I've been a Metalhead for most of my life at this point and what I can say is there's stages in Metal, 1. Prospect: you heard some rad stuff your older sibling, parent or someone you look up to showed you 2. Pilgrim: You bought a Metallica Shirt and you're getting more into bands, but you're getting slammed on by " Elitist" 3. " Elitist": You think you know everything about Metal because you evolved from Anthrax to Dying Fetus and Cradle of Filth and you slam on Pilgrims who listen to Metal with Clean Vocals 4. Gatekeeper: You found Marduk and GBK and slam on people who listen to Cradle of Filth and Dying Fetus 5. Nomad: You changed your fashion and are going through a phase of Indie, MF Doom, Odd Future, Liturgy and Crystal Castles 6. Chief: You got back into Metal with everything from Short Bus Pileup to KPN 7. Arch Bishop: You listen to whatever you like, 90% Metal be it Twisted Sister or Lymbonic Art, you are in your late 20s wearing Band shirts on your days off, tying your long hair into a Manbun when you go to work, buying CDs with Crime Scene Photos on them but casually talking to your neighbor about tips for cooking a Mean Casserole while petting their Cat because their Cat kissed you. Elitists are pretty new to Metal themselves and only do what they do to confirm their knowledge in their newfound Passion when in realty they have a lot to learn.
Is it possible to skip a lot of these steps? I'm already archbishop but never shat on anyone over their metal taste cause i was being shat on by normies during my childhood over my musical tastes.
I don't think I would go as far to say that metal elitism isn't a thing at all. I do think a distinction needs to be drawn between an actual elitist and someone that simply doesn't like something, and I do agree that some people take differing opinions a bit too much to heart. But I also think countering by saying that the only way to not be an elitist is to like literally everything is really fallacious. The distinction I make between the two is if they're saying "this isn't true metal" or "it doesn't sound enough like this therefore it's objectively bad and fuck you for liking it", then I would classify them as elitist. But if something just isn't your thing, that's not something anyone has the power to change other than by saying "Well, have you listened to this or this?" And if it's still not their thing, then that's the end of the discussion.
im gonna defend metal at all cost but im never gonna argue with a fellow metalhead, what i am gonna do is argue with normies and tik tokers that think metal is a fashion trend
I'm glad that you have that kind of mindset. I always was insecure about how much of a "metalhead" I am just because I let these kind of "elitist" opinions influence me. It is true that I lack knowledge of many things related to metal music but it's the genre that I mainly listen to since 5th grade and now I'm starting to listen to full albums (although I'm not an album listener) of my favourite bands, so I can have a more complete view of their discography.
LOOKING for a RECOMMENDATION?? Consider checking out the NY Thrash band 'Electrocutioner', and their album 'False Idols'. Also, consider the band 'Desolus' and their debut album 'System Shock': for fans of early Kreator!
Saw them live at a festival I went to and I was surprised with how fun they were to listen to. They're not even close to what I am into normally which is the most interesting thing
@@frogge8495 I like that they incorporate more of an old 70s style heavy metal vibe rather than the 80s it's a unique sound that you don't hear replicated much
Which I think comes most from people not wanting to feel like their preferred music is not part of Metal, since they just hear heavy music and instantly call it Metal. AND! perhaps even more so, just that they can't be bothered to put in the effort to understand the history, where the genres came from, how they evolved and what defines them, can't be bothered to think about any of that and blame the people who are passionate enough to do their research and expand their understanding, calling them elitist.
@@cookiesontoast9981 exactly. I don’t think metalcore is metal but more its own genre and that’s ok I’m not saying it’s bad but too many people take that as you saying it sucks. I think the one’s getting mad or defensive over you saying you don’t think their favorite genre is metal are the real elitists, by getting offended you are applying that all genres outside of metal are not good.
I've met 2 'elitists' in my life. One was into prog metal, the other was all about metalcore. I simply stopped associating with them. I think elitists hide on the Internet, and the rest of us actually go to shows. I'm looking forward to seeing Fuck The Facts in May.
