A Journey into Metal: Discovering the Depths of Heavy Music After 60 Years

In November, shortly after a tumultuous election, I stumbled upon a new passion: heavy metal music. This wasn’t a planned journey; it felt more like fate steering me back in time to music’s rich history. As a professional music journalist for over five decades, I’ve navigated through different genres and eras, but nothing prepared me for the immersive world of metal, which I’ve come to appreciate deeply since early November.

The 5 Ws of Metal Discovery

• Who: A seasoned music journalist with over 50 years of experience.
• What: A personal exploration into the world of heavy metal music.
• Where: From the vibrant scene of the 1960s to the present day, across various platforms like Bandcamp and Spotify.
• When: The journey accelerated in November 2022.
• Why: A desire to understand music’s evolution, especially after realizing how much I had overlooked heavy metal.
• How: Through listening extensively to various metal subgenres, examining their cultural impact, and reflecting on my biases.

Musical Foundations: A Look Back in Time

My relationship with music traces back to the early 1970s when I ventured into music journalism almost by chance. Studying music at Portland State University, I was deeply influenced by the radio waves of the ’60s. Stations like KISN brought me a whirlwind of sounds from legendary artists. Throughout the years, I’ve attentively chronicled the shifts in popular music, from the psychedelic movements of the 1960s to the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, which has shaped my career.

The Cultural Context of Heavy Metal

As I reviewed my musical journey, I realized that the evolution of rock mirrored larger societal changes. The same season that birthed the Summer of Love provided fertile ground for darker themes in music, and heavy metal began to emerge from hard rock’s shadows. My exploration started with albums steeped in the angst of their times, like The Velvet Underground and Nico, yet my professional focus had taken me further away from metal.

Revisiting Metal: An Unexpected Encounter

This year, driven by curiosity, I delved into RidingEasy Records’ Brown Acid series, which transformed my perspective. Contrary to my expectations, I discovered that these albums represented a shift from psychedelic to hard rock, paving the way for proto-metal. The music revitalized my interest and awareness of heavy metal’s historical context, showing a richness I had previously overlooked.

• Brown Acid features songs that paved the way for the rise of metal.
• The subgenres of black metal and death metal led to deeper explorations of music and themes.
• This exploration opened my eyes to an ever-expanding world of overlooked artists.

The Dichotomy of Metal Subgenres

My deep dive into heavy metal took me to understand two prominent subgenres: black metal and death metal. Each possesses distinct themes, cultural legacies, and musical styles. Here’s what I discovered:

Black Metal: Complex and Controversial

Born from the depths of Europe, particularly Scandinavia, black metal often delves into bleak themes, sometimes merging art with the philosophy of nihilism. While its roots are intertwined with despair and darkness, many modern practitioners have sought to reclaim this genre for more positive expressions.

– **Cultural Origins:** Black metal emerged from regions with harsh climates that reflected in its sound.
– **Philosophical Themes:** It grapples with existential themes and often provides commentary on societal constructs, including religion.
– **Controversial History:** The genre is known for its association with violent acts and ideologies, yet many artists today are pushing back against these narratives.

Death Metal: Skill and Technique

In contrast, death metal emphasizes musical proficiency and complex songwriting. It originated in the U.S., mainly Florida, but the genre has evolved and gained followers worldwide. Interestingly, it retains a more melodic approach, often interconnected with philosophical and existential dimensions.

– **Technicality:** A focus on intricate instrumental arrangements highlights personal expression.
– **Musical Evolution:** Death metal has undergone numerous transformations, leading to a proliferation of subgenres.
– **Global Reach:** From Brazil to Japan, artists around the globe are contributing unique cultural narratives through the medium of death metal.

The Expansive Landscape of Metal Music

Heavy metal isn’t confined to one sound or message; it encompasses a plethora of styles and messages that reflect a myriad of cultural backgrounds. For instance, I have come across transformative styles like symphonic black metal, atmospheric post-black, and even Mormon metal — showcasing the genre’s unique capacity for expression.

Accessibility through Technology

As I navigated through the metal landscape, platforms such as Bandcamp and Spotify became my go-to sources for discovering and supporting emerging artists. The online environment has fostered a sense of community that empowers musicians who might not find airtime on traditional radio stations.

– **Bandcamp:** An invaluable resource where independent artists often sell their work, with many albums priced as low as $1.
– **Streamlined Access:** Services like Qobuz, Apple Music, and Tidal provide expansive libraries catering to diverse metal tastes.

Challenges and Critiques of Metal Music

While my exploration has been largely rewarding, I have encountered aspects of metal that I find problematic. The reliance on guttural growls and lyrics that often traverse themes of despair can overshadow the musical craftsmanship inherent in the compositions.

– **Vocal Styles:** The trend of death growls can obscure the message and emotions behind the lyrics.
– **Thematic Repetition:** Many metal lyrics struggle to transcend familiar tropes, leaving little room for new emotional or philosophical explorations.

Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking

This unexpected journey into the realm of metal music has become a fascinating treasure hunt, revitalizing my love for music even in my 70s. Though I lament the years spent with biases that kept me from this genre, I embrace my current obsession with enthusiasm. Metal deserves recognition for its cultural significance and advanced musical creativity, and I look forward to exploring what lies ahead in its ever-expanding musical ocean.

As I navigate the depths of metal, I find not just a genre, but a community, a legacy, and an invitation to experience cultures far beyond my own. Despite the challenges, I am excited to continue this exploration, potentially finding poetic brilliance within its complex soundscapes.

Keywords: heavy metal, black metal, death metal, music journalism, bandcamp, music subgenres, metal history, cultural significance, music exploration, online music platforms

Hashtags: #HeavyMetal #BlackMetal #DeathMetal #MusicJournalism #Bandcamp #MusicExploration #MetalHistory

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