Like the Phoenix: Heavy Metal's Inevitable Rebirth
Jared Ferolino
English 102
Susan Rockwell
8 August 2015
Heavy metal will live forever, as has often been said. There is no reason why it should succumb to the masses or allow itself to mellow with age. The mainstream public has unfairly created many stereotypes, and believes these false paradigms in order to "properly build" their fake societies (Top 10 Myths About Metal). This is not to say that the non-metal music industries are inferior; rather, heavy metal is celebrated all around the world, and the others have not yet reached that level of acclaim. Metal was the revolutionary transformation of the early hard rock and punk music, and even today it never fails in paying homage to its roots. Nowadays, metal has been forced into a recession of sorts by what the world has turned music into. The art is no longer rooted in the heart and soul, but always about the money or "talent" to become a celebrity. Meanwhile, the part of the world that still stands devout is waiting restlessly for its return. It may have died, but beneath the ruins lives a single budding flame, that will one day emerge as an immortal phoenix and dominate the world once again. When that day comes, heavy metal will come with it. That flame is still miniscule, and it cannot be tended alone. To keep it alive and burning, the entire planet must unite and work together. By educating new generations, defying the false media that dominates today's society, and initiating a movement to create new interest, heavy metal can and will be resurrected.
A generation is assumed to be a period of 20-25 years. Every generation has had its own unique music: R&B way back in the 50s, the Beatles in the early 60s, even the birth of punk and classic metal in the mid- to late-70s. In that 25 years from now, music will have evolved in unimaginable ways. Humanity's successors will only want the best: whatever's on the radio (provided it still exists), the Top 40 hits, and only the hottest bands and singers. It is impossible to tell how much metal will change. Time alone will tell, and it certainly won't ever give up its own secrets. In the 21st century, society is incredibly negligent to the state of non-radio-friendly music, and metal is one of if not the most ignored in the world. Contrary to popular belief, it is only struggling to stay alive with every passing year. Sometimes it dies out, but then gets resurrected with new blazing mind-blowing fire.
Our progeny might think that because heavy metal isn't popular, there is no point in giving attention to it. That opinion would be very wrong. There is one band that has and continues to defy convention, and that is the great heavy/thrash metal legend Metallica, the most commercially successful band in the history of the genre (How to Fight Pop with Metal). Though Metallica has had its ups and downs like all others of its kind, it still continues to amaze the world. James Hetfield and company have since been known as the biggest band in the world. In the same way, countless obscure metal groups have also left their mark on metal's history. Their music is an important part of any fan's collection. The best thing to note is that they have done it all themselves, without any outside help or even commercialized effort. In a word, heavy metal is real. If humanity's successors can realize that, then perhaps there is hope for this world. Whether the rest will understand is another debate entirely.
In a particular 2007 survey conducted by the Daily Telegraph, 6% of 1,057 people stated heavy metal to be their favorite kind of music. That statistic is low, but has grown exponentially large over the past 9 years. Today, a large part of the mass of metalheads consists of minorities: underappreciated gifted social outsiders who must face constant discrimination for their differences and peculiarities. When neutral help cannot be found, the outcasts turn to heavy metal music. It is a sanctuary for them, non-judgmental and understanding, regardless of background. Underneath that tortured soul is limitless genius potential. For those who may be musically inclined, metal is just one of many strategies for tapping into those inborn abilities (Heavy metal 'a comfort for the bright child'). Even neurotypicals appreciate and devote themselves to metal, joining minds with the greatly misunderstood of their generation. These people with mental spectrum disorders yearn for a deeper meaning of life, needing something to help them stand above society and assert their individuality. Heavy metal, by its very own rebellious nature, motivates them to do that. Evil will continue to abound in the world, but beneath the darkness is an underlying message of hope: the world's reality will only be as bad as you make it to be. Your life burden is heavy, but our music will make it light. Don't worry what the public says, but believe only what you think of yourself.
