JUMPING DARKNESS PARADE: DAATH’S EYAL LEVI WANTS TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 4:30pm by Eyal Levi
How many times have you guys heard the cliché about the fifteen year old pimple faced kid with no life sitting on the computer in his mom’s basement getting on Blabbermouth, or Lambgoat, or any of these sites, and just talking mad shit about whatever band or person of note they feel like lambasting? Well, I’m here to say that the fifteen year old we all refer to is just a stereotype.
Sure, there’s gotta be some degenerate fuck somewhere who resembles the World of Warcraft master from that one South Park episode (do yourselves a favor and watch it), who has nothing better to do than talk shit on everything online. Yes, he probably lives at home with his parents, and yes, he has an acne problem. But I have this gut feeling, and my life experiences have confirmed my gut feeling, that this is a minority of the people who take part in these discussions. I think that it’s landscapers, Guitar Center employees, dudes in metal bands, managers, booking agents, label employees, and anyone else who is actively involved keeping up with the genre of metal. Maybe these people aren’t pussies in real life. Maybe they’re just polite. Maybe they don’t want to tell the artist to their face what’s on their mind because a) they may never meet the artist, b) they’re better mannered than that, and/or c) they don’t want to get into a fight over their right to have an opinion.
You never know why, but the blanket of anonymity online helps the normal people you interact with every day express what they really feel about things, and in this case, metal. I don’t think it’s just the loser kid in his mom’s basement. I have personally seen on too many occasions people who you would never expect sign-in under an alias on Blabbermouth and write some of the most horrible shit. From famous people in bands to little dork guitar students who wouldn’t hurt a fly. Everyone posts on these sites.
I stated thinking about this on the last tour DAATH did. People were coming up to me at every city telling me how much they enjoyed the blog. Granted, some of them were the social retards we all refer to in the clichés, but most of them were well-spoken adults who obviously had their shit together.
So that makes me wonder. What does the readership of this blog “look” like. If you guys could do me a favor, in the comments section post the following: your age, your job, and if you are a musician, along with whatever other comments you feel like posting. Till next time.
-EL
If you don’t visit Daath on MySpace, a kittie will die.
I fully agree, Eyal.
Age: 20
Job: student
EDIT.
Age: 15
Job: Homosexual porn fluffer
A gay joke. How mature and clever of you. Instead of stooping to lows only achieved by Blabbermouth and Youtube posters, you have taken the high road. I commend you.
+1
Ignore the above. Hi, Ziltoid. *waves* I hope you win.
*waves back*
Thanks for the support! MS shall be tr00 for a day!
Eyal Levi, my friend…. Have a great day. You already know this but here:
I started my career in 2002 at the age of 17 as a graphic designer and since then I have continued on different experiences on my own which includes:
Animator
Promoter
Emulation Video Gamer
Musician
Arranger
Interviewer
Caregiver
Photographer
Movie Critic
Music Critic
Lyricist
I previously had a music group called Burnside Theory which lasted from 2003 to 2006.
Currently, I own my own business called Arm Array Productions, a new musical group called Danger Clone Autopsy and I am a staff member for a TV show located in Florida.
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/jaythestrayphoenix
Website: http://www.armarrayproductions.com
Website: http://www.myspace.com/undergrounddowntown
Farhaad, 23, Online PR in the music industry.
Oh, I live in an overpriced one bedroom apartment with my Fiance, and cats. I wish I lived in a rent free basement.
Your reference to that South Park episode made my day. Thank you
Oh right
Age: 20
Job: Nursing student
I’ve been playing guitar for about 5-6 years.
Bicro, 19, Soldier.
“Buy me juice?”
Sorry, was just reminiscing with friends about “good times” in Korea this morning. :)~
21 warehouse forklift driver and soon to be student wooo! And I’m single ladies.
Age: 28
Job: Healthcare Recruiter (Headhunter).
Music: Bass player in a hard rock band.
I just wish i lived in my mom’s basement. It would be a lot cheaper.
fuckin death panels…
HA! I’m not touching that one.
Age: 36
Job: Animation Film Editor
Music: Drums for 16 years, guitar for 6 months.
Location: suburbs of Washington D.C.
Musicianship:
1. used to play in metal/rock bands
2. play guitar and record music (me playing guitar over my remix of lamb of god drums from their producer’s edition: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2P3YQF2G)
3. favorite club: Jaxx
4. self-proclaimed god forbid fan
Too much information?
Age: 20
Job:
1. student (McGill University, Montreal QC); 3rd year Political Science, minors in Music Technology and Communications Studies
2. waiter in summer
3. poker player
4. starting music social networking site (hypedsound.com; fall 2009!)
it cut off some of my first post..
Link doesn’t work
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2P3YQF2G
I added a parenthesis around it by mistake.
18
student (sound engineering)
Age : 28
Job : Librarian
I’ve been a metal fan for 15 years.
Hahaha, awesomes.
thats a stereotype buster
You know, I think you might be right.
Amanda
30
U.S. Army veteran
defense contractor/ technical writer/ gadfly
I’m not in a band and I don’t play an instrument, but I do love to talk music.
Reading through everyone else’s posts, I realize I neglected to mention education: Working on a double major in political science and history.
a woman!
haha I assumed you were male, neat.
this is fun.
later, arch nemesis
ps I am vet as well, no combat.
Same here. High-five and horns up! \m/\m/
31,professional pilot, im a musician in a rock/metal band. Daath kicks ass
29, Creative Director and currently learning guitar
he was also valedictorian in both his Bachelor of Arts and his Masters degree.
:) and he’s a hottie with a kick ass beard.
Age: 30
Classical guitar student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Currently working on a bachelor’s degree in guitar performance. I was an insurance adjuster 3 years ago but quit to pursue a music degree. Im a devout metalhead and really into classical and jazz music as well. Feel free to check out my Facebook account for my musical influences or anything else you might want to know.
Once again, Eyal has done something a fuckton more profound than I could probably think of.
Age: 18
Occupation: Student/Bookstore cashier
Instruments (in order of which I learned to play first): voice, bass, piano, drums, harmonica, guitar, theremin, and I’m trying to find a hurdy gurdy.
Much love, dude. I’m really hoping for a DAATH show in the SF Bay Area soon. I can all but guarantee that I’d be there.
Me too man, I wanna see them. But if they go on a tour that skips the Bay for Chico or Davis or Santa Cruz or whatever like all the other tours lately, I’ll be fucking pissed.
Same with you on the tour hopes.
Age: 16
Job: Shoe Salesman (that’s right)
Guitarist, also play some bass and vocals.
stole my job man!! ha
age: 19
job: lead shoe sales/full time student
intstrumentation: trombone (classical and jazz) bass (metal and other genres) and drums (fucking around)
Age: 19
Job: Culver’s (current), in college studying to be a history teacher
Musicianship:
1. Played trombone from 5th-8th grade
2. Played guitar freshman-sophomore year
3. hoping to pick up drums sometime
I’m 23. I’m an unemployed graduate right now. I’m no musician, but I’m learning the guitar.
22, magazine writer, drummer in a gigging band
Also a beardo
Zach
23 year old married, college graduate, current IT consultant. Sharpen the Blades will never get old.
weird, not in a bad way (see below)
Age: 18
Occupation: Slammin’ all day everyday, but when it comes to a paying job I’m a cashier
I’m DEP’d in for the Navy though and December 14th can’t come fast enough.
Good on you, have a rate yet?
i will be the only less than 18 years old yet! :O
age: 15
job: lifeguard…
instrument: guitar, been playing for about 8 months now
Fact that you’re a lifeguard kinda negates the stereotype of you sitting in mommy’s basement all day long
Good luck w the guitar playing!
(OMG, EYAL LEVI RESPONDED TO MY MESSAGE, OMG, OMG OMG, OMG :O)
(just kidding, by the way…)
Bullshit you’re kidding.
But seriously, you’re 15 and a lifeguard? I wouldn’t trust my life in your hands?!?!
why not? he could be 6 feet tall and built like a brick shithous for all you know
Age: 35 (I feel old now)
Occupation: Academic Librarian
I’ve been into metal since I was about 9, playing guitar since 14 & bass since 19. Sadly I haven’t been in a band in years, and don’t have the time to do so now. But I do still play, and I love to talk metal with the few actual people I know who’ll listen and/or participate. That said, I very rarely post, mostly just read & lurk.
on feeling old- I know right? I am 36 and am surprised at the low % of over 30’s on here. I think I am the oldest of the old farts to reply so far.
Not anymore. ;)
I’m sure I’ve got you all beat. I’m 43.
Got you by a year or so Mitchell. And there was one dude on here 45 and another in his 50s (another thread).
Age: 22
Job: student
Music: drums 15 years, guitar 3 years, beard on and off for 3 years
Age: 19
Job: Student (Philosophy)
philosophy too for me
Age: 20
Occupation: unemployed Student
Playing guitar for about 6 years. On and off.
And I live in Toronto, Ont, if that makes a difference.
Ignore that username. It keeps that as the default despite only using it once.
Age: 17
Occupation: Student
Have played guitar for 3 years now, in a metal band
yeah, 17 :D
Age: 22
Job: Computer programmer/video game developer
Music: Guitar for 8 years (seriously for about 2), viola for 10 (unfortunately, let it drop for the past 4), singing when I think no one’s around to hear
i hope i won’t be the only less-than-18…
Age: 27
Job: IT Systems Administrator
Music: drummer for 14 years
Age: 27
Job: FX Artist/Computer Animator
brian
22
verizon customer retention (cublicle jocky)
singer in a band called the heartland
28 years old
Software Developer
Metal fan since the age of 10
Playing guitar for longer that I’d like to admit
Playing in bands for 9 years.
Writing album reviews for 3 years.
I’m at work and I’m not wearing any pants as I write this
just kidding, I’m not at work.
But are you wearing pants?
errrr…does it matter?
couldn’t help but notice I got a reply rather quickly
I’ll put on a bra if you’ll put on pants. Seriously.
Your move…
why would you want to put on a bra if you’re not wearing any?
Tell you what, how about I put on your bra and you take off your pants?
I’ll need a lot of paper to fill it though
“I’ll need a lot of paper to fill it though.”
How do you know that? Weird. *surreptitiously checks the blinds*
Deal. 1-2-3-GO!
age: 33
Job: Small Business Owner
Musician – Bass Guitar / Loudwater Fury
29
Researcher/Analyst
Guitar since 14. My bacelors is in Recording Industry from Middle Tennessee State. Was an assistant recording engineer in Nashville for a couple years in the early 2000’s. Tough racket (pun intended) for a metal fan.
25 year-old computer programmer… never played an instrument or been in a band.
Oh, wait… shit… I sound like the dreaded “loser computer nerd hiding away in the basement” stereotype! I’m not a social retard, I promise… I have friends! I have a girlfriend!! Damn it…
The funny thing is, after just reading Angela Gossowski’s categorization of the people you meet at metal shows, I was most like the “normal” dude…
Age: 20
Job: Student, Camp Counselor
Christian
Been playing guitar for 2 years.
Been a metal head since 13.
Daath > Metallica
24, Computer Science graduate working as a freelance web developer, been playing guitar for 12 years now. Decided to go the freelance route because my previous job took up all my time and made me quit all my bands and that sucked.
32 y/o, Eastern Iowa native living in Chicago. Married, work for a very large all-natural & organic grocery company; currently in graduate school pursuing a Masters in Elementary Ed. My BA is in Media Studies/Journalism.
While I play the guitar (well, more accurately, I *own* a guitar…), I would very strongly hesitate to refer to myself as a musician. A huge music lover, though (and waaaaaay more than just metal – this was covered in a previous Eyal post, IIRC).
I read a lot, love to write, cook, travel, drink beer, discuss/argue politics, hang out w/my beautiful wife and our two mentally retarded cats, go to the occasional concert, watch football (GO HAWKEYES!) and college hoops, the Cubs, etc.
