Every metalhead should develop a certain minimum respect for others who also appreciate metal

By Tiago Alvarenga

We all know that being a metalhead is a lifestyle for many. Fans of any style of metal rarely treat the bands they listen to and love as just a phase. But a big problem that everyone in the scene notices is the fact that metalheads themselves hate each other. It's common to see someone in the scene wanting to humiliate or denigrate a band or style that another metalhead likes, often for no reason at all. This is very common, especially here in Brazil; I say this because I've had the opportunity to live abroad and the reality was quite different.

I believe many have experienced the classic scenario of mentioning a band they like, only to have someone who thinks they're a PhD in Metal criticize them, acting like the ultimate bible of Metal. They claim that if a band isn't among their preferences, it's complete garbage and shouldn't be considered Metal. This sometimes even happens among friends. Not to mention that it seems like a blacklist of bands has been created that you can't be a Metalhead and still like; prime examples are Ghost, Avenged Sevenfold, and Slipknot. And it's even worse when it comes to styles: if your preferred Metal style isn't Thrash or Death Metal, you're not a real Metalhead. And woe betide you if you like a more current style like Djent or Metalcore; you'll just be a poser in the eyes of these experts.

Respect people who have only recently started listening to metal

Want to know what problem this causes? Simple: some people get tired of the scene, tired of people wanting to criticize their bands for no reason. Young people who have just discovered Metal end up becoming extremists too, or worse; they are relegated to "not true fans of the style" simply because they like something different, something new that is currently popular in Metal.

Some of you may know that a survey conducted by Spotify showed that Metalheads are the most dedicated fans . But what good is being the most dedicated if we can't stay united? Meanwhile, we see that other genres in Brazil do the exact opposite; they unite, always hold large events, and are the preferred choice of producers because they don't know they'll have to deal with extremists who turn their backs on anything new.

Finally, I believe that every metalhead should develop a certain minimum respect for others who also appreciate metal. As long as we have those who act like children with "Mine is better than yours," we won't get anywhere. Respect people who have recently started listening to metal. Want to discuss something? Discuss it, but in a healthy way. If you don't like the same band as someone, just say you don't. There's absolutely no need to ridicule someone or some band just because you don't like them. Because sometimes those who ridicule don't even know the band they're talking badly about properly.

Finally, a quote from the master Dimebag Darrell that applies to everyone:

*This text was written by a Wikimate and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the site's authors.