tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81000813506172481382024-02-18T17:34:14.067-08:00The Black Girl Into Heavy MetalA 26 year old girl who loves heavy metal and happens to be black.
Her opinions, experiences, and rants all in one angsty package of a blog.The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-42617206740871262018-02-28T13:00:00.002-08:002018-02-28T14:03:17.051-08:00Flavor of The Week: Oceans of Slumber<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: white;">Houston based female fronted progressive metal band Oceans of Slumber formed in 2011. OoS was started by drummer Dobber Beverly who was in-between musical projects before forming the band and seeking a vocalist who fit in with the type of music the band aimed to produce, "...She was honestly the piece of the puzzle we were missing all along, " Beverly raves. "From the beginning of the band I've wanted it to be female fronted. I wanted the dynamics, the delicacy, and the rage only a woman's voice can offer."</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: white;">The band's leading lady is the beautiful siren Cammie Gilbert who has a lovely blues based vocal range and depth. The band gained a lot of buzz with their really lovely cover of the candlemas song 'Solitude'.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: white;">My only criticism of this band is that I don't quite think of them as a progressive metal band (like in the way of Opeth or Dream Theatre). Their sound is more in line with Alt. Metal in my opinion. If you like Alice in Chains, Evanescence, or Skunk Anansie-this group may be for you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: white;">OoS are definitely a group to look out for as they gain more positive press and attention throughout the metal scene and I'm interested to see how far they will go.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: white;">Oos are signed to Century Media Records and currently have four albums out at the moment, their latest The Banished Heart out this year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: white;">Here are some songs I think best represent their sound:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eTq2WiAbBI" style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: white;">The Banished Heart (2018)</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRgxiviVk88" style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: white;">No Color, No Light (2018)</span></a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxzqnetYSbk" style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: white;">Winter (2015)</span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: #444444;"><span style="color: white;">Yay or Nay? I want your opinion.</span></span><br />
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The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-81850372476784777872016-07-29T14:34:00.001-07:002016-07-29T14:34:20.705-07:00So...this is awkward. It's been a while....I'm considering delving back into this now that I can commit to it again. This is more for curiosity-would anyone perhaps still be interested if I decided to continue posting to this blog?<br />
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It's been years, and I'm not so angsty anymore. Going through old posts made me cringe at the writing-but the comments made me realize that this blog was special.<br />
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I still get a considerable amount of traffic per month. So, please-If anyone would be willing to leave a comment, let me know if I should revamp and start up again! I loved the dialogue created here.The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-4814968722557836082012-07-19T13:46:00.001-07:002012-07-19T13:50:37.127-07:00(Off Topic) The Black Girl Into...Social Media?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>(Off Topic)</b></span><br />
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Quick post and question, you guys. Please leave some feedback in the comment section.<br />
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So lately, I've been getting this itch that is really begging for me to scratch. It's this whole social media thing.<br />
I like the amount of followers I have. Some have been reading since 08' when this blog started and have constantly stayed despite the random updates and terrible grammar.<br />
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I don't think the amount of readers mattered as much as getting my opinion out there about black people in the metal/alternative scene. But lately, I've been looking on Youtube for other like minded individuals like myself and I've come across maybe 3 others. 3 OTHERS!!? And not to be an arrogant prick but each time I watch these channels or videos I always think to myself:<br />
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"Pfft. I could do way better than that."<br />
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"Shut up! Your ruining all my hard work!"<br />
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Then all these really cool ideas seem to swirl. For example:<br />
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Weekly album reviews requested by viewers/reader<br />
Flavor of The Week<br />
Q & A<br />
Talking about various things in this blog, etc<br />
Video Responses<br />
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But I am VERY very anti that sort of thing (As you all may know). I'm a private person by nature. Whenever I think of getting a Facebook for this blog or Youtube my paranoia shuts me back down and I don't want to go through with it anymore. Then if you get a Facebook and Youtube, you MUST get Twitter, Instagram, etc. And I really am not that important. Why do people have all four unless your Madonna or something is beyond comprehension. Thats a lot of time on the internet.<br />
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Am I over thinking this whole 'sharing my life with the internet' thing or should I just keep with the blog? Do you like the mystery or would you like a bit more? Does it even fucking matter to you?<br />
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Sometimes I wonder if this blog or I suppose 'idea' or the black female metal head could be a lot bigger than I think and that I'm just not reaching enough people.<br />
Please, let me know what you all think.The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-57354484247732331632012-07-02T17:42:00.003-07:002012-07-02T17:57:26.119-07:00Flavor of The Week: Diary of Destruction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the followers of the blog sent me the information on this Flavor of the Week ( Thanks Alexis!)<br />
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Hailing from Lille, France; this melodic gothcore (yes, I made that up) band first came on the scene in 2007. Despite being around since then, their first demo tape was released in 09'. Since then, they released an ep entitled<i> Outside The Shade</i> (2010) and are currently working on their full length album <i>Dark Road to Discovery </i>TBR later this year.<br />
The few songs that I had checked out on youtube reminded me a bit of Leaves Eyes, Within Temptation and The Agonist. (So if you are not into any of these bands, Diary of Destruction is probably not for you.).<br />
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It's great that not only is a black woman (Audrey Ebroite) on the vox, but also another woman ( Berengrie Bulckaen) is on the bass. I wonder if she does some backing vocals as well.<br />
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The production could use a little work but with the new album coming out-it should fix most of the issues I found with the demo and ep, respectively.<br />
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I definitely think they have potential and I'm excited to hear the full album. As I tend to like my female vocals a little more aggressive (Darknened Nocturn Slaughtercult or Agoraphonic Nosebleed anyone!!??) I'll wait and see how DoD develops.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk34Q2AP8Rs">The Time Has Come</a>-> From 09' Demo<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wat49srEwFE&feature=related">Storms</a>-> From 2010's <i>Outside The Shade</i><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srgzcqmFGwY&feature=relmfu">That's It</a>-> From upcoming 2012 release <i>Dark Road to Discovery</i><br />
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Yay or Nay?<br />
I want your opinion.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">*credit for pic goes to metalship.org</span><br />
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<br />The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-76518149540212625362012-05-16T01:02:00.003-07:002012-05-16T01:03:47.544-07:00Finding The Good in Christian Metal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let's state the obvious here. The very words Christian Metal together just seems blasphemous. Obviously most people don't associate the two together. But any informed metalhead worth their grit knows that there is such a thing. Metal doesn't only appeal to those who of us attracted to the dark, sinister and demented. Why should your religion limit the type of music that just 'feels right' even if its not associated with all things Christian? I run across a handful of metal heads who believe that there are no good Christian metal bands. I usually ask why they believe this and the response is that its lame, its not as good, yadda yadda. My response is simply that they are not looking hard enough.</div>
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It's not like Christian metal is an anomaly either.</div>
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We can't start this convo without mentioning the first sort of mainstream Christian glam metal band Stryper. (I know, I know, glam metal is still arguably metal but bare with me). Who apparently, in their time, were still considered to be anti-Christianity for their support in metal music. I'm not much a fan of Stryper. (I can jam to "To Hell With The Devil" tho...) Now, around the same time the Australian death metal outfit, Mortification came. This is a band that most metal heads are probably more comfortable/familiar with. Since then, fast forward to the early 2000s when metal core exploded you got Underoath, As I lay Dying and Demon Hunter becoming very mainstream and publicly Christian bands.</div>
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Hell there is even Black Christian Metal. No, you did not read that wrong. There is Black Christian Metal. Although I've not encountered any that I really like besides <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG5hI5oN12E&feature=related">Antestor</a>.</div>
