadJoke August 08, 2006
Horrible music. I have some good reasons for having this opinion too.
I used to be around rap all the time, and really.. it all sounded the same. Same beat all the time, and very identical voices (seeing as most rappers are black and have similar voices). The only thing that really changes are the sound effects in the back. Not only that, but most mainstream rap is about, yup - you got it: Sex, drugs, money, violence, racism against whites, and gangsta life. I'm not stereotyping, because I KNOW not all rap is about this. But really.. how many examples can you give besides people such as 2pac, Kayne West or Mos Def?
2pac wasn't really any different from today's rappers. He too made songs about life in the ghettos, and being a gangsta. He made songs about shooting cops, and committing other various crimes. These really aren't some standards I'd want to live by. Wouldn't you agree? And Kayne West... he recently exposed his racist personality by talking about how whites don't care about black people, and how he thinks that everything that happens is because of white people. Mos Def might've been one of the only rappers who did not follow all these stereotypes, but there are few people who listen to him compared to people who listen to shit like 50 Cent, Ludacris, or Nelly.
If you listened to most of today's rap, the songs will always be about either one of the themes mentioned above, but mostly sex. Actual lines in some rap songs include: "I'm in love with a stripper", "It's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes", "Shake that ass girl", "I'll let you lick the lollipop", and "Your ass is a masterpiece". I could probably come up with lots more examples if I continued looking. Just goes to show you what most rap is made of.
So therefore, to those of you who are trying to defend rap, why bother? You're telling us to listen to the good stuff like 2pac, Kayne West, Mos Def, etc., but however, you listen to all that gangsta rap shit at the same time. Go out in public, and look around you. See how many people have been possessed by this music. They act like they're "the shit", use curse words in all of their sentences, wear G-Unit clothes, and call themselves "gangstas". If people really listened to the stuff you're telling them to listen to, why do we have so many people who listen to OTHER stuff and follow THEIR standards?
One more thing. To those who defend rap and bash rock/metal, SHUT UP. I'm not stereotyping rap, but YOU'RE stereotyping rock. There are VERY few bands who, as you call it, smash their instruments or scream at the top of their lungs like psychotic lunatics. The bands who do that are usually black metal bands, and black metal is virtually unknown by the public. The same goes for bands who, once again as you call it, make songs about Satan, blood, death, and all those other gruesome themes. That's death metal, which isn't any more popular than black metal. Sure, some of today's modern popular bands DO talk about this stuff, and they DO smash their instruments and scream, and yea, we all know those bands suck, just like 50 Cent does as a rapper. But they don't reflect on the ENTIRE genre. Whereas with rap, almost 2/3 of the genre is about the stereotypical stuff. Seriously, if you're going to attack something, at least be accurate with it.
I used to be around rap all the time, and really.. it all sounded the same. Same beat all the time, and very identical voices (seeing as most rappers are black and have similar voices). The only thing that really changes are the sound effects in the back. Not only that, but most mainstream rap is about, yup - you got it: Sex, drugs, money, violence, racism against whites, and gangsta life. I'm not stereotyping, because I KNOW not all rap is about this. But really.. how many examples can you give besides people such as 2pac, Kayne West or Mos Def?
2pac wasn't really any different from today's rappers. He too made songs about life in the ghettos, and being a gangsta. He made songs about shooting cops, and committing other various crimes. These really aren't some standards I'd want to live by. Wouldn't you agree? And Kayne West... he recently exposed his racist personality by talking about how whites don't care about black people, and how he thinks that everything that happens is because of white people. Mos Def might've been one of the only rappers who did not follow all these stereotypes, but there are few people who listen to him compared to people who listen to shit like 50 Cent, Ludacris, or Nelly.
If you listened to most of today's rap, the songs will always be about either one of the themes mentioned above, but mostly sex. Actual lines in some rap songs include: "I'm in love with a stripper", "It's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes", "Shake that ass girl", "I'll let you lick the lollipop", and "Your ass is a masterpiece". I could probably come up with lots more examples if I continued looking. Just goes to show you what most rap is made of.
So therefore, to those of you who are trying to defend rap, why bother? You're telling us to listen to the good stuff like 2pac, Kayne West, Mos Def, etc., but however, you listen to all that gangsta rap shit at the same time. Go out in public, and look around you. See how many people have been possessed by this music. They act like they're "the shit", use curse words in all of their sentences, wear G-Unit clothes, and call themselves "gangstas". If people really listened to the stuff you're telling them to listen to, why do we have so many people who listen to OTHER stuff and follow THEIR standards?
One more thing. To those who defend rap and bash rock/metal, SHUT UP. I'm not stereotyping rap, but YOU'RE stereotyping rock. There are VERY few bands who, as you call it, smash their instruments or scream at the top of their lungs like psychotic lunatics. The bands who do that are usually black metal bands, and black metal is virtually unknown by the public. The same goes for bands who, once again as you call it, make songs about Satan, blood, death, and all those other gruesome themes. That's death metal, which isn't any more popular than black metal. Sure, some of today's modern popular bands DO talk about this stuff, and they DO smash their instruments and scream, and yea, we all know those bands suck, just like 50 Cent does as a rapper. But they don't reflect on the ENTIRE genre. Whereas with rap, almost 2/3 of the genre is about the stereotypical stuff. Seriously, if you're going to attack something, at least be accurate with it.
Face it, rap sucks. The only talent it takes to make rap is to write lots of words and keep it in harmony with the beat. Too bad the words that are used are almost always about sex, drugs, money, and gangstas. I respect those who do not write about this stuff, and actually make their words poetry, but there are few artists who did this.
The only thing rap has going for it is that it's good music to dance to, whereas you can't do that with most rock. However, rock takes lots more talent. You need cooperation of several people to make just ONE song, while rappers don't need anyone - thus his/her job is easier. You need to learn to play instruments, while a rapper only needs to know how to talk/sing on the mic, which in fact IS quite easy to do. Not only that, but rock music is actually VARIED. Rap.. all you have is about 2 or 3 different beats with different sound effects in the back, which can be played by pushing buttons on a machine. NIIICE.
The only thing rap has going for it is that it's good music to dance to, whereas you can't do that with most rock. However, rock takes lots more talent. You need cooperation of several people to make just ONE song, while rappers don't need anyone - thus his/her job is easier. You need to learn to play instruments, while a rapper only needs to know how to talk/sing on the mic, which in fact IS quite easy to do. Not only that, but rock music is actually VARIED. Rap.. all you have is about 2 or 3 different beats with different sound effects in the back, which can be played by pushing buttons on a machine. NIIICE.
by SomeBadJoke August 05, 2006