Heavy Metal Music Critics Weigh In

What do heavy metal music critics think about the current state of the genre? We asked a few of them to weigh in and here’s what they had to say.

Introduction

Heavy metal music has been around for decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Metalheads are a passionate and dedicated bunch, and they’re always on the lookout for new bands to fill their speakers with.

But with so much music out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s where metal critics come in. These respected experts have devoted their lives to listening to and writing about heavy metal, and they have a wealth of knowledge to share.

In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the most influential metal critics out there, and we’ve asked them to weigh in on some of the biggest questions in the genre. From the best new bands to watch out for, to the defining characteristics of true heavy metal, these critics know a thing or two about what makes this music tick.

The Good

Heavy metal music has come a long way since its origins in the 1960s. Today, there is a wide variety of heavy metal subgenres, each with its own unique sound and style. While some critics dismiss heavy metal as noise or simply unlistenable, others appreciate its complex melodies, aggressive rhythms, and powerful lyrics.

Many heavy metal critics believe that the genre is underappreciated and misunderstood. They argue that heavy metal is one of the most complex and nuanced genres of music, and that it deserves to be taken seriously by both fans and critics alike.

The Bad

Though its popularity has waned somewhat in recent years, there was a time not too long ago when heavy metal was one of the most popular genres in the world. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that metal has had a huge impact on the world of music, and though it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s impossible to deny its place in music history.

That said, not everyone is a fan of metal. In fact, there are plenty of people out there who think that metal is nothing more than noise, and that its fans are nothing more than angry, angsty teens who need to grow up and listen to something “real” music.

Whether you love metal or hate it, there’s no denying that it can be a polarizing genre. But what do music critics have to say about metal? Are they fans or haters? Let’s take a look at what some of the most prominent voices in the world of music criticism have to say about heavy metal.

The Bad:
“It all sounds the same.”

“It’s just noise.”

“The vocals are unintelligible.”

“The fans are just angry white guys with a lot of pent-up rage.”

“It’s juvenile music for juvenile minds.”

The Ugly

When it comes to heavy metal music, there are a lot of different opinions out there. Some people love it and some people hate it. And then there are those who are somewhere in between.

But no matter what your opinion is, there’s no denying that heavy metal music can be pretty hard to listen to. It’s loud, it’s aggressive, and it often has very dark and violent lyrics.

So what do critics have to say about this controversial genre of music? Well, let’s take a look at some of the things they’ve said:

“Heavy metal is the worst thing that has ever happened to music.” – Bob Dylan

“An art form whose sole purpose is the grotesque depiction of violence.” – Roger Ebert

“The aural equivalent of seeing someone being disemboweled.” – Lester Bangs

“A musical hatred that could kill if given half a chance.” – Mike Oldfield