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I don't know where it came from but really, what the hell is with this mentality that because a metalhead is religious (I mostly mean in a Christian sense), it somehow nulls their identity as a 'troo' metalhead. Lets be honest folks, I've met some "Satan Worshipping" metal heads that didn't even really know why they were Satanists. I mean, when you ask them the questions that matter they can't come up with a good reason.</div>
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I guess the secret to finding good Christian Metal is that you actually have to have an open mind when listening and take it for what it is without automatically ruling it out just because these guys have a hard on for Jesus. Are some lyrics boring and contrived? Sure-but thats in a lot of metal. Are some Christian metal bands lame? Well sure if your listening to shit like P.O.D and The Devil Wears Prada.</div>
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Does all of it suck? </div>
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No, actually some of it really rips. </div>
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My verdict?</div>
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You guys know that I love Pagan/Viking/Folk metal and always will but...</div>
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Seriously, about a year ago I discovered the AWESOMENESS that is Believer. </div>
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Their song-><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaazGYzz1UE&feature=related">What Is But Cannot Not Be</a></div>
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I even like them better than Holy Blood which is the only Christian Pagan Metal band that I know of.</div>
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I think that personally, they are the best Christian metal band. So underrated and very technical. IMO. </div>
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And for the record, I DO like War of Ages. There, I said it.</div>
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So see? There is good Christian Metal out there, you just gotta believe it.</div>
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Or your still not convinced.</div>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-88793438550577188412012-04-08T22:55:00.010-07:002012-04-08T23:55:17.707-07:00Indefinite Hiatus...(Off Topic)<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff0000;">(Off Topic)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaU5sJDQCqraj8PIi0KgildbiprdDSGULOVi0f7NL7K0TiHebhWoiyvng31OlCwxwlgAWhyHHnIkJGH7o_jiJK_UxtN6PDqOZRJ-V8MR4p-Qn4D444g9_-wtxU5fhzEq-lld2hhfOtoQ/s400/271274.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaU5sJDQCqraj8PIi0KgildbiprdDSGULOVi0f7NL7K0TiHebhWoiyvng31OlCwxwlgAWhyHHnIkJGH7o_jiJK_UxtN6PDqOZRJ-V8MR4p-Qn4D444g9_-wtxU5fhzEq-lld2hhfOtoQ/s400/271274.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwgJJzIF52nz07CT6ilKpE8Gr5ld37aYQw3lqzNwTbD01HniKpNCM6QezLiooxahEVABpCi0N00m4OKt1WATn6j1bt1knZnzHHZOd3zLqJrzgoqW38P42n4qQ-_g4apKEx19CKWrK8G65/s1600/hiatus+-+1996+-+the+brain+lp+belgium+01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><span><span></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Obviously I haven't posted very much in quite some time. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">That's</span> not to say that I don't feel any less passionate about the blog. I was toying with putting up a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">youtube</span> channel, however, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">I'm</span> so staunch on the focus of the blog not being on appearances (which is why I never post pics of my self and/or personal life...call me paranoid. Plus I don't want that kind of attention. I don't even have a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Facebook</span>, so its not just here, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hee</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hee</span>). <div><br /></div><div>I've just decided to put a Hiatus on the blog until I can properly give it my full attention and take my time writing posts instead of just rushing to finish because that takes the fun out of something that is really special to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Am I changing the world? Am I making any type of difference? Most likely not, but I think this blog is a good thing to be floating out there. I started it because when I searched in google for 'black girl heavy metal' I didn't find a lot of information out there and I felt disheartened because I know others like me existed, thanks to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Afropunk</span>, but no one had any personal blogs that I could find. So, I wanted to create a blog that got straight to the point for all the other curious souls who were interested in the subject to easily search for. </div><div><br /></div><div>I guess I wanted validation. And I wanted others to have validation as well. I think Its so important for things like this to exist. </div><div>I realized that sure, being a black girl into heavy metal is perhaps unique, but from the emails I get and from some of the comments, A LOT, of people identify with it. I've gotten emails from the young, the old, White, Black, Asian, Latino, Mixed, male, female, and even one particular well known metal musician (trust me, I got proof it was the real deal) that have all identified in some way with being different. Our commonality being the fact that we all have a love for the same music.</div><div>Powerful stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And I get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">soooo</span> many emails from like minded individuals who have started their own blogs or started bands because of this one. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">That's</span> really metal and inspiring.</div><div><br /></div><div>I never had the audacity to think that this would amount to anything or that anyone would read my rantings/opinions (as my writing is so informal and grammatically dodgy). And to some it may still not be, but to me 99 subscribers just rips. It's insane that I'm one person away from getting 100 subscribers. </div><div><br /></div><div>This might be a short month long hiatus (even though its already been four months) or even a year long but I do intend to keep posting when I find time. I'll keep the blog up so people can see that there are PLENTY of black girls into heavy metal. As well as people who are not black but listen to heavy metal who are very much interested in learning a different perspective on the matter. </div><div>Alright, I'm done gushing. Don't want to sound too preachy here, Keep it Metal folks.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-68817577099102039552012-01-30T08:41:00.000-08:002012-01-30T09:11:39.636-08:00Flavor of The Week: Last Years Tragedy<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/ZWspYqpxd8TBWd9b6IjEB-jkaoLKI6ZxVvRnCGSOocTbcZ-*9yqw0*6Dwb1jFIbC4slhGuEQdHYhHdVPB5mq0e1-vRs2r99d/LastYearsTragedy1.jpg?width=640" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 640px; height: 480px;" src="http://api.ning.com/files/ZWspYqpxd8TBWd9b6IjEB-jkaoLKI6ZxVvRnCGSOocTbcZ-*9yqw0*6Dwb1jFIbC4slhGuEQdHYhHdVPB5mq0e1-vRs2r99d/LastYearsTragedy1.jpg?width=640" border="0" alt="" /></a>I know this isn't succinct with the list of the next blog post topic but I wanted to do a little flavor of the week about them. <div><br /></div><div>Hailing from the budding Nairobi, Kenya metal/rock scene, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LYT</span> is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">metalcore</span> band who's influences include <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Underoath</span>, Born of Osiris, and As I Lay Dying. You can clearly hear these in their song, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwkSf6cduX0&feature=related">"Walking Through Walls</a>". Many of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">LYT's</span> songs deal with the unstable political environment of the present and past in Kenya. </div><div>This band has been through the grind the past couple years (I believe since 07'), playing tons of local shows to the rock audience in Nairobi and are finally getting some good press. I hope one day we can see these guys in a North American tour someday as they would fit in just swell with the metal core scene here. </div><div>Currently they are unsigned.</div><div><br /></div><div>As you all know, I'm not a huge metal core person but if YOU are, you may definitely take to them. </div><div><br /></div><div>(Am I the only one who actually wanst to see more of this Tribal Metal like <a href="http://theblackgirlintoheavymetal.blogspot.com/2009/12/flavor-of-week-d-fe.html">D-FE</a>?-sort of the equivalent of European Folk Metal- I did a post about a while ago)</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, check out their debut video, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY6pLWTfcFw&feature=related">"How to Kill a Daredevil"</a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Yay</span> or Nay? I want your opinion</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-67336184488766050362011-12-21T20:30:00.000-08:002018-02-28T14:11:14.316-08:00Teenagers: The Future of Heavy Metal?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Do you all remember a band that came out a couple years ago with these teenage kids who played 80s type thrash metal named Black Tide? They made quite a buzz in 2008 with that single "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPq4rHdNjSA">Shockwave</a>"? Well...look at and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAKfTafI2ro&ob=av2e">hear em now</a>...</div>
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My my. How things have changed.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 78%;"> If you think the image is bad try listening to one of their latest singles posted in the link above. Clearly they've been hanging out in LA for too long. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It's really interesting to spot the different trends throughout the years in metal music and how they affect the industry as a whole. I think for any band that wants to become successful, while (Mind you, I said successful not famous or even mainstream) it will be difficult holding on to your integrity as an artist and keeping the original intent of the band pure. </div>