Given this information, some like to think of their favorite music as a religion. It gives them salvation and freedom when none can be found anywhere else. By listening to metal, they are given the gifts to reshape the world as they please. In return, the fans are loyal to their beloved bands, understanding the music on a much more technical and intellectual level. The reality of the world is exposed for all to see, and hiding it in the shadows is no longer an option (These Scientific Studies Prove That Metalheads are the Best Music Fans of All Time). Heavy metal is not made to incite violence or evil, but rather to control and suppress it. It describes the horrors of the world while simultaneously listing ways to fix them. These people are also capable of mentally touching a greater spectrum of emotions that surpasses all natural human comprehension in every possible way. Finally, there is no denying the numbers; they are strong, massive, and united. As long as time persists, metal will do the same.
That said, one still can't help posing the question: how exactly did metal go underground in the first place? For one thing, it was supposedly "murdered" by pop/hip-hop and rap, and exactly how is still a mystery. Metal honestly doesn't care at all about what the pop and rap worlds do; as long as they can maintain control and ownership of their part of the planet, that's really all that matters in the end. As a matter of fact, many metal bands and singers have stated their dislike of pop, even going so far as to saying that it insults them because of its talentless nature. Over the entire careers, these bands have poured their blood, sweat, tears, heart, and soul into their music - sometimes literally. For these reasons, they are critically loved the world over. Everyone else just slacks off and has other people do the work for them, and then selfishly act as if they did it themselves. This smokescreen just keeps getting thicker and thicker; the pop fans still cannot comprehend the lack of motivation and ability that their favorite "singers" have. The belief that these stars are several times more talented than any prodigious metal band is nothing short of false and downright absurd.
Possibly one of the most positive things about heavy metal is that every year, it attracts those wanting to break away from the mindless crowd and build their own individuality. This hearkens back to the outcast geniuses to some degree. Whatever category anyone falls into, if their desire to learn is strong, then accept them into the fold. Listen to music first, ask questions later. To introduce someone to metal, the best place to start is with the bands that practically gave birth to it: Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Led Zeppelin. These bands are absolutely essential for anyone with even the most basic interest. Whether it's the classic hard rock of Zeppelin, the tame mixed blues from Sabbath, the sing-and-dance tunes invented by the early Maiden, or wild headbanging/mosh-pitting with the members of Priest, anyone who knows metal undoubtedly knows them. Some would also consider the American Chuck Schuldiner, the "godfather" of death metal, to be a deity of sorts as well. These are the classics, the immortal gods, the ones who started metal. They will forever stand at the foremost of heavy metal history as the founders, progenitors, and the very first pioneers. From there, branch out to the ones who followed in their footsteps. If thrash metal seems more appealing, then get acquainted with the Big 4, of which Metallica is a member; the other three are Anthrax, Megadeth, and Slayer. Their faithful thrash companions Overkill, Testament, Exodus, Suicidal Tendencies and others should not be overlooked either (14 Essential Thrash Metal Albums You Need to Own). For power metal enthusiasts, consider Nightwish, Helloween, and DragonForce. Death metal acolytes can look into Schuldiner, the anti-religious Deicide and At the Gates, the technical Carcass, and the deeply personal Opeth. Heavy metal has many other personalities too numerous to discuss in one paper. To summarize, its greatness endures through the ages. Nothing can stop it, and nothing ever will stop it.
There are some drawbacks to converting someone to metal, the greatest being that the new initiates may lose a few friends. Those who were once thought of as "cool" will now be seen as "freaks of nature". What matters is not their opinion; what matters is the person's own. After all, this is America. Freedom of speech and opinion are granted by the Constitution. In spite of that, the other side of mankind is constantly trying to show that their perspective is the best. Listen to the "good" music, and fitting in will be a cinch. It all sounds so cliché, though, doesn't it? Unlike pop, metal is capable of unstoppable and unpredictable evolution. Whereas pop is senseless and all alike, metal is heavily complex and mysteriously limitless. Introducing it to someone is very risky business, and not always easy. It should not be forced down their throats or through their heads; if they don't want it, then don't make a problem out of the rejection. Respect the opinion rather than oppose it. Both will get along just fine minding their own business. A long-standing perspective is that metalheads usually don't tolerate other genres of music. On the contrary, some have presented a passionate love of the classical masterpieces of Mozart, while others enjoy punk like Bad Religion. A few consider metal to be a descendant of classic hard rock: AC/DC, the Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, etc. Even video game soundtracks fit in somewhere, a core influence for DragonForce. These are all important influences on the development of heavy metal, and even the best rock records were sturdy foundations for emerging metal acts to build upon.
