Yeah, I'm back and so is it. Or it will be. It's been four years now since Metal Month III. Due to many circumstances way beyond my control, to say nothing of my absence from here, intended to be permanent originally, the headbang quotient in my journal has been minimal.
That's about to change.
Traditionally, Metal Month has always taken place in October, as a way, originally, to end up taking in Halloween. So if I want to do this (and I do) then I have two choices: number one, wait till next October, or number two, change the month I'm doing it during.
Who's for number two?
I am, so I've decided, tentatively, to run Metal Month IV next April. That gives me five months to arrange it, but I'm going to need your help.
Up to now, mostly I've run Metal Month off my own bat, making all the decisions as to what's included based on what I think people might like, but I'd like to change that now.
First off, then, I'll be looking as usual for your top tens. Obviously, no albums (or preferably artists) I've done before, and as usual first come first choice. I'll also be asking for your recommended albums for the "Don't Listen to That... Listen to This!" section, but all that's as normal.
I'll be working through all the different sections later and seeing what I need or want help on, but right now I know I need suggestions as to the Featured Artist. We've done Slayer and Judas Priest, and obviously I've no interest in doing Iron Maiden, but anything else I'll consider. Ideally, the artist should have a minimum of ten albums I can review.
As well as that, what would you like to see me tackle in terms of "What's That All About?" For those who don't know, this is a section where I look into a particular sub-genre of metal. I've done Ambient Black Metal, Viking Metal and Pirate Metal so far. I think that's all but I'll have to check.
I ask every year but nobody ever takes me up, but guest reviewers are always welcome. You want to write something for the show as it were, let me know.
Anyone who has any new ideas for Metal Month (and no, stick it up your ass is not an acceptable idea thanks) post here and let me know what they are.
I'd like to see more input and participation this time around, but of course nobody is under any obligation to do so. If you want to just read, comment, or hell, just ignore it (metal isn't for everyone) that's fine, but if you'd like to get involved, my door is always open. I need to speak to the builders about that. Gets very draughty in here sometimes.
All right then: most of you probably don't care, but for those who do, let's try to make the next Metal Month the best yet.
And if you don't want to do that, **** ya. I'll do it on my own.
Come on guys! Let's blow the roof off and make the neighbours call the cops, huh? Roll on April, roll on Metal Month IV!