This is an interesting concept. I don’t think I’ve ever met a real “elitist” in real life or they are hiding it well. I’ve seen assholes at gigs but I don’t tend to talk to them so idk it’s mainly online. Most of the time it’s just cool to meet a metal head at all. Great vid to watch after work anyway lol
By calling them an 'elitist' you are basically telling them they're 'elite', which is exactly what they think they are, you're affirming their assholery. Great points. Here's what I've been spinning recently. Grey Stag - Call of the Mountain (Doom/sludge metal from Ireland inspired by our heritage, one of the only really good Irish bands speaking as an Irish person Destruction - Release from Agony (One of the most interesting and unique thrash albums ever in my books) Irönwitch - Irönwitch (True blackened death/thrash from Australia, this has to be one of my favourites of the year already)
@@Lunar_bloodreviews Ahh lovely. Limerick City is a shithole but Limerick county is actually quite nice. Galway is nice because both city and county are great spots
Very good point made. I get the elitist title often because I am interested in the taxonomy of music. I really enjoy the classifications and evolution of genres. The one that really gets people riled up is when I state that Nu-metal isn't a genre. It's a buzzword from the 90's to sell many different genres to people wanting more rap-rock. Am I an elitist? I dunno. We all like what we like. I am just scientifically identifying the different orders/family/phylum/species of music.
Definitely check out the band Electrocutioner. They're a new "old-school" thrash band from New York City and their sound is unlike many other thrash bands out today.
I don't think that there is anyone who likes all metal music. But there are people that don't consider them better than others becouse they like certain type of music. And those who do can (in my opinion) be referred as elitists. But otherwise I agree with your video. They should be ignored and not be given more power over our own opinions.
But when someone has a preference for certain kinds then of course they're not going to think their non preferred ones are better? In a subjective way I mean. Now yes talking objectively saying that an entire subgenre is objectively worse because they subjectively don't prefer them? Different story. But people are fully allowed to think subjectively that one genre is better than another. Like me personally I listen to Black Metal day in, day out, it's my favourite music of all time. And I'm allowed to think that it's way better than any other type of Metal. Though Doom and some Death isn't too far behind. But the problem lies in if I went around saying that everyone else's favourites suck because they're not my favourites.
@@cookiesontoast9981 Having the opinion that one subgenre is worse than another does not make you an elitist. Having the opinion that someone is less important becouse thay lisen to a subgenre you don't like makes you an elitist and a cunt. That's my stance in a nutshell.
The term metal elitist lost all meaning whenever metalheads started using it for when someone doesn't like the same metal subgenres and bands as them. That's where I believe it died a long time ago.
Metalheads are open-minded to fusing branches of music with metal that make metal better, not fcking worse. That's why you'll never find someone complaining about Manegarm using Swedish folk music in their stuff or about symphometal bands using operatic vocals. They start to complain when you start fusing metal with Nicki Minaj and Katty Perry tunes thinking you're doing something right (you don't).
I think people refusing to be called misogynist when they actually are is a bigger problem than people being wrongly called misogynistic. Random guy "Women are [insert insult] and shouldn't [do insert thing] Also same guy: "i aM nOt mYSoGiNiStIC yOu dUmb fEmInIStS"
@@nobody5228 I disagree. Accusing someone of being being a horrible person without evidence is just as bad if not worse than actually being a horrible person. Yes there are a holes out there who genuinely hate women. But not every person who disagree's with a woman is a misogynist. My main issue is that words like that have lately been thrown around so many times that it's lost it's meaning.
I very much agree! Always a treat when you upload you always have interesting thoughts on every topic you bring up godspeed brother and keep up the great videos!
From the perspective of someone who has seen metal fragment into all these different sub-genres during the 90s, I would say, yes, metal "elitism" is really a product of the internet, or more specifically, social media. Back in the day, you had the editors of Metal Maniacs and Pit ragging on the power metal and post-grunge bands they hated, and on the other side there were zine editors ragging on whatever was outside their focus, so for instance power metal zines like Sentinel Steel or Crom would bag on death, black, or groove metal, etc. These editors were the real "elitists," because the they put the time and effort in to publishing a print zine, and had the expertise of years of record collecting, attending shows, networking with bands and labels, etc. to back it up. Now, with social media, anybody can be an elitist, even some kid who has never owned a piece of physical music or gone to see a band in his or her life. It's lost all meaning!
It's when someone straight up rags on you for liking something they dislike. My ex, Chris and a former friend of mine are huge examples of that. My ex being worse. Tbh he was just a dick and took the act of being an elitist as something cool so he'd purposely magnify the elitism. Funnily enough, he ONLY listened to Cradle of Filth and Emperor back then. Which was hilarious to think about. I think elitism is a real thing, but only exists in those who are insecure in themselves. It's fine to not like the same genre/subgenre as another. It is NOT okay to bash them for their differences in music taste. I don't really have a recommendation for new bands. I've been out of the loop.