Another argument questions whether heavy metal has any philosophical basis, or is just nothing more than hopeless disorganized noise. Modern metal personalities that appear to be legitimate have been the subject of much controversy since they were founded. Nu metal, metalcore, deathcore, even black metal are victims. One side believes that all are essential heavy metal standards. The exception of the so-called "fakes" of nu metal or otherwise has no place in this world. Sometimes, the reverse is also true. It all comes down to a matter of preference and opinion. But is there a real truth involved? Does any rationality or logic exist in metal? How do you separate the passion from the noise? There was once a time when metal was an outspoken, deep-thinking, in-your-face reality. Earth's deepest, darkest, and most secure secrets were ripped from their vaults of mystery and into the sunlight. In 2015 this rarely happens (at least not as often). Metal is now not so much a soulful cry for global revolution as it is a "popularity contest", more for the masses and less for the ambitious music (Is Heavy Metal Dead?). What is the driving force behind this? Is everything from the outside responsible? As a matter of fact, they are not. Friedrich Nietzsche's infamous quote about religion is a flawless analogy: "God is dead! God remains dead! And we killed him!...Must we ourselves not become Gods simply to appear worthy of it?" (God Is Dead) Without a doubt, metal has become a victim of itself, the philosophies are nearly dead and the world's low standards have taken over. The lack of genuine music is getting much harder and harder to find. The heavy metal world appears to have fallen into darkness, from a fan's perspective.
On the other side of the spectrum, there is the possibility of metal returning to its former glory. It is a daunting task. Can it be done? There is evidence to prove that 2015 already is and will be a hard-hitting and golden year. New releases have come from both well- and lesser known metal bands. The majority of these are studio albums, some extended plays (EPs), and a couple of live albums. Singles that foreshadow what is to come in the next month or two have been critically received and given modest to honorable airplay. One common move for a band before they release their newest album is to stream it in full on the Internet. This can happen between three to five days before the official release date. All of these events make up the undeniable fact that the phoenix is beginning to rise. In short, another life begins, to last another millennial age.
The question of the immortality of heavy metal music has long been argued. Perhaps an answer can't be found. What if the music itself is the answer? In heavy metal, the music comes before all else. That is the principle, the one that has stood unwavering since the dawn of time. We must nurture the supernatural firebird, feed its power and life, until it is finally ready to march across the land with authority and dominion. The myth of the phoenix is that it goes through one lifespan, bursts in flames upon death, and then is reborn from the ashes. So it is with metal music. Unpopular and mysterious as it is, there is constant celebration the world over. New fans are attracted to the music's rebellious nature and its unconventional form. Legendary bands once thought to have slacked off are now returning to the studio and working on new material, to be released either in this year or the next. The flame is being fanned, its light shining blindingly in the darkness. Now the revolution begins, and the more that lend themselves to the cause, the more successful it will be. With the sign of the horns raised to the sky, their voices shall cry out as one in the silence: "Heavy metal lives!"
Works Cited
Popoff, Martin. "14 Essential Thrash Metal Albums You Need to Own." Revolver Magazine. N.p., 29 Aug. 2014. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
"God Is Dead - Friedrich Nietzsche." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
Fleming, Nic. "Heavy Metal 'a Comfort for the Bright Child'" The Daily Telegraph. N.p., 21 Mar. 2007. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
"How to Fight Pop With Metal." WikiHow. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
Newenglandsun. "Is Heavy Metal Dead?" The True Metal Blog. N.p., 06 Jan. 2014. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
Barnes, Tom. "These Scientific Studies Reveal Why Metalheads Are the Best Music Fans of All Time." Mic. N.p., 22 June 2015. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
Frost, Black. "Top 10 Myths About Metal - Listverse." Listverse. N.p., 08 July 2011. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Like the Phoenix: Heavy Metal's Inevitable Rebirth
Reflection
Weaknesses
I know that my writing has had many flaws since this class started, but I have been trying my best to improve and make things better. It is a constant struggle, utilizing critical and logical thinking. However, that doesn't mean it is impossible.
