Can Metal Artists Make Music that Moves You?
It’s been a while. I’m sorry to have extended my sabbatical for so long.
But that’s okay…..after all there’s only 11 of you.
Just kidding,
I’m grateful :)
The first 2 and a half months of this year have been kinda weird, right?
Some new journeys have begun, some setbacks have been faced.
To put it briefly, a whole lot of irregularity. But that’s life!
Here’s an irregularity that won’t sit well with most people.
Metal artists actually make good music! Yep, I’m not lying.
To my dear readers, let’s try playing some music of the metal genre for your grandparents, or your parents, or your friends who only like Drake, and keep an eye out for the following key words:
“no melody”
“no rhythm”
“so loud”
“what is this”
“yuck”
“shit”
“E”
“put it off”
“can you not”
and last but not least,
“my ears are bleeding”
For some visual representation of a generalized opinion on the matter, check this out. This is one of the greatest clips you could find on the internet, Jim Carrey imitating a renowned Thrash Metal group — Napalm Death.
Metal artists have been generalized to make only harsh sounding, extremely aggressive, and weirdly inappropriate music. To be fair, I can see where people are coming from. It’s gnarly sounding and so gory and emo lyrically, there’s a band member from Slipknot who hits a trash-can with a steel pipe and calls himself a percussionist for God’s sake.
Heard of a band called Dethklok?
Why don’t you try reading some of their lyrics…
‘Live to die on stage
Driven by the rage
Hating your own face
Comedic disgrace
Hatredy
Hatredy
Step before the jury,
Die in fits of fury
Comedy is DEATH
HATREDY’
Listening to this would make anyone want to lose their hearing.
The fact of the matter is that metal artists create this form of sound according to their genre, to suit a consumer base, to do what is appreciated in their music community, and to do what they’re known for best. But that doesn’t mean they’re incapable of making music everyone can enjoy listening to.
That’s right, we’re busting myths on this one baby.
Here’s a list of songs by Metal (or close to Metal) bands that break the norm and can be added to your playlists!
- VERMILION PT 2 by Slipknot (2004)
Part 2 can be considered the “acoustic version” of the first edition of the song. Vermilion just like most of the band’s songs, is up for interpretation to the listener. With deep introspection into the afterlife, the songs makes you think, and happens to touch you emotionally.
2. MY IMMORTAL by Evanescence (2003)
Reaching into a little bit of the Goth territory, ‘My Immortal’ is a piano ballad. Unlike most songs made by the group, the song sports a slow and nurtured tempo that keeps you engrossed. The lyrics refer to a ghost that haunts the memory of a person who grieves for him and just isn’t able to let go.
3. THE SOUND OF SILENCE by Disturbed (2015)
This is a remake of Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Sound of Silence.’ The track received a fair bit of criticism when it was announced, but all the naysayers disappeared once the song was released. David Draiman’s vocals are stunning, and are the headline of this masterpiece.
4. BOTHER by Stone Sour (2002)
Although more from the Hard Rock genre, it felt right to include this one here. Stone Sour’s ‘Bother’ was a hit and was the track that launched the band into the mainstream. The track’s lyrics are very distinct and direct at the same time, creating an interestingly ambiguous environment, i.e. this song is awesome.
5. PLANET CARAVAN by Black Sabbath (1970)
This is one of the most hypnotic tracks you will ever listen to. The song talks about floating through space and time with the person you love. If you aren’t stoned already, be prepared because this one is a trip of it’s own. Every time I hear the song I see colours in my head….oh look a butterfly!
6. SNUFF by Slipknot (2008)
This list would be incomplete without ‘Snuff’. You are never going to find a “Sad Rock Playlist” online without this song in it. The track is very emotional, moving and isn’t one that you can just listen to for the heck of it. It may have a slight addition of metal in the second half of the song, but man it’s so beautifully written. Corey Taylor is one of the most underrated artists in history.
It’s been a while, but I won’t be gone for too long this time. Don’t forget to check out the artists mentioned and their work!
Hope you guys enjoy listening to the music I’ve pinned, and are looking forward to some more interesting reads.
See you in the next one. :)