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There have been plenty of disbanded bands and "Hiatuses" popping up recently in the metal world that include Cathedral (Seriously, not that much of a loss IMO), The Human Abstract, Oceano, Ludicra, Dismember, and Carnal Forge (loved em'). </div>
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As famous metal/hard rock icons die, like Dio, Nevermore's Loomis and Williams quit, Arch Enemy releasing the fucking godawful Khaos Legions (I freaking hate when people misspell something to make it sound cooler, like "kvlt.")and even Killswitch Engage's Howard Jones walks, I'm sure fans are wondering what the sordid and unknown future is headed for metal.</div>
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I just heard this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJwNfRaPp08&feature=related">Dubstep/Djent/Prog Metal Fusion band</a> or I'm sorry, "project" that made me scratch my head. </div>
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I don't have a problem with Djent or experimenting but I'm pretty much DONE with dub step. I never really took to it so I hope that it doesn't bleed too much into metal. *shudders at the thought of a dub step black metal/jazz fusion album*</div>
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I'm all for experimentation but I think it certainly comes to a point when your losing a sense of your original and organic sound to the need to be unique and different.</div>
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I like my metal traditional, straight to the point, hard, fast, guttural and mean.</div>
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To get back on topic, I think teenage metal heads have the right idea. Take the example of Black Tide I have above. They are seemingly influenced by bands like Death, Metallica, and I even hear Testament in there. They clearly had a set style that they started out with. </div>
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As you all know, metalcore/deathcore is this looming black cloud that seemingly is engulfing the mainstream music of the genre (anyone still remember nu metal?) and and has clearly seeped into the once virginal ears of Black Tide. That new single that I linked you to sounds like some Attack Attack BS with better guitar work.</div>
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Metalcore/Deathcore/all the other cores is where I'm seeing a lot of young people get into metal from and THAT scares me. If a band like the Black Veil Brides is the first band that got you into any kind of metal then you may be doomed for all of eternity.</div>
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And here here! That's not to say that there aren't great bands in which young people play in....but for the life of me I can't think of any at the moment that formed RECENTLY who impress me enough to consider mentioning in the blog. I could go on about new releases from excellent bands (Vildhjarta, Across The Sun-thanks Israel-, Arkona, etc) but none formed by younger metal heads. </div>
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I honestly think there is a good interesting future for metal, you just have to wade through all the shit to get to it.</div>
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What say you?</div>
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Side note/P.S: I was walking through Target the other day and saw a black kid around 11 or 12 wearing a Venom T-shirt. I wanted to take a subtle picture but I couldn't because his mum was hanging around. But it made me really happy to see someone so young and black (yeah, I said it) listening to it. True metal knows no age, color or boundaries. I would have been just as happy to see some white kid that age wear the shirt as well. Maybe there is hope.</div>
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The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-33297185133859682062011-12-18T13:05:00.000-08:002011-12-18T15:35:33.111-08:00Ego and Loner- ism In The Metal Scene<a href="http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/kam/lowres/kamn116l.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/kam/lowres/kamn116l.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Why do you listen to that stuff?"</div><div><br /></div><div>The common metal head-no matter what genre of metal you listen to-has constantly been berated with similar inquiries from various people in their lives asking this question. </div><div>In a sense, metal music goes against our basic human instincts of what 'classically' is considered music. Granted, now that metal has branched off into multiple genres that statement could lose some of its accountability, what with Symphonic and Operatic metal, etc. </div><div>But I'm sure when metal first began to develop around the late 1960s, the general consensus was that it was just 'noisy'. </div><div>Its a type of music that from the very beginning was never fully accepted.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a result of this, I've noticed that generally speaking, those that do listen to metal have certain loner tendencies. </div><div> I'm definitely not saying the culture as a whole is isolated since when metal heads do come together-they can most surely be just as social as other groups. And also as susceptible to peer pressure and conformity. </div><div>But to really accept this sort of music, I've learned that a person has to cultivate and learn their 'darker' side, a side that not many people willingly accept.</div><div> I know that sounds lame but hear me out.</div><div>I believe there is something innately savage and vicious about this type of music that scares people because of its honesty. It's raw-its not manufactured or wrapped into a pretty package (well, perhaps lets forget about hair metal). In essence-its real. That's what attracted me to it all those years ago and what continues to.</div><div><br /></div><div>Personally, metal helped me get through a lot of strife in my life. I had always turned to music before when I was distraught but when I started listening to metal I got out a much needed amount of aggression from my system. Every time there was a scream or growl in the song, I felt like the artist was venting everything out for me that I was too scared or embarrassed to do myself. I still feel that way-its a great outlet. </div><div><br /></div><div>NOW, that being said, within the metal scene certain genres add to this theory and take away from it.</div><div>I mean, your average Metalcore/Deathcore/Screamo/Symphonic female fronted bands are extremely targeted to younger mainstream types of people. These genre's are considered to cater to the more casual and social metalhead.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for Thrash, Death, Black/Grindcore bands are usually listened to by far older, extreme metalheads who are less prone to be into the social aspect of metal.</div><div>There. I said it.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you take a look at Black Metal, for example, being a loner is not only accepted but encouraged to an extent. It's considered a more introspective type of genre. And it is PURPOSELY not intended to be meant for a mainstream type of mind. </div><div>Fans of extreme metal also tend to have ample sized egos as well as arrogance to match. The reason of this I'm not so sure but I believe it stems from the fact that metalheads generally think of themselves as reaching a higher state of consciousness somehow because of the fact that they do listen to the genre-and thus-have evolved more-so than the average music fan. (Especially true for fans who are also musicians)</div><div>Mind you all, I'm generalizing but this is what I've found to be the case.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The bottom line is metal is very attractive to individuals who consider themselves or were pariahs in their early youth, people who like to deviate from the norm, and anyone who is in tune their more animalistic and essentially human side.</div><div><br /></div><div>What's interesting about this is that with most shootings of any kind, the culprit is always found by the media to listen to metal and be some type of loner. Such is the case with Columbine, Jared Loughner, and the more recent Norwegian gunman. Mainstream media will use any excuse to condemn metal music. Blame it on the mental state of the individuals and not what they listen to. </div><div><br /></div><div>But that's just what I think, what about you?</div><div><br /></div><div>*BTW you guys, pick between Finding (Good) Christian Metal and The Future of Heavy Metal: Teenagers in the comment section. These two were tied so I want you to pick the next post.</div><div>Thanks for continuing to read and I hope to hear from you all soon.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-40780131346242697162011-10-03T10:17:00.000-07:002011-10-03T16:02:01.066-07:00Off Topic-ish: BM Is Not For Niggers<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(Off Topic)</span><br /><br />"bm is not for niggers stupid bitch. now listen jay -z ." -anon<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Awww, Varg is that you? Just kidding, hehe.<br /></div><br />Just thought you all would like to read this anon comment I received on the Varg post in case you didn't see it. Clearly, punctuation is not strong with this one.<br /><br /><br />That stuff isn't discouraging but it definitely is a sign that some metal heads are not as progressive in their thinking as others. Not that they should be either because we all are entitled to our opinions. But it is provocative.<br /><br /><br />Oh, by the way. I'm still alive. And I really want to continue the blog its just I'm really backlogged at the moment. Ego and Lonerism in Metal was the clear winner of the poll so look forward to a post soon.<br /><br /><em>Thats all folks'</em>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-7620908948140307152011-06-26T14:56:00.000-07:002011-06-30T08:22:16.360-07:00Topic Vote And Update (Off Topic-..ish)<a href="http://www.clker.com/cliparts/e/4/d/2/11954452711030950219molumen_Exclamation_icons_3.svg.med.png"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.clker.com/cliparts/e/4/d/2/11954452711030950219molumen_Exclamation_icons_3.svg.med.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>So, sorry for the absence, in case your wondering why I've been gone so long. Oodles of drama is going on in my personal life that I would rather not get into online.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Don't fret though. I actually have time in July to really get back into the swing of things with the blog. I've been thinking about a bunch of new topics I want to blog about and i've concocted a list. Remember last time how anyone could vote on what they wanted me to post about and I would write about each starting with the highest rated? Well, thats going to be the case this time as well. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Here is the list of available topics:</div>Female Musicians in Metal?<br /><br /><br /><div>I'm not Impressed by Lady Gaga: Shock Jocks</div><br /><br /><div>You Assimilator!<br />Teenagers:The Future of Heavy Metal</div><br /><br /><div>Flavor of the Week: Last Years Tragedy</div><br /><br /><div>Ego and Lonerism in the Metal Scene</div><br /><br /><div>Sex in Metal Music</div><br /><br /><div>Sexism in the Videogame Industry</div><br /><br /><div>(Good) Christian Metal</div><br /><br />Vote Using the link Below<br /><a href="http://www.neomyz.com/poll/poll.aspx?1bc2e586e93cae64">Vote!</a><br /><br /><br />If you have any suggestions/requests/concerns, leave them in the comment section or email me.<br />*BTW, you can vote more than once if you wish<br /><em></em><br /><em>Thats all folks'<br /><br /></em><em></em>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-88836384723442967452011-06-20T09:34:00.001-07:002011-06-20T09:47:11.679-07:00Flavor of the Week:Tetrarch<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFKzESLY8B8T-MQKVX9Wk0FXT1g24Vress-pGKYDUVuzzhYwWbxkuPFs1rYZPCeKdwVuB8KxdynAhRe8OwguflrZu6Zk8fOQB2WyawZ6PEVwY4H4VoQd8w6Q_Zz5oVf0Z3ScEqC49MjY/s400/DSC_1097-1098.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 433px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFKzESLY8B8T-MQKVX9Wk0FXT1g24Vress-pGKYDUVuzzhYwWbxkuPFs1rYZPCeKdwVuB8KxdynAhRe8OwguflrZu6Zk8fOQB2WyawZ6PEVwY4H4VoQd8w6Q_Zz5oVf0Z3ScEqC49MjY/s400/DSC_1097-1098.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>*shyly waves* Hello. I know, I know. Before you jump down my throat about not posting for a while, I plan on writing an off topic blog post about why I've been gone for so long. Don't worry, I'm not quitting the blog especially since everytime I come back to check on it the number of followers keeps on increasing. Thats actually pretty amazing. But you know what else is?</div><br /><div>Tetrarch!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>You know, unlike some metalheads, I don't look down on a band that wants to make it big and even, *gasp* wants to played on mainstream radio. But these guys may actually deserve it. Hey, we all have got to make a living.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Formed out of Atlanta, GA in 2007, Tetrarch is an unsigned young thrash metal band with a hint of the melodic, looking for the right break. I really like this group (Not only because they feature a black girl on lead guitar, which is pretty groovy to me), but they really have a passion for the music and are not trying to be like a lot of the deathcore bands that are popping up out of the Atlanta region.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I hope someone snatches these kids up quick.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Check out some tunes from myspace and some live footage:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.myspace.com/tetrarchlive">http://www.myspace.com/tetrarchlive</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol916Ll0LHs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol916Ll0LHs</a> <-"Violation"</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Yay or Nay? I want your opinion</div><br /><div></div>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-58079867896388300242011-04-08T14:32:00.000-07:002011-04-09T13:45:19.419-07:00The Akira Issue<a href="http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/8/2009/06/340x_akira.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 289px;" src="http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/8/2009/06/340x_akira.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>If your any fan of anime/manga, I'm sure you have heard about this upcoming Akira american adaptation of the 1988 Katshiro Otomo classic...and the controversy surrounding it.<div><br /></div><div>First off, for those who don't know, Akira is this psychological thriller that encompasses many themes that include corruption of power, super-human abilities, bildungsroman , and tons of other issues that I can't even began to cover and won't. Basically, if you haven't seen it, SEE IT. Before this new film completely butchers it. </div><div>Its among anime staples (some may argue) such as Ghost In The Shell, Vampire Hunter D, Grave of Fireflies, Millennium Actress, Princess Mononoke, etc</div><div><br /></div><div>Phew. So, a few months ago I heard that Leonard Di Caprio (of all people), bought the rights for the movie. Immediately, I was weary but then I read that Otomo himself was going to be one of the producers (as well as Di Caprio) for the movie-so it can't be all that horrible right? </div><div><br /></div><div>So currently, Warner Bro's is negotiating with the Hughes bro's to remake a live action version of the movie. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thats great and all but the question is-who will be cast?</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a HARDCORE advocate for Asian men getting more roles in Hollywood (And not just that martial arts crap). Why does it matter to me? I'm not really sure but I think they have gotten nearly as bad a rep as black women have in Hollywood (same roles much?). And Ninja Assassin was disappointing, no matter how hot Rain was (That's Jung Jihoon to you!)</div><div> Anyway, I saw who they were honestly thinking of casting as leads and I'm not going to lie to you guys, I'm starting to sweat bullets about this one. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I mean, this could potentially be a BREAKOUT role for anyone if casted. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>James McAvoy?</div><div>Andrew Garfield? </div><div>ROBERT PATTINSON!!? </div><div><br /></div><div>I flew into nerd rage.</div><div>And apparently, the only Asians they MAY cast will be extras and/or just Asian girls in various roles. -_-</div><div><br /></div><div>(And am I the only one pissed off that its going to be in 'New Manhattan?' and not freaking 'Ne0 Tokyo?' like in the actual story)</div><div><br /></div><div>I realize, they are JUST in the beginning stages, so I shouldn't be freaking out that much. I hope the Japanese are just as furious about this as I am and ARE NOT pandering to Western sensibilities just because they like it. Have a voice and really complain about this you guys. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just look this up and see the other fans enraged by this. I know I'm not the only one.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the love of God, Otomo, say something!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-14085552491895315992011-03-27T15:25:00.000-07:002011-03-27T15:44:13.505-07:00Flavor of The Week-Animals as Leaders<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/images/3/5/4/0/3540284906_photo.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 499px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.metal-archives.com/images/3/5/4/0/3540284906_photo.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><div>So I found this little metal gem of a band the other day. Their name is Animals as Leaders, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">prog</span> metal outfit found by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tosin</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Abasi</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Clearly</span> an African name which set my interest even more on high, plus he is kind of a guitar genius) formed in 2007 in Washington D.C. Their first self titled album came out in 2009. <em>Wave of Babies</em> is a single released in 2010 by them as well.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>They are extremely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">underrated</span> (I think) but the reviews that I have read proves that these guys will have to be watched in the coming years.</div><br /><div>If you like Periphery, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Messhuggah</span>, and Born of Osiris (Who just came out with a new album), you will enjoy these guys.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Check out these songs and see if you like them:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ho4-tExpTE&feature=related">Tempting Time </a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZJFYHWv0tU">Wave of Babies </a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VixG3b-C7Fk&feature=related">Song of Solomon</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/animalsasleaders"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Myspace</span></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Yay</span> or Nay. I want your opinion.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>(Sorry for the shoddy description. I'm kinda in a hurry)</div>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-32313076232440411302011-03-20T15:07:00.000-07:002011-03-20T15:36:16.157-07:00Vargi-Kins on the cover of Decibal Magazine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.burzum.org/img/library/decibel_67_may_2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 412px;" src="http://www.burzum.org/img/library/decibel_67_may_2010.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Okay guys. While perusing the magazine rack at the local bookstore I came across the image of Varg Vikernes on the cover of Decibal magazine.<br />Ugh.<br />I know I'm going to get a shitload of flack for this post but I've got to comment on this.<br /><br />I read the interview. Mainly about the music-which is good.<br />Okay, the problem I have with this is that anyone who is remotely interested in black metal and its history knows about Varg and his past. He says he is not a neo-nazi anymore or NSBM (but I'm sure some of the old ideologies/beliefs he had has still got some grip on him) . Oh yeah, and he is a murderer.<br /><br />Why are we putting him on the cover as if he is to be idolized? But then I feel like a hyporcrite for saying that because wasn't I the one saying that it should be all about the music in my other post?<br /><br />I know, I know. A lot of you say that lyrics/ideologies don't matter to you anymore and that you solely listen to music just for the music. >_><br /><br />And anyone that says metal is not political in anyway is a fucking liar.<br />However, as I've said before in the past, I simply will not/could not buy any of his records, even if I liked some of the songs. Knowing that I support someone who compared black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">metallers</span> to black and homosexuals...and he tried to re-explain himself but it did not come out as an apology or sincere. Its was very brazen and matter of fact.