Swam competitively for 12 years, played football growing up, and am now trying to get back into shape via jogging & lifting so I don’t get middle-aged man tits.
I love skydiving, SCUBA/snorkeling – anything involving the water, really, hiking, blah blah blah…
I watch a lot of educational-ish TV – lots of Discovery, Science, History, Food, Travel, etc. And Comedy Central & Adult Swim, of course.
I have never seen “Lost,” or “American Idol,” and don’t really watch any “regular” TV.
Will Ferrell is overrated. Actually, most things are overrated.
Does this guy know how to party or what?!
Anybody wanna play parcheesi?
Dude… I’m from Cedar Rapids, go to school at DePaul and fucking love the Hawkeyes. Let’s hang out.
See ya at Merkle’s on the 5th!! I’ll be the dude in the gold Tigerhawk t-shirt drinking beer.
I lived in CR for a few years after college. Hated it, pretty much. I grew up in Vinton. Also kinda shitty.
Ahhh, the Cubs. God damn are we terrible this year. Granted, there have been a fuckton of injuries, but still.
33
Global Sales Director for a large electrical distributor and the owner of a real estate title abstracting company.
Haven’t touched and instrument in 20 years.
After reading the post above me by bucketochicken, I thought that I would type some more.
I’m a college grad and have had a job since I was 12. I’ve been married for 13 years and I am the father of 12 year old and an 8 year old sons.
I’m the president of our local Little League baseball league and I coach basketball and football and play golf as often as I can.
I’m not what one thinks of when picturing a metalhead. I’ve listened to metal since I can remember hearing sound. My parents were into southen rock, along with Sabbath, Zeppelin, Deep Purple, etc… at the age of 3 I attended a Kiss concert, though I only remember bits and pieces of it. I started listening to Maiden, Ozzy, WASP, etc.. at the age of 8 and by the age of 11 I was into Metallica, Slayer, etc… All these years later, I am still as into metal as I was when I was a teen and in my early 20’s. The fun part now is that my 12 year old son has taken a liking to metal and I enjoy seeing him discover metal like I did.
Cool. I can’t wait to have kids.
Age: 26
Job: graphic design student
Name: William
Age: 20
Occupation: Student: Music Technology
age: 21
job: receiver
can’t play an instrument so i got stuck doing vocals haha
and jewish!!!
32
3d animator
played the trombone and piano as a yut.
Now I play my skinflute whenever I can.
hahahaha I’m an avid skinflute player as well…
Dustin
27 years old
Southern Cali
Office Assistant at MB records
29
HR/Recruiter for a health care company
Navy Vet
Been listening to metal since I was 11
I own my own house, my wife is a homemaker and I have two daughters and I am in no way ever living in a dingy basement.
19, student (psychology), been playing the guitar for about 3 years, started playing piano again which i did for years as a kid…..I still suck at both -_-
21, Student
age: 22
job: Union plumber/pipefitter
shitty apartment in Minneapolis
got full sleeves and wear a slayer shirt to work everyday.
22, waiter, musician for 10 years (guitar/vox), beard!
Age:15
Job:Red Bow(Paint Store, Sounds really gay but, w/e im not.)
Music: Guitar, Most Of My Life and Drums for a year.
Age 32
Job: Audio Producer/Occasional Live sound reinforcement.
Music: I help other people sound good.
15, student, guitarist for 4 years, trying to start a death metal band!
So uh, where are you located in this big world of ours??
You Know what i do :P I rock hard mofo!! 15 yr old acne faced kids can’t get themselves off the porn site’s like Dave Chapple said its OPRAH BITCHES!!
im actually 15 live with my parents, and have as typical skin as anyone else. and i read these sites for my entertainment, not to be a dick or an elitist fuckwad, “cough” Ziltoid “cough”
and ive been trying to learn bass but im very lazy
Stick with it. It sucks at first because you feel you can’t play anything cool, but if you keep practicing, it gets a lot more fun when you can start playing some cool shit. Once you get “over the hump” and get the basics under your belt; it gets really fun and rewarding.
23 years old and I deliver sandwiches for Jimmy johns when I’m not touring with my band
29 years old from the great state of Tennessee
Currently Unemployed just like 10.5% of my fellow Tennesseans. was a truck driver and all sorts of other stuff before.Currently playing stay at home dad while my wife teaches kindergarten at an elementary school.
Been horsing around with guitar and bass and drums for 15 years or more. Cant remember exactly when i started but its been at least that long and i am still trying to figure out how to be decent at it.I have been in a couple of bands and played all over middle tennesse and nashville(Eyal,i know Daath has played at The Muse in nashville).Been a metal head for many many years and in recent years have been trying to be open minded to all kinds of other stuff as well even though it is tough sometimes. I have become a pretty strong hater of FM radio rock the last few years but the things I can find right with music far outweigh the things i find wrong with music so i talk less shit about music than the average metal fan. I try to find a reason to like stuff rather than find a reason to hate it imediately.
fuck me .. 41. UNIX System Admin for a large multi-state hospital system.
I dabble with the bass but would not call myself a musician.
My first concert was Kiss in 1979, right as they began their looooooong descent into what they are now.
Luckily it was followed shortly by the purchase of a Heaven and Hell when it came out.
I have not looked back.
Prior service, airborne, PADI open water qualified, married you get the drift.
18, student. About to start a math degree at Waterloo. So I guess that covers the nerd part. Shit, nerds can be metal too. Isn’t one of the dudes from Quo Vadis a physics prof?
Classical music dropout. Did violin for about 9 years. I play guitar now (badly). But it’s more fun.
Im pretty sure the guitar player in Pig Detroyer was working on his Phd in Physics as well. Crazy shit!
At my old high school when I was part of the chess club (yeah i know, fuck off), that’s where I found out about a lot of bands liked Iced Earth, Blind Guardian, Suffocation, Cannibal Corpse, At the Gates, Necrophagist, ect. So yeah, nerds can be metalheads too.
Age: 34
Occupation: musician/ composer 17 years multiple albums and tours, recording engineer 6 years, music technology instructor 3 years.
cheers.
21 years old, chemical specialist for a restaurant equipment company.
Age: 25 or 26 (sometimes it really is hard to remember)
Job: Shipping and Receiving manager at a container company, Part-time history student, part-time volunteer firefighter.
I unfortunately don’t get a lot of time to play my guitar much anymore. I used to jam on it constantly though.
I’m married and have two dogs for the time being. Living in a townhouse, but we’re having a house built and should be moving into it in October.
Age – 26
Job – VP of a medical supply sales company
Music – bass for 12 years, current band for 2 years…played piano and guitar on and off for 8 years…wasn’t allowed to have drums in the house…
age: 20
Job: student and electrician during the summer and winter.
Age: 18
Job: looking for one
Music: Guitar for about 8 months hoping to start a band in 6-8 months
16, gonna be a high school junior in 2 weeks. I’ve been playing alto sax since 4th grade, I tried bass but sucked and I’m not super serious about playing, so I also didn’t really like it.
My (first) job was this summer, I was working as an aide at a center for disabled under-21-year-olds, which I’ve been doing as a volunteer my whole life.
My musical-listening story is this: never really listened to anything until early middle school, and then it was just some mainstream hip-hop/rap stuff (which I can’t stand now, some more content-filled stuff is alright, and if it’s also original), then I drifted towards mainstream rock (nothing hard or heavy, of course). Then I heard System Of A Down on a CD my friend made of a mix of his music. That got me in to them, and I still like them, and I borrowed Master of Puppets and a bunch of AC/DC CD’s from him, and that was around 7th and 8th grade I was just listening to that. Freshman year I scratched the AC/DC and most Metallica, was mostly listening to SOAD, Rage Against The Machine, and Pantera (those were the first three artists I bought CD’s of since Weird Al in elementary school or something). Then I overheard a kid at my school telling another kid about a concert he wanted to go to, I kind of invited myself along after getting him to show me one of the songs. That artist was Gojira, that song was Flying Whales, the concert In Flames, Gojira, All That Remains, 36 Crazyfists. Since then I’ve just been listening to metal, and I love it.
Age 15
I am a high school student. I caddy at a near by golf club. I love metal.
But I will be completely honest: I sit in front of the computer most of my day. But when I don’t I’m playing guitar, bass, reading, or hanging out with friends.
I also play trumpet.
Nice blog (LOVE the South Park reference….quite possibly the best episode ever)
Age: 27
Occupation: Office/Insurance Manager
Education: College grad
Not a musician but have a certificate in audio engineering. Unfortunately I haven’t utilized those skills too often since the economy went down the shitter, but I’ll get back into the swing of things. Been a metalhead since age 12 and, yes, I’m one of those who actually likes GOOD nu-metal (yeah yeah, go on with the “there’s no such thing” comments you haters), but I’ve gotten into everything else over the years, sans glam, hair, or power metal. I aspire to break into the music industry and am constantly attempting to come up with innovative ways to release music due to the changing nature of the business. I’ve worked with Pure Death Productions out of Philadelphia, doing some small booking and promotions, but those guys are intent on staying really underground while I’m looking for something a little bigger. Any suggestions?
Jason
32
Florida
TV Producer
Have played guitar and drums WAY too long to suck as bad as I do
28
Manage a beer distributor
Play bass in a metal band.
Age 15, I’m a bassist and a Junior in High School.
I choose to stay away from all the High School garage band drama shit, because nothing ever good comes of it. I advise my bandmates to do so, as well.
However, I will admit to trash talking another band on a few separate occasions.
Also, as my Gravatar might imply, my favorite band is by far King’s X, followed by Tool, Rush, and Jethro Tull.
29 (30 in a month), married, no kids, one cat. I work for my local cable company monitoring the network. I have an awesome job that affords me lots of internet time and I can listen to my mp3 player while I’m there.
Wow… so there are at least four females that post on here. That totally destroys my conception of the internet being one huge sausagefest.
Fascinating stuff, though… it’s interesting to see the variety of people that read this site. Not all metalheads are greasy stoner kids!
Nice. Be sure to make your company block 4chan! The /b/tards just LOVE when that happens. hahaha
Fightingmike
29
Married
San Jose, CA. area
I play guitar in a couple bands, Fighting Jacks is the main band i have played in. Used to tour full time and put out a few records on Tooth and Nail. I miss it the road, but i dont miss the financial stress at all.
I manage a cell phone store for a living.
Kevin
19
Support Administrator for Transamerica Life Insurance
I play guitar
Check out my band to hear my playing skillz http://www.myspace.com/beyondthesmokeandfog
~~44, but if you met me or saw me you wouldn’t believe it without a peek at my driver’s license.
~~B.S. Finance, San Diego State
~~Controller for small company in Spokane, WA (via San Diego, via Northeast WA state)
~~Singer, sometimes guitarist, in rock band (original), just for fun and local gigs
~~Two kids, one a metalhead, one a hip hop fan (hey, I could only do so much)
~~Listened to Kansas, Yes, etc. until I heard Judas Priest, and said, “Holy fuck, I don’t know what this is, but it’s awesome?” and then immediately became a metalhead.
age 20
im a chasidic stoner metalhead i play guitar for my band twisted reality http://www.myspace.com/twistedreality11
(and real estate during the day but who gives a fuck about that)
Wow, I get to join the old fart ranks on here…
Age 36, been listening to metal since I was 12
Occupation: Software Engineering Manager
I play guitar and piano, but i’m not in a band nor am I very current with either instrument, my 2 daughters keep me too busy to play much
Eyal, btw, this is one of the coolest posts ever. I’ve actually learned something about the people who post comments here. Like, Shinaain is a woman. And that there is at least one academic librarian who likes metal. And that not everyone who comments here is a complete moron.
We’re not all complete morons. It’s just really easy to come across as one when posting on the internet and they’re no consequences for what you say.
Right? Shinaain, a woman… I could never tell and at most times I figured her for a guy but now we all know for sure.
You dudes slay me. I get this a lot. I know it’s the Internet, but please tell me what I’m doing wrong.
