Many of our parents and elderly people believe that listening to such music has changed their children, who once used to be amiable, into forlorn, surly individuals.[break]
"There is a melody in the often perceived noise. It is the melody and the guitar music which inspires me to listen to such music," says Sworup, 22, a student studying abroad. When asked about the inspirer, he says that it was his senior in the school, Diwas Gurung, who is currently playing for Ayurveda, an Indie rock band from Ithaca.
He further adds, "Since music offers a unique mood and a good head banging tempo I like listening to it."
Besides, many of us would simply think that listening to such music would be hip hence, cogently dragging ourselves to the circle, we may end up falling into drug behavior. But, there are actually, many metal worshippers, not necessarily a renowned persona in the field, yet real listeners who not only listen to the music for the sole purpose of entertainment but do have a rationale behind listening to such music.
Young listeners think that listening to such music pacifies one´s anger and anxiety which is why they basically give their ears to it. These listeners basically acclaim the instrumental mastery of the metal musicians.
While most people consider it to be a haphazard sound, there are various reasons behind why this genre has a great following worldwide. Behind the so-called disturbances are the praiseworthy patterns, intricacies and melodies to be realized. Creating and playing metal music is not easy. A person, who can easily learn a pop song, will take much longer to learn metal.
Many sub genres of metal music are not so mainstream which is why many such musicians cannot earn their living in spite of the whole lot of hard-work they put into their job. This is also one of the reasons due to which the listeners think such music has been able to earn such devotion from the listeners worldwide.
While asked about the negative impacts of listening to such music, the listeners do agree with the fact that many heavy metal songs feature violent lyrics and metaphors, such as Megadeth´s "Killing is My Business…and Business is Good!" and Slayer´s "Reign in Blood". These songs do contain blasphemous music and sacrilegious lyrics, causing them to earn "Parental Advisory" stickers.
Although viewed in a negative light by many, metal music is in fact, just music and it just depends on how people perceive it. The way people choose to interpret and express their affinity with the music is their own outlook toward it. Rohit KC, a semi-professional guitarist who is currently studying music says, "Metal music is a piece of art which seems obscure to many. That is why, people are mistaken." He strongly objects such music having been blamed for any negative influences and rather believes that it solely depends on how the listener is valuing the music.
However, there are many youngsters who dislike the genre. Asmita, 18, says, "Metal music is emotionless and insensible. It does not connect with a human-being. It is merely a bunch of people creating a random noise."
Likewise, Akhanda, 18, says, "Metal music is chaotic and very disturbing. It´s not at all soothing to the ears. The musicians are violent and rebellious. There are many people of our age looking up to such musicians and hence, falling into drug behavior."
Such artists delineate the human life extremities such as suicidal tendencies, death, isolation, fear and darkness. However, the listeners should be wise enough to understand that the musicians do not want their listeners to receive their subject matter personally. Hence, it becomes very important to know that such things are merely done for the shock value. Besides, there are also bands which cover social, political, historical and religious issues. Listeners should rather be focusing on the music than emulating the musicians.
Long and unkempt hairdos, black leather pants, jackets and studs just don´t make you a metal listener. It is your devotion and loyalty for the music that counts.
Related story
Fragments for Cultural harmony