<br />I don't think he should apologize for his views, per <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">se</span>. Lets be honest, me and about maybe a handful of other black people may know of him. And the rest of his fans are mostly whites-who when perusing the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Internet</span> don't seem as offended as I am by his statement. I guess it doesn't effect them in that way.<br />I know black militants who are just as racist as he is and they don't want to apologize for it either. Freedom of Speech and all. However, I'm not supporting him and his ridiculous radical ideologies in any way. I'm sure he is not lamenting over the loss either.<br /><br />(From Metal Crypt magazine)<br /><b style="font-style: italic;">You once stated that "metal is nigger music", do you still believe this to be true?</b> <span style="font-style: italic;"> "Yes and no. I think the metal culture is nigger culture, in the sense that the traditional metal people look like, behave like and think like a bunch of "white niggers"<span style="font-weight: bold;">. It's (at least often) an extremely primitive, unintelligent and pointless subculture, like all rock 'n roll subcultures are. I too listened to metal music, but I never behaved like a nigger just because of that, and I don't understand what the point with this metal subculture is. Smoking pot or getting drunk, sleeping around and giving each other venereal diseases, partying all the time, going to concerts to meet other vacuum-heads, and so forth. What's the point? Even bush-niggers can be more sensible and constructive, and deeper than that.</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> ‘The true attraction people have to this particular subculture is probably something else, like contempt for the modern world, fascination for death and the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gothic</span>, romanticism and even Pagan values, but it all becomes so very wrong when mixed with traditional rock 'n roll or heavy metal culture."</span><br /><br />I'm not supposed to be offended by that?<br />Yeah, right.<br />So, I want your opinion on this one, guys. Maybe I should just mind my own freaking business.<br />I'm anticipating some interesting comments from the Scandinavian readers, however.The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-53993705595742375792011-03-10T14:15:00.000-08:002011-03-17T09:15:05.361-07:00Why Women In Metal Are Not Taken Seriously Pt. 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sleazeroxx.com/news/00260.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 379px;" src="http://www.sleazeroxx.com/news/00260.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have been meaning to do a part 2 about this topic and today I just saw this ad for the Hottest Chicks In Metal-excuse me-Hard Rock: Hall Hath No Fury Tour with In This Moment (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ick</span>) headlining. Other bands on the bill include Sister Sin (eek), Straight Line Stitch (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Meh</span>, but I respectfully applaud), and System Divide. (Ugh)<br />Whenever I see the Hottest Chicks In Metal anything I receive a mixture of emotions that consist of anger, shame, and frustration. Why is this?<br />This kind of promotion is a double edged sword.<br />The Hottest Chicks In Metal title, I believe, does <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">abso</span>-fucking-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lutely</span> nothing for women who sing or listen to heavy metal. Its not empowering and its not honorable. Some may disagree but I believe this sort of title is setting us <span style="font-style: italic;">back.</span><br />First off, by creating this (be it man or woman) we have essentially separated ourselves from the metal community by gender first and not anything else. That's the first red flag.<br />The second, of course, would be the blatant hyper-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sexualized</span> photo/promotion for it. I think in my last post about this I said that men are not going to take a women seriously who dresses like one of the above ladies as showed (I'm thinking you can guess which one). Women who make it a point to dress provocatively in an industry that is ruled by men will not be regarded as a serious band. The only angle they may have is 'Uh, well she's hot so I'll watch them anyway'. An anon commenter left this comment in Pt.1:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"...If women are gendered into the beauty complex and use this to their advantage, I take my hat off to them.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Judge musicians based on the music they make, not their clothing.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It's not about the way women dress. It's about the normalisation of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">belittling</span> women for the way they dress, rather than judging their talent."</span><br /><br />You should go back and read the whole comment. Very interesting.<br />However, I disagree.<br />Again, that's taking leaps back. Specifically the first sentence. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">That's</span> the exact reason why we should not take that angle because its expected and its very easy to gain notoriety for beauty rather than talent. People will be so blinded by the lead singers tits to really notice that the music may actually be great...or terrible. Its also different depending on the type of metal we are talking about as well. Women in symphonic metal bands may dress different than women in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">metalcore</span> or black metal.<br />The Hottest Chicks In Metal title may give a lot of bands great promo but I also notice that this tends to shift the focus from not only the actual music but the other members of said band.<br /><br />I actually have tons of respect for Angela <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Gossow</span> (as I said before pt.1, she may be one of the few who successfully <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">separated</span> herself from 'lead female singer' and band to just Arch Enemy. She has really proven that she is in it for the music. Whether or not you dislike Arch Enemy, you have to respect that.)<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Gossow</span> did an interview for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">KNAC</span>.com and the interviewer asked if she had basically ever wanted to be involved with the Hottest Chicks of Metal.<br />Angela said: " <span style="font-style: italic;">It's funny that you mentioned that because I just had a huge clash with the editor of </span><b style="font-style: italic;">Revolver</b><span style="font-style: italic;">. He's put me into the 2010 "Hottest Chicks in Metal" calendar with that picture in of 2004, so they keep kind of recycling that one. And, I've explained several times I don't want to be featured in that — in that corner. If they want a picture of the band and it's about the music, all cool. No problem. But if it's about me being a woman… I don't like the "Hottest Chicks in Metal" movement at all. I think it's very counterproductive and kind of retro, you know?...</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I hate the "Hottest Chicks in Metal!" It's an embarrassment for women, I think (laughs). It's an embarrassment for female musicians, who actually are musicians.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>You can<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span> read the whole thing in it's entirety <a href="http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=135603">here</a>:<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span>I have to say I agree with her.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>I understand why some do it though. For promotion and all. But I honestly think that its a path that doesn't have to be taken if your serious about being in this business. I really do.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>I literally had to do my research in order to find out that its for the Keep a Breast foundation. ( I was too focused on Maria Brinks to notice any other breast anything. As I'm sure most men who look at this are).<br /><br />I dunno, maybe its just me.<br />I'm not saying a woman has to growl or act like a guy in order to gain respect in metal music. But ladies, show a little respect for yourself and then maybe you can gain respect from everyone else.<br />I want your opinion, guys.<br /><br />(By the way ladies, Who would your nominees be for the Hottest Guys in Metal? Post some below!...I know how hypocritical. But I couldn't help myself)The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-86080761850936506662011-03-06T16:19:00.000-08:002011-03-06T17:16:00.769-08:00Flavor of The Week-Orisha Shakpana<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tartareandesire.com/bands/images/argh.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 314px;" src="http://www.tartareandesire.com/bands/images/argh.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z3MSjV3R8WU/0.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 191px;" src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z3MSjV3R8WU/0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Who knew that Jamaica would be the next promising area for the metal scene?<br />Found this gem thanks to one of the followers (Thanks Navlos!-I know its kind of late)<br />Since then, I have been researching a good bit of bands from Jamaica as well as other emerging African bands. (I have lots of fuel for flavor of the week for this month)<br /><br /><br />Formed in 2004, Orisha Shakpana is a one man black metal project originating in St. Catharine, Jamaica that was originally a three piece band. What I find really interesting are the themes in the music. There are both satanic and African paganism within the content. (He even has a song title called <span style="font-style: italic;">Ancient Ghana 1265</span>...I had to mention that because of that's where my family is from. I know, I'm a dork but I'm really excited about this guy...doesn't hurt that he's attractive). Orisha Shakpana has three full length albums that have been released since 2006 and one demo as well as LP.<br /> At least in my case, I will be ordering any music I can get my music geek hands on.<br /><br />Okay, Okay, I know I made that recent post about "The next blog will be a topic you all pick". Which is still true for the next real post. However, I just could not resist sharing this with you guys. Especially you obscure music lovers.