They took my M-16 away when I left the service and I can’t afford a rocket launcher on the black market, so I’m going out for roller derby in a few weeks to try to compensate. (But I get to wear my fence-knit stockings and garter belt for that, so that’s still feminine, right? Anybody dare me to skate my first bout in corpse paint???) I eat, sleep and breathe metal, but I can cook like a motherfucker and I crochet scarves, baby blankets, zombies and ninjas. I hoola-hoop and mosh.
It should all balance out, right???
How dare you not fit the female stereotype?
^^ *pokes with stick*
IT’S SUPER EFFECTIVE! ENEMY K. FAINTED!
SHINAAIN GAINED 666 EXP. POINTS!
^^ But wait: I didn’t even tell you about the time I…
\m/\m/
I agree, this is awesome…Hell of an idea Eyal.
What’s the record for most comments on one post Metalsucks??
I’d guess it’s on one of the ‘Top 21 Metal Albums of the Decade So Far’ list. System of a Down, or Tool?
Age: 16
Job: Part time at a Gun Club filling the clay targets.
I do play guitar, I also mess with synths and keyboards.
Other: I do have acne. I do not care what anyone thinks about it, me, or what I listen to. I play videogames/on the internet a fair bit. I love going to any concerts. And supposedly I am sweet. And yes, I am laughing at this sounding like an E Harmony ad.
I also wear a beanie all the time, whether it is 100 degrees or 30 degrees
I am dead serious, my grandma’s cousin invented eHarmony
Zach
Age: 22-23
Computer programmer, IT consultant, computer repair, and pretty much any job of any IT position. College grad with a double major in Math and Computer programming (yeah I’m a nerd who cares) and currently in grad school for computer science. Played trumpet for way too long and still do, also some guitar and bass. Chicago is great. Unfortunately I have to shave for work, sadness.
Age: 24
Occupation: I detail cars & work part time for FedEx unloading trucks.
Living situation: I share a place with my girlfriend in the wonderful shit hole of a state that is South Carolina.
I’m a very shity guitar player and a somewhat less shity bass player, wish I had a drum set, and I’ve been metal head since the age of 12. Favorite genre outside of metal is the blues.
Medical Records/Clerical Crap/23 years old/beeing playing off and on for 9 years
Eyal- Here ya go:
My name’s Kevin, I’m 38 years old and I work as an animation supervisor in Vancouver, Canada. I’ve been a metal fan since the early ’80s.
I’ve also been playing guitar since 1984 and I’m currently working on a demo of Nick Drake-influenced acoustic songs.
Age: 21
Job: student
Playing guitar for about a year
Age: 19
Occupation: Unemployed (damn it…)
Been playing in a band for 4 years. (http://www.myspace.com/finalriot (for anyone who might be interested.. prolly not. haha))
Never been a big shit-talker but I do occasionally voice my opinion on certain bands.
Female
38
Librarian
Been playing in bands for 15 plus years
I don’t talk shit on boards.
Just an aside, Metal Inquisition did the same thing recently and the readership over there seems to be a bit older, better educated and with more education. Maybe it’s because the focus at MI is on older bands and the tone is a bit more nostalgic?
TWO metal librarians! I’ll be damned!
I wanted to be a librarian when I was a kid. Instead, I ended up joining the Army, writing technical manuals, and shit-talking on a metal blog in my spare time. *Solidarity with metal librarians!!!*
bob ,38 , austin, tx
forensic autopsy tech
musician,bedroom black metaller
vocalist in some bands you may or may not give shit about
divorced, 4 cats,high school drop out, pseudo-intellectual,vegetarian
my first album was Kiss’ Destroyer, then in second grade I realized Kiss sucked.
hugs
Being an autopsy tech is pretty metal.
Anything like histology?
I just got schooled on my ignorance in asking that. My friend (former AF) is a histologist, but the work she does is specialized towards autopsy forensics. That’s where my confusion came in. I had to ask her about it and she said they’re not the same thing. My bad. *sheepish*
it’s cool Shin,I do deal with the histologist in the sense that we take organ samples for “micros”which get fixed in formalin and then get effed with by the histo bitch.
yeah it’s pretty damn metal, magical moments include eviscerating while listening to Carcass, I had to pause and just take in the metal-ness of it all.after awhile, like any job, it becomes routine and cadavers are just the lay of the land.
My friend the histologist also went vegetarian. Not for ethical reasons, though — she’d assisted on too many autopsies and couldn’t stand the thought of eating meat anymore.
That’s pretty crazy stuff, though.
Name: Phil Freeman
Age: 37
Job: Freelance writer. Formerly editor-in-chief of Metal Edge magazine, until it went under. Now I’m blogging for MSN Music and writing for the Village Voice, Alternative Press, All Music Guide and a bunch of other newspapers and magazines. I mostly write about metal, but also jazz (I’ve written a book about avant-garde jazz, and one about Miles Davis) and some other stuff.
That’s awesome. Good choice of projects, too!
awesome! although metal edge went under :( you still work, so maybe i’ll still have a job 10 years from now. maybe i’ll even get PAID to write about metal music, but i doubt it :D
Age: 20
Location: Chicagoland
Job: Student, but right now staying home for a semester to take care of my family and house because my mom has pancreatic and liver cancer…so more like a stay-at-home parent while my dad is at work all week
I’ve been playing guitar for about 2 1/2 years, completely self-taught (in other words ‘godawful’)
Some of my musical heroes are Jimmy Page, Dave Edmunds, Malcolm Young, Chris Cheney, Jim Croce, Pete Townshend…and that deep-voiced guy from Aqua who does the “c’mon Barbie let’s go party” parts
Yeesh, jeez dude, that sucks. Sorry to hear about your Mom. Good luck.
Hope it works out with your mom dude. Best of luck, and I’m sure she’s really proud of you for taking care of the family.
Sorry to hear about your mom…hope the prognosis isn’t too dire. Just lost my Dad to the big C so I’ll keep ya and your mom in my thoughts. Hope for the best!
Age: 19
Occupation: Cashier at Kmart (retail…sucks…) and college student going for Music Therapy.
I’ve been playing drums for about 4 years (not seriously though), bass for 3 years (5 string) and guitar for a few months now, I just can’t get the hang of using a pick after downright refusing for so many years. I play bass in a metal band yet to be named or classified. We’re also looking for a serious guitarist because for some reason the 8 or so we’ve tried have been either terrible or nowhere near dedicated. I’d show you the first band I was in, however I don’t really feel like losing all credibility I may have.
19
Computer Helpdesk Tech
Student at Michigan State in Computer Science
Plays drums and guitar
As dweeby as all that sounds, I’m nerdy but not weird or off-putting
23
attempted studio engineer
27
North Bay Area, CA
Going to school for a Pharmacy-related profession
Been playing bass for 12 years and guitar for about 10. Currently play in Lose None, have been in a million other bands. Been on tour a bunch.
Have a metal fuckin’ beard
I’m 40, and and accountant. Been into metal since my teens. I sing and have started playing guitar
Age: 20 (gonna be 21 about the same time dethklok&mastodon show up here)
Job: Pool Guy at a casino/hotel here in Vegas
Profession: At age 20 I can out drink most fuckers and hang with the best aint that some shit?
I also love playing guitar and I love drawing been drawing since I was like 2 or 3 but I didnt draw the same as other kids maybe I was possessed?
Hey Eyal Levi did you do this because I made fun of you during that greatest contest thing? Don’t get your panties in a bunch I was just tring to be a really big dick like our friends at metalsucks.
The thing is this is the only website where I do any type of commenting but I like a few other websites like this that aren’t filled with pure shit.
Age: 21
Job: Freight Worker
Struggling to get the will to go through college.
Music: been playing drums for about seven years now, still absolutely awful, been in and out of bands. Currently ‘out’.
Honestly, I try to avoid seeming like a dick online because that’s not who I am. The anonymous dickwad theory holds up true for a lot of motherfuckers though, but you learn to tune them out.
23
Student
Played drums since I was six
Currently make electronic music on the computer
Im going to college so people will stfu about me wasting my life……
…….. oh yeah, fuckin love metal
hey eyal,
36 year old canadian, metal fabricator/sheet metal worker. been playing guitar since elementery school, played in many bands that never made it, now sing in a band and just put out a cd, things maybe lookin up. been a fan of metal since king diamond scared the shit out of me. people can talk shit all they want about this band or that guy, but atleast that this band or that guy is out there doin what they love, not sitting behind a glow of a computer screen.
vincent,24
ATLANTIC CITY NJ
cook,father,geeeetar,bass
31 years old, PhD in Physiology from Penn State, currently a postdoctoral research associate at Texas A&M. And one of those bearded J Crew guys you’d find at a metal show.
Should add I own three ESP Eclipse II guitars and I’ve been playing for about 10 years.
Dave,
Sorry to hear about your current choice of educational institutions. Hope that works out for you. Hook ‘em!
Age: 19
Job: Student (Electrical Engineering)
about 4 years ago i was that stereotype fat kid with acne (not so much anymore luckily) but i never posted lambgoat or blabbermouth or any of those sites
23
Brand Manager for Moosehead Lager (mmmmm….beer!)
Toronto, Ontario
Lead Guitar for Die The Villain
I am a fan of the moosehead!
Im a 16 year old student a private school, but I like to consider myself more mature than others my age on the interwebz
I’m 21 and I’m a student / IT professional for a company in Orlando. I don’t play any instruments since I’m more of a tech-nerd than a music-nerd. Also wanted to throw it out there that your posts are quickly becoming my favorite part of this site. Which says a lot since I like it here quite a bit.
Age – 23
Job – Student at University of Utah, and work at Marriot Hotels (Just barely had to take a drug test and bought that synthetic piss at a smoke shop, hope it worked!!)
Played guitar for 8 years just for my own enjoyment and cause its really fun to do when your stoned.
Still live in houses with my friends so we just party, play beerpong, smoke weed, and listen to good music.
Oh and bring Daath to Salt Lake already
Age: 27
Profession: Writer and internal communications generalist for a commercial real estate development and management company.
Musician: No
Comments: You seem to be looking to confirm or deny some metal fan and metal-blog-lurker stereotypes so I’ll give you an outline here and you can draw from it what you may.
I work in a professional environment, so I wear khaki’s and a dress shirt every day. But I also have long hair and a massive beard so I don’t perfectly fit in in that environment. When I’m out of the office, I very much look like the metalhead stoner stereotype (the hair, the beard, lots of black, band t-shirts, jeans, boots, etc.). But in two minutes of conversation, you’d know I’m not a burnout or a raving lunatic and am, in fact, a somewhat shy and completely kind, considerate, polite and well-spoken human being.
An example of the dichotomy that is my life: On any given day, as I’m sitting in my office, writing a feel-good piece about my company’s latest charity event or about one of our employee’s 40th year with the company, I’m most likely listening to “Fucked with a Knife” or “Necropedophile” by Cannibal Corpse or something equally br00tal by any one of a hundred death or black metal bands.
\m/\m/ Bad-ass. Much the same for me.
24 years old
Metro Detroit, MI
Mechanical Engineer for a defense contractor
Been playing guitar for almost 10 years, bass for about 6 months, been in a couple metal bands when I was in college, kinda looking to start/join a band again
Metal fan since about 14-15 years old, even though it was some nu-ish metal and Re-Load (yeah, yeah I know, don’t get me started). A high school friend got me into Priest, Maiden, etc around then as well. Then I read about Blackwater Park in some magazine like Metal Edge or Metal Maniacs or something when I was around 16-17, which got me completely into Opeth, which then lead me to Amorphis, Finntroll, other less-mainstream metal etc. and I haven’t looked back since!
I’m 22, in between school (the downside about college is that it is costly), looking for a job to keep my head above water. I live with my fiance and her family, earning my keep by helping with her ill mother who had a leg amputated last year. I’m studying Music Recording Technology so I can get an Associates. I’m looking to work for the state, possibly as a cop and need a degree, so I decided to go for something I love and have ALWAYS been intrigued about the other side of music (recording and the industry itself.)