Driftglass(Can): World Of Coversation, Eniac Requiem(Usa): Space Eternal Void, Eyefear(Australia): The Inception Of Darkness. I realise these bands arent exactly new but tend to be less well known(at least in the UK) in terms of Progressive Metal and are worth checking out :)
Metal purism is good, a minority of metal elitists are kinda jerks. But has anyone ever been punched in the face for liking Korn or Deftones by a metal elitist? So at most metal elitists just say mean words and dont get violent
I agree with your take on elitism! You make many valid points. For my band recommendation, I'd recommend checking out Crypta and their latest album, "Shades of Sorrow" (2023). A recent find for me; they're an all-women Brazilian death metal band and they kick serious ass!
THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN SAYING!! Widely speaking, I think "elitism" is one of the most overused words. I know people who accuse me of being an elitist for the slightest difference in musical preference, and I've even seen people who think it's elitist to play the bass guitar with your fingers instead of a pick ☠ Honestly, it seems to me that people are more eager to exclude someone for being an elitist rather than a poser. Another thing I'd like to add: It's not elitist to acknowledge someone having bad mosh pit etiquette, and it's not elitist to get upset over your favorite band selling out, I'm sure those are things that most people in most subcultures can relate to
This video summed up everything I've felt since I was first introduced to the idea of "Metal Elitism". Thanks for making this video Blackmetal Werewolf, glad to know someone else feels the way I do. This could be a video in itself but I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the overuse of terms in the Metal community such as "Gatekeeper" or Elitist" given to people who just corrected you on something you were wrong on. Great video as always and I hope all is well for you, have a great day Blackmetal Werewolf.
Lucifer's new album "V" is amazing as all of their previous ones. Check them out if you are into occult rock or proto-metal (like black sabbath) type of bands!
Nah, there's crap tons of genuine Metal that isn't fast, isn't very loud and isn't very rude. You gonna say the entire Doom Metal genre isn't Metal? Just because it's the slowest subgenre? There are other examples but that's the most obvious one.
Check out the album “Outsider” by the band Night Demon. Heavy power metal, saw them live with Blind Guardian just this week. Check them out, totally worth your time.
There is a difference between saying you do not like a sub-genre versus saying something like 'Deathcore isn't REAL metal'. One is an opinion about music and the other is an elitist statement. It seems like you are conflating 2 different things. And I am not even saying elitism or gatekeeping is bad. Then you start describing trolls, which aren't always elitists. I pretty much could not disagree with you more on the vid, but hey, I'm doing it without being a rude troll!! 🤣🤣
I hate metalcore vehemently except as I lay dying for thier abrasiveness we are somewhat equal with the same mindset whether goth metalhead corekid punk or a grinder we have differences but similarity
This isn't exactly in the same vein as the topic of this video, but when I was in high school, it really irked me when older people who disliked all forms of metal (or didn't know any at all, for that matter) reached the conclusion that since Marilyn Manson outspokenly denied the existence of a Christian God, that he just HAD to be a Satanist. Apples and oranges, people.
A recent album I've really dug which I'd recommend is the new Exhorder album Defectum Omnium, an awesome band who emerged around the same time as Pantera when they emerged with the sound they became known for from Cowboys From Hell, Exhorder have been compared and are also from New Orleans, the hometown of Phil Anselmo
5:38 Idk if you've heard of the band Spiritworld, but I recently discovered them last year. I saw them open for Kreator and they absolutely killed it. I checked out their album Deathwestern immediately after and I've been hooked ever since. They're an awesome band and I highly recommend them if you haven't checked them out already
isn't that a cowboy metal band? asking cuz I've been looking for something like that (something heavier than Ghoultown but just as much influence from spaghetti westerns and cryptids)
Sorry man I wouldn't know black metal if I accidentally tripped over it but if I hear any stuff I'm into that's new I'll come back here and let you know about it.
I think there is some kind of metal elitism. Last night on Twitter a RU-vidr I like was dealing with some people because she decided to stop listening to BMTH because of a post they put out because it was really blasphemous (she is a very devout Christian). So there were people threatening her and saying that she doesn’t belong in metal scene because of not only her Christianity but her beliefs on being gay/trans (she doesn’t actually hate them just doesn’t like the lifestyle). Which I find the be very elitist, metal is what punk thinks it is, metal is for everyone regardless of what you believe and saying people you don’t belong in the community goes against the very foundation of metal. Speaking of recommendations and Christianity though there is a unblack metal band called horde who’s album hellig usvsrt is considered to be a staple of that genre.
