Feature Articles

Heavy Music in the '90's

The 1990's have marked a new era of modern music unlike anything known to humanity in past decades. Many new musical genres have risen and taken the fall as well. One of these was the early nineties "Grunge"--a term coined mostly to the wave of rough cut bands from Seattle, WA that blended the sing-a-long ethic of modern rock with something a little rougher that dangled in the breaches of post-punk, yet too light to be sucked into the "metal" genre. Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden brought this flannel-ridden style into mainstream attention. Other sub-genres have arisen as of late like Rapcore and Acid Jazz that have blended different musics so much that it neither be described as one straight genre or another.

Now to the main point. Along with the new experimental musical styles that have arisen in the 90's comes some extra baggage that really isn't necessary. Looking at the state of music through my own eyes has made me realize not only what's right in music today, but what is DEAD wrong, as well. Therefore, I've combined somewhat of an overviewing list of what I see is right and wrong.

WHAT'S RIGHT: Metal's return to the mainstream...somewhat. With the removal of MTV's Headbanger's Ball (in the US) it seemed as though heavy music had been forced to take a backseat to the more commercial styles like R&B, Pop-rock, and Hip-hop. Many claims in the media made mention that "Metal was dead." The truth? Metal hasn't risen from the dead because it never died. Many heavy music acts have continued to thrive and sell thousands to millions of albums even though very little media exposure was given. Some of these acts include Pantera, Metallica, and Ozzy Osbourne. If someone were to ask me what I believe to be the reason that Metal is once again taking back the reigns, I would have to say this is due to the emergence of "90's metal bands" who have taken metal to a whole new level and given metal a much needed facelift from the hair metal of bands like Judas Priest and Megadeth.

The first band I would have to credit to returning metal to the reigns with a new sound is Bakersfield, CA's own Korn. Korn's debut LP brought an element into the realm of heavy music that many metalheads had been skeptical about, even though Anthrax and Public Enemy had done it before with "Bring Tha' Noise," they combined heaviness with the grooviness of hip-hop. Another precedent set by Korn was the incredibly low tuned (drop A to be exact) guitar and bass work which only added to the dark emotion and subject matter of Korn's songs. Other bands have risen (some copying that down tuned sound) that have taken heavy music even further. Sacramento's Deftones have mixed explosive heaviness with the moodiness of such new wave bands as the Cure and Depeche Mode. Bands like Rage Against The Machine and LA's Downset have combined heavy groove music and added rap-style vocals overtop.

One question...with all of these great bands coming from the West Coat(specifically CA), will this new wave of bands continue over time or will this be another grunge-esque storyline...here today, gone tomorrow? I guess only time will tell.

WHAT'S WRONG: Music has become what it was never meant to be...a fucking TREND!! I have no problem with people trying out new styles, whether it be hair or clothing, etc., but too many people are doing what may or may not be the right thing (you decide) for the WRONG reasons. Along with the emergence of bands like Korn, etc. have come a series of weak ass trends. The first, Adidas. I have no problem with the clothing itself. Adidas has a long, varied line of clothing, which I find very nice and comfortable. So, understand I am not trying to dis adidas or the people that wear it. I think it's great that Korn have endorsed Adidas to the point where more and more people are wearing the product due to the influence of Korn. Now, the problem. When kids fight over who started wearing Adidas first and stupid shit like that, there is a problem. The same goes with the rise in number of teenagers dreading their hair. When you get jealous or bust on someone else for wearing clothing because of what you feel is "jumping on the bandwagon," then you are taking something cool and original and exploiting it into a trend. This...is...wrong!

Another example of the rise of trends are the numerous Marilyn Manson fanatics. I've seen teenagers painting their faces and wearing torn stockings on both arms and legs. They walk around carrying lunchboxes. I've seen kids ripping pages from bibles and walking around acting like they have mental complex, in school of all places. If you are one of these people...WAKE THE FUCK UP! This trend will definitely pass and when it does and you're there all painted up like it's a full-time job, you'll learn. Not all supporters of Manson are like this, but a majority that I've personally seen are.

WHAT'S RIGHT: Various summer tours have helped boom heavy music. The Vans Warped Tour is one of these tours. It offers a great blend of music in its lineup. Ska, Punk, Hardcore, and Metal have been combined for this tour which will pick up the pace once again this summer with acts like Deftones, Bad Religion and Snapcase filling the bill.

Another summer tour that has brought success and exposure to many metal and hardcore bands is Ozzy Osbourne's OZZFEST. Starting in 1996, it continues to gain momentum with bands filling past bills like Neurosis, Vision of Disorder, Pantera, and Machine Head. This year promises to be one of the best yet with such acts as Snot, Sevendust, Limp Bizkit, and Tool setting it off.

WHAT'S WRONG: The last problem and perhaps the biggest lies not with the music but with the "fans." I hear people all of the time arguing over who's the biggest or most original fan. People argue over who was into this band or that band first and who's jumping on the bandwagon. It's bullshit. Kids are always complaining about their favorite bands getting radio play and showing up on MTV more and stuff like that. They claim they are so dedicated to these bands, then they call them sell-outs when these bands reach the mainstream. BANDS CAN'T MAKE A LIVING OFF OF YOUR "DEDICATION" ALONE.

In order for a band to be able to make a full living off of playing music and continue putting out the records you love and continue playing shows...they have to make a career advancement, sooner or later. All of these tours that your bands play on...it cost a lot of money to play these tours and to stay on tour. In order to continue touring, etc, you have to have a strong label backing you that believes in what you are. This is the truth, plain and simple. You really want to show how much you care about and band and its music? Then, back whatever decision a band makes for its career. The music business is extremely competitive and it's survival of the fittest. Bands need your UNDYING support, no matter what moves they make.

Rather than arguing with someone about who's the true fan...unite and spread the word about the bands you love so that their fanbase and backing will increase. This is the only sure way to ensure heavy music's survival.

Thank you for reading. All views expressed are my own.