I’m 17, a junior in high school.
I don’t have a job because I’m freaking lazy but I should get one.
I don’t play any instruments. I used to play drums but I sucked at them. Basically, I’m one of those kids who sucks at everything; I am horrible at sports (I run cross-country but I have an incredibly slow pace). I’m also really slow so when I’m supposed to play all these complex beats on the drums (really not complex at all) I can’t do it and I just lose my mind.
But yeah…I live in the ATL, I hate the South though, I want to go to college in New England or New York and major in History.
Sean, 24
Baltimore, MD
Health Club Attendant/Pursuing Master’s Degree in English
Age: 15
Location: Arizona, just moved from Delaware
Job: None
Music: I’ve played drums, guitar, and bass since April of 2008, and I’m looking to start a band but I haven’t had time to look for other musicians out here yet. I recorded a demo with a friend of mine who’s a drummer, that’s it.
Age: 19
I’m a student at Ohio State, for engineering . I’ve been playing gitar for about 2 years.
O-H!
/Yes, I’m a massive Buckeyes football fan.
31, female, married to a hot bearded metal crazed fool (see above)
both have MAs, his is creative design, mine in peace and conflict studies.
homeowner – well, it’s a townhouse, but in LA that’s almost a mansion
i play no musical instruments except for vocals on rock band
i work in a cancer research facility as an assistant to a world class surgical oncologist who continually improves surgical treatment of breast cancer patients.
i have listened to some really horrible music in my life, but was thankfully saved from a life of music crime when i met my husband. now i am a huge fan of mastodon, the sword, giraffes, bronx and recently was introduced to the unbelievable sound of black metal and think i have truly fallen hard.
and i do get really irritated at the amount of nonsense rules that some fans seem to make up to constantly exclude others. beard or no beard, true or not true, just enjoy the music and listen to what you really love otherwise it’s all pretty pointless, no?*
*this phrase does not include juggalos/jugalettes. you should seek the help you really need.
I’m a freshman who started listening to metal at the age of 10. I’m black and think Howard Jones is the sexiest guy in metal.
P.S. My face is smooth as a baby’s bottom.
Tucker McElroy, lead singer and driver of the Winnebago
28, plumber
Vancouver, BC
married, homeowner
not musically inclined (but wish I was)
Age: 29
Support Manager at Imaging Capture Company in San Diego
Just saw Daath for the first time at the Jumping Turtle. Good stuff eh!
Age: 26
Location: Tempe, AZ
Occupation: Cook / Studying Pharmacy Tech
Music: Bass for 11 years, playing in a death metal band
Engaged and Soon-to-be father
Age: just turned 20! :D
Occupation: Law student & waiter at the best sushi place in Tijuana! (I take pride in my sushi)
I’ve been singin’ for a lot of bands.. currently looking for one..
Anyone in Mexico (specifically Tijuana) that needs a singer! lets talk!
Age: 16
Occupation: Student
Music: I do not play any instruments because of the fact that I have no time. I get a lot of fucking homework and I play on a travel baseball team. I am planning to study sound engineering though.
I love many varieties of metal. Favorite type is melodic death metal. Favorite band is Children Of Bodom.
I enjoy this website a lot because its better and funnier than the usual serious metal news. I find it hilarious when people argue on which band sucks and which one doesn’t. Its all opinion. Eyal is the best blogger along with Vince.
DAATH is fucking sick, just bought The Concealers a couple weeks ago and it is fucking killer!
Age: 35
Job: Fuckin winning hockey games baby
Band: Quackhammer, solo black metal project with only keyboards and wind chimes. Vocals are for poseurs.
age: 20
occupation: Student, Computer Science major. Seasonal job: Maidenform. (lingerie store)
Music: I’m a classically trained vocalist with a little bit of piano knowledge. I was thinking of going the opera singer route but ended up wanting to keep my singing for fun only. I voyaged into metal on my own, primarily thanks to Nightwish… I listened exclusively to CCM before that, haha.
Totally agreed.
Age: 19
Job: Trader Joe’s
Band: I’m the vocalist in Northern Sword, symphonic folk metal.
I always thought a Trader Joe’s employee would be a good fit for a folk metal band
Haha, I don’t understand the hype that people have about the place. For the most part, the food is just as good as anywhere else.
And not just any folk metal! My vocals are inspired greatly by Johan Hegg of Amon Amarth.
Haha it’s all about that worldly “golden age of exploration” aesthetic, plus I got like a 5 pound chocolate bar from there once…and we’ve had a Trader Joe’s tiramisu in our freezer for the last couple years
Hm I think it’s time I revisit my Amon Amarth collection, I haven’t listened to them in awhile
Oh my god my mom is OBSESSED with Trader Joe’s. Half of our refrigerator/freezer is Trader Joe’s products.
same here, but it’s closer to 90%
Age:21
Job: Galvanizing Engineer (soon to be Avionics Technician in the RAF)
and i so play the guitar, bass and drums.
Hey! More 16 year olds! Yippee!
Age: yeah, 16 years old.
Occupation: Dishdog/High School Student
Music: Bass Guitar, 2 years. I also sing and bust out the Euphonium Horn for Neutral Milk Hotel songs.
I also run XC and Track, and I have been doing a lot of biking lately.
ummm… yay.
same here for xc. what’s your 5k?
I was a rookie last year, so it was about 21 minutes. I’ve gotten better though.
21 minutes is good, man. My best is 24 and a half- it SUCKS. I’ve also been running for 4 years…
Weird, I’m also a 16 year old guitarist who runs XC and track.
*cough*bassist*cough*
No one has really admitted to being the stereotypical net nerd yet… impressive Maybe that person only exists in our minds. Oh yeah! Thanks for an provocative and smart blog entry Eyal. Keep ‘em coming.
Here’s me in a few words.
Age: 22
Occupation – Student (Biology) / That guy who takes your tickets at the movie theater
I’m a shitty guitarist, i ride street bikes and I snowboard during the winter, and I live in Worcester County in MA. I play ultimate frisbee, a lot of xbox, and I drink slightly more than what would be considered safe and reasonable.
16
sales associate/honors student
guitarist for about 2 years
Age: 19
Occupation: Guitar Teacher at a local music store around my area
Music: Guitar for 5 and a half years; Trumpet for 8 years, Baritone (Treble Clef) for 3 years and Percussion for 2 years. Played in Metal bands for 3 years and now currently playing a Progressive Rock band.
Age: 27
Occupation: Death Metal Vocalist and crazy person.
I am that homeless-looking metalhead you see at metal shows with the snarled hair and beard that is gross as fuck. I have many really shitty green unfinished tattoos (some that have been unfinished for almost a decade). i have a brilliant personality, however. haha
17 yrs old
drummer for 4 yrs.[Mapex army!!!!!}
from Milwaukee, WI.
I know nothing about Daath ,besides the fact Kevin Talley was the drummer at some point, but Eyal, you write a good blog, man.
Kevin’s still in the band
I am 28, work in a fleet maintence call center, and going to school.
Age: 20
Occupation: Sales Associate
I’ve been playing guitar for 3 years and I’m working on getting a band together. I’d love for music to be my career
Rich 32
Father of two
In a metal band
Landscaper (no shit eyal! right on my man!)
“I think that it’s landscapers, Guitar Center employees, dudes in metal bands, managers, booking agents, label employees, and anyone else who is actively involved keeping up with the genre of metal.”
Kris, 19
Computer Technician (believe it or not, i don’t even come close to fitting the stereotype :D)
been learning Guitar for a few years now. Love meal and always will.
Age:23
Occupation: Student, University of Florida, Majoring in Autism Education
Also, my tag is “Double D” because my name is Todd. Tee-oh-Double-D.
28
Account Manager and vox for Aussie metallers Double Dragon ( DOUBLE D’s!! _
:)
You guys are mad.
This is brilliant. If nothing else, I wonder how easy it will be for all of us to tear each other up after this. Do we call a truce tonight and resume hostilities tomorrow? Or do we speak to the person behind the moniker from now on out?
Well done, Eyal.
hopefully, if anything, it makes people remeber theres a face behind the name, even if the name is shitballsmilf or some stupid shit.[looking at you, poopsmcgee] jk
Fuck you, bitch.
Kidding!!!!
Truce is off. Come here and take what you know you have coming to you.
Considering we should all be on the same side (as metal fans), I would hope maybe this will humanize us a bit.
Ahhh… who am I kidding? This is the internet.
Age: 24
Occupation: Law student
Been listening to metal since I was 12, playing guitar since about 14.
Daath still sucks.
Age: 24
Job: Dispatcher/ Student (wasting time on this site during the former)
Also a musician and extremely part time show promoter.
Age: 20
Job: Internet shit talking/broadcast student
not a musician, but i can tell when somethings shit and something isn’t. too bad all that core stuff is pure shit, sorry girls
Age: 18
Job: I work at a restaurant, but aspire to be some kind of singer. And yes, i have real bad acne.
Age: 27
Job: Test Engineer
Music: Been playing guitar as a hobby since I was 12, at the moment I have 5 guitars: Gibson/Epiphone Les Paul, Fender American Deluxe Strat, Ibanez AX 7-string, Martin Backpacker, Squire Strat
I listen to most types of metal, some punk, classic rock, hip-hop (not the radio bullshit), classical
I try to make music on my computer with the guitars, Reason, Acid Pro, FL Studio, etc.
Other hobbies besides music: hiking, camping, drinking beer, cussing, astronomy, Intarwebs
I’m an 18 year old social work major starting my 2nd year.
I’m a musician in the loose sense of the term, in that I dick around in FL studio and play bass and can drum competently.
Age: 27
Occupation: Master Control Operator/Tape Tech for a local TV station.
Props to you. working with tape can be quite tedious.
The most underappreciated job ever. If you do a good job, no one even knows you’re there!
Age: 21
Job: Student at DePaul University in Chicago, History and Digital Cinema
Music: All kinds of metal and a good amount of hardcore… used to be the other way around. Sometimes I’m thoroughly convinced that I’m one of the few dudes on here that can point to bands like Cro-Mags or MDC and say, “hey, that kinda stuff influenced a good portion of the late 80s thrash metal!”. But I digress…
Huge Converge and Red Chord fan.
Play(ed) bass on and off for 9 years.
Obsessed with fantasy sports.
Oh, and also obsessed with alcohol and marijuana… specifically Belgian trappist ales, German biers and BIg Bud or Blue Dream.
At last more people who appreciate excellent beers. I’m also somewhat curious as too many of the people on this site I may have seen at shows without even realizing it. German biers and any of the trappist brews own any sort of beer out there.
Age: 20
Job: Music student at The City College Of New York / Intern for music directors at ABC television
I’m pretty sick at playing the trumpet, I’ve been trying to incorporate that into some metal but I haven’t come up with anything I like yet. I wish I could even begin to play death metal or grindcore, all of my friends in extreme metal bands have so much fun it’s ridiculous. My focus is on the composition of music, specifically for film, television, and video games. I’ve lived in New York City all my life, except for a short stint at CalArts in LA. I wish we had more metalheads here and less of these ridiculous hipsters. Where do they keep coming from and why do they flock to NYC like bugs to a lamp? Go Giants.
I’ve wondered about you. Respect. \m/
I am 16 and live in rural southeast Mississippi and I like all kinds of rock and metal. I’m sorta pursuing a career in forestry. I couldn’t play a music intrument to save my life, I’m not creative. I’m an Alabama Crimson Tide fan.
I’m a 21 year old hasidic metalhead still learning in yeshiva. I’m a counselor in a kids camp for the summer. I play some guitar. Oh did I forget, METAL PWNS!!!
I’m a 21 year old hasidic metalhead living in Brooklyn. I learn in yeshiva. I’m a counselor in a kids camp for the summer. I play some guitar. Oh did I forget, METAL PWNS!!!
