How many genres? (alternative, dance, hardcore, jazz, metal)

jackhammer · 08-14-2007, 06:24 PM

Some background:

I have been a metal fan since 1986, after being hypnotised by IRON MAIDEN : LIVE AFTER DEATH. After being in the scene for a while, I noticed the many sub genres of metal, and found a fair amount of narrow mindedness. EG I liked PINK FLOYD (not heavy-but they are a rock band), but my METAL friends constantly took the rise as FLOYD were not deemed heavy enough. I eventually tired of this ; and although I kept listening to my metal music, I pretty much left the scene (circa 1992-2000).

Upon slowly integrating myself back in the scene, I was shocked to find that the sub-genres had increased threefold. Now I don't know what band is classed as what. This f[u]cks me off. The metal scene has to be one of the most pretentious scenes ever. Now before I get ****-I LOVE metal, it has shaped my life, and has lead me to my current situation as a father. HOWEVER there seems to be a constant need to categorise a band. The only other genre that has this is DANCE. Hmmm-both loved by under 25's. Not exclusively; but primarily.

Why are there so many sub genres in Metal? Indie is Indie at the end of the day, Reggae is Reggae etc.

I absolutely hated genre tags when I was younger, and I am utterly dismayed to find that the genre tags have got wider!

Guess what though-to the outsider, it's still metal. We seem to have an overwhelming obsession to categorise music, to associate ourselves with a certain form, and look down with disdain at other forms of metal.

I am not saying that we dont need categorys, but why so many? It seems like it's an unconcious effort to create something new.

A band like LAMB OF GOD are considered Metalcore. This tag gives me a generic make up of Metal and Hardcore. If that is correct, then METALLICA are Metalcore, they basically fused DIAMOND HEAD with DISCHARGE, but they are thrash!

I would love it for metal fans to stop being so precious about their tags, because in 10 years it does'nt matter. If you like what you are listening to, then that is the only tag you need.

(I know I'm going to get crap for this but hey!).

08-14-2007, 06:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	How many genres? Some background: I have been a metal fan since 1986, after being hypnotised by IRON MAIDEN : LIVE AFTER DEATH. After being in the scene for a while, I noticed the many sub genres of metal, and found a fair amount of narrow mindedness. EG I liked PINK FLOYD (not heavy-but they are a rock band), but my METAL friends constantly took the rise as FLOYD were not deemed heavy enough. I eventually tired of this ; and although I kept listening to my metal music, I pretty much left the scene (circa 1992-2000). Upon slowly integrating myself back in the scene, I was shocked to find that the sub-genres had increased threefold. Now I don't know what band is classed as what. This f[u]cks me off. The metal scene has to be one of the most pretentious scenes ever. Now before I get ***-I LOVE metal, it has shaped my life, and has lead me to my current situation as a father. HOWEVER there seems to be a constant need to categorise a band. The only other genre that has this is DANCE. Hmmm-both loved by under 25's. Not exclusively; but primarily. Why are there so many sub genres in Metal? Indie is Indie at the end of the day, Reggae is Reggae etc. I absolutely hated genre tags when I was younger, and I am utterly dismayed to find that the genre tags have got wider! Guess what though-to the outsider, it's still metal. We seem to have an overwhelming obsession to categorise music, to associate ourselves with a certain form, and look down with disdain at other forms of metal. I am not saying that we dont need categorys, but why so many? It seems like it's an unconcious effort to create something new. A band like LAMB OF GOD are considered Metalcore. This tag gives me a generic make up of Metal and Hardcore. If that is correct, then METALLICA are Metalcore, they basically fused DIAMOND HEAD with DISCHARGE, but they are thrash! I would love it for metal fans to stop being so precious about their tags, because in 10 years it does'nt matter. If you like what you are listening to, then that is the only tag you need. (I know I'm going to get crap for this but hey!). __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.” Last edited by jackhammer; 08-14-2007 at 06:34 PM.*