and turn you into this...
Now while I understand that the thought of becoming Ozzy Osbourne may scare some of you...it's much better than the prospect of being plastered on some Nintendo Nerd website pleasuring yourself to the digital wonders of Princess ToadStool.I introduce to you the 11 Glorious Steps to Metaldom according to Wikihow.com:
1. Realize that the amount of musical talent in most metal is astounding. A lot of ignorant people say otherwise, because they're used to mainstream bands that are based on poppy vocals backed up by simple power chords. How many times have we metalheads been told that metal is just a fat sweaty guy screaming into a microphone? That's too bad, because people like that are missing out on some great instrumentals.
2. Understand that metal is all about the music. You don't need to go around wearing fancy clothes or acting a certain way. Just be yourself.
3. Start off slow, and your tastes will expand. A lot of metal bands' vocals are based on screaming, which will be hard to get used to and is probably the sole reason that the majority of people shun metal the way they do. Screaming maintains the heavy, hard atmosphere, and allows a band to spread their message while using no definite tone... allowing the instruments do the melodic work. A good way to start would be to listen to a band whose vocalist sings with occasional screaming, like Pantera. If you're feeling daring, though, you could try a band whose screaming vocals blend in better, like Children of Bodom or Death.
4. Don't just listen to the vocals. Appreciate the drumming, guitar riffs, and the heavy bass lines. If you can't understand the vocals the first time around, look up the lyrics. Understand what they mean, analyze them and form your own opinion around them. Realize that metal isn't all about death, and many of the lyrics can be beautiful.
5. Get your hands on some good metal. The variety is endless, ranging from soft to rock-your-face-off. Keep in mind, however, that a lot of bands who focus solely on being "hard" play very simple music, probably aren't real metal, and aren't worth listening to. A good idea is to find someone you know is a metalhead and just ask him/her if you can borrow a few CDs or just ask if you can listen to their headphones. Chances are the guy (or girl!) who is a metalhead will know just what to hook you up with.
6. Find some metal you like. Don't just go for whatever all the others are listening to, or what they tell you to listen to. Be an individual, that's respected in the metal subculture. Conformity will get you nowhere. Stay true to yourself, and true to the music. Once you have obtained a love for metal, let your tastes guide you. There are always new (and old) bands for you to discover. Listen to a wide variety of metal. Find a favorite sub-genre (symphonic, black, doom, Gothic, power, thrash, etc), but experiment with them all. In fact, why not try playing metal yourself?
7. Ask around. If you're interested in metal, you're bound to meet someone who can let you listen to some good stuff. This way, you can get a feel for what you like in a metal band and start to purchase albums from there.
8. Defend the music, if you like it. Be prepared for criticism of the music. Tell the uneducated about the message and the meaning behind the lyrics, and to look past the lyrics.
9. Go to shows! Shows can be hard to handle at first, but eventually you get used to it. Get lost in the music; fun is what it's all about. Going to concerts is strongly advised, as they are often almost a "magical" experience, and is a great way to meet people with similar music taste.
10. Feel free to listen to genres other than metal, though many people who listen to metal agree that a true metalhead prefers metal to other musical idioms. Classical music is one such genre. Although it might not seem like it at first, the two genres have many similarities. Listen to and do what you want! Thats what metal is about! For example, Nergal, from Behemoth listens to Johnny Cash!
11. Don't call yourself a metalhead and make it all about what you look like. Buying band shirts of bands you love is a great way to reinforce your tastes and support the music, but it does not define you. Don't base your metal status on wearing "metal" clothing.
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