P.S. I’m an expert in beatbox lol!!!
One day, dude…One day, you will show me because I have to hear this. Get in the pit, motherfucker!
Do you get to study what you want in the yeshiva?
No guitar lessons in yeshiva lol! I study the talmud and a bunch of other stuff (they give you certain subjects to learn, but you can study what you want).
And yes, one day I will definitely meet you in the pit. Bring it on!!!
One more thing. Eyal, you’re fuckin’ awesome man! nuff’ said.
Age: 28
Job: Disabled Retired Army OIF Veteran
Music: Been playing guitar on and off for 14 years and I play in a band called Numidium out of Tulsa, OK.
I can’t believe no one knew Shinaain was female! I’ve always read Eyal’s blogs, but only recently started reading all the comments. Hmmm… I just kind of figured she was a ’she’ from the first comment of hers i read, which was about 2 weeks ago. oh, anyways….
25, female
Editor in Chief of Upstate Metal Magazine (first issue came out this month! read the review on “The Concealers”)
Freelance writer for:
sickdrummer.com
The Daily Rock
Unfashionable Creatures
I’ve grown up on metal, used to sell bikes at a Harley dealership, and once bought meeself some 4 inch red strappy heels because I was interviewing Cannibal Corpse. Of course, i don’t really NEED an excuse to buy a new pair of heels ;)
education: Associates Degree so far…..
That’s bad-ass. Is this you?
http://www.myspace.com/upstatemetal
http://www.upstatemetal.net
Nope, don’t need an excuse and I’ll be on the look-out for your stuff. :)
Age: 18
Sex: Female
Job: Student majoring in aerospace engineering.
I play drums, trombone, and trumpet. I’m really just a geeky band kid.
estudiante colombiano de historia, a punto de graduarse de una de las mejores universidades del pais
23 años
viviendo con mi madre
tambien trabajo en la universidad
grunge fan desde el 95, metal fan desde 00´
y toco guitar hero desde hace 4 años……just kiddin, drums since03
Age: 45
Job: History Teacher (metro Detroit)
Loved metal since the late 70’s (1st metal concert was BOC/Foghat at Cobo Arena). Became a fan of extreme metal when I heard Death’s “Sound of Perseverence”.
Not a musician, but I’m really into anything technical/progressive. Like to be challenged by my metal, both musically and lyrically.
You know you’re a metal fan when you still dare to venture out to Harpo’s…back me up on the neighborhood Eyal.
Michigan State grad who is also a huge sports fan
I second the Harpos comment
Thank you for being older than me!
I’ll cc my parents
Haha Harpo’s isn’t that bad, just make sure to get back onto I-94 as quick as you can after the show! :P
But I wonder how many shows Harpo’s and the I-Rock have lost out on hosting since Blondie’s (re-)opened…
And “Sound of Perseverence” definitely helped me get into extreme metal as well! \m/
I don’t know if it’s Harpo’s or not (probably the Michigan economy), but a lot of tours don’t even come to Detroit anymore.
Wow, im impressed, guess no one is afraid to say hi, this is me – fuck your band
Scott, 29,
Im a 3d character technical direcor and animator at http://www.zoicstudios.com
I play no instrument sans my own instrument, but have been into loud angry aggressive shit since diapers.
i rarely say fuck your band
Age: 30
Employment: Currently on disability (back problems), and getting ready to go back to school
Music: I’ve been playing guitar for about 15 years, and recently started playing bass. I’m not in a band at the moment, though.
23, Application Engineer for an Automotive Supplier.
I also intern at http://www.mtvtn.com on the weekends. I like clothes and shoes…and obviously metal.
I saw Daath once with Cynic and Dragonforce. I need to listen again.
I forgot to add that I really appreciate reading proper English with no grammar errors.
Eyal, Did you major in English or something like that?
Majored in music composition and guitar…. I’ve just always liked to express myself via the written medium
20
I am an Examiner at a title company.
Have been in a band since I was 16, the same band mind you!
56 year old ass fart, listen to metal all the time as a commercial truck driver
WIN! Fucking WIN! \m/
As the MS resident Old Fart, I salute you. You’ve got me beat by 13 years. Kudos!
18
Student
Training to be EMT
21. Female (shock! outrage!). Student. I work in patron relations and technical staff for the University of Florida’s performing arts department. I’ve been listening to metal for most of my life. I play a bit of piano and I’m learning bass in my spare time.
None more metal. \m/
I’m 22, I live in Ontario Canada, And I work in IT. I’m not a musician.
I sit at my desk all day and listen to music. This stuff keeps me sane!
Tyler
19
jobless
poor
But goddamnit, I’m happy.
As un-metal as it sounds, I’d like nothing more (once I get out of college with something resembling a degree) than to work at a museum. Sooner, if possible.
Un-metal? Sorry to trot out old, tired facts, but apparently you need them: Nergal of Behemoth is a qualified museum curator. Skim through the professions and proclivities listed above and you’ll find plenty of people guaranteed to be sympathetic to those who endeavor to preserve human and natural history. Also skim to find other references to the metal-inclined with a bent towards nerddom.
None more metal than nerds. Let your freak flag fly high, my friend.
i use to work in a museum, there is nothing wrong with it
Working at a museum is worlds better than smoking pot and sitting on your couch. Ambition is a good thing.
Don’t worry about what is “metal” or not. That line of thinking is for close minded jerks.
20 Years old
I’m Metal Vocalist (Death, Thrash, Doom, Black)
Live Sound Engineer.
Aspiring Photographer
I like ducks.
I dabble in guitar, but mostly to be able to converse with other musicians in a band. (Makes practices easier.)
I’d dabble in bass more if I had a bass.
Employed as a Public Works underling.
Single
Currently searching for a band in the Chicagoland area.
I don’t talk a huge load of shit, but If I’ve got something to say…I’ll usually say it unless it’s unwise to do so.
Do you get asked about the Levi jean company a lot?
I don’t get asked about it but I use it as a reference as to how to spell my last name correctly ALL THE FUCKING TIME
People actually have trouble with your last name? That’s fucking sad.
Not as much trouble as with my first name
Age-15
Job-Mystery Shopper
Yes, i am a proud musician
Age: 17
Job: stocking shelves at fucking walmart.
Instrument: Drums. 2 years behind the kit.
just found out about daath at the beginning of august.
great shit man i love it.
Age 32
concert club owner
dabbled in piano, sax, guitar, & voice over the years, just for fun
love the blog, always funny & insightful. keep it up! i usually have a laugh at the pimply trash talkers as well.
21
Mathematics: student/undergrad tutor/researcher
I also take tickets and steal beer at a hockey arena.
The only bands I’ve ever been in are wind ensembles or symphonies where I get scholarships to play the super hardcore clarinet. Oh right.
Age: 19
Job: Menards sales associate and student
Life-long musician and lover of all things metal
Age: 24
Job: managing a baseball training facility
first concert: Our Lady Peace when I was 13, lol ouch
played guitar for 11 years. Started listening to metal when the 90s ended and everything went emo
Age:20
Job: Circus arts student (modern) / acrobatic performer.
I play guitar and I’m working on creating music for my performances. (I do not consider myself to be a musician)
Absolutely love metal music. Couldn’t live without it.
Age: 30
Job: Customer Service Representative for AT&T (fuck you and your iPhone)
Been playing guitar for 15 years, currently in the band
Tear Down the Tower. It’s a lot of fun on the weekend!
Also direct, edit, write and appear in videos for
my internet web series No Budget TV.
http://www.nobudgettv.com
Seriously enjoy the blogs, keep it up!
17, Year 12 in High/Senior School in australia (last year at senior school, before i go to university/college), classical pianist, wannabe musician.
But my skins free of acne! lucky me
Age: 21
Job: Line cook to american cattle
Musician: One Guitarist for At Dawn They Sleep
We met and smoked a shitload of bud in montana on the cynic tour(i hate dragonforce), some gay dude on a bike came up to us and was the most annoying motherfucker in the world. But you said that it was your first night of drinking on the tour and you hit the wiskey bottle that i had( it wasnt the jack bottle, i know, im a fuck) but anyway you guy’s immpressed me like a kid that got to see pantera for his first live show i was so amazed, eyal+emil=Fucking most awesome guitar duo ever, you guys fuckin smoke alot of bud holy shit i went through a halfer before you had to go to the merch table….. much love from montana,
age:28
job: founder and CEO of Unemployment Inc for the past 2 months
playing guitar since the age of 12. multiple metal bands.
22
professional drummer
fan of metal since i cam out of the womb.
eyal, keep this up.
Age: 27
Job: Proud service member, U.S Army/Aspiring guitarist since age of 15/ Been listening to metal in its glorious form since around 14-15.
Although i rarely agree with the opinions of guest bloggers, or the guys from MS i do love this site and i think this was a badass idea EL Keep em comin.
Age: 21 (and I still get pimples)
Job: journalism student
I’ve been playing bass for around 5 years, 3-4 years in a band
I just want to say Eyal, as a journalism student I read a LOT and you are right up there with some of the best writer’s I know. Your blogs are extremely captivating and one of my favorite aspects of MetalSucks.
Happy toking man!
Age: 20
Occupation: University student (computing), planning on volunteer work
Music: learning guitar, planning on starting a band once my education is complete
Other: bit of acne as a side effect from toenail medication I’m currently taking. Metal fan for 7 years, man and boy.
Age: 32
Location: Minneapolis
Job: I design digital imaging products for Best Buy’s house brands.
Musician: Not really. Took seven years of piano lessons as a child (mostly forgotten now), and have been dinking around on the guitar since 1993, but I’m horrible. I have a Korean-made Fender Strat, an Ibanez RG series, an Ovation Celebrity Standard acoustic/electric, and a Gibson Les Paul Studio with EMG KFK pickups (my favorite of the bunch). I wish I wasn’t left-handed–finding all these different guitars has taken a long time.
I was a Mormon missionary in my early 20’s (listening to Carcass, Atheist, etc. did not go over well with my fellow missionaries), but abandoned religion not long after my two-year stint. Had the joy of attending Brigham Young University for my undergraduate degree, where my taste in music earned me the nickname “Satan” as a freshman (gotta love religious universities). I completed my MBA at the University of Minnesota last December. Married, but no children. I’ve been listening to metal ever since I first heard Ozzy and Led Zeppelin in the third grade. I’m completely clean-cut and fairly preppy, and will occasionally go to shows in a golf shirt and khakis.
None of this may be particularly “metal”, but that’s OK. All the education and being clean-cut has allowed me to make enough money to buy all the CDs, A/V equipment, guitars and concert tickets I want, and that’s what’s most important to me.
I love this. Metal. \m/
Age: 28
Occupation: Teacher
Location: Gold Coast, Australia
Started playing piano at age 5 then moved on to cornet, trumpet & saxophone(cranked out the simpsons theme tune to anyone and everyone!). Discovered FNM’s The Real Thing around age 12 and Billy Gould inspired me to play the bass. I’ve been a 4/5 stringer ever since. First band – The Furburgers! Current band – The Matador
Married with a baby on the way due next March. Keep up the posts Eyal, it’s refreshing to read a blog that’s not talking about wigger slam, deathcore, troo brootality etc!
Cheers!!
Oh yeah and my beard affords me all kinds of nicknames from my students eg jeebus, santa, pirate
Age:16
Job:Mow lawns around the neighborhood. I was a janitor at the local elementary school but one of the teachers like about me fucking around on the job and they kicked me out….
Instruments: Bass(4-5 years) mainly metal and FUNK, Guitar(a month or two on a REALLLY bad guitar)
lied about me fucking around on the job*
18, law student, casual guitar/drummer/once trumpet player
Age 36 (another old fart)
Occupation – US Air Force (16 years), Husband, Father of 2
Drums 20 Years, Guitar 25 Years
I’ve been into Metal since I was about 5 years old. Nowadays I find that I listen to all sorts of shit. Lately it’s been alot of Prog/Power metal but I also dig everything from Classical to Jazz to Death and all points in between. I feel it makes me a better musician, helps with creativity and keeps me from falling into the blues box rut.
