This is a guest post by ex-Warbringer guitarist Adam Carroll.
Adam contacted us immediately after seeing various reactions to yesterday’s death of Suicide Silence frontman Mitch Lucker. Similarly, we noticed a fair share of well wishes prefaced with “I wasn’t a fan of Suicide Silence, but…” and felt Adam made a pointed observation about how, even in times of tragedy, metalheads will still make sure to let people know that they don’t like deathcore.
Lately, I’ve noticed that people in ‘the scene’ have been acting more disrespectful and just plain stupid.
I’m all for drinking beers and voicing your opinion — but with the very sad passing of Mitch Lucker yesterday, a lot of metalheads are talking shit about him and his band Suicide Silence.
When I was growing up, I was taught manners and respect. And the way people are downright ragging on a guy after his passing simply because of the music he made is extremely disappointing. I respect all the Suicide guys, and my love goes to their families and friends.
Some of the smartest and most compassionate people I ever encountered growing up were metalheads. The scene is based in a brotherhood; even if a particular band is not “your scene,” they should be respected — especially a band as diligent and deservingly successful as Suicide.
But there seems to be a lot of confusion with the younger generation. The “scene” seems to be more of a superficial beauty pageant now rather than people hanging out, checking out music, and sharing stories. I realize the poser-smashing days of the 80’s were a thrashing good time, but it’s now 20-fucking-12! Ironically, most of the kids who are “anti-poser” now come off themselves as desperately trying to appear cool.
I’ve been criticized for cutting my hair and liking non-metal music. I don’t dress like I’m seeing Exodus in 1985 and, yes, I like other kinds of music too! Nowadays, all I hear is “This guy is lame because he listens to XYZ” or “Beatles shirt? Fucking hipster!” The metal scene is becoming a bunch of bewildered kids who lash out at anything they don’t understand, rather than try to expend some brainpower to figure it out.
Not wanting to make this too long of a rant, I’ll leave it at this: We’re all people. Trying to live together in peace may sound corny coming from a metalhead, but hatred and prejudice only fuel the fire of stupidity.
So, grow up!
If we don’t take the higher road, we will be doomed to watch our lives (and ourselves) be defined only by what we hate.