Monday, August 14, 2006
"If You Like My Politics, Flash the Devil Horns!"
Metal is evolving and this article takes a snapshot of some of the participants.
"Metal artists 'have responded to the culture and politics of the day,' said Donna Gaines, a sociologist and author of 'Teenage Wasteland,' a study of working class New Jersey metalheads.
'Metal music in the 1980s was often homophobic and 'very white,' she said, but current bands tend to be socially conscious and suspicious of political power. There's also more women in the audience — and fronting the bands.
'This is another generation rising,' Gaines said. ...
'It's really, really difficult sometimes to break through the cloud of apathy, so it's great when someone comes and asks why you are coming from your perspective," [Napalm Death's vocalist Matt]Greenway said during a recent tour stop in California.
'When you come into a country like America, when you challenge thinking, it's a great affront to some people,' he said. ...
'I appreciate that not everything has to be awareness raising or political,' he said. 'Music is also a form of entertainment, and it should remain that way. Variety is the spice of life. Escapism is a good thing if it doesn't cloud your vision.'" ¶ 8/14/2006 07:21:00 AM
Metal is evolving and this article takes a snapshot of some of the participants.
"Metal artists 'have responded to the culture and politics of the day,' said Donna Gaines, a sociologist and author of 'Teenage Wasteland,' a study of working class New Jersey metalheads.
'Metal music in the 1980s was often homophobic and 'very white,' she said, but current bands tend to be socially conscious and suspicious of political power. There's also more women in the audience — and fronting the bands.
'This is another generation rising,' Gaines said. ...
'It's really, really difficult sometimes to break through the cloud of apathy, so it's great when someone comes and asks why you are coming from your perspective," [Napalm Death's vocalist Matt]Greenway said during a recent tour stop in California.
'When you come into a country like America, when you challenge thinking, it's a great affront to some people,' he said. ...
'I appreciate that not everything has to be awareness raising or political,' he said. 'Music is also a form of entertainment, and it should remain that way. Variety is the spice of life. Escapism is a good thing if it doesn't cloud your vision.'" ¶ 8/14/2006 07:21:00 AM