Age: 21
Location: Uden, the Netherlands
Occupation: Student Audio Design
Music: Play guitar for 7 years, and i fuck around with sequencers just for the fun of it
Age: 32
London, UK
French Teacher
Married, no kids as yet.
Have been threatening to learn bass and guitar since highschool.
I’ve been listening to metal since I was about 14, and though my tastes have broadened to include just about every genre (from Lee Perry to Philip Glass via Jacques Brel and Jeff Mills), I always find myself coming back to it. I’m most interested in sonic innovators like Sunn0))) and Isis, but I now get more out of some old music than I ever did as a kid. As a spotty child, for example, I actually rated Cradle of Filth more highly than the awesome Mayhem and Darkthrone. The shame…
Much as I love the ’scene’, I am obviously no longer a part of it in the way that the kids and industry people are. I don’t have the time or the inclination to go to clubs, or even very many gigs, and only know one person who still listens to metal. So sites like this rock – sad old gits like me can hang out, relive our youth and and get our metal thrills vicariously. Even better, we can do this without socialising with 16-year-olds, THAT would be way too weird.
25, Fruiterer, Guitarist of 10 years, Death metallurgist & all round metal fan since seeing CC in Ace Ventura. Sisters boyfriend at the time had all the best metal & taught me well. First Tape was Micheal Jackson Dangerous, First CD was Prodigy Fat of the Land (The Prodge still whoop aese). First metal CD was Blood Duster Cunt. Video game freak, best games ever are System Shock 2 & Deus Ex, full OGVG back to commodore 64 sucka. Love trolling shit on the net cause its well fun. Go to all the metal gigs, even hardcore gigs cuz Im a guitar gear slut (only good core is grind tho). Wont reveal the band Im in as Im about to leave it because its not worth revealing on the net. First heard of Daath cause of Eyal’s blog, top shit, will check yas out when you come to Australia.
Love smokin weed 2, sober atm to pay for gear.
26, I play guitar for Turrigenous.
Age: 28
Location: SL,UT
Occupation: Helpdesk, I work for a company that provides internet services for Major hotels internationally and I support the network via phone
Music: I’ve been playing guitar for about 10 years now…I have 2 Metalbands that I play in…both very different from eachother, otherwise, whats the point! Is this my chance to plug??? Yes, I know they are myspace…;)
http://www.myspace.com/skiesofredemption
http://www.myspace.com/bloodshotnihilslc
http://www.myspace.com/abysmalabattoir (old band)
29, Sharepoint Administrator
Been a drummer for almost 20 years, currently play in Truth Bender: http://www.myspace.com/truthbenderband
Don’t live in my parents basement any more, bought a house a little more than a year ago.
Age: 30
Job: Unemployed archaeologist with a Ph.D.
Played drums in high school in college, but writing a dissertation pretty much put a stop to my drum playing.
Unemployed or not, respect. I’ve always been interested in archaeology. That’s so cool. \m/
I think that’s the thing that will probably keep me from going for my doctorate: Graduate studies are a lot of work to begin with, writing a dissertation is no joke, and the schools expect to pretty much own you through the whole process. My course of study has nothing to do with the job I have now, either, so they’re not likely to share me with others. Props to you for going to the distance, though.
Age: 24
Job: Only lone Staff Writer for a small town weekly Newspaper. An average of 18 pages to fill with stories and content, (doesn’t pay much, a lot of late nights in the office, and work-free Saturdays…I wish.) Trying to go to Grad School for my Masters in Journalism/Electronic Media. I’m also a crappy blogger. But at least I get to have some fun writing.
I’m located around the Memphis, Tennessee area. I wouldn’t call myself a musician at all. I’ve owned a guitar for two years now, but have very little time to learn how to play. When I was seeing a guitar teach, the first three songs he tried teaching me were “Sunshine of Your Love,” “Heaven and Hell(a favorite),” and “Black Hole Sun(another favorite).”
I love music, and will listen to anything.
Between reading the question and scrolling all the way down, I forgot what the question was…. So here, to the best of my recollection, is the answer to what you asked:
Age: 28
Job: Inpatient Phlebotomist/Student
Eductation: BA in Political Science and Religious Studies, going back for PA school.
Living situation: 3 bedroom flat on the lake in Madison.
Instruments: Violin (3 years), turntables (5 years), bass (7 years).
18, a student, playing drums for about 5 years, moved into my dorm yesterday from my parents rent-free home :)
Age: 28
Occupation: Freelance photographer, Designer, Drum destroyer……..started in music at the age of 3……SUZUKI program student Violin. Even though I hated it, my mom made me…..then played piano…..then played trumpet……now DRUMS and GUITAR.
Playing drums for 17 years.
Playing guitar for 7 years.
Pro photographer for 10 years.
I really only like bands that write good music. I don’t really care if they are metal, or pop, or funk, or hip hop or rap……just that it’s good is my only criteria that I judge music. But in all reality, my opinion doesn’t matter.
I think alot of musicians out there learn a few Metallica riffs, and start trying to write their own music……even though they don’t learn the fundimentals…..they think that they are just writing in their own “style”. To develop a style, people need to understand that they need to learn all the rules……once they have learned them, then they can start to break them…..hence, creating their own style. Just think about how many wannabe rockers don’t know what a treble clef is, or a time signature. Think about how many drummers have never played to a click track. Without this knowledge, it’s hard for a band to communicate with each other. I usually respect people that act professionally the most. When people tell me they don’t like me or my music……usually they have never met me……or have never seen my band play live.
Glad your still alive brother.
~A
“I really only like bands that write good music”
You seem like a level headed person, but that statement right there makes it seem what your stating is that the music YOU like is only good…what makes a good song…I can agree with you on the fact that it doesn’t have to be a certain genre…
By the way……when people are talking shit…..they are usually bored with their own lives…and I usually pity them…….and in all reality not confident with their own skills to get on stage with the people they are talking shit about anyway.
Shit talkers are FREE ADVERTISERS. I embrace them with all my heart. Think about it, having someone talk about your band to everyone without having to pay them???? What a concept.
I call it Douchebag PR. Fuck’em.
If someone punches me in my face…physically or verbally……I always comeback swinging. Whether it be a fist…..or a drumstick.
Remember that Hatebreed song? “Loath me, hate me, your the inspiration I need”.
Happy Birthday Dimebag.
+1
Age: 36 Recording Engineer. http://www.bennettstudios.com
(I didn’t see this until today I was in a session yesterday)
I have been playing guitar for 21 years. I own too many guitars. I’m married no kids. Own my own house. (So I could live in my own basement)
I have been into rock music since I was like 5 ( I used to listen to my Uncle’s records)
I will always be a metal guy it’s part of me. (still have the hair too). But I just love music in general.
I don’t have pimples, thank you.
An almost 16 year old girl, attempts bass guitar,….and doesn’t have a job because most places don’t like the brown/black/yellow dreads D:
…mmyep
get a fucking haircut, Hippie !!!!
THEY’RE FAKE DREADS AND I AM IN NO WAY A HIPPIE, THANK YOU D<
and I have to take them out in a month anyway :c
Age-27
Occupation- Purchasing manager for a small company in the manufacturing business
Getting married next week to my girlfriend of 4 years.
Metalhead since the age of 12 when I discovered Iron Maiden,Black Sabbath and Morbid Angel one glorious summer.
Been playing guitar since the age of 14…… Im good, but not as good as I should be. Jobs/College/Relationships have all taken a lot of practice time away.
Political Science major in College.
Horrible at high school math.
That’s funny. I used to be a product buyer, and I have a Poli Sci degree too.
Hey, congratualtions and good luck to you and your girl!
Great post, and great comment board.
Age — 34
Job — software sales for a video game publisher
I own a house, my mother doesn’t live in it, and it doesn’t have a basement. :)
18
insurance sales representative
Drumming for 14 years
Been in metal bands for 3 years
21
Bio Major
Here is me in a gallon challenge…I come in second place and get puked on pretty brutally in the vid.
I am the one in the gay punisher cutoff
22
IT-Programdeveloper
I’m the “screamer” in a band
From Germany
Hi.
The first time I ever posted anything anywhere was in reply to your Corpsepaint blog and I got into a delicious neverending argument because of it.
I post under my real name and do not comprehend why that is not the norm.
29 years of age.
Cabdriver mainly but multitasking depending on the time of year as:
promoter
band manager
columnist
music critic
photographer
snowboard instructor
chef
None of which brings in the big bucks.
Play the drums and have lived in 24 locations in 11 cities/towns/solitary buildings on mountainsides in 5 countries.
Oh and education.
Snowboarding high school in Sweden (regular classes as well of course)
Regular high school in Iceland language major( icelandic, swedish, english, french, spanish and german)
English and Film studies at the University of Iceland
Travel Journalism and Photography at a swedish community college
Marketing night school
Doing a two semester degree of Tourism this winter
19 years old.
Full-time student at SUNY Fredonia. Sophomore. Double Major in Music Therapy and Classical Guitar Performance with a minor in Psychology.
Been playing guitar for 9 years. Classical, however, only 2 years. Since beginning college, I’ve fallen out of the metal world, due to rigorous studies of classical music, but this site keeps me up to date!
Work as a server at a banquet hall and teach guitar lessons.
Reppin’ Pittsburgh.
Age: 21
Job: Laundry at a nursing home
Musicianship: I used to be able to play “mary had a little lamb” on piano and I can get through guitar hero on easy. in other words, I can’t play to save my life.
I’m female, I’ve listened to metal since I was about 15. I attend shows on a regular basis (just saw devildriver on Saturday, \m/ ). I’m an aspiring photographer, I also do a bit of drawing and very rudimentary graphic design. I read too much and I only watch food network and occasionally A&E.
I hardly fit into the normal female metalhead stereotype. I dont look like a 15 year old with too much makeup and I don’t slut it up, nor do I weigh upwards of 200 pounds.
And after years of being jealous of my inability to grow facial hair I had a mustache tattooed on my finger.
“And after years of being jealous of my inability to grow facial hair I had a mustache tattooed on my finger.”
would you care to elaborate?
Never seen a finger mustache?
http://images.google.com/images?q=finger+mustache&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=QraNSq-LIIeyNoulyK8K&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1
hehehehe
who would’ve thought I’d come here and I’d get an education!
thanks
are you referring to how terribly worded and confusing that sentence is or what a finger mustache is?
grover’s pretty much got the second option covered.
Age: 34
Job: Graphic Designer
Musicianship: I don’t know how to play any instruments, but I did vocals for a band in San Diego a few years ago. One of the best things I ever did. And I’m decent at the Rock Band drums! :)
Favorite bands: Motorhead, Slayer, Clutch, Every Time I Die, Mastodon & Alabama Thunderpussy
I am a white male, suburban dad and husband with a great job and a house in the DC metropolitan area; average dude, pretty much, I guess. And I love metal. Always have. I’m a t-shirt & jeans guy, medium build, keep my hair shaved down super short because I’m balding, and I have sweet mutton chops. Ladies have called me handsome. I enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons, but I don’t fit into any of those gamer stereotypes, either. I can discuss politics as well as I can crack up about dick jokes. The best things in life are beers, boobs, babies, burgers, barbecue, and bacon.
Thanks for asking.
Eyal, you seem like a top-notch dude.
White male, late 20’s, guitar player in local death metal band, operational support for online training company for small and mid-sized organizations. I drink a lot of rum and party with my rowdy friends.
