Shaunt Sulahian
May 16, 2012
English 114B
Professor Dinsmore
The
Art of Heavy Metal
Heavy Metal constantly influences
identity along with many generations of music lovers. The genre creates a
certain atmosphere for individuals who listen to heavy metal not only at rock
shows, but in their own personal settings. This topic is dear to me because I
am not only in a heavy metal band, but also a more Alternative-Latin oriented
group. Both groups attract a totally and undeniably different crowd and vibe,
and it’s intriguing to see why that is. I am a fan of all genres of music
ranging from classical to death metal and even electronica. Although I
appreciate many genres of music, heavy metal is definitely my heart and soul.
Therefore, I am always enlightened to be able to spread my views regarding this
topic.
Being involved with music at an early
age has taught me that music has constantly evolved over the decades, each with
carrying out certain trends that tend to die out quickly. Nevertheless, heavy
metal is one massive genre that has obviously evolved, but has not died out. It
is still considered to be shocking and still gives individuals of all ages the
much needed rush in their lackluster lives. Heavy Metal can be such an enormous
presence in one’s life and can truly act as a soulful manifestation. Beginning
with the true Godfathers of heavy metal, Black Sabbath have shaped all that is
metal over time. With the influence of Sabbath, metal has become a culture and
a way of life to most individuals who are involved with heavy music in general.
For example, later front-man of Sabbath,
Ronnie James Dio, began popularizing the metal horns which is a worldwide famed
hand gesture used at heavy metal concerts(Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame). Metal
creates this powerful sense of unity amongst its listeners. One does not simply
pull up the metal horns at a Coldplay show.
This “culture” has its own rules and
regulations that individuals will make an effort to learn because they adore
the genre. One must be weary if he or she does not know how to act and behave
at a metal show. Some situations might even possibly get out of hand if an
individual does not have any knowledge of how massive hordes of people behave
at these shows. For example, besides the metal horns there are acts like head-banging
and moshing which can potentially become dangerous if one does not know how to
act accordingly. I speak from experience when I say that straining your neck is
the least of your worries.
Head-banging began in 1968 at a Led
Zeppelin concert and it has since evolved into different styles. It is widely
known and accepted in the metal community, even though most individuals are
unaware of its potential dangers. Although it does not serve has a huge health
risk, head-banging often can lead to a stroke. It is a common art for
individuals at a metal show as well as in their bedroom (Hendrick). Moshing
however, is a way more extreme type of art in the world of heavy metal.
A mosh pit by definition is an area
at the front of the stage at a rock concert where individuals dance in a
violent and frantic manner. Over time, the controversy regarding moshing has
amplified and continues to do so. The violent forms of expression have resulted
in a few deaths over a period of several decades, but individuals blatantly
state that they are not trying to hurt each other while participating in a pit.
Some even follow a certain form of
etiquette while in a mosh pit. Examples of this would be that if a mosh pit is
flowing in a clock words motion, you must do the same. If an individual goes
against the flow of the pit then he or she is more likely to be severely
injured. Also, one should wear the right gear. Heavy clothing is a necessity if
one does not want excessive bruising the morning after. The more common rules
would obviously be to help an individual if he or she is lying on the floor,
and not physically force or throw anyone into the pit.
Nevertheless, mosh pits are huge a
form of expression along with head-banging in regards to the heavy metal
culture. During many instances, artists will emphasize from the stage to start
a pit to keep the energy of the show alive. However, they will also stress
about the dangers and will caution the audience to help anyone who has fallen
down. These attributes can give one the idea of what the environment at a rock
show would look like. No matter how extreme these acts might get, fans of the
genre will continue participating in these actions because they are energetic
and passionate individuals that not only understand the vibe of a metal show
but actually crave this active form of expression (Safeconcerts).
As I stated before, metal creates a
unity amongst its listeners which is very much emphasized in present times. If
one considers America’s top 40 when it comes to radio stations, one might
realize that heavy metal is a dying art. It breaks my heart to say that it is
an awkward time for metal & rock n roll as electronic music along with hip
hop has for the most part taken over radio stations (Robinson). I believe it is
because of this reason that fans and listeners to heavy metal around the globe
unite when they see that another individual shares there taste in music. For
example, I have encountered multiple instances of seeing an individual wearing
a band t shirt, and I would approach them and begin a conversation regarding
the band. I am also often approached in similar situations.
In my mind, heavy metal is so under
the radar that I begin comparing these situations in my personal everyday life.
For example, my ethnicity even relates to this type of unity when I describe
the bond that heavy metal brings up between two individuals. Being an Armenian
that lives in Los Angeles, I find the same sense of unity when I come across
another who is simply walking across the street and gives me a nod of approval
for being Armenian or vice/versa, listening to metal. At least this is how I
interpret the unity amongst metal fans in this day and age. It also does not
help that MTV has completely shut off all that is heavy metal and rock n roll.
I might even go as far as to say that it has stopped being involved with music
which is extremely unfortunate being as it was a huge contender for the genres
to strive amongst its listeners and newly formed bands to develop a solid
reliable fan base. With television and radio lacking in their support of heavy
metal or rock music in general, it is obvious that the genre is in somewhat of
a hole. With little exposure to the masses, individuals do not get the full
effect of this genre of music. Only the ones passionate about the genre will go
and put in the effort to dig up music from their favorite artists.
Other forms of music get more attention
because of today’s market and trends (Sulahian). Electronic music is heavily
marketed and is in its prime while it draws huge crowds to electronic
music/light shows called raves. I would like to stress the fact that media puts
more attention on simplistic forms of music, such as electronica, to get the audience’s
attention. Pop culture is often related to these types of music because
simplistic minds frequently go hand in hand. Because of this, the audience is
more inclined to listen to what celebrities listen to, just like how they want
to wear, eat, and basically do what the celebrities want to do. Therefore, it is
my duty as an avid heavy metal fan and songwriter to use my talents to do
everything to break this sickening cycle of events, and bring back the likes of
rock n roll and heavy metal to the masses.
Conclusively, I myself might be a
head-banger and an occasional mosher, but nevertheless I am proud of it. I
wrote this essay based on both research and a majority of life experiences.
Listening to metal daily is almost a necessity for my state of being, and
because of its impact on my life, I will make an endless effort for the genre
to grow and prosper with my music.
Works Cited
Sulahian, Rouben. Interview with
Shaunt Sulahian. 29 Apr. 2011.
“Black Sabbath Biography”. Rock &
Roll Hall of Fame. 2010. Web. 29 Apr. 2012.
Safeconcerts. “Crowd Surfing &
Moshing”. Safeconcerts. 2008. Web. 29 Apr. 2012
Robinson, Peter. “Is Rock ‘N Roll
finally dead?” The Guardian. 2011. Web. 29 Apr. 2012
Hendrick, Bill. Metal Health:
“Headbanging Hurts”. CBS News HealthWatch
2008. Web. 29 Apr. 2012.
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