So in my opinion,
Heavy Metal (along with the many sub genres) is more than just music..
It's a lifestyle.
I hate it when people tell me that :
"Everyone goes through a metal-loving stage, but you'll phase it out".
Something as epic and plain great thing as metal can't phase.
Once you've truly been bitten by the sharp teeth of the metal beast, you're a metalhead for life.
It's not necessarily about the outward appearances that makes people label you as a metalhead ;
it's your identity.
It's always difficult to define a metalhead,
sometimes even to myself (which is weird, because I'm a metalhead from flesh to bone) ;
So I've tried narrowing things down to 10 main characteristics of a metalhead.
1. Metalheads have a bold disobedience and resistance
From the very first days in the days of bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and KISS, right through to the more contemporary and up-to-date day where there are countless bands and styles...
there is a attribute many metal fans posses : defiance.
Most of the time this defiance is misinterpreted as teenage rebellion [A.K.A a phase we will apparently outgrow]
The defiance of metalheads stands out as a strong expression of resistance : "Screw you; I'm doing this my way"
*OR* as Rage_Against_The_Machine eloquently affirmed : "f*ck you; I won't do what you tell me"
It's like a refusal to follow the mindset of this mainstream society. Almost like an in-your-face individuality plea.
(Lol.. "plea" as if we plea, we f*ck things up to get our way)
2. Metalheads escape through music
The beginning journey for a headbangers usually amped by isolation or loneliness, or yeah - both.
Metal usually becomes like some sort of escapism; just like it does for me.
Us metal fans (or, well, I) don't just only embrace the music for the talent or the technical ability of the musicians, and not only for the org*smic excitement it brings,
but also because of the sentiment that you can escape the dull, the stress of life..
and just get lost in the music itself.
(Come on - don't pretend you've never airguitared imagined yourself rocking out in front of hoards of screaming fans.. pfft)
3. Metalheads become unified by the music
Give it up - at one stage or another you've felt like an outcast for listening to metal. Whether it was because you're the only kid in class listening to it,
or maybe your girlfriend nor her friends like it,
or just plain because people look at you awkwardly when you're headbanging down the street with your earphones in.
You kinda feel strange and different; but I've come to notice that Metal kinda comforts that unusual feeling - or am I just really weird?
There comes a point in the life of every metal fan where their paths cross with other metalheads;
and this is where that weird, strange outcast feeling disintegrates.
Like at Ramfest. Usually when out with a couple of friends you feel awkward in public when a random
almost metal song plays and you're the only one enjoying it - because let's face it, clubs don't exactly cater for our music-tastes.
BUT!!! (and i get goosebumps thinking of this) at a metalfest like RAMfest... Everyone gathers around and everyone enjoys the music and everyone's happy,
and everyone likes everyone because everyone loves metal. Like a weird, Barney episode.. everyone hugs each other and tells each other how f*cking awesome they are.
4. Metalheads have a unique sense of style
You can't really say it's a uniform or set of rules to follow, but the way a person dresses identifies them as a headbanger.
There have been trends over the years but in the end it all will still come down to
Band-tees and base color : black.
It doesn't really matter what a metalhead wears, though, because what gives a normal person away to be a metalhead.. is the body language.
Andlet me tell you - there's nothing in this world i find more sexy on a person than that metalhead-vibe they give off.
It's the subtle but clear way they walk,
the way they can't help but bang their head when a rock song's playing..
and ofcourse, a guy that wears 3 or 4 manly wristbands or bangles... ahhhh my God, yes please.
5. Metalheads are strongly opinionated
US metalheads have very strong opinions on a wide range of subjects,
and the subject we are MOST opinionated on? Metal itself.
I don't think the debate between metalheads will ever subside,
especially those arguments of what "true metal" is.
I am so guilty here, because I've been arguing aggressively and excessively that Asking_Alexandria is not metal. Yes, their drums are insane! But no - too much computerised sound effects.
6. Metalheads respect the heritage
Kind of a complex thing. A fan of -let's say- Iron_Maiden may not be a fan of Deep_purple; but they respect Deep Purple for being an inspiration to Iron Maiden.
Metalheads truly have an inspiring understanding that if it was not for all the old-school bands that are according to some "out-of-fashion" and even (shockingly) "lame"
metal wouldn't be where it is today.
There's a hearty respect for all metal-bands that played a role in shaping metal to what it's like today.
7. Metalheads have a great understanding of belief
Metal has been criticised many times for Blasphemy or anti-religion, but this stance has proven to be a catalyst for headbangers being well-versed and competent
in understanding numerous aspects of religion, faith and belief.
Whether a metalhead is an atheist, Christian, Satanist or whatever, you will find that metal fans are extremely well educated on their Religion;
as well as well educated on other beliefs as well.
So! About the whole : "OMG metal-lovers are the Devil's children!" rubbish going around - Chill the f*ck out.
Truth be told, even PopMusic can be satanic if they really had the brain to actually have lyrics that make sense.
There are many metalbands that are well known, that are Christian bands, like :
- Flyleaf
- Underoath
- Bless The Fall
8. Metalheads are determined
One common aspect between metalheads is that they often have a strong feeling of determination to reach for the skies and make their statement clear.
Also, their was this extremely narrow-minded misconception that headbangers aren't academic, nor accomplished whatsoever. What bullsh*t is that?
But one thing I can promise you Right now, whether I'm speaking for others, or only for myself; If you tell a metalhead that they CAN'T do something,
he/she/I will prove to you they can. Kapeish?
9. Metalheads have a appreciation of the Underground
To the conventional and mainstream (and f*cked up) society, metal music is often define by which metal bands have had the most success.
Artists such as Metallica, Guns N' Roses and Led Zeppelin are often held on high by media.
While most metal fans have some form of appreciation for the listed bands, metalheads tend to float to metal bands that aren't so commercialised.
There will always be Pantera, Slayer and KISS fans; but metalheads I've seen also support Opeth an even Dream Eater - even though they've never really had major success.
That's where metalheads are the most different from those bubblegum-pop listeners - we know what talent is, and listen to it.
Over-commercialised Pop fans only listen to what's hot and happening.
Pop gets old ; Metal is infinite.
10. Metalheads are unswervingly Loyal
Metalheads are loyal to the bands they support. You can't argue with me on this one, because I see it every day; I've seen it for years.
Whether a band makes international success, or stays a local unsigned band... the fans stay.
Metal fans are passionate about the bands they support, and have helped many bands continue making music today.
How do you think artists like Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, and Motorhead keep on moving forward? Think about it - they started out in the early establishing days of metal.
It's the support and dedication from their fanbase.
Local bands are brought to fame by fans sharing the sh*t out of the band on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace etc etc.
SO!
Do you still think us Metalheads will 'phase'?
Metal is way deeper than you think,
and metalheads are way more into music than any other genre-fans.
\m/ Rock on to every Metal-fan \m/