Age: 33
Location: Ireland
Profession: Consultant, but returning to college next year to study teaching – The recession is so bad here I thought hiding in college for 3 years mightn’t be a bad idea – Also starting a Celta course in late Sept
I listen to all types of music, but have always listened to rock/metal since my teens – I play the guitar (very badly) – Pretty depressed at a lot of the new metal that is coming out these days, albums that spring to mind that I have enjoyed this year would be Crack the Skye, Ki and yes, The Concealers ( I remember when I first listened to ‘the worthless’ thinking to myself “that riff sounds like a speeded up version of Morbid Angel’s ‘Where the slime live ) Album I’m most looking forward to? Between the buried and me – The great misdirect
Enjoy your blog Eyal, intelligently written and you seem down to earth and well informed, keep up the good work
23
college student (music performance)
summer camp counselor
I play bass & guitar at school, and play bass in a band you’ll all hopefully have heard of in the next couple years :)
Age 32
Support Lab Administrator (I put together environments for tech support so they can reproduce customer’s issues)
Singer/keyboardist for Northwest Royale (click the link in my name). We were signed to Rock Ridge and have opened for a buttload of major acts, and just played the Seattle date of Mayhem Fest.
21
English major at University of Missouri – St. Louis
Looking for new part-time job
Play guitar/piano/bass
Practice yoga and meditation
Love metal
Ha! You’ve all been had. Don’t you realize that this is a data mining operation? Metalsucks wants to know what demographic you fit into, so they ask their buddy and columnist Eyal Levi to publish this “insightful, ingenious” column. Ad revenue for all!
From what I’ve read, I know most of you are young. But the older guys got fooled too! Shame on you and everyone else who didn’t spot this trickery.
We’re watching you
You think Axl and Vince could come up with something like that, or that they know what “demographic” means? I would say Obama’s behind this, but Eyal didn’t ask me how I heat my home or how often I flush my toilet…
18, male.
Currently a camp counselor for kids 6-8 years old. If no directors are around and I have a good amount of kids with me, I enjoy saying “when I say master you say master. Master!” They don’t understand it, but they love it. :)
Ahahaha
Maybe one day they’ll get it?
Age : 19
Profession : Intern Audio Engineer/College student in New York who is going for Audio engineering/music business management/guitar performance
Been playing guitar for about 9 years.
This is fascinating. Wish there was an easy way to collect all the data and get some pie charts or something out of it. Hmmmm. Pie.
Anyways, 23 year old “long haired hippie weirdo freak”. Don’t play any musical instruments, but I’ve been thinking of it for a while. I install home theater systems and TV’s, and am something of an audio enthusiast. If I’m not going to play music, I may as well crank it louder and have it sound better than most!
I like mostly any metal but the trendy stuff (Nu-Metal, Metalcore, etc…), with my Progressive, Symphonic, and Thrash being towards the top. I also love Progressive Rock, and Classic Rock (though hate the term), and also have a soft spot for “heavy” or “dark” Classical music
We’re watching you too
24 Mental Health tech at a hospital/ full time student.
Former guitar player for a metal band still play for fun.
i’m super-late to this but i kinda feel obligated (everyone else is doing it).
i’m 28 years old
i sell mobile phones
i like long walks on the beach
i’ve lived in several different parts of the US
i’ve listened to metal for 16 years now, but i did take a break for a bit when the numetal thing became popular and got into electronic music
i’ve been playing guitar casually for 14 years, though mostly blues lately (save for playing along with the new goatwhore album or other random stuff)
i don’t post very often but i’ve been following this site for a couple years
Age: 16
Occupation: Student
I live in Shanghai, China. I’m not actually Chinese, but it’s pretty cool here. I play guitar in a couple of bands, most notably ‘Prey With Me’, doing hardcore punk. It’s a lot of fun, and we do get a few gigs around town. Also, there’s Br00talizer, which is a grindcore parody band. I actually enjoy grind, but it’s just so ridiculous.
Daath is awesome. Keep it up.
Hi,
Didn’t go through all the posts although I must say people on here have very interesting jobs / lives…
That said, I’m probably the only Indian (at least in this comment section)…
Age: 30
Location: Bombay – India
Education: Science Graduate (Statistics)… Finished my MBA two years ago but havent had the time to submit my project….
Job: Small business owner (Human Resource Services http://www.infiniteplacements.co.in)
Playing guitar since I was 15. Still suck at it. Wanted to start a band and get better at playing but none of my friends were interested in Metal (yeah, how gay is that?!)
Discovered metal in 1989. Until then I listened to Micheal Jackson, Cliff Richards (seriously)
First Metal Band: WASP
Current Favorites: Slayer, Megadeth, Napalm Death, Mantic Ritual, KSE, System of a Down…..
Eyal, this was a good initiative…. Something better than reading rants…. I’m sorry but I have never listened to Daath but I’ll give it a try…
Cheers!
17, female.
I work at a toy store that sells only robots, but my childhood fear was the terminator.
Senior in high school. Been one of those honor roll kids all my life so I guess I’m a nerd.
Fan of so many kinds of music, mainly metal or prog.
I dream of playing classical piano.
and thanks Eyal for the most interesting and insightful blogs on this site
-28 yrs old
-Live in Sacramento, CA
-deliver pizza for a living
-attempting to break into a career writing(fiction)
-been playing guitar off and on since about 18, recently have gotten more serious with it. Have the horrible -idea in my head of getting a band together(so far, it’s me and the drummer). I’d really just like to play locally. -More of an artistic expression cathartic thing than a get rich and famous thing.
-I got into music in general late. First metal band was White Zombie.
Age: 35
Location: Boston,MA.
Occupation: Going back to school (19 years since I graduated HS) for Information Technology.
I spent way too much time working retail in the pursuit of a music career. I’m a drummer and have played since I was 10. By no means a technical master but I know my way around a kit and can improvise & jam. Currently, I play in a Psychedelic/Jam type band named Grimley. You can check out a track Here of us kinda fucking around.
As for musical tastes & influences, they span a huge spectrum of Jazz, Fusion,Metal,Easy Listening,Classical Acoustic/Flamenco. I guess as long as the musicianship is top notch because if I wanted to hear some hacks I could listen to my band. *Smirk*
Musicians/Bands I dig(as they come to mind):
Mike Patton (FNM,Mr.Bungle,Fantomas,Tomahawk), Michael Manring (Windham Hill,Attention Deficit,solo) Cosmosquad, Alkotrio,CYNIC,Atheist,Gorod, Neuraxis,King Diamond,The Carpenters Elvis Presley,The Police,Exivious,Spaced Out, Martone, SOD,National Suicide, Municipal Waste, Spiral Architect, Ron Jarzombek, Yngwie Malmsteen, Dream Theater, DEATH (R.I.P. Chuck), Opeth, The Bad Plus,Pink Floyd,Michael Hedges,Fragile(Japanese Jazz/Fusion)…. The list could go on…
AGE: 22
OCCUPATION: Physics Student/Carpenter
INTERESTS: Physics, BMX, Freestyle/Flatland BMX, Philosophy, Piano, Music, Skateboarding, Knowledge, Carpentry, Martial Arts, Horticulture, Guitar, Concerts, Science, Art, Strength Training, Astronomy, Traveling, Thinking, Egyptology, Nature, Culinary Arts, so much more…
INSTRUMENTS PLAYED: piano, guitar(learning)
TOP TEN CURRENT FAV BANDS: Clutch(forever) Primus(forever) Daath(true story, been a huge fan way before i even knew about this blog), Mastodon, Meshuggah, Between the Buried and Me, Black Dahlia Murder, All Shall Perish, Arsis, Through the Eyes of the Dead….could go on and on and on////
Age: 37
Profession: Accountant
Married, father of a girl , metalhead for almost 25 years and can`t play any instrument .
Mother tongue: Spanish
Excellent post!
My name is Antti, (a subject of countless puns, hence my nick) 34 years young and a metalhead since i was 10, Twisted Sister’s “Stay Hungry” as my first record bought on vinyl – much to my parents horror. (”A guy with makeup gnawing on a bone?!”)
I have since listened to pretty much all sorts of metal (and occasionally other types of music too), and still find pleasure in discovering new bands. At the moment i have a heavy Amon Amarth / Amorphis / Turisas – period, mainly due to have seen all of the mentioned in concert this summer.
I go to concerts as often as i can, and my working schedule permits. Next will be Amon Amarth in october, if i am not so lucky to be in Bergen during Hole in the Sky…
I come from Finland, but grew up in Norway, and was a teenager when the whole BM scene emerged. Deathcrush is still played loud at my place!
Profession: Captain in the merchant fleet, more precisely on an offshore Platform Support Vessel,- after having been on a passenger ferry, cruise vessel (out from Miami), a shuttle tanker etc.
I am listening to metal all the time, right now it’s Cannibal Corpse.
I guess i don’t look like a typical metalhead, other than my regular clothing of jeans and some band t-shirt. Ref. the “Regular guy” in AG’s post.
Just to let you know, that there’s metal even on the seven seas. One of them at least.
\m/
Oh yeah, i will use the opportunity to promote some of my friend’s bands, check them out! :)
http://www.myspace.com/svolk
http://www.myspace.com/slogstorm
Both releasing their debut albums these days!
also
http://www.myspace.com/trashcandance
Age:37
Injection molding Technician on 3rd shift for like 16 years.
I have been playing bass/guitar mostly bass for 21 years but I haven’t been in anything resembling a band in like 13-14 years unless you count the 3rd shift metalhead jam sessions at a co-worker’s house where we made up songs about our supervisors and freakiest of co-workers.
I play metal at work on the weekends (the only time we can have a radio) during overtime hours to keep the stupid people away (*it’s definitely not for everyone). Also works on the weirdo across the street and I once got 2 Jehovah’s Witnesses to leave my porch with the playing of Testament’s Demonic album.
Metal is the glue to my mental universe: nothing soothes me like the sounds of evil!
age: 23
occupation: freelance copywriter/freelance photographer/graphic designer
music: guitar since age of 13, play in a prog/death band Neuromist for 5 years (founder)
location: Republic of Moldova (dig that on Google Maps, placing my bets you won’t find it:)))
Eastern Europe, by Ukraine.
I was always good at geography in school, which then came in handy for my military career. As a missile warning operator, knowing my geography was KEY, lol.
This is one of the few times it’ll be appropriate to plug your band here, so you might want to consider posting some links to places people can check it out. Just a suggestion. :)~
Wow, people know where “ass of the world” is, that’s nice)))
Yes, links, I kinda bumped on that, sorry
http://myspace.com/neuromist
Age: 26
Job: Store Manager
Musician: I started playing guitar at age 24, played the drums during the 13 years before that. Always metal.
Oh, and location is the north of Sweden. Very close to where Meshuggah started out (if you know your metal homework ;) )
Umea? :)
Age: 21
Occupation: Student/Musician
Hometown: Dunwoody, GA
Job: I dont think i want to do anything else except live the life that you and the rest of my favorite musicians live. Been playing for a while and if I got any other job I would be lying to myself and regreting it forever. I am goin to try to see yall in London as well. Stay connected!
In case anyone wants to feel better: I’m your stereotypical socially awkward, living-with-mom life dodger.
Age: almost 30
Job: UNIX systems admin
Musician: arseing around with guitar (for 10 years), bass and synths, don’t know much over power chords and pentatonics though. Still, I find the process of carving sounds utterly fascinating.
MEng in environmental protection, postgraduate diploma in informational systems security, several courses in IT and stuff. I like computars, decent games, books with colorful covers and internets. My favourite kind of metal is modern one (all that meshuggy djents)
Sadly, I have no idea about World of Warcraft. Oh, and I’m from Poland.
Age: 25
Job: PhD on ‘Deterrence Theory and Ballistic Missile Defence’
Location: New Zealand, Wellington
Musical tastes: Everything from sappy post-pop to extreme blackened death metal. Basically as long as its got passion and integrity I’ll give it a listen although ‘metal’, and all that that encompasses, is my favourite genre. I’m not musical in any traditional sense but I know good music from shit.
Also got a passion for movies, tv series, live music, international politics, international strategy (currently following the Russo-American standoff) alt-media, alt-journalism, dissident literature, anarchist philosophy, etc.