My first and most pressing problem involved writing pronouns, trying to make them agree with their antecedents. That was never easy, as I usually didn't understand exactly what antecedents were and in what ways they were related to pronouns. As time passed in the class, this problem was carefully fixed, and is now not so much a problem as it was before. With my research paper, I am taking care not to use pronouns too frequently. Although difficult, I find ways to exploit the loopholes, then use them to my advantage to make the writing appear more professional. Unfortunately, where one problem was solved, another almost instantly arose to take its place, creating more unwanted stress.
The second issue was one concerning sentence conjuctions. To connect or not to connect, that is the question! A conjunction used to begin a sentence is definitely not allowed in professional writing. Fixing this was serious. I did some research and learned to writing with conjunctions was not something easily avoided. So to improve, I eliminated nearly every sentence that began with these things and worked to make them better, more logical, and easier on the eyes and brain. This got easier as it went along. However, it's only a matter of time before it pops up again; like a bad habit or an irritating parasite, this problem feeds upon the great qualities of my writing and turns it into something negative. Practice and constant effort can keep it at bay, working like a bug repellent or healthy dieting.
The last (and probably the most serious, though some would beg to differ) refers to sentence structure and diversity. The format of short-long-short-long doesn't always work and is considered something to be ignored. Although it does all come down to the preference of the writer, it still has its own rigid rules that must be followed. Sometimes the form can be altered, reversed, but not always. It's a very risky process. My way of solving the puzzle is this: focus on what needs to be said, and eliminate excessive detail if necessary. Read it through multiple times. Does it sound grammatically correct? Is it reasonable? If someone were to read it (say, an English teacher), would it make sense to them? With this diversity, I can drive my point home faster.
These are problems that I run into all the time; and not just in school writing, but in my own personal work as well. In order for any piece of writing to work, there must be fluidity, control, discipline, and rationality. Failure is expected, writer's block can creep up from out of nowhere. Still, that said, if I don't make the effort, then what's the point of trying?
Jared Ferolino
English 102
Susan Rockwell
8 August 2015
Heavy metal will live forever, as has often been said. There is no reason why it should succumb to the masses or allow itself to mellow with age. The mainstream public has unfairly created many stereotypes, and believes these false paradigms in order to "properly build" their fake societies (Top 10 Myths About Metal). This is not to say that the non-metal music industries are inferior; rather, heavy metal is celebrated all around the world, and the others have not yet reached that level of acclaim. Metal was the revolutionary transformation of the early hard rock and punk music, and even today it never fails in paying homage to its roots. Nowadays, metal has been forced into a recession of sorts by what the world has turned music into. The art is no longer rooted in the heart and soul, but always about the money or "talent" to become a celebrity. Meanwhile, the part of the world that still stands devout is waiting restlessly for its return. It may have died, but beneath the ruins lives a single budding flame, that will one day emerge as an immortal phoenix and dominate the world once again. When that day comes, heavy metal will come with it. That flame is still miniscule, and it cannot be tended alone. To keep it alive and burning, the entire planet must unite and work together. By educating new generations, defying the false media that dominates today's society, and initiating a movement to create new interest, heavy metal can and will be resurrected.
A generation is assumed to be a period of 20-25 years. Every generation has had its own unique music: R&B way back in the 50s, the Beatles in the early 60s, even the birth of punk and classic metal in the mid- to late-70s. In that 25 years from now, music will have evolved in unimaginable ways. Humanity's successors will only want the best: whatever's on the radio (provided it still exists), the Top 40 hits, and only the hottest bands and singers. It is impossible to tell how much metal will change. Time alone will tell, and it certainly won't ever give up its own secrets. In the 21st century, society is incredibly negligent to the state of non-radio-friendly music, and metal is one of if not the most ignored in the world. Contrary to popular belief, it is only struggling to stay alive with every passing year. Sometimes it dies out, but then gets resurrected with new blazing mind-blowing fire.
