The gentle art of loud music

To the uninitiated, the prospect of spending a few hours at a metal concert jammed in among the longhaired, fist pounding, chaotic mass of tangled bodies paying homage to bands with names like Slayer, Damaged, Anthrax, Fear Factory and Flesh Mechanic can seem a little absurd. But metal is not all unholy primal screaming and subliminal verses from beyond the grave … (well, it is actually) but, believe it or not, there are certain courtesies to observe.

The Music

• Metal is to be played LOUD.
• Metal is for metal-heads.
• Don’t play it in your girlfriend’s car.
• "Nu-metal” is not metal.
• Metal is obnoxious, offensive and is not a legitimate art form. That’s what makes it cool.
• Metal is not “cool”.

The Scene

• Mosh pits and beer don’t mix too well. Not only will you spill your tasty beverage, you will incur the wrath of a rather large, cranky bouncer.
• Wear the appropriate apparel. While you may get away with wearing a Slayer shirt to a Fear Factory gig, an Aqua shirt would be deemed unsuitable.
• If you don’t know who the band is on your T-shirt, you will be in trouble.
• Don’t try to hold a conversation with your metal brethren in the mosh pit. It’s pointless.
• If somebody falls down in the mosh pit, help him or her to his or her feet.

Hook Me Up

Reign in Blood by Slayer

Reign in Blood
Slayer

Perfect for beginners, this album is an oldie but a goodie.

Released in 1986, it has become a cornestone of reference to the genre. With seminal classics like Post Mortem and the infamous Angel of Death, it’s a must have for every CD collection.

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