h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: variations of the underground metal scene - A1038449
Author: The Infinite God Emperor and Untimely Messiah of the republic of Nog - U226095

this is for the musicians guild.

Hi, Infi!

I'm commenting from a position of complete and utter ignorance about the metal scene. However, reading your entry, I think it gives a very good feel (to an outsider) for all the different genres you describe. They all sound rather nightmarish to me, but I think I can pick up on some of the distinctions after reading this. So well done!

There are a couple of small typos etc. but they should be easy to fix. It would definitely fill a gap in the Edited Guide.

Now you need someone who actually listens to the stuff to give their thumbs-up as well

Azara

thanx for the comment, yes they are quite nightmarish i suppose, that might be their intention. I only personallay care about the music in itself, as a guitar player, and just ignore whatever the singer is going on about. I wrote it somewhat quickly so there is bound to be a few mistakes here and there.

Ahem!

Are there any other reviewers out there who can usefully comment? This entry seems to have been written to fill a specific gap in the Edited Guide, so it would be nice to get some more comments...


Azara

I don't know much about this either! But I also found it to be a sucinct yet very clear descritption, which was helpful to the layman. I did wonder why in the speed metal section (?) you said something like "there isn't much to say about it" as I felt that you had already rather nailed the genre. I also wondered about 'underground'. I'm not sure, but this selection doesn't cover all metal groups, then? And if not, why are these groups, 'underground'?

well, as far as your first question goes, i can honestly say I don't really have an answer for you. AS for your second question, the reason i did not cover absolutey every type of metal is simply that there are far too many to cover. Why are they underground? I see them as underground because never, at least not in the near future, will you see them on billboard's top 200. Besides, I don't think mainstream music fans will be very receptive to a band in corpse paint(white, black, ghoulish looking) and singing about how great a guy satan is(of course not all of metal does, but i thought it got the point across). I hope this answers your questions, if not, just ask me again

wait, yes i do have an answer. The reason i said that there wasnt much more to say was simply that i didnt go into much detail. At least im pretty sure thats why. LIstening to too much metal at too high a volume can have some ill effects on your mind.

Nice entry.Even though I work in a used cd store, metal is one area of music I know very little about. I'm curious to know why so many death metal bands are Scandinavian. Does their mythology have an influence on it?

Ah I see: Might I suggest a small word change along those lines? Otherwise it does rather seem as though that particular genre is getting a bit of a brushoff for no apparent reason

And yes, indeedy, I do follow your logic as to your resaonings for the underground labal Is it a commonly afixed one?

I think it may just be the water their.

I think metal is labeled as underground for the most part. There are of course some types that are not, but the ones i have listed are for sure.

In that case, remind me not to drink the water when I go to visit my friends in Tromso

It might be a good idea to include a brief mention at the beginning of metal that's *not* underground, perhaps including the names of a few 'mainstream' metal bands to help out.

Hiya,

I really like your descriptions - you are quite precise about the differences between the genres, and resist using music journo phrases that mean nothing. A real refreshing change!

I have a couple of comments about structure and general subject matter - see what you think.

Your first paragraph: I have absolutely no problem with the sentiments expressed, but they seem a bit out of place in this entry because a) you could probably say the same for any genre of music, and b) your entry isn't about the metal way of life, it is very specifically about the genres.

I think it would be more helpful if you used this paragraph to explain what you mean by 'underground' metal, and what criteria you have used to decide what is 'underground'.

For example, regarding the six genres, is this your particular division of genres? Why do they stand out above the rest? (I'm not saying they don't, I'm just curious). Why, for example, do you not include genres such as Stoner Rock, or Punk or Gothic or Industrial or Power?

I completely agree that you shouldn't talk about *every* genre, but you should be able to say why you chose one above another. Mentioning a lot of obscure Scandanavian bands doesn't get away from the fact that there are more popular bands who fall under the categories you have described (in fact you mention Metallica and Slayer yourself).

Might also be worth mentioning that many bands/artists don't just stick to one style but may experiment with several genres (Devin Townsend, for example - with Strapping Young Lad and other projects).

As Gosho suggests, perhaps saying what definitely *isn't* underground is a good starting point!

Also, maybe there should be a quick word about where it all started - Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Anthrax etc

Tiny point about Gothenburg - it's a city, not a town.

Overall, though, a really nicely-written and succint entry.


Gubernatrix

p.s. You probably need to add some explanations for things like 'string muting', 'blastbeating drums' and 'raw production'.

Let me start off with saying that i agree with you that my first paragraph should be changed. I rewrote it from the first draft rather quickly in order to make the article eligible for peer review, not that that is a very valid excuse, but its mine and I'm sticking by it. A major reason i chose not to decribe every type, and just these six, is because i personally felt that these were the most important as far as "underground" metal goes. Also, I don't see stoner rock, punk or industrial as metal, others may, but not me personally. If I were to do an article on underground music in general, than i would definitely include those, among several others. If I may add, the scandinavian bands i listed are in fact popular among those that listen to that particular type of music. I must applaud you on the reference to Devin Townsend, I quite enjoy all of his diverse projects. I dont think that it matters whether i say city or town, unless you happen to be from there.

i gave it a rewrits, see if you like the changes i made and whether or not more is needed.

Looks fine.

I know what you mean by 'Cookie Monster vocals', but some others may not, either because they don't know who Cookie Monster is, or they've never heard any Thrash, in which case they may be imagining it sung like 'C is for Cookie, it's good enough for me. Oh, cookie, cookie, cookie starts with C'

Perhaps you could put in a footnote to the effect that 'Cookie Monster vocals' means that the vocalist uses the same kind of voice as CM, but in a much more strained and incoherent way.

ill do that. Strained and Incoherent, i like that.

If you say these genres "stand out above the rest" it sounds like you think they are better (or at least that you are going to talk about how they are better). Perhaps: "stand out from the rest"? Other than that, I think the intro is a lot more helpful now There are a few typos in there, though. Maybe you'd like to give it a bit of a proof read?

that does sound better. And it saves me having to rewrite it again.