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What is heavy metal you ask? Heavy metal, by definition, is a heavy form of rock music. Some of the key features of heavy metal is that you have to have a loud distorted guitar, a bass, drums, and a singer who usually has a high or scratchy voice. One of the key things that sets heavy metal music apart from rock or jazz, is the singer. The singer is loud and has a distinct raspy, scratchy voice. It is important for the singer to be leather lunged in one way or another. They cannot be cute, or sly. Most heavy metal players wear black clothes. This is basically a statement saying, "Do not mess with me" It is also very easy to spot a "metalhead" in a crowd of people. Metalheads are loyal fans of heavy metal. They travel to festivals and concerts in droves. Millions upon millions of people flock to see their favorite metal bands in concert all the time. This is another thing that sets metal apart. The fans are crazy and wild. They are also predominantly male because metal music is very masculine. The fans of metal are more devoted than any other fans of any other music that I know of.

The sound of heavy metal is distinct. If you want to have a heavy metal band, you must have these things. A loud, fast drum beat, a heavy bass guitar sound, and a loud crunchy guitar sound. The guitar alo must have a very good distorted sound, with a good amp. These factors are the core of heavy metal sound. To be a good metal player, you must be very skilled at your particular instrument. This is essential because the music is very fast paced. The drum beat is what keeps the overall tempo. If you have ever listened to the thrash metal band Slayer, you would definitely know what I am talking about. In metal music the guitar solos are often and very fast. To any other guitar player they would almost seem impossible. As an example of this search Frantic Disembowlement by Cannibal Corpse and you will definetely know what I am talking about.

Metal fans are different, and they are proud of it. If you do not feel your heart pounding, that great surge of power, and the hand stand up on the back of your neck, you never will. Judging by the millions of metal fans out there, we are doing just fine without you.

Learn more about this author, Bob Mcgee.
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