Our progeny might think that because heavy metal isn't popular, there is no point in giving attention to it. That opinion would be very wrong. There is one band that has and continues to defy convention, and that is the great heavy/thrash metal legend Metallica, the most commercially successful band in the history of the genre (How to Fight Pop with Metal). Though Metallica has had its ups and downs like all others of its kind, it still continues to amaze the world. James Hetfield and company have since been known as the biggest band in the world. In the same way, countless obscure metal groups have also left their mark on metal's history. Their music is an important part of any fan's collection. The best thing to note is that they have done it all themselves, without any outside help or even commercialized effort. In a word, heavy metal is real. If humanity's successors can realize that, then perhaps there is hope for this world. Whether the rest will understand is another debate entirely.
In a particular 2007 survey conducted by the Daily Telegraph, 6% of 1,057 people stated heavy metal to be their favorite kind of music. That statistic is low, but has grown exponentially large over the past 9 years. Today, a large part of the mass of metalheads consists of minorities: underappreciated gifted social outsiders who must face constant discrimination for their differences and peculiarities. When neutral help cannot be found, the outcasts turn to heavy metal music. It is a sanctuary for them, non-judgmental and understanding, regardless of background. Underneath that tortured soul is limitless genius potential. For those who may be musically inclined, metal is just one of many strategies for tapping into those inborn abilities (Heavy metal 'a comfort for the bright child'). Even neurotypicals appreciate and devote themselves to metal, joining minds with the greatly misunderstood of their generation. These people with mental spectrum disorders yearn for a deeper meaning of life, needing something to help them stand above society and assert their individuality. Heavy metal, by its very own rebellious nature, motivates them to do that. Evil will continue to abound in the world, but beneath the darkness is an underlying message of hope: the world's reality will only be as bad as you make it to be. Your life burden is heavy, but our music will make it light. Don't worry what the public says, but believe only what you think of yourself.
Given this information, some like to think of their favorite music as a religion. It gives them salvation and freedom when none can be found anywhere else. By listening to metal, they are given the gifts to reshape the world as they please. In return, the fans are loyal to their beloved bands, understanding the music on a much more technical and intellectual level. The reality of the world is exposed for all to see, and hiding it in the shadows is no longer an option (These Scientific Studies Prove That Metalheads are the Best Music Fans of All Time). Heavy metal is not made to incite violence or evil, but rather to control and suppress it. It describes the horrors of the world while simultaneously listing ways to fix them. These people are also capable of mentally touching a greater spectrum of emotions that surpasses all natural human comprehension in every possible way. Finally, there is no denying the numbers; they are strong, massive, and united. As long as time persists, metal will do the same.
That said, one still can't help posing the question: how exactly did metal go underground in the first place? For one thing, it was supposedly "murdered" by pop/hip-hop and rap, and exactly how is still a mystery. Metal honestly doesn't care at all about what the pop and rap worlds do; as long as they can maintain control and ownership of their part of the planet, that's really all that matters in the end. As a matter of fact, many metal bands and singers have stated their dislike of pop, even going so far as to saying that it insults them because of its talentless nature. Over the entire careers, these bands have poured their blood, sweat, tears, heart, and soul into their music - sometimes literally. For these reasons, they are critically loved the world over. Everyone else just slacks off and has other people do the work for them, and then selfishly act as if they did it themselves. This smokescreen just keeps getting thicker and thicker; the pop fans still cannot comprehend the lack of motivation and ability that their favorite "singers" have. The belief that these stars are several times more talented than any prodigious metal band is nothing short of false and downright absurd.
