Why is heavy metal "unpopular" now in the U.S.?

Question

I ask someone if they've heard of Metallica and, sure, who hasn't. However, if I ask someone about Pantera or Slayer, both very prominent metal bands (yes I know Pantera isn't a band anymore) and they usually have no clue as to what I'm talking about. I fully understand why stuff like Cannibal Corpse (badass btw) is unpopular, but heavy metal still has a lot of talent that is largely unheard. And please don't try and convince me that Linkin Park is heavy metal and I don't want to hear about Slipknuts either.

I ask someone if they've heard of Metallica and, sure, who hasn't. However, if I ask someone about Pantera or Slayer, both very prominent metal bands (yes I know Pantera isn't a band anymore) and they usually have no clue as to what I'm talking about. I fully understand why stuff like Cannibal Corpse (badass btw) is unpopular, but heavy metal still has a lot of talent that is largely unheard. And please don't try and convince me that Linkin Park is heavy metal and I don't want to hear about Slipknuts either. And also I fully realize that stuff like Michael Jackson has always been more popular, I'm just wondering why the average person doesn't know squat or even listen to metal. Perhaps the media? Rollingstone magazine largely ignore metal bands you know... and yes, I do realize there are metal mags out there as well. And to the guy with the Lamb of God figure, I am fully aware of their success, but how many metal bands do you see on that list at any one time?

I ask someone if they've heard of Metallica and, sure, who hasn't. However, if I ask someone about Pantera or Slayer, both very prominent metal bands (yes I know Pantera isn't a band anymore) and they usually have no clue as to what I'm talking about. I fully understand why stuff like Cannibal Corpse (badass btw) is unpopular, but heavy metal still has a lot of talent that is largely unheard. And please don't try and convince me that Linkin Park is heavy metal and I don't want to hear about Slipknuts either. And also I fully realize that stuff like Michael Jackson has always been more popular, I'm just wondering why the average person doesn't know squat or even listen to metal. Perhaps the media? Rollingstone magazine largely ignore metal bands you know... and yes, I do realize there are metal mags out there as well. Oh, and please don't refer me to any bands as that is irrelevent to my question, and I probably know more about metal than you anyway.

Answer 1

I don't know how old you are, but I'm 34 and have been into heavy metal since I was 12. Heavy metal has been unpopular since then, at least. Think about the PRMC (the group responsible for the 'Explicit Content' labels on music), led by Al Gore's wife, Tipper Gore. They actually had hearings about heavy metal music, with the lead singer from Twisted Sister, Dee Snider, "representing".

Answer 2

Ok, There is a valid reason to why Metal isn't popular now. But before you read this let me first tell you that within the next 10 or 20 years. It's going to grow much larger. The reason metal isn't popular now is because politicians and so called "higher people in society" fear it. The culture of metal is veiwed as a public enemy to people who don't think getting drunk and high and violant is fun. However, if you ask any true metalhead they'll tell you that its not about the partying its about the music. And since most people who love metal think, **** the people who don't like us, they're loss, no adaptations have been made to appease society. But, since modern pop and rock artists are failing to show any spirit in their music and its starting to suck. More and more metal tours are being born and are succeeding. There are many revolutionary bands out there making metal even more satisfying then it was when it was unleashed in the early 80s. Lamb of God, Children of Bodom, Arch Enemy, Trivium. All these bands are bringing new style and feel to our music. I give it 10 years before it takes over the popular vote. Look at Europe. I got free food in a bakery in Greece for wearing a Master of Puppets shirt. Metal thrives in Europe. It will spread here. Just wait, soon metal will rule the country. As of now the U.S. is too pussy to deal with it but in good time..it'll start to spread. So to answer your question, Metal is unpopular because of the fear it inspres, but it will soon grow. As a fellow lover of metal I can't wait. Hopefully neither can you.

Answer 3

By who's standards is heavy metal unpopular? Are you making a broad generalization based on 15 year olds who think AFI is metal? It still has a following, albeit not as hyped as the new Avril Lavigne crap. Lamb of God's "Sacrament" debuted at #8 on Billboard 200 charts.
There are still a lot of metal fans, supporting the music. With more metal bands getting onto soundtracks (Mastodon on the Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie soundtrack) hopefully we'll see more acts in the mainstream. Keep on rocking out.

New Wave tried to destroy the metal..they failed!

Answer 4

Metal is unpopular because most people have the wrong ideas about it.
I know alot of kids i go to school with think I'm a freak when i pull up to school with The Devil Wears Prada on in my car.

The truth of the matter is, most people don't even take 5 seconds to listen to metal before the dismiss it as crappy and satanistic when really, metal musicians are alot more talented than most of the artists those people are listening to.

Answer 5

Metal was never really "popular". Sure it has a huge following, which I'm apart of, but it'll always be unpopular to most. What's wrong with Slipknot? I suppose you use metal in a strict sense of the word. They got a DJ so they can't be metal. Right? I used to be that way, but then I grew up. There are still a lot of people who enjoy metal including Nu-Metal and AltMetal. I guess it's your job to show the nonbelievers. \m/

Answer 6

I am 22 and i have been into metal for only a few years...The reason is why metal isn't popular are because of record labels and MTV...The only bands in the scene that are popular are ones that are on major labels, which is only a handful...Slipknot, Lamb of God sell well cause they have major distribution...slipknot got smart and released stuff that was radio friendly, which helped them branch out their popularity...I like bands like poison the well, bleeding through, and it dies today, now why some of you old schoolers may think those bands suck whatever, but these bands are not being exposed like they should, back in the 80's, MTV played mostly metal, bands like metallica, twisted sister etc..once hip-hop became mainstream, record labels shun metal as a whole..i seriously hate rap, and we need to see more metal bands get the exposure they deserve

Answer 7

Chuck Schuldiner Jeff Loomis Yngwie Malmsteen Alex Skolnick Trey Azagthoth

Answer 8

METAL WILL NEVER DIE!!!(Ask Tenacious D) It's basically because the record companies dictate what is popular.And they're dumping truckloads of money into these bubble-gum acts that appeal to younger people.Most of whom aren't gonna last more than a couple albums. Bands like W.A.S.P.,Motorhead,Megadeth and Iron Maiden are still kickin' butt 20 years later. I'll bet Slipnuts and Stinkin' Park woun't be around for 20 years!!

Answer 9

i don't see why bands like lamb of god are popular and really good thrash metal like kreator and sodom (if you like Slayer you'd probably like them btw) who both have been out since the early eighties don't get the recognition they deserve. Municipal Waste is one of the best bands to come out in recent years. Thrash metal is where it's at. if you ever get the cahnce checkout this documentary "Metal: A Headbanger's Journey" it's awesome go google it or something.

Answer 10

Metal is best when it is underground anyway. Metallica used to be all hard core and about the fans now they are about the money and their music has suffered for it. Fear not, let the masses have their Justin and Linkin Park. Pantera and Slayer will forever be Gods of Metal!