So you, like, listen to Slipknot and Disturbed????

First off, I'm not going to use this blog entry to bash your musical tastes. If you happen to actually like those bands, all power to you. Besides, not everyone was born listening to awesomely good underground metal; you had to have progressed there.

Now then...

Metal is not really a topic of conversation either on my job or outside of the circle of friends I have that actually listen to it. Though I will under no circumstances try to cover up what I actually listen to, as metal is a huge part of my life and has been for years (ask anyone into the scene, they'll probably say the same thing).

The thing with being into such an underground form of music is that you have a few bands that everyone has heard of that they instantly lump you into the category of listening to. Mention that you listen to metal and the first question you usually get is "Oh, like [insert popular band here] ?" The top 3 are always Disturbed, Slipknot, or Metallica. Once in a while you will get someone older mention either Motley Crue or Guns and Roses. Same difference.

There was a popular culture perception of the metalhead in the late 80s (just watch any popular movie for that stereotype). There is one now, though the weird "OMG you listen to metal?" looks you get slow down in frequency quite a bit as you get older.

There are 3 good ways to respond to this.

Co-Worker: "So what music do you listen to?"
You: "Mostly metal."
Co-worker: "So you like music like Disturbed and Slipknot?"


- Response #1: "Fuck No!!"
PROS: Straight to the point. Very clear way of showing your position on bands like that.
CONS: You may be the "weird" person at the office or wherever. Plus, cursing at co-workers to make a statement against false metal may win you metal points and a beer at a Manowar show, but it's the fast track for getting fired or demoted.

Response #2: "Yea, bands like that"
PROS: Avoids argument. Shifts the conversation to something else. May be the approachable guy/girl in the office.
CONS:: You're a filthy liar. Poser. Leave the Hall now!!!!

Response #3: "Not really those bands. I'm more into the less popular stuff, more obscure bands."
PROS: You just continued the conversation further.
CONS: You just continued the conversation further.

Response #3 usually works for me. People look at me weird still, but at least they know my thought process and there's a good chance I'm not all that crazy, and I probably won't shoot up the place depending on how well adjusted I am.

With that said, this concludes this PSA on how to talk to your co-workers about metal. As usual, if you encounter a crazed, religious-filled response to any of this, just smile, say "See you in Hell, my friend!" and continue on with your day.