Possibly one of the most positive things about heavy metal is that every year, it attracts those wanting to break away from the mindless crowd and build their own individuality. This hearkens back to the outcast geniuses to some degree. Whatever category anyone falls into, if their desire to learn is strong, then accept them into the fold. Listen to music first, ask questions later. To introduce someone to metal, the best place to start is with the bands that practically gave birth to it: Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Led Zeppelin. These bands are absolutely essential for anyone with even the most basic interest. Whether it's the classic hard rock of Zeppelin, the tame mixed blues from Sabbath, the sing-and-dance tunes invented by the early Maiden, or wild headbanging/mosh-pitting with the members of Priest, anyone who knows metal undoubtedly knows them. Some would also consider the American Chuck Schuldiner, the "godfather" of death metal, to be a deity of sorts as well. These are the classics, the immortal gods, the ones who started metal. They will forever stand at the foremost of heavy metal history as the founders, progenitors, and the very first pioneers. From there, branch out to the ones who followed in their footsteps. If thrash metal seems more appealing, then get acquainted with the Big 4, of which Metallica is a member; the other three are Anthrax, Megadeth, and Slayer. Their faithful thrash companions Overkill, Testament, Exodus, Suicidal Tendencies and others should not be overlooked either (14 Essential Thrash Metal Albums You Need to Own). For power metal enthusiasts, consider Nightwish, Helloween, and DragonForce. Death metal acolytes can look into Schuldiner, the anti-religious Deicide and At the Gates, the technical Carcass, and the deeply personal Opeth. Heavy metal has many other personalities too numerous to discuss in one paper. To summarize, its greatness endures through the ages. Nothing can stop it, and nothing ever will stop it.
There are some drawbacks to converting someone to metal, the greatest being that the new initiates may lose a few friends. Those who were once thought of as "cool" will now be seen as "freaks of nature". What matters is not their opinion; what matters is the person's own. After all, this is America. Freedom of speech and opinion are granted by the Constitution. In spite of that, the other side of mankind is constantly trying to show that their perspective is the best. Listen to the "good" music, and fitting in will be a cinch. It all sounds so cliché, though, doesn't it? Unlike pop, metal is capable of unstoppable and unpredictable evolution. Whereas pop is senseless and all alike, metal is heavily complex and mysteriously limitless. Introducing it to someone is very risky business, and not always easy. It should not be forced down their throats or through their heads; if they don't want it, then don't make a problem out of the rejection. Respect the opinion rather than oppose it. Both will get along just fine minding their own business. A long-standing perspective is that metalheads usually don't tolerate other genres of music. On the contrary, some have presented a passionate love of the classical masterpieces of Mozart, while others enjoy punk like Bad Religion. A few consider metal to be a descendant of classic hard rock: AC/DC, the Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, etc. Even video game soundtracks fit in somewhere, a core influence for DragonForce. These are all important influences on the development of heavy metal, and even the best rock records were sturdy foundations for emerging metal acts to build upon.
Another argument questions whether heavy metal has any philosophical basis, or is just nothing more than hopeless disorganized noise. Modern metal personalities that appear to be legitimate have been the subject of much controversy since they were founded. Nu metal, metalcore, deathcore, even black metal are victims. One side believes that all are essential heavy metal standards. The exception of the so-called "fakes" of nu metal or otherwise has no place in this world. Sometimes, the reverse is also true. It all comes down to a matter of preference and opinion. But is there a real truth involved? Does any rationality or logic exist in metal? How do you separate the passion from the noise? There was once a time when metal was an outspoken, deep-thinking, in-your-face reality. Earth's deepest, darkest, and most secure secrets were ripped from their vaults of mystery and into the sunlight. In 2015 this rarely happens (at least not as often). Metal is now not so much a soulful cry for global revolution as it is a "popularity contest", more for the masses and less for the ambitious music (Is Heavy Metal Dead?). What is the driving force behind this? Is everything from the outside responsible? As a matter of fact, they are not. Friedrich Nietzsche's infamous quote about religion is a flawless analogy: "God is dead! God remains dead! And we killed him!...Must we ourselves not become Gods simply to appear worthy of it?" (God Is Dead) Without a doubt, metal has become a victim of itself, the philosophies are nearly dead and the world's low standards have taken over. The lack of genuine music is getting much harder and harder to find. The heavy metal world appears to have fallen into darkness, from a fan's perspective.
On the other side of the spectrum, there is the possibility of metal returning to its former glory. It is a daunting task. Can it be done? There is evidence to prove that 2015 already is and will be a hard-hitting and golden year. New releases have come from both well- and lesser known metal bands. The majority of these are studio albums, some extended plays (EPs), and a couple of live albums. Singles that foreshadow what is to come in the next month or two have been critically received and given modest to honorable airplay. One common move for a band before they release their newest album is to stream it in full on the Internet. This can happen between three to five days before the official release date. All of these events make up the undeniable fact that the phoenix is beginning to rise. In short, another life begins, to last another millennial age.