<br /><br />Check out some of these song links as well as the myspace:<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><a href="www.myspace.com/orishaoftheearth">Orisha Shakpana Myspace</a></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="f"><cite></cite></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" class="f"><cite><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br />Youtube songs:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHWcHfGehXU&feature=related">"Priestess Patricia"</a></span></cite></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="f"><cite><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3MSjV3R8WU">"Satanic Powers in Jamaican Hills"</a></span></cite></span><br /></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghidbSx7jS8&feature=related"><span class="f"><cite><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">"<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Offspring of Gashanami</span>"</span></span></cite></span></a><br /><span class="f"><cite><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yay or nay? I want your opinion</span></span></span></cite></span></span><br /><span class="f"><cite></cite></span></div><span class="f"><cite><br /></cite></span>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-14350419363618301332011-01-31T10:28:00.001-08:002011-02-01T08:55:21.877-08:00Your Pretty Cool...For a Black Chick: The Backhanded Compliment<div align="center"><a href="http://i1.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/-1/lens1751364_1243193008elephant-man.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 390px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i1.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/-1/lens1751364_1243193008elephant-man.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">(Warning: This Is A Whiny Rant)<br /></span><br /><div align="center"><br />Any black girl into this scene has gotten this comment. I guarantee it.<br />Or the Oreo reference. (If you don't know what that is-look it up).<br /><br /><br />I've also received:<br />"Wow, your really pretty for a black girl".<br />"I've never met a black girl like you"<br />"Your skinny for a black girl."<br />"Your the nicest black girl I've ever met"<br />"I never considered dating a black girl until I met you "<br /><br /><br />Yadda yadda, these weird pseudo-compliments.<br /><br />Apparently they come from a good place but if anyone ever seriously gave you a "compliment" like this, would you be pleased or mortified?<br /><br />You can guess which one I am.<br /><br />I'd say 75 % if this dribble comes from guys and the other 25% from girls.<br /><br />Although I'm not a fan of the band Straight line Stitch I like to keep up with them because they are the biggest upcoming metal band fronted by a black girl...ever. At least that I know of.<br />Sometimes it frustrates the hell out of me reading the comments people write about them...and by them I mean her. Just peruse the Metal Sucks topics on SLS, as well as YouTube comments. on their videos.<br /><br />It literally makes me sick. It must drive the lead singer crazy.<br /><br />I don't know how many comments I've seen about her being a heavy metal Beyonce (of course, the only black singer they could come up with) or her 'whipping her hair back and forth' better than Will Smiths' daughter. All of these references are irrelevant because the girl has a heavy metal soul. I don't have an issue with them comparing her to Jada Pinketts' band Wicked Wisdom so much because I can understand that.<br /><br />This issue is obviously due to her race. Plain and simple. No tip-toeing around it. And she's a female.<br /><br />I think the issue with blacks in metal-the core issue-is that we want to be treated just like every other metal head and not bombarded with these tags and labels that confine us to the place we are trying desperately to escape.<br /><br />I know, that equality shtick is such an overused motif for the black race but in this case it is extremely important. I hate harping on this crap but every time I see a glimmer of hope in humanity I read a few comments on YouTube and am thrusted abruptly back into the ignorant mass consciousness that we live in today.<br /><br />I guess I should say unconscious rather than ignorant. They don't think its a bad thing to say but its not necessarily good either. And, I realize its a "free" country-anyone can say what they want (behind the safe glow of a computer screen-much like myself) but, call me crazy, I always try to think about what I write or type before I commit it.<br /><br />To black people (and the other enlightened handful) into the scene, the lead singer is just a pretty girl who fronts a mediocre metal band. That is all.<br /><br />To everyone else she is a surprisingly pretty black girl that fronts a nu metal band that isn't that good but that's okay because she's fuckable.<br /><br />And for the record if the girl is pretty, she MUST be mixed with something for the person to have found her attractive let alone human.<br />I even weep for females in general when I read the comments comparing her to bands that don't even share the same genre within metal but because they are both female fronted-we have to compare and decide who is better. As if females don't compare themselves to each other enough already.<br /><br /><br /><p>A few more points I want to make:</p><p>*I realize that not everyone thinks this way. Most of the time when I generalize in the blog, I really mean what I believe the mass (as a whole) of metal heads are thinking. There are exceptions in every minority and majority.</p><p>*Not to call black folks out but like I've said before-we don't help our own situation. I'm definitely not saying anyone should contour to anyone elses' sense of standards. However, I believe if most people are stereotyping us a certain way-that may be an incentive to change a bit, yes? I know that's a hard pill to swallow but just think about it.<br /></p><p>So, any black girls that read this blog, post your own ridiculous back handed compliments you've received and lets compare. I'm positive that you have gotten your fair share.</p><p>I will close by saying if at any point you have thought of saying any of these "compliments" to a girl/guy-regardless of race or have said them; perhaps you should edit either <em>black, white, brown, yellow </em>or <em>girl/guy </em>out of the sentence and rather put person, woman/man, or human being.</p><br /><em>"I am not an elephant! I am not an animal! I am a human being! I am a man! "</em> </div></div>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-31988786802498732542011-01-31T09:40:00.000-08:002011-01-31T10:04:32.256-08:00Flavor of The Week: Vale of Amonition<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/images/3/5/4/0/3540315859_photo.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 408px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.metal-archives.com/images/3/5/4/0/3540315859_photo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I had forgot about this band until one of the followers (Thanks Kelly!), reminded me in a post about them.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Hailing from Kampala, Uganda- VoA is an unsigned prog/doom metal band. They released their first demo this past year called <em>Curtain of Doom and The Broken Shield.</em> There also may be a complete first album coming out this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is very exciting slowly seeing all black heavy metal bands in the homeland start to pop up every now and then. It makes me feel like in the coming years metal will become even more diverse and interesting. We need to get these bands noticed in the metal world!</div><br />Unfortunately, it is very difficult hearing more of their music as I can't find other singles besides the one on their myspace.<br />If anyone has better sources, please list them below.<br /><br />Yay or Nay? I want your opinion.<br /><br />*I know, kinda hard to give your opinion with just those two songs on their myspace but, try to at least give a first impression. Besides, anything is better than Lord Toph.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myspace.com/valeofamonition">http://www.myspace.com/valeofamonition</a> (Myspace)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vale-of-Amonition/335056031250">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vale-of-Amonition/335056031250</a> (Facebook)The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-58921114893567559332011-01-25T08:42:00.000-08:002011-01-26T10:26:55.958-08:00The "Non"-Conformist Metalhead<em></em><a href="http://www.truthdig.com/images/eartothegrounduploads/FISHNonConformist5.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 384px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.truthdig.com/images/eartothegrounduploads/FISHNonConformist5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">Have you ever heard anyone say this?:</div><br /><div align="center">"I'm so metal, I shit steel!"</div><div align="center">or this?</div><div align="center">"I'm so metal, I shit studs!"</div><div align="center">Or perhaps my favorite,</div><br /><div align="center">"I'm so metal I listen to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">troo</span> underground metal like Lamb of God, Slipknot and Disturbed."</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">Perhaps you have seen individuals dressed mostly in black wearing a studded belt, faded t-shirt with some obscure (or not so obscure) band, tattoos, with dyed tresses? </div><br /><div align="left">Would it be safe to naturally <em>assume</em> such individuals listen to or partake in the metal or even rock culture? I would even say that the metal/rock culture decrees a certain 'look' to ascertain that such individuals are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">practically</span> wearing a name tag stating 'Hello my name is___, and I'm into metal."</div><br /><div align="left">(Mind you, I said assuming. I suppose it could be interpreted as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">stereotyping</span>)</div><br /><div align="left">I also believe that these individuals wouldn't be caught dead at, say, a Lil Wayne concert? And, on the flip side, I'm sure you would not witness a Timberland/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">BabyPhat</span> donning, gold chain swinging, corn rowed person at a Cradle of Filth show, yes? </div><br /><div align="left">(Hopefully no one is at that show-but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">that's</span> just my opinion. Sorry to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CoF</span> fans out there)</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I know many a folk who proudly explain to me why they are non-conformist and give me a 25 page dissertation on their reasons. And you know what I usually say?