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Understanding heavy metal

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Understanding heavy metal

Tobias
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1 of 1 people found this post helpful Posted 12/14/08 - 09:23 AM: Subject: Understanding heavy metal	#1
It is an outdated theory, maybe, but according to Hegel art captures the idea in the form of the intuition. It reflects the spirit, but not in comprehension, but in an immediate form, not yet reflected. Lets take this as a starting point to reflect on heavy metal. It is an odd musical genre. It is associated with glorifying violence and even satanism. But what is it that heavy metal reflects? What spirit in our age does it capture? If we take the humble beginnings of heavy metal it seems that it was an outlet for disenfranchised youth, a counter culture. That doesn't explain everything though. Why would this youth have a thing for biblical inspired texts and sometimes quite complex music? It seems that somewhere along the way heavy metal took a turn. If we see the genre nowadays it has taken up quite a lord of the rings kind of spirit. Much of heavy metal now ahs a romatic spirit and took elements considered sacrilegious, like keyboards, female voices, romantic themes. It is a far cry from the roughness of Motorhead, Slayer and ACDC. What is it in heavy metal that caused it to change? It must have something to do with the interplay between our times and the music, but I don't get it. The music that once tried to be as masculine that it became a cliche, now became romantic in spirit. Even black metal has allowed tapistry of keyboards. How come working class music could become the music for romantically inclined outcasts with a philosophical bend? Can it be that heavy metal stood for everything these kids were not, but by becoming their music, it became more like them? Or is it that being a social outcast has become the norm and the music reflects its popularity with larger audiences? Can it be that the introduction of women in the heavy metal scene played a part? Nowadays even the outcast has its niche and can even became a hero. Women became interested in the music and it acomodated, creating a more romantic spirit.
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B_TheGreat
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Posted 12/15/08 - 04:16 PM:	#2
Heavy metal is void. The spirit of heavy metal is that not to capture a youth or sacrificing goats, it's called the "scene". The people that partake in this music usually try to set aside society as a whole. As heavy metal captures loud and obnoxious noise to some, for others it's the calm before the storm (usually referencing the life outside of music). The "scene" is trying to detach yourself from classical stereotypes and finding your own 'niche'. Heavy metal is not centralized or mainstreamed, that's why bands such as Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Pig Destroyer, and Cradle of Filth all claim to a sense of irregularity, something that is only understood by those that embrace the lifestyle with it.

kNoctis
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Posted 12/15/08 - 08:18 PM:	#3
Tobias wrote: But what is it that heavy metal reflects? What spirit in our age does it capture? The continued trend of rebellion against religious institutions, in this case, specifically the social, vice the logical or propositional element to religion. Additionally, modern heavy metal is the continuation of themes expressed by early heavy metal - Black Sabbath, etc... Specifically, the counter-culture reaction against green, pacifist, or "hippie" culture. Tobias wrote: Why would this youth have a thing for biblical inspired texts and sometimes quite complex music? Surprisingly, many modern forms of "pop music" contain melodies, rhythms, and chord progressions that can be considered considerably complex. Additionally, the Bible is probably one of the most quoted books in western culture. All (western) forms of music, as well as (western) art and (western) thought in general have been influenced by it. Heavy metal is not unique in these respects. Tobias wrote: How come working class music could become the music for romantically inclined outcasts with a philosophical bend? Do you find it counter-intuitive that the working class could create this type of music? Why is your question significant? Punk, rap, indie rock, and many forms of music typically associated with a working class contain complex lyrics, imagery, and romantic themes. For the most part, heavy metal music doesn't seem that much different than other counter-culture underground genres of pop music. However... Tobias wrote: If we see the genre nowadays it has taken up quite a lord of the rings kind of spirit. Good question. It seems to be relatively unique in that respect.