I love playing around with ideas, challenging discussions, getting wasted and zoning out to fockers like Bill Hicks ranting and raving. I also blog at… http://securityandpolitiks.blogspot.com/
And to plug a couple articles I recently wrote:
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0907/S00153.htm
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0908/S00096.htm
Oh, and metalsucks fuckin rocks. Peace.
I know I’m a little late to the party on this one, but here it goes:
Age: 30
Job: Retail Banker/Retirement Specialist
Musician: I play the guitar casually. I can’t read music or play a scale to save my life. I usually learn songs by getting the tablature off the internet. I don’t have any aspirations toward doing it on stage any time soon. It’s just something I do to blow off steam.
I’m 21, I live in Caracas, Venezuela (and that doesn’t make me a commie, I hate Chavez, actually I hate politicians) and I’ve been a fan of metal all my life. I play guitar (3 or 4 years), and I’m trying to learn how to play the harmonica. And I study computer programming.
When I visited Caracas I didn’t see a single metalhead there :s
Age: 22
Job: I got really sick manager told me to quit faking or leave so i stay at home being a house bitch
Musician: working on it (drums)
I play world of warcraft I help run a private server ,and yes I’ve seen that episode of south park quite a few people that have been on the server act like that lol.I respect peoples right to preferences and opinions.
Other than that I watch adultswim horror movies,drink with the neighbors, screw off on myspace and twitter, watch my ferrets wreck my room,and dig holes in the drive way to watch my brother hit ‘em and bitch.
Age:22
Occupation:Guitar Tech and Student(Music Business with a concentration in Jazz performance)
Location: My mother’s basement. Long Island, NY. 25 Minutes from the heart of NYC.
Music: Started listening to metal at 9 or 10, got into aggressive metal around 14. Guitar player of 10 years. I play in three bands, bored and want to check us out? http://www.myspace.com/ashellbrokeloose http://www.myspace.com/whiterhinoli http://www.myspace.com/fuckingsharkweek
Age: 16
Job: unemployed
I do vocals in a band and play guitar out of a band
http://www.myspace.com/deathstate
we kind of suck
age: 31
job: heavy equipment operator
been listening to metal for 20 + years now i play a little bass when i have time
Age: 19
Jobless, I’m a university student.
I’ve been playing guitar since I was 9, but I’ve dabbled in a lot of other instruments. I’ve been a metal fan all my life, but I don’t listen to it exclusively. It never hurt to change it up a bit.
34
London, UK
I manage the tech for a social networking site you won’t have heard of. I do SEO, web analytics, business inteligence, linux admin, perl programming…all sorts of stuff
I have a reputation for being outspoken to the point of offensiveness and being pathologically cynical.
I’ve listened to metal since I heard Maiden’s Powerslave when I was 9.
I’ve played the guitar for over 20 years, but I’m really poor at it. I played bass in a covers band for a while, but I was shit at that too.
I have a 2.5 year old kid and another one on the way.
I currently write a blog, largely centered around metal that no-one reads (http://www.theinevitablenose.com/) and is mainly a practice ground for my latent desire to be a writer.
That’s all for now.
Age: 25
Location: Nara, Japan (originally from Colorado)
Occupation: Assistant Language Teacher (That’s fancy speak for: I go to public schools and talk to the kiddies in Engrish.)
I’ve been into metal for about four or five years. Mostly lean towards death/grindcore, but I also really like traditional/power metal.
I have a masters in Japanese literature from the University of Colorado and hope to transition into translating in the next year or two.
Charlie Hill, 18, student/ catering staff at a hospital/ aspiring singer + guitarist
Man I’m late to the party.
Age: 19
From: Dublin, Ireland (few pints anyone?)
Occupation: Shuffling around a guitar shop with a bad hangover, repairing guitars and telling groups of kids they’re not allowed play the Gibsons.
I’m currently considering taking a one year course in music then moving onto an honours degree for four years here. Or taking two years out, save my money and get my grade 8 in guitar/theory and move to London to study there. Either way I’ll be poor and playing guitar so I doubt it makes a difference. I’m kind of in between bands at the moment as me and a friend are looking for new people to play with now that we’re finished our exams. I listen to all kinds of music but my favourites are metal and house.
Oh, and my dog just bit my leg.
Age: 26
Occupation: Art Teacher for a Special Needs High School
How would I describe myself? Cynical, and yet funny at the same time. I love the metal genre alot, and many other genres as well. I’d say I’m into alot of Stoner/Doom bands, and of course a good death metal band that isn’t scene. If you want to know more just ask.
Metal head teachers, unite…;)
21 student in my senior year going for air traffic control and am a swim coach on the side
Age: 27
Occupation: Currently unemployed high-school English teacher (the teaching market where is unbelievably shitty/ super competitive at the moment); Master’s Degree in Secondary (Grades 7-12) Education
- Struggling Writer
- No musical ability
- Huge fan of all music that is heavy, mind-bending and passionate; including death, black, ‘core, stoner/doom, electronic (drum and bass, industrial, ambient), hip-hop
^^ should read” “the teaching market where I am is”..I’m on a strange computer, hundreds of miles from home at the moment..that’s my excuse for shitty typing, and I’m sticking to it.
Age:25
H.B.A. in Anthropology/Archaeology.
I’ve played guitar for about 10 years.
Age: 22
Job: Clerical/ Office job
Musician: Yes, I have been playing guitar for almost 9 years.
Favorite bands: Machine Head, Pantera, Megadeth, Metallica, Slipknot, Disturbed
Basically, I like that this site typically strays from the mainstream opinion regardless of the backlash it might generate, but also isn’t afraid to agree with it when the writers feel it is valid. (In other words: No, they don’t give a shit what anyone thinks at any time. \m/)
Age: 28
Job: Financial Analyst
Musician: used to play bass for Punk, Rock and Metal bands in Haifa, Israel. haven’t done that in a while unfortunately.
Age: 30
Occupation: Night Manager at a gas station.
Musician: Been playing guitar for about 15 years. I haven’t improved in at least 10. Been in several bands not worth noting. Currently in The Coffin Birth Conspiracy and Deathgod.
I’ve actually read most of these…very interesting blog Eyal!
I’m a 17 year old student, just finished my first year of A-levels. I’m hoping to go on to uni after I’ve finished my second year and study journalism, with a view to end up in music journalism. Not many of my friends are into heavy metal (where I live in England most people are into indie and dance music) and heavy metal sections in mainstream magazines and the like are usually poor, to say the least. That’s pretty much why I love sites like this!
Age: 21
Occupations(s): Freelance metal journalist, publicist, promoter, DJ, college radio show host/metal director. Currently majoring in Music Business with a minor in World History & Politics and learning Russian in my senior year at Drexel U. in Philadelphia. Currently writing for Terrorizer, Hails & Horns, Metal Maniacs, Noisecreep, Pure Grain Audio, and guest appearing on MetalSucks when the boys ask me to ;)
I’ve been writing about music for various publications since 2003. Also the publicist/founder at Catharsis PR and sole force behind Saturnine Media (boutique vinyl label).
Musical ability: Vocals – both clean (blues/folk/country/opera) and harsh.
Interests: body modification, classic Russian literature, traveling, languages, history, vinyl, working out, tea, eating healthy, writing, vintage country/Southern rock records, learning, basement shows, fine whiskey.
Favorite genres/bands: black metal, sludge, doom, grind, powerviolence, crust, old-school death, primitive black thrash, drone, experimental/noise. Eyehategod, Hellhammer, Drudkh, Blasphemy, Amesoeurs, Coffins, Teitanblood, Sarcofago, Black Flag, Electric Wizard, Black Sabbath, Bathory, Man is the Bastard, Dropdead, Burmese, etc.
Age: 21
Occupation(s): freelance metal journalist/blogger (Terrorizer, Hails & Horns, Noisecreep, Metal Maniacs, Metal Injection, Metal Sucks when the opportunity arises, etc), publicist (Catharsis PR), DJ, promoter, college radio exec. Currently an honor student and senior in Drexel U’s Music Business program, minoring in World History & Politics, and learning Russian.
Interests: body modification, classic Russian literature, traveling, history, vinyl, working out, tea, languages, writing, singing (clean/harsh), vintage country/Southern rock records, and fine whiskey.
Favorite genres/bands: Black metal, sludge, doom, grind, powerviolence, crust, old-school death, drone, primitive thrash, experimental/noise. Eyehategod, Bathory, Drudkh, Hellhammer, Morbid Angel, Blasphemy, Dropdead, Electric Wizard, Man is the Bastard, Satanic Warmaster, Grief, Buzzoven, Insect Warfare, Torgeist, Sunn 0))), Burmese, etc.
A/S/L anyone?
HA! Anyway…
Female, 23, philosphy/pre-law major and women’s studies minor. Been in college for far too long. Should have a masters but instead I’m still working on my gay $120,000 bachlor’s degree. Thank you, America. Also, I go to a bunch of shows. Been working for LiveNation for about 3 years now. Peon bartending and promotions. I’m also a pussy that hides behind a fake name. Most likely will meet you sooner or later, Eyal.
Age: 28
Job: Stay at home Dad and Guitar Tech (10 years experiance). http://www.myspace.com/stlucasguitar
I currently play guitar and vocals in a Hard Rock band, The Strikers. http://www.myspace.com/thestrikers
In the 16 years that I have been playing music I have played drums in a Grindcore band (Kleptik), bass in a Noise Metal band (Durga), guitar in a Crust Punk band (Asphyxia), and bass in a High School Rock band (Uneven Youth).
And I love me some video games.
And much like Deucemon, I have seen many a great show at the Jumping Turtle.
Age: 23.
Job: Unemployed for the moment.
Education: Slowly working on becoming an English teacher.
Other: Writer (songs, poems, stories, ect.), working on learning guitar
Bands that make my life happy: Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Megadeth, Motorhead, and lots more…
Age: 18
Job: Student/concession worker
Musician: Self-taught on vocals (as long as I can remember), guitar (three years) and drums (one year). Also took piano lessons when I was young.
Favorite bands: Metallica, Killswitch Engage, Mushroomhead, Misery Signals, Slipknot, Between the Buried & Me, Indorphine, System of a Down and a bunch more I’m forgetting
Age: 22
Occupation: Journalism student, I work in kitchens to make money for now
Music: I’ve played bass in a couple bands, now playing guitar in a thrash band. Ive probably been playing for about 7-8 years
Age: 87
Occupation: Feral Cat Feeder
Music: Eh Whaddya say?
Hrm commenting on an old entry again but, here goes:
Age: 42
Occupation: Sr. Systems/Network Engineer (Silicon Valley IT geek basically)
Musician: no just a big fan of music
I don’t like shit talkers. When there’s a band, or person I don’t like or I’m not into, I generally just don’t talk about ‘em. I realize that their band and their music is often their dream, and I don’t like the idea of trampling on people’s dreams. I guess I try to empathize with people in general.
I’d much rather talk about bands I like, and express my appreciation for music I like to the artists than trash and disrespect ones which I don’t appreciate.
I know, probably not very “metal”. :P
Damn, this is a sweet thread. I’m a little behind though. My computer crashed and I’m just getting it back up. Anywho, I’m a dumb 19 year old kid from Nowhere, Kansas, and I love metal and Hard Rock music. I think I’m a good vocalist, but in all reality, I probably suck and just don’t know it. I play some guitar, but I definitely suck at it. No doubt about that one. I work at Target in the electronics section and all I do all day long when I’m there is shop for CDs and movies to buy when I get off work. Me and a few friends are trying to get a band going, but where I live, it kinda sucks. And I FUCKING LOVE THIS SITE! This kind of music conversation keeps me sane!
Age: 24
Job: band manger and Metal’s Eve 2010 in Point, Tx
Daath is awesome, this blog is very true.
too many shitty trolls on the internet these days….
name: aniie
age: 16
Job: looking for one, high school kid atm
music: guitar player, many bands dnt want girlies in there bands.
faves: gojira, machine head, slipknot, LOG, Dimmu Borgir
eh.. bored