</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">"YOU LOSE! GOOD DAY SIR!" (*cue dramatic finger pointing)</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">...I really don't. But I should. Usually I listen to the self <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">fulfilling</span> dribble while in my mind I make my own list of reasons why this is absolute bullshit. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I rarely meet anyone who are non-conformist in the true sense of the word. That doesn't make them better or worse. Of course they never know that they are. </div><br /><div align="left">I'm not saying I'm innocent. Far from it. When <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Pokemon</span> was huge in my youth, I flocked to see the show, movies and even got a gold plated Mew Two card complete with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">pokeball</span> stand from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mc</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Donald's</span> in my happy meal. Didn't you?</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">But most people generally have a 'follow the flock' mentally because to be outside of the flock is considered bad.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">When examining the metal culture there are three main facts that remain true. Metal is male dominated. It is mostly straight and inherently white. Again, not a problem.</div><br /><div align="left">The issue is for the people outside of that. </div><br /><div align="left">The female metal head.</div><br /><div align="left">The gay metal head.</div><br /><div align="left">The non-white metal head. (Not only blacks, but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Asians</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Latinos</span>, etc)</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">All minorities who have been persecuted in one way or another.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">received</span> an email from Micheal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Zinkowski</span>, a lecturer at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">UNC</span> Greensboro, who is writing a paper related to this topic called "<strong>Discarding Macho Posturing, Maintaining Sonic Devastation: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Disidentification</span> in Extreme Metal Subculture</strong>." I read the bit that he presented and was amazed because he illustrates exactly what I wanted to say in this post but couldn't find the right way to put it. Thankfully, he does:</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">"...<em>The majority of the metal community remains white, straight, and male, who by and large live normative lives and whose identities are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">hegemonically</span> powerful already. Rallying against the powers that be while refusing to acknowledge the inherent privilege already granted to many of its members leaves metal looking like a space of contradiction. Within this contradiction women, people of color, and queer folks may and do situate themselves as metal fans in order to access and reshape the power the genre promises, sonically and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">hegemonically</span>."</em></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">"<em>How do those in the extreme metal community who are not white, male, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">cis</span>-gendered, straight, or able-bodied negotiate their identities within and against an individualist culture that effectively re-presents and re-affirms Western normative standards of masculinity, whiteness and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">heteronormativity</span> and simultaneously performs as a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">counterpublic</span>? <strong>How can the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">minoritarian</span> subject claim a metal identity, thus “be metal,” without completely conforming to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">majoritarian</span> standards of identity formation enacted by the metal community</strong>?"</em></div><br /><div align="left"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left">The metal community is, lets be honest, a boys club. The controversial issues in metal generally focus around the female, gay, or ethnic presence in metal that is scene as the '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">un</span> norm'. How can a community that prides itself on being different alienate those who flock to it for that reason? Or even, abide by such rules as what the listener should wear/look like. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The individuality in this scene should be celebrated-not scorned. </div><div align="left">(Again, not everyone does but many do)</div><br /><div align="left">I believe the answer is because metal was intended for one audience only. But now that globally its this huge subculture-it cannot be restrained to the normalcy that it once was contained by. </div><br /><div align="left">What that means is that all types of people are now enjoying metal music and are not necessarily bowing to its creed of what metal looks like, acts like, or even performs like.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I believe I've said something to the similar effect in a different post. Metal is already a minority so the community really doesn't have a choice to be picky in who is included or not.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">(<em>Thank you Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Zinkowski</span> for letting me use your words/thoughts.)</em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left"></div>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-15839281214109045812010-11-28T14:16:00.000-08:002010-11-28T15:03:28.693-08:00Black Men in Heavy Metal<a href="http://www.portlandmercury.com/images/blogimages/2010/09/02/1283457231-bd.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 352px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.portlandmercury.com/images/blogimages/2010/09/02/1283457231-bd.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Thank you all for being extremely patient in waiting for new posts. And also, thanks to those of you who emailed me about the blog with various concerns, comments, praises, and critiques. I appreciate the support. Trust me, it only fuels the heavy metal fire.</div><div> </div><div>Now, I'm sure some of you are wondering who the dudes in that epic picture above are. (although you might already know) </div><div>Their name is Black Death (Not to be confused with the Russian band as well as the band from California). Formed in the 70s (77') from Ohio of all places. They are hailed as the 'first all black metal band'. </div><div>My experience as a black female metal head, I realized, is most likely <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">completely</span> different than my male counterparts.I have been blogging this whole time sharing my views on metal without taking into account the men who really paved the way.</div><div> </div><div>I realize to many, black guys being into metal is not exactly anything new. (black women on the other hand...)</div><div>Metal heads may not be able to name too many all black metal bands but I'm sure you can name bands that have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">at least</span> one black member. (Now think to yourself how many you can name off the top of your head and post them in the comment section).</div><div> </div><div>I mean, I'm sure it took guts! Just like how being the first to do anything always is. But in such a conformists community (yeah, I said conformist), its not only courageous but possibly dangerous. From not only the metal community but the black one.</div><div>And now, this led me to think of even more alienating brands of metal and bands that have black members in them. </div><div>I think of Blasphemy (had two black members) and the back lash they experienced with their family and friends. Like I said in an older post-the black community can be very religious and downright superstitious at times. Were they accepted or bashed? I guess its interesting to me because I know that people like that made it just a little bit easier for me to be able to listen to the music I do, go to concerts in rooms filled with faces that look nothing like my own, and write this blog while saying with conviction that at least there are SOME others who are just like myself who play the music and look the part. And it only makes it easier to say I'm a metal head when I can show other groups of people who would think other wise that I'm not strange or the first/last of my kind.</div><div>I realize that for the white folks who read this blog, its probably strange to relate this feeling to you. I suppose its kinda like going to your first metal concert and seeing hundreds of people who have similar interests like you do ready to enjoy their time together. That feeling of reckless elation.</div><div>I get quite a jolt of pride whenever I go to shows and see another black metal heads (even if they are a bit stand offish) or even performers on stage. I guess its reaffirmation that your not weird or crazy and that you do belong somewhere.</div><div>(At least in America) its slowly starting to get into every<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">body's</span> heads that not all black people have to listen to 'black music' or even can enjoy metal, opera, ska, punk, classical, hell country.</div><div>I do believe that it had to take a man to do this though. (I know ladies, it sucks but its true). Since metal is so masculine as a whole, black guys had to be the first to gain respect in the community in order to be taken <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">seriously</span>.</div><div> </div><div>I really hope in the future even more all black bands emerge so that we can have a huge community for our young to look up to and be inspired by-just like I was. I hear about more and more everyday. Just think when we get to the level where we have black men and women together in symphonic metal bands. Should be interesting with our vocal range, eh?</div><div>But it takes baby steps.