Holy Terror

Metal is a musical style with its own characteristics and sounds just like any other musical style, but the special thing about it to me is the fact that it unites people together like no music has since the 50's. A long time ago before certain technology was developed, almost everyone knew how to play an instrument (mainly the pianoforte or something of its equivalent) and most knew how to sing. Before reading it was an entertainment, the only true form of entertainment besides violence or sex people had. As time moved on, music evolved, and with it a stronger sense of community. However, the fifties came, and technology started to develop even faster. Once this happened, music started appearing over the radio, on records, and on tapes. Along with these advancements, music started to split off in genres and styles, where before there had been very few if any splits of style at all. Now, what does this have to do with Metal? Metal has a community unlike any other genres that currently exist. Sure, there are large followings of rock, pop, blues, jazz, and other genres, but they don't have a sense of togetherness or a way of life. At the most, the fans of these styles feel the music as a form of entertainment that speaks to them, but nothing else. Maybe it will bring a family together in very rare cases, but I haven't seen it myself. Personally, metal has effected me by bringing me closer to my friends and even some people I barely even met. Metal is also the only genre close enough for me to vent my inner rage out in a cathartic manner.