The question of the immortality of heavy metal music has long been argued. Perhaps an answer can't be found. What if the music itself is the answer? In heavy metal, the music comes before all else. That is the principle, the one that has stood unwavering since the dawn of time. We must nurture the supernatural firebird, feed its power and life, until it is finally ready to march across the land with authority and dominion. The myth of the phoenix is that it goes through one lifespan, bursts in flames upon death, and then is reborn from the ashes. So it is with metal music. Unpopular and mysterious as it is, there is constant celebration the world over. New fans are attracted to the music's rebellious nature and its unconventional form. Legendary bands once thought to have slacked off are now returning to the studio and working on new material, to be released either in this year or the next. The flame is being fanned, its light shining blindingly in the darkness. Now the revolution begins, and the more that lend themselves to the cause, the more successful it will be. With the sign of the horns raised to the sky, their voices shall cry out as one in the silence: "Heavy metal lives!"
Works Cited
Popoff, Martin. "14 Essential Thrash Metal Albums You Need to Own." Revolver Magazine. N.p., 29 Aug. 2014. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
"God Is Dead - Friedrich Nietzsche." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
Fleming, Nic. "Heavy Metal 'a Comfort for the Bright Child'" The Daily Telegraph. N.p., 21 Mar. 2007. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
"How to Fight Pop With Metal." WikiHow. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
Newenglandsun. "Is Heavy Metal Dead?" The True Metal Blog. N.p., 06 Jan. 2014. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
Barnes, Tom. "These Scientific Studies Reveal Why Metalheads Are the Best Music Fans of All Time." Mic. N.p., 22 June 2015. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
Frost, Black. "Top 10 Myths About Metal - Listverse." Listverse. N.p., 08 July 2011. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Like the Phoenix: Heavy Metal's Inevitable Rebirth
Reflection
Weaknesses
I know that my writing has had many flaws since this class started, but I have been trying my best to improve and make things better. It is a constant struggle, utilizing critical and logical thinking. However, that doesn't mean it is impossible.
My first and most pressing problem involved writing pronouns, trying to make them agree with their antecedents. That was never easy, as I usually didn't understand exactly what antecedents were and in what ways they were related to pronouns. As time passed in the class, this problem was carefully fixed, and is now not so much a problem as it was before. With my research paper, I am taking care not to use pronouns too frequently. Although difficult, I find ways to exploit the loopholes, then use them to my advantage to make the writing appear more professional. Unfortunately, where one problem was solved, another almost instantly arose to take its place, creating more unwanted stress.
The second issue was one concerning sentence conjuctions. To connect or not to connect, that is the question! A conjunction used to begin a sentence is definitely not allowed in professional writing. Fixing this was serious. I did some research and learned to writing with conjunctions was not something easily avoided. So to improve, I eliminated nearly every sentence that began with these things and worked to make them better, more logical, and easier on the eyes and brain. This got easier as it went along. However, it's only a matter of time before it pops up again; like a bad habit or an irritating parasite, this problem feeds upon the great qualities of my writing and turns it into something negative. Practice and constant effort can keep it at bay, working like a bug repellent or healthy dieting.
The last (and probably the most serious, though some would beg to differ) refers to sentence structure and diversity. The format of short-long-short-long doesn't always work and is considered something to be ignored. Although it does all come down to the preference of the writer, it still has its own rigid rules that must be followed. Sometimes the form can be altered, reversed, but not always. It's a very risky process. My way of solving the puzzle is this: focus on what needs to be said, and eliminate excessive detail if necessary. Read it through multiple times. Does it sound grammatically correct? Is it reasonable? If someone were to read it (say, an English teacher), would it make sense to them? With this diversity, I can drive my point home faster.
These are problems that I run into all the time; and not just in school writing, but in my own personal work as well. In order for any piece of writing to work, there must be fluidity, control, discipline, and rationality. Failure is expected, writer's block can creep up from out of nowhere. Still, that said, if I don't make the effort, then what's the point of trying?