</div><div>So if any black men are reading this, no matter what age, tell me your experiences as a black male <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">metal head</span>? </div><div>And if your not a black dude-leave a comment anyway. Tell me your opinions and bands with black male members.</div><div> </div><div> </div>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-23701893282372385432010-10-09T14:08:00.001-07:002010-10-09T14:13:52.409-07:00Questions? Concerns? Complaints?<em><span style="color:#ff0000;">(Off-Topic)</span></em><br /><br />I realize some people may be trying to contact me but due to the reason that I have not posted an email they can contact me by-they haven't. So this is it. Thought I'd make a mini post about it as well as put this in my profile.<br />So-if you have any questions or critiques just email me at:<br /><br /><a href="mailto:Theblackgirlintoheavymetal@gmail.com">Theblackgirlintoheavymetal@gmail.com</a><br />(I know, how original)<br /><br />I will get back to you and thanks for visiting!<br />I will start posting regularly soon and sorry for the hiatus.<br />Watch out for the next post: <em>Black Men In Heavy Metal.</em><br /><em>-BGIHM</em>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-22818077570297193252010-08-18T09:04:00.000-07:002010-10-02T14:36:57.491-07:00Flavor of The Week: The Objex<a href="http://iacmusic.com/uploads2/The_Objex_-_AttackofObjexcover-actualsi2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://iacmusic.com/uploads2/The_Objex_-_AttackofObjexcover-actualsi2.jpg" /></a> Another band that is not metal but I think you guys should know about. The Objex is a punk band based out of Las Vegas with the coolest looking lead singer (nicely named Felony Melony) I have ever seen with the most epic rack...and by rack I mean boobs. The Mohawk isn't bad either. Released in 07', <em>Attack of the Objex</em> is the name of their first official record but they did release a demo called <em>'Bound and Gagged'</em> earlier that I can't seem to get a hold of.<br /><br /><div>If your into sort of fun-non committal punk with a bit of alternative flare than I suggest them. (Plus they have a female bassist. Who doesn't love a female bassist?) Here are some links to some vids and the myspace. Take a listen and see if you like.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=_6kaGZe_0Bc">http://youtube.com/watch?v=_6kaGZe_0Bc</a> (Eat This)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=FyjMcYXKwS4">http://youtube.com/watch?v=FyjMcYXKwS4</a> (The Reaction)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.myspace.com/theobjex">www.myspace.com/theobjex</a> (Their Myspace-incase your too lazy to look it up)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Yay or Nay? Or perhaps Yanay. You decide.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-67804596951898338392010-06-18T12:22:00.000-07:002010-08-18T08:43:32.882-07:00Wee Bit ot of a Hiatus...NEW POST:Check out Metal:Then and Now<span style="color:#ff0000;">(OFF TOPIC)</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">If you haven't noticed, few but hopefully faithful readers, I haven't posted in a while. I have tons of ideas for posts but something has gotten in the way: LIFE.</span> </span><br /><br />The freaking cold, tender reality of living.<br /><br />These past few months I've been away, I've been trying to prepare for a move. I'm moving somewhere...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> better. Lets just say that. So <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">thats</span> what I've been consumed by and haven't had the energy to post.<br /><br />But be patient and I will continue this blog because I love it and I think I'm doing something good here. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Small</span> but good.<br />So sorry and I will get back to you all....<br />-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">BGIHM</span>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8100081350617248138.post-27206281196830034092010-03-01T18:46:00.000-08:002010-08-18T08:40:44.192-07:00Metal:Then and NowHow did metal get from this: <em>Nazareth</em> 70's metal band<br /><br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 284px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 186px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXmzTHaDQ6o17j1ArZiyseLtX-qweq9MO8jNBS-dK1Pi_6z9Ua55CSU1zxS7S94EY5jR-AnUHXj24mwmE6S72hqI_TQG4dDU5yDFQ3_thdd9xWATiDYgeG0xfw_Qh1nveDOFyun59XDk/s400/nazareth+band+pic.jpg" /> To this: <em>Poison</em> 80's hair metal band<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.edgebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/hair-metal-fashion.jpg" />Then finally to this: Five Finger Death Punch -Modern day <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">douche bags</span> in a band. DEATH TO FALSE METAL!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://blog.mlive.com/entertainmentnow_impact/2008/05/five_finger_death_punch.jpg" /> Your guess is as good as mine.</p><p>(Sorry any Five<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Finger<img class="gl_align_center" border="0" alt="Align Center" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" />DeathPunch</span> fans who read my blog)</p><p><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>First off, I just want to thank everyone who is old and new to the blog, who posted their opinions of which I have yet to respond. I value it all-be it praise or critique. I'm glad that people feel comfortable enough to really say what they mean to say and not feel awkward or tense about it. Keep it up-yes that even goes to the Lord <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Toph</span> fans (*read earlier post) I love interesting conversations even if we both don't necessarily agree. But really, thanks for coming back and checking up to see if I'm still there and for being very patient. Now back to the main topic:</em></span></p><p><span style="color:#cccccc;"><span style="color:#cccccc;">I think having an understanding of how modern metal has come to be formed is important for any metal head. Quite honestly I still am not really sure how it has all come to be. I call myself a metal head yet when faced with this post I found myself doing research and realized that I really don't know shit about it. Or perhaps, rather, that I had only skimmed the surface of a genre that has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> of depth. Far more than a self proclaimed music geek like myself even thought there was.</span> </span></p><p>Recently, I have been into <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> of music history and such and I had always wondered how and why the metal that I've become so familiar with (from radio friendly to underground) came to have that certain modern sound I just can't quite place but know by ear. Or even if a metal purest could even consider the hair/glam metal bands of the 80's pure 'metal'. What really is the heavy metal sound? Or what makes a song classified into heavy metal? Drop D tuning? Heavy fast drum work? Or gut wrenching vocals?</p><p>If you look at when heavy metal was in its first pure form-its <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> different than what we would even consider metal today. I was browsing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Youtube</span> the other day and had an argument in the comments section (I know, pathetic) with some being who thought that a song was only metal if there was screaming in it. Of course, my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">nerdrage</span> kicked in and I argued about various classic bands being metal w/ out the whole pig squeal, growling, etc vocals. And <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">alot</span> of people agreed with the plebeian. So I had to ask them if they thought Black Sabbath wasn't metal to which they responded 'Whats Black Sabbath'? That's when I realized I was dealing with children and logged off. I mean, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple didn't scream-and they are famous metal bands. Had they come out today? They would be considered at most, hard rock.</p><br /><p>Lets fast <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">forward</span> to the 80's. Hair metal has arrived. But what I find very interesting is that also during this time, the first wave of black metal arrived that progressed from thrash metal. So at this time bands like Celtic Frost, Venom, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mercyful</span> Fate, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bathory</span> came to play. Which is probably a result of wanting to be apart from the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">commercial</span> metal that was emerging in America with the bands like Poison, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stryper</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ratt</span>, etc. This sort of L.A brand of dare I say, pop metal? It's just amusing to me that Europe was like 'Fuck that' and went all black metal. (Not to say there aren't European hair bands. *<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">coughDefLeppard</span>*)</p><p>Let me make a point that during all this time, Underground metal (thrash, speed, death, power, doom, etc) is alive and kicking. I suppose I should now go into the awkward 90's fusion metal brand that emerged where it all just sort of got scrambled into many things. Metal fused with rap. Metal fused with rock and punk. Cross over thrash. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Metalcore</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Prog</span>.You name it. That "nu-metal" sound.</p><p>And now? There is so many metal <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sub genres</span> that it starts to hurt my brain when I think about it. I still don't even feel like I have a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitive</span> grasp on metal as a whole. I wanted to go into more of how it came to be with the history of what was going on around the time but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">that is </span>another post. This is just the skim of the milk. I can say that it has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> evolved musically into many things. So much that if you don't like a certain type then maybe you could like another. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">That is</span> what is great about metal. There could be an audience for anyone and everyone.</p><p>So I have to ask:what is metal to you? Or even, what does it do for you? Perhaps then we can fully grasp how and why it became what it is today.</p><br /><p><br /></p>The Black Girl into Heavy Metalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11748921344972869637noreply@blogger.com15