My Advice To Young Metalheads

I sit here some days and sift through comments on Metal Martyr, Blabbermouth, Metalsucks.net, etc. and I see so much ignorance when it comes to metal fans these days. This is where I get most of my ideas from like the Pointing Fingers Part 1 and Part 2, I Only Listen To Underground Metal, and What Is Real Metal.I see closed minded children spouting off at the mouth before even taking time to think about what they are saying. So here is a little advice I’d like to pass on to young metal fans. I think most readers, especially the ones around the same age as myself can agree with me on this stuff. And kiddies, just cause you’re younger than I am doesn’t mean you listen to cooler shit than I do. Live and learn. As you mature you will understand.

First, don’t be afraid to listen to other music besides metal. There is a lot of great music out there. You’re just depriving your ears and mind of some really good stuff. Just don’t call shit like The Mars Volta and Avenged Sevenfold metal!

As life moves on faster and faster, life changing events happen. You’ll find yourself maturing and even though you’re growing up that doesn’t mean that you have to stop listening to good music. Your beliefs will change on a lot of things and you’ll see some of the metal heroes you have come to idolize say and do some pretty stupid stuff. Take it with a grain of salt and remember the great things they have done as opposed to the stupid things.

Idolize… oh yeah, that brings me to this. Don’t idolize ANYONE, I don’t care how cool you think they are. Be a fan but don’t idolize, because then you become what you hate…a pop music fan that idolizes and cries whenever they see their “Idol”. They are just people too.

Don’t forget where you come from. Your roots are your soul.

Be cool to the people that are cool to you. Sometimes you can even be cool to the people that aren’t cool to you. They will see that you’re a good person and stop judging you on your outward appearance. Once you get one to see the real you it’s like a domino effect. They’ll spread the word that you may dress a bit different but you’re really a cool person. If you’re a dick to them all the time they are going to treat you as such and assume that we are all like you. Thanks, but no thanks.

Be responsible for your actions. Don’t blame the music. If you have problems on the home-front seek help, not retribution.

You don’t have to look metal to be metal. When you’re young you want to be just like all your metal favorites. I’ve known many people that you would never think that’s what they are into. People think the same of me all the time. At almost 32 I try to keep a mostly professional appearance (No suit and tie) when working and I relax a bit when I’m not. I don’t wear a loggers chain on my wallet but I’ll throw on the checkerboard vans and my Dickies jacket with the Lamb Of God patch on it when I leave the house. Gotta represent somehow.

Lastly…”You can’t be something you’re not, be yourself, by yourself, stay away from me. A lesson learned in life”… Ok, so those aren’t my words, but thank,s Phil Anselmo for helping out. But yeah. Be yourself. Don’t be a poser.

If anyone has anything they want to add, feel free to add it in the comments.

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