Metalheads, let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked: the sheer musicianship underpinning the seemingly chaotic noise of extreme metal. We’re not just talking about guys with long hair wailing on guitars; we’re talking about dedicated instrumentalists who’ve honed their craft to a razor’s edge. I know, I know… for some, anything beyond AC/DC is just a wall of sound. But trust me on this one, there’s a world of complexity and skill waiting to be discovered, right alongside the sheer sonic brutality.
The Art of the Extreme: Skill Beyond Speed
It’s easy to dismiss a band like Cannibal Corpse or Meshuggah as just a blur of noise. But if you take a step back and listen critically, you’ll hear that the speed and intensity are built on a foundation of incredible technical ability. These musicians aren’t just flailing; they’re playing incredibly difficult riffs, often at breakneck tempos. You’ve got complex time signatures, unorthodox tunings, and a mastery of their instruments that would make classical musicians envious. The key is understanding how they’re doing it.
Take, for instance, the guitar work. Many extreme metal guitarists utilize techniques like sweep picking, alternate picking at blistering speeds, and complex tapping sequences. These aren’t party tricks; they’re essential tools for creating the textures and sonic landscapes that define the genre. And it’s not just the guitarists. The drummers are often just as impressive, if not more so. They’re playing intricate patterns, navigating complex fills, and maintaining relentless tempos, all while keeping the groove. It’s truly a feat of endurance and coordination. Even the vocals, often dismissed as unintelligible growls or shrieks, require incredible breath control and vocal strength. The vocalists are not just screaming, they’re using very specific and difficult techniques, and for hours on end, night after night, as the bands tour relentlessly. It’s a craft that requires serious dedication. If you want to dive deeper into the technical aspects of extreme metal, check out this great resource that gives a good overview of the history of the instruments involved: MusicRadar
Compositional Complexity: Beyond the Breakdown
The musicianship extends beyond individual skill; it encompasses composition. Extreme metal bands often write incredibly complex songs. They don’t stick to your typical verse-chorus-verse structure. Instead, they embrace intricate arrangements, shifts in tempo and dynamics, and the incorporation of unconventional musical elements. Think of bands like Gojira, who weave progressive elements into their music, or Death, with their use of jazz and classical influences. They’re not just banging out simple riffs; they’re crafting sonic tapestries. They are artists.
Take the use of counterpoint, for example. In many extreme metal songs, you’ll hear multiple instrumental lines intertwining, creating a rich and layered texture. This is a technique more commonly associated with classical music, but it’s used effectively by many metal bands to add depth and complexity to their compositions. The use of dissonance, another hallmark of the genre, can be unsettling, but it’s also a powerful tool for creating tension and emotional impact. It’s like the equivalent of a sharp spike in a stock chart. The unexpected is sometimes the best. They are experts in their craft.
The Myth of Simplicity: Debunking the Critics
One of the biggest misconceptions about extreme metal is that it’s all just noise and lacks musicality. This simply isn’t true. While the genre can be aggressive and abrasive, it’s also incredibly nuanced. The musicianship, compositional complexity, and instrumental techniques are proof of the skill and dedication that goes into creating this music. This is reflected in the fact that many of these musicians are trained at a high level. One excellent source which delves into the formal and informal training in extreme metal comes from the Journal of Popular Music Studies
It’s important to remember that these musicians aren’t just shredding in their bedrooms. They’re performing live, often in front of thousands of people, and their skill is on full display. Watching these bands perform live is a testament to their dedication, training, and talent. You’re not going to stay on stage unless you are the best. They are the best.
The Future of Brutality: Where Do We Go From Here?
So, where does extreme metal go from here? The genre is constantly evolving, with new bands pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We’re seeing more experimentation with different styles, and we are seeing bands that blend it with other styles. With bands like Deafheaven combining it with shoegaze and others blending it with jazz, it’s going to be a wild ride.
The one thing that’s certain is that the musicianship and dedication of these artists will continue to impress, shock, and surprise us. We can be sure that the genre is only going to improve. If you take the time to really listen, you might just find that you’re hearing something far more complex and beautiful than you ever imagined. And, hey, if you’re like me, maybe you’ll eventually learn to play some of it. Just imagine the look on the wife’s face when I try to bust out a death metal riff! Maybe I should start with something simple. I’m thinking the first thing I need is a new mug to drink my black coffee from… you know, something to channel the inner chaos, something like… the cool mug design? Yeah, that’s the ticket!