Bands and albums? Desolate Shrine-Fires of the dying world Aborted-Goremageddon Absu-Tara Acheron-Rites of the black mass Dying Fetus-Grotesque Impalement Akitsa-Goètiè Annal Nathrakh-The Codex Necro
It’s a genre of music. Not something that is like the deciding factor if you’re gonna go to heaven or hell. Seeing that nobody is gonna go to hell for listening to multiple different genres of metal or music in general, it really is OK for people to just like what they like
gatekeeping can be a good thing, but metal is too big and mainstream for it to matter now. the value of gatekeeping is keeping it "core" so to speak. that all goes out the window as soon as producers and record labels are involved and it's a massive money machine. it's only useful to more niche subgenres that are less known and underground.
@@smoked-old-fashioned-hh7lo metal is absolutely NOT mainstream. Do you have an IQ below 70? Metal is never played on mainstream radio. Pop and rap are. Wow...
I have been a victim of a group of elitists in the past. I was looking for some musicians to start a band. I wanted to have more of a goth metal approach. That's, IG, the first mistake I made, as most people who were looking for musicians were into the death/black/core (the usually "preferred types"). But I refused to give up. I used to sing some covers from popular songs, so I could give an idea of what I could do. Until one night, one asshat by the name of Roberto Napolitano snapped and destroyed me, saying that I'm not a true singer, let alone a metal one among the things he said, that I should just give up on even searching and to stop dreaming. Yeah, it was a dream for me to have a band. But because I wasn't deemed pro by the place's standards (a host place on FB called Adopt a Metalhead), I was just considered a joke. So I'm sorry, but I disagree when you say that metal elitism isn't a thing.
In a encouraging sense, I am an Elitist for people who actually give a damn about good music, but not for the reason or excuse to be hateful or rude or anything, but only to persuade! See? This is the part of politics I don't like talking about in the Metal world, as there is so many opinions that each individual can just have alone, as there is far much more to what I am currently saying, that I could go on and on FOREVER about, believe You Me!!!! Now, just because that some people are Elitists, it doesn't mean that they are A-holes! I would consider Myself one 😅😅😅 , but not in the sense as if to say to You that I'm a horrible A-hole or anything, nothing at all like that! 😅😊 Speaking from an intellectual perspective, most of them just actually want the best out of what has been given to them, as they have appreciative values in their hearts!
Most of the time, an "elitist" is just someone who gets into conflict over opinions, whether it's against someone else's opinion, or the aggressive expression of their own opinion. A person who says "This band sucks", but doesn't attack someone for disagreeing with them, is not an "elitist".
I'll admit, I am a bit of a elitist, but I don't act mean about it. I recommend the band Headless Eyes and their debut full length album Horrorpilations.
My guy. Elitism is a word People use when talking about someone who thinks there better then someone else Specifically when in regards to what ever topic is being referenced. and then uses that position to Justify that "YOU" are not as big a Fan or What ever as they are. I tried watching this video twice and I don't know where you were going with it I honestly do not. Not hating here but you got the definition wrong Right out of the gate. e·lit·ism the advocacy or existence of an elite as a dominating element in a system or society. the attitude or behavior of a person or group who regard themselves as belonging to an elite. This is how the Oxford Dictionary Defines it and Below is the 1st Definition found in Urban dictionary Because we all know people like to Change definitions On the Regular elitism The belief that one's social group is superior to another group. elitist Thus to be a "Metal Elitist" means they think there a Better metal Fan then Someone else. Metal Elitism 100% Exists and it's not a good thing in any Context. Do I think it's a Problem? No You can ignore anyone let them have there "boner" But don't sit here and try to change reality because you wanna have the upper hand. by that logic if I call someone say A murderer and they get a "Boner" from that. It's not correct behavior to suddenly say Murders Don't exist lol No the Obvious call is that they are what there being called and Those of us who exist in reality Disassociate interaction with them. Elitist Not Murders obviously those people need put in prison. Your only other Option is to try to talk said person Down from there pedestal so maybe they get the way there being is Ass holish. But that's on each person to decide. But Trying to deny the existence of something Simply because you can rationalize it doesn't make it correct behavior.
The term elitist seems to have given way to "gatekeeper" now. This sort of thing used to play on my mind when I was a kid, but I'm now in my late 30's and it genuinely doesn't impact me anymore. I think when you're younger you want to be a part of something and included, so those types of people can be more affecting. But as you get older and become more secure in your identity it's just less of an issue.
There is a whole bunch of stuff that all these people are calling metal that I don't see it that way but if you really worry about what I think instead of just listening to the music you like then you're pretty much not metal either and you should probably just move along.
