I never had a chance to write about this in any social media I use, so why not...
I'm from Latin America and one of the biggest things that bothers me about the people of this continent is the misconception of the genre "Metal" that people has here.
The idea of this post it's centered in America, because sincerely I don't have a clue if this type of ignorance about the genre exist in other continents like Africa, Asia or even some countries of Europe. If this happens to you elsewhere, welcome aboard.
If you don't know a lot about metal, what's the first type of melody that comes to your mind? Something like this?:
Well, if that's the case, yes, that's metal... But that's ONE type of metal (one that I don't like too much, to be honest). Most of the music that I hear its metal and usually I don't hear this kind of heavy stuff. There are tons of metal subgenres, and you can check them here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_metal_genres#Symphonic_metal
(There are a lot of subgenres missing)
For the religious person: did you know that there's a metal subgenres called White metal? The lyrics are based in God or anything that goes around it. Not my type, but it's not about death, killing, or similar. I can guaranteed that.
In fact, if you were born in the 1990's you probably listen (and liked) some metal songs. Here's an example:
Yup... In the End from Linkin Park, pretty known song if you ask me. In The End it's Nu-metal/alternative Metal, and as you can see, very different style if you compare it with the song of Slipknot (Psychosocial it's like Heavy Metal)
See the difference? Let's go and see what else you can learn.
One of my favorite bands right now its Kamelot, a power/proggresive metal band. In this case, the lyrics are more epic and the melody goes a little more faster. Here's an example:
You're a fan of folk music? Maybe of classic instruments? Check the next song. The Gentle Storm is a project that has 2 albums with the same songs, and both narrate a beautiful story about a sailor and his wife waiting for him to return. The first album features folk instruments and a calm atmosphere. The second album features metal instruments along with classic ones. This version of Heart of Amsterdam is from the second album:
Talking about symphonic metal... Ever heard of Nightwish? One of the most known band of the subgenre "Symphonic Metal". This genre uses a lot of opera and classical instruments. This subgenre usually has women in the lead vocals. Here we have one of Nightwish Classics: Ghost Love Score with their actual singer Floor Jansen live at Wacken Open Air.
Different styles, but they're all metal. Impressive right?
Now, going more to the heavy side of the metal but still enjoyable. One of the more iconic songs of heavy metal, and from Iron Maiden: Fear of the Dark
Yeah, it's a little heavier but not as fast like the power metal, but it's still good.
Now to finish this post, I would love to share a song from a "new" band that is starting to grow around, and I absolutely love. The band is called Helion Prime, and their first (and only until now) album it's centered in space, the beginning of life and adventure. Power metal of course. You should definitely check them out. Some of the songs are not even uploaded in Youtube.
Live and Die on this Day:
Hope you learned (and liked) something new in music. In particular, the music has a lot of meaning to me. I really expect you like what I shared here, and maybe you can recommend me something too. See you soon! :)