Hello world!

This is where it begins.  Just to get an understanding of what my attempts are, this first post will simply be an explanation, but more will follow.  Please check back if you’re interested, and opinions are ALWAYS welcome.  I plan to explore the inner reaches of the counter culture that derives from metal music.  As a metalhead, and musician, the ideas I will explore have always intrigued me, and I’m positive I’m not alone.  As Pantera says in their song The Underground In American, it’s “a lifestyle that’s unexplainable… the trend is dead.”  My hope is to explore two major aspects of this lifestyle, I refuse to limit myself to these categories, but they are a launching point.  First, as explored by Sam Dunn in his documentary Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey, I hope to delve into and investigate why “metal” is consistently looked down upon, slandered, and condemned by many persons, households, and communities.  What is wrong with this form of music?  With this I hope to understand what makes metal, metal.  This leads me to my second perspective, the culture of metal, or, more accurately, the fans of this ear shattering music.  The personality of this genre (I hate the term genre but for the time being it will do) breeds a unique type of fan, and they can often be easily recognized in a crowd.  My question is, what develops these personalities, and why?

I hope you return to read more.  I am excited to see where this takes me as I progress through it, as well as my many other ventures in life.  Rock on!

Chris Fox