philosofear
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Posted 12/15/08 - 08:42 PM:	#4
I disagree that old heavy metal is all about violence and satanism. Indeed, their can be a lot of both, but not all heavy metal has either. Metallica has no satanism what so ever, but their lyrics often speak of violent things. However, their lyrics also refer to very deep and important issues. Sometimes when I hear one of their songs I think "wow, that sounds like something Buddha or Descartes would say." Furthermore, the new metal is just as rough as the old stuff. I don't think heavy metal is changing in its lyrical content all that much, but much more in its style, obviously more screaming and less singing (this varies). Heavy metal is distinct from all other genres in regards to their image. Metal heads dont really care, where as pop-stars, country stars, rap musicians, are styled up and look almost perfect. Metal is about getting away from the cliche/norms and I don't think it has changed all that much. Edited by swstephe on 12/15/08 - 10:56 PM. Reason: apostrophe violation
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SixShotsByMoonlight
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Posted 12/15/08 - 09:38 PM:	#5
I want to say that metal went more symphonic due to the skill a lot of the musicians had lending towards technical work and Emperor choosing to incorporate symphonic elements over more simplistic punk elements like newer Darkthrone. And now that everyone knows I'm a dork, the philosophical answer is that metal that caters to the masses like metalcore, glam metal or nu metal is simplistic and lacks the more 'intellectual' elements of technicality, progressiveness or symphonic arrangements. Those who don't understand those elements see them as snobbish or wankery, for lack of better terms. Based on the proposition that, generally, outcasted children/people tend to be either anti-social or more intellectual, the intellectuals will tend towards the black or technical death metal while the anti-social will lavish themselves with the violence of Slayer, Pantera or Cannibal Corpse. This is really generalizing but the intellectuals can respect the simplistic goals of those bands yet find in them the technicality of those bands while others simply see them as being cool for being 'badass' or 'brutal'. I would compare it to how some think that the song 'One' is cool for describing war while it is actually a polemic against the atrocities of war. I can always elaborate on this more but I wanted to get this out before I went to bed.

jimRH7
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Posted 12/16/08 - 01:57 PM:	#6
Tobias wrote: That doesn't explain everything though. Why would this youth have a thing for biblical inspired texts and sometimes quite complex music? It seems that somewhere along the way heavy metal took a turn. If we see the genre nowadays it has taken up quite a lord of the rings kind of spirit. Much of heavy metal now ahs a romatic spirit and took elements considered sacrilegious, like keyboards, female voices, romantic themes. It is a far cry from the roughness of Motorhead, Slayer and ACDC. What is it in heavy metal that caused it to change? It must have something to do with the interplay between our times and the music, but I don't get it. The music that once tried to be as masculine that it became a cliche, now became romantic in spirit. Even black metal has allowed tapistry of keyboards. Deep Purple man, that's where the classical side of heavy metal comes from. Check out "stargazer" by rainbow. Edited by jimRH7 on 12/16/08 - 02:28 PM

F.W.Nietzsche

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Posted 12/16/08 - 11:58 PM:	#7
Hegel and heavy metal are oxymoronic, not a total dig at metal.

