The very essence of metal as a genre of music is to be rebellious against the normal standards of society and against authority. Of course, this is common knowledge for any metalhead. But why do we feel this way?
Because a lot of us have been hurt in the past just for being ourselves. The idea that a person would abuse another emotionally or physically for no other reason than to validate themselves is just revolting. But for many people, they know it all too well.

Even though metal may never be genuinely mainstream again as it was in the early 2000s, the mainstream alternative is an amazing place to be in 2023.

So many fantastic bands in the scene are absolutely killing it. Face Yourself, Slaughter to Prevail and Spiritbox are just some of my favorites. Even in the traditional death metal scene, bands like Crypta are dropping top-tier singles that display some of the best death metal I have heard in a few years.

Having some of the biggest mainstream artists in the world like Demi Levato and Lil Uzi Vert promote this music is so telling as it showcases a shift in the culture that is very exciting and promising for the future.

Hell, even nu-metal is having one of the most unexpected resurgences as more and more people are listening to it by the day, including me. I love those classic bands and their music.

Being a mainstream alternative is what most metalheads should expect and that’s not a bad thing, it’s a great thing.

I speak for a majority of people when I say that Lil Uzi Vert’s track ‘CS’ from his recently released album ‘Pink Tape’ is an objectively bad song. Just look at the last minute and a half. It completely butchers the most memorable moments that made Chop Suey such a legendary metal song.
While I can say this without any hesitation, it honestly should not matter. Lil Uzi Vert’s interpretation needs to be viewed differently. It should be seen as another perfect example of crossover culture in the world of metal, rock, and rap music.