The Mainstream Alternative
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 Crown Magnetar 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.
No, Metal Is Not Dying, I Promise
Despite what the doomsayers might say, the genre is not dying. It will never die. The fact that people actually believe that metal is dying is just baffling to me.
Maybe it’s because people outside of metal have their perception of it that’s not necessarily true but metalheads begin to believe it as true. Maybe it’s the unrealistic expectation that metal should be as popular as it once was in the current day. Or maybe it’s just that metal fans are too shy to share the music they love with outsiders to the genre.
Whatever the case may be, it’s certainly a genre that is growing rapidly before our eyes in terms of evolving sound and attention.
My theory is the latter of the three. If more metalheads would be willing to open up and express themselves about how much they enjoy the music to their non-metalhead friends, their mindset might change.
Don’t be shy, let the world know how fucking awesome metal is!
I guarantee if you had a group of friends that you could at least get into metal on a surface level or that you were very comfortable with listening to metal regardless of whether they liked it or not, then such a perception of metal dying would wither away immediately. You wouldn’t even think about such a ludicrous idea in the first place.
Just because it’s different and not everyone enjoys the genre, that doesn’t mean it’s dying. As long as musicians are creating heavy music, it will never die out.
The New Wave Of Bands
There is one argument I can concede to those that believe metal is dying.
It seems as though the rate of big metal groups joining the scene is lower than the older, more established bands that are either in the twilight of their careers or that have already left.
Yes, this is true, no doubt. A lot of the big festivals today are headlined by bands that formed in the mid to late 90s. We need to have more bands for the future when they all leave the scene.
Well, you already know how we can fix this problem. Let the biggest musicians in pop and rap collaborate and promote current metal bands. Contrary to what is believed, these musicians dig metal. Let them talk, please! It’ll open floodgates to the masses that need to hear the best music genre out there.
Demi Lovato just recently shouted out Knocked Loose. They are heavy as hell and display why modern metal is excellent. Why would a pop star shout out a band like this though? Because they legitimately like them. A majority of musicians like other genres including metal. I take a promotion like this at face value and I do so confidently.
Hell, even Billie Eilish was seen at Coachella rocking out to them. A metal band at Coachella?! What is this?! It’s cultural integration. It’s crossover. It’s awesome!
This current/new wave of bands is killing it and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
How To Keep The Momentum
To maintain this current wave of awesome action in hardcore and metal, there needs to be a shift in the way that metalheads consume the music.
I’m not talking about vinyl or streaming, but the amount of new music that is consumed regularly. I know they are plenty of people doing so, but we need even more of it.
Make time to prioritize discovery before familiarity. I’ll admit I’m guilty of doing the opposite myself and I’m trying to change my listening habits by the day to bring a spotlight to the new bands that are putting out incredible music right now!
Is there a way to do this easily? From my experience, it’s very hard to break free from familiarity with the music you love. But being notified of new releases constantly throughout the day is very reassuring you can.
Also, go and support the new bands you listen to. If you can’t see them live, buy their merch, buy CDs, vinyl, and more physical music.
And actually wear the merch in person. Just saying.
The Immediate Future
As we quickly move into crossover between rap, pop, and metal, I see the scene growing even stronger with more people and more opportunities.
This will need to be spearheaded by open-minded metalheads that are willing to integrate the cultures and create a music community full of different tastes and interests.
I hope this happens and I believe it will wholeheartedly!