This is meant to be a quick/fun post. We’ll see if I can keep it short ?
You’ve probably seen a picture of me on the Site. My “look” is pretty conservative and mainstream. You may know that I was a CPA (accountant) for over 20 years. I’m typically friendly and approachable.
I don’t have tons of piercings and tattoos. I don’t dress in black leather. I don’t do drugs. I don’t drink to excess. I don’t worship Satan.
Which is why, any time I have ever told someone that I love rock/metal music, I get the same reaction: disbelief — raised eyebrows, wide eyes, and a visible jaw drop. Every. Single. Time.
I get it . . . there is, of course, a stereotype (surface expectation) attached to metal heads. Well, I’m proof that this stereotype needs to be examined.
I Appreciate the Vulnerability
What bands am I thinking of as I write this? Alice in Chains (#1 of all time!), Soundgarden/Chris Cornell, Life of Agony, Tool/A Perfect Circle, Demon Hunter, Disturbed, Seether, System of a Down, Nine Inch Nails, Type O Negative, All Them Witches, Chevelle, Staind. You get the idea.
As someone who has never quite belonged anywhere and who struggles to find people I can relate to, this music and these artists give me a sense of belonging. Strangely, I feel like I can relate to these artists even though I have never faced many of the struggles they have. I feel empowered by them.
They sing about losing yourself and trying to find yourself. Trying to figure the world out. Fighting your demons and self-doubt. Struggling to find purpose and meaning. Dealing with the guilt of disappointing people.
They bare their souls in one of the most vulnerable ways possible. They seem to be one with their music. So not only is the music subject to objective critique, that critique has to be felt on a very personal level.
Yet they do it anyway. They have no choice. These people feel life so deeply that if they don’t get their thoughts/feelings out through music, they will implode and turn to self-destructive behavior. Unfortunately, many of them have done this despite huge commercial success.
It Touches My Soul
I’ve never been one to do things for no reason. Although it can be very overwhelming at times, I am constantly searching for meaning in most everything I give my time to. I want to learn. I want to become a better person. I want to understand other people.
My guess is this is true of these artists as well. I can literally feel the struggle, the passion when I hear their vocals and guitar riffs. Those are perfect moments for me — when you physically connect with a song. You feel it in your soul but also in your bones and the pit of your stomach.
(“So Long, Good-Bye” by 10 Years just came on as I was writing this. For me, this song exemplifies what I am talking about.)
It Makes Me Think
Straight-forward lyrics are fine sometimes, but I really love poetic lyrics. Where you get the gist of the message they are conveying, but the words are penned to allow for interpretation.
Plus, I really appreciate the talent and effort it takes to paint a picture with words. To find the perfect phrase or to say something that has been said a million times in a completely new and authentic way.
If you know me or have read any of my writing, it should come as no surprise that I love to think; to take a bunch of thoughts, pick them apart, and put them back together in an insightful way. So, of course, I love to pick apart and analyze lyrics.
I Love the Raw Emotion
Jarring guitar riffs, sludgy bass, heavy drums, and sometimes screaming vocals = raw emotion. But not sappy, make me want to cry emotion. And I love it! Not much else to say about that one I guess ?
I Challenge You to Give It a Try
A few songs I can think of that really hit me:
Alice in Chains: The entire Sap EP — sorry I couldn’t pick one! “Rain When I Die” “Don’t Follow” “Your Decision” “Stone” “Maybe”. . . many others!
“Numb” by Disturbed
“All the Love in the World” by Nine Inch Nails
“Mailman” by Soundgarden
“Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart” by Chris Cornell
“Through and Through” by Life of Agony
“Love You to Death” by Type O Negative
“Tempest” by Deftones
“We Don’t Care” by Demon Hunter
“This Love” by Pantera
“Graveflower” by Acid Bath
Well, I think that’s a pretty good variety. I could do this all day, but I need to get some other work done!
Check some of these songs out and let me know what you think in the comments. Leave your preconceptions at the door and really focus on the artistry, the lyrics, the emotion. You just might surprise yourself!
