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Heavy metal. Does any genre of music elicit a more passionate reaction from people? To the non-believers it is noise; a rattling, roaring mess that is unworthy of even the most cursory listen. To the converted, however, it is the musical expression of their lives.

Defining heavy metal music and bands is nearly impossible. When attempting to classify a song or a band as metal, influences inevitably become part of the criteria. Eventually, we come to the conclusion that Beethoven, Celtic folk music, and African drums are just as metal as Blue Cheer, Black Sabbath, and Slayer. Let us try a more efficient definition: Distorted, downtuned guitars plus thunderous drums equals the basic elements of heavy metal. If it swims like a duck and it quacks like duck, it's a duck.

More important is what heavy metal means to the devoted listener. It isn't about arguing whether Kalmah is more metal than Children of Bodom, or whether Slipknot is even metal at all. There is enough room for everybody. What it is, is finding an excuse to hop in the car and slapping the 8-track of Deep Purple's Machine Head, popping the cassette of Anthrax's Among the Living, or sliding the CD of Carcass's Heartwork into the dash. It's about the release and rush of banging your head while you zoom down the road, lamenting the fact that the sluggish motorists in the cars you whip by just don't get it.

It is the knock (or pound) on the bedroom door as your mom or dad demands that you turn the noise down. Even better is the smile that plays on the corners of your mouth because you are in on the secret of metal, but they are not. Thank goodness your older brother knows. That is where all of these great albums are coming from!

Heavy metal is throwing your fist and horns into the air, your hair and neck thrashing around as you and 1,000 of your closest friends provide backup vocals for Ronnie James Dio. You are all clad in uniforms of cracked leather and frayed denim adorned with the patches of every metal band imaginable. Occasionally, your vision of the band is slightly obscured by clouds of various types of smoke in this smoke-free venue.

Metal is the soundtrack to your first awkward moves in the back seat of your car. It is there to let you know that you can handle this, that you are strong, that the guitars and drums will make up for your inexperience. It is your cheering section, the collective voice of everyone who has been here before rooting you on. It is the reassurance that your whole life has been leading up to this moment; your girl, your night your band.

Popularity is not the goal of heavy metal. In fact, it is to be shunned. Only the members of metal's secret society are allowed to delight in the soaring sounds of Saxon and the ripping carnage of Cannibal Corpse. Metal does not seek popularity, nor does it comprehend the idea.

This is heavy metal. Of course, it is the music forged by screaming guitars, pounding drums, and a booming voice. But even more, it is the freedom, the fraternity, and the individuality. It is the sights, sounds, and experiences that are provided to only true fans of the music. Sadly, those who scoff will never understand.

Learn more about this author, Robert Deckard.
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