Eternal Guardian
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Posted 01/05/09 - 04:05 PM:	#8
Tobias wrote: It is an outdated theory, maybe, but according to Hegel art captures the idea in the form of the intuition. It reflects the spirit, but not in comprehension, but in an immediate form, not yet reflected. Lets take this as a starting point to reflect on heavy metal. It is an odd musical genre. It is associated with glorifying violence and even satanism. But what is it that heavy metal reflects? What spirit in our age does it capture? If we take the humble beginnings of heavy metal it seems that it was an outlet for disenfranchised youth, a counter culture. That doesn't explain everything though. Why would this youth have a thing for biblical inspired texts and sometimes quite complex music? It seems that somewhere along the way heavy metal took a turn. If we see the genre nowadays it has taken up quite a lord of the rings kind of spirit. Much of heavy metal now ahs a romatic spirit and took elements considered sacrilegious, like keyboards, female voices, romantic themes. It is a far cry from the roughness of Motorhead, Slayer and ACDC. What is it in heavy metal that caused it to change? It must have something to do with the interplay between our times and the music, but I don't get it. The music that once tried to be as masculine that it became a cliche, now became romantic in spirit. Even black metal has allowed tapistry of keyboards. How come working class music could become the music for romantically inclined outcasts with a philosophical bend? Can it be that heavy metal stood for everything these kids were not, but by becoming their music, it became more like them? Or is it that being a social outcast has become the norm and the music reflects its popularity with larger audiences? Can it be that the introduction of women in the heavy metal scene played a part? Nowadays even the outcast has its niche and can even became a hero. Women became interested in the music and it acomodated, creating a more romantic spirit. An interesting question. I know myself its easy to get lost with all this genre-sub-genre stuff and so forth. I also know the 'feels' of certain bands are kinda something unique to each individual, so it is also a matter of personal perception and tastes. Honestly, I am kinda of the mind that people should make whatever kind of music they like. That's just my opinion though, and that certainly doesn't mean I will like it. lol If they like being super heavy but using female vocals - cool - why shouldn't they? Just the same, if someone likes sounding like a cross between Five Finger Death Punch, Reggae and Yanni, why shouldn't they do so? (Granted, I realize that's a terrible thought, even to myself, but I bet some people would buy it and like it nonetheless XD lol Which they are indeed, in all fairness, entitled to.) My point being though that its new forms of creativity. In an essence, I can see where you may be frustrated, because its a significant branching and change from the original trunks of various styles. While this opens many doors for broader audiences, it does create less musicians or bands that may be of a desired caliber to different people. Which unfortunately, I cannot account for by any means, as that is a fact and perhaps the other edge of the sword. But just think; it is actively producing a much broader sense of thinking in things, even if music. 'Epic' metal, or 'Progressive' as it is often called, (mostly from Europe, and Scandinavia as well) has actually been around about the same amount of time as the more 'raw' versions of American, European, and Scandinavian metal. Bands and musicians like Iron Maiden, Stratovarius, Yngwie Malmsteen, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, and Within Temptation, were all innovators of their fields, just as much as the others from bands you spoke of, just perhaps in rather different ways. Change is inevitable I think, but I do believe traditionalists in different music always have their place, because they carry on the spirit of various genres and perhaps certain 'feels' or 'moods', for lack of better terminology, which lets that certain genre continue to thrive as yet another unique part of music throughout history.
To attempt to build a future by repeating the mistakes of the past, is nothing more than deliberate ignorance. - Consideration is the beginning of all understanding -

vykk_draygo
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Posted 01/06/09 - 04:08 PM:	#9
Let me start by saying that I'm not a huge fan of heavy metal. I really dig classic stuff like Sabbath and Maiden, Slayer, Pantera, etc., and even more poppy stuff like Quiet Riot, but I tend to cringe when I hear most modern heavy metal like Cannibal Corpse, and anything where all you can make out in the vocals is endless screaming. I admire the genre for taking something simple and universal and creating such a unique and powerful entity. Many people who don't like heavy metal also claim that there's no musicianship, but anyone who listens to any good metal will know that this simply is not true. But as far as the question goes, what does heavy metal reflect, I don't think it's any real mystery. Heavy metal is an expression of the darker sides of the human soul; an exploration into the more terrifying recesses of the human psyche.
"But are not the dreams of poets and the tales of travellers notoriously false?" H.P. Lovecraft

Eternal Guardian
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Posted 01/07/09 - 02:05 PM:	#10
vykk_draygo wrote: Let me start by saying that I'm not a huge fan of heavy metal. I really dig classic stuff like Sabbath and Maiden, Slayer, Pantera, etc., and even more poppy stuff like Quiet Riot, but I tend to cringe when I hear most modern heavy metal like Cannibal Corpse, and anything where all you can make out in the vocals is endless screaming. I admire the genre for taking something simple and universal and creating such a unique and powerful entity. Many people who don't like heavy metal also claim that there's no musicianship, but anyone who listens to any good metal will know that this simply is not true. But as far as the question goes, what does heavy metal reflect, I don't think it's any real mystery. Heavy metal is an expression of the darker sides of the human soul; an exploration into the more terrifying recesses of the human psyche. That's incredibly well said. I cannot argue that much of the American and British metal bands have very much so created a high persona of the, 'darker aspects of the soul'. And they are indeed not the only countries, but, a couple of the most prominent. Just the same, there were still other bands arising at the same time as the forerunners of the previously mentioned, who's lyrics were positively inspiring and epic. This also still remains a dominant persona of heavy metal today, in an equally large variety of countries, and sharing some of the 'darker' bands' homelands as well. The degree of technical attributes, skill, and progressive development, is also on par, or equally contestable. Based on this, I would offer a humble opinion that perhaps there is a 'Yin' and 'Yang' to heavy metal. And in many cases, maybe even some shades of grey.
To attempt to build a future by repeating the mistakes of the past, is nothing more than deliberate ignorance. - Consideration is the beginning of all understanding -

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