It's kinda like the phrase, "There's No such thing as Bad Music, just Music you don't like". And I can get that but if we really look into song structures and music theory, there is absolutely such a thing as bad music. So do elitists exist? Yeah, but it's just like you said, all Metal heads are elitists. It's one of the features of being a metal head. It comes natural to metal heads because of the nature of the type of music we listen to.
I guess gatekeeper would be a good tournament. I am a metal head because I enjoy bands like iron maiden, Sabaton, theocracy, etc. but I also do come from the Emo era, so I enjoy bands like Green Day, a bit of MCR, etc. And then since I’m a Christian, I love Christian metal bands, such as war of ages, impending doom, etc., and a lot of other heavy stuff So I just say that I am alternative, because I just love alternative music and alternative culture in general. And keeping the fun out of everything, because it basically just doesn’t allow people to enjoy what they enjoy.
@@jacobthornblad4684 I don't even care about this pretend "law." In lounges I've been told to read the room and concede to the masses. F--- that. I'll an outlier way more than you are, I'll bet, and never bowed down to the anti-elitist nonsense that "open minded" sheep seem to think makes them cool.
@@christopherrobin361 cool. Good for you I guess? People are allowed to enjoy whatever they want. It’s really not worth getting all up in arms because somebody else else has a different music taste than you. I could think of way better things to get up in arms about.. metal music is not like some religion that I have to follow and never in order to be saved. So I can like as many genres of it that I wish. Now, in regards to getting up in arms, I choose to spend a lot more of my energy, getting furious about the indoctrination that they are doing in schools, the fact that I personally had to Fish out transgender books aimed at children when I worked out of school. Because I’m sorry I’m not handing that out to a child. THAT is something worthy of getting upset about…. But if somebody in their own life likes to listen to Metallica and Green Day, it doesn’t matter in the least bit. And the fact that people get so upset about, it is a huge waste of time
@@jacobthornblad4684 "It’s really not worth getting all up in arms because somebody else else has a different music taste than you." I can't count how many people ARE just like that. Including you, I'm sure.
I agree that it doesn't exist. I feel most metalheads talk about things they have in common versus just saying they hate something. But I guess that could make an elitist debate. For example, Randy Rhoads is the only good Ozzy guitarist
but you didnt define what an elitist is. you just correctly observed that its thrown around too much and how thats not useful and offered a useful advice and explained why it works. but what is an elitist then? how can you claim its not a thing at all just because the term is misused? how can you confidently say its thrown around too much without explaining what the correct use of the term is? you provided no standard by which to determine what counts as elitism
Elitism is not really prevalent unless it is with posers. Usually deathcore guys that act like they listen to metal but only listen to 3 bands and refuse to listen to old bands. Listen to Regurgitation - Tales of Necrophilia
"Elitist" in metal used to refer specifically to black metallers who would carry this snobby, pretentious attitude and predominantly listen to bands that sold like 1,000 records that were extremely obscure. Kind of like extreme hipsters. This was back around the millennium. As younger fans came in during metal resurgences, the term started being used in a broader sense to refer to almost anybody who was a legit metalhead with a negative opinion of some band they liked.
@@Anonymous-wb3nz Yeah. It's a good thing. When you're fourteen years old. When you're in your thirties it's time to grow the fuck up. You know what's even better. It's a tried and true practice. It's called inclusion.
I think elitism is something that may exist in larger cities with younger people, but I am in a small town and I am older. Even some of the elitism culture has been taken away with huge people like George "Corpsegrinder", King Diamond, and Fenriz. They are not afraid to show the more "cuddly" aspects of their personalities. Even the most diabolical figure in metal and an official butthead, Louis Cachet loves being a father to many kids and says that he's okay with people ripping off his stuff.
@@thiscorrosion3843 gatekeeping _can_ be a good thing, but it doesn't have any legitimate value outside of the underground scene. metal is too big and mainstream. the musicians don't have any control over anything. it's producers and record labels that control everything. likely all of your favorite bands that everyone else loves are fully commercialized corporate businesses.
@@IndigoRaven-zx8hp streaming has overtaken radio. metallica, slayer, megadeth, etc, get around 6 million listens per day on spotify. that's 180 million listens a month. the nu metal garbage is even bigger than that. obviously it's not as big as rap or pop but that doesn't mean it's not mainstream. there's just different levels to it. when normies are aware of bands without having listened to anything it's mainstream.
There are two sides to "elitism". I'm neither a gatekeeper nor a preacher. My tastes have grown beyond metal but I don't feel a need to be more-versatile-than-thou. I just listen to what I like.
