It's all about me, me, me! Part 2

Here I am - back and ready for more! I'll continue where I finished last time, shall I?

So, where was I...? Ah yes, my introduction to the metal culture! As soon as I entered the arena at Download I could tell that things were different here with these people. There was a special bond that I hadn't really seen before, due to the lack of Metal exposure in my younger years. There was unity, togetherness, acceptance. It was obvious that it didn't really matter how heavy you like your music, how you dressed or what colour your hair was, everyone was there for the same reason; to take part in something that they have a passion for, to show their dedication and love for a genre of music and lifestyle that is quite unlike any other.

I have to admit that it really didn't take long for me to want to become more of a part of this culture. It intrigued me, and I had to have some more! Each time we go I find myself becoming more involved. Every year since 2011 we've returned to Donington Park, eagerly awaiting the line up announcements as they are drip fed from the Download team at Live Nation in the months beforehand.

The culture that I have become a part of has taught me a lot. I was brought up to be polite, respectful and non-confrontational, and those are qualities that I would never want to lose on the most part. However, one of the most important things I feel that I have learnt from Metal is the confidence to stand up for myself and my beliefs, and sometimes that means being a little less polite and a lot more confrontational! From the way I compose myself in different situations to the way I dress, Metal has inspired change in a number of different ways, and these changes weren't because I felt like I had to, they were because I realised that I could express myself in whatever way I wanted to and be the person that I want to be, not the person that others want me to be.

So that's it, a brief story of how I got to where I am today. As for the future, who knows? I just hope I can keep learning and continue to be part of this diverse culture that we are all involved in.

Keep those horns up \m/

It's all about me, me, me! Part 1

Well here it is, finally, another post! It's been far too long since I last wrote, but at last I have found the time to sit down and do it.

This time I want to get a bit more personal. I'll be talking about my own personal journey into Metal: How it began, how it has evolved, and where I would like it to take me.

Having very little exposure to Metal during my childhood, it wasn't always a prominent force in my life. My parents had an interest in music, but it was the likes of Madonna and Frank Sinatra that echoed through the household. Heavier music, like rock and metal were often labelled as "aggressive", "loud" and "offensive".

As I had no real interest in the music that was played, I went for many years without even giving it a second thought. But then in my early teenage years, with some help from my brother, I discovered Guns N' Roses. This changed everything!

Following this revelation, I realised that I had found something that I really enjoyed. More discoveries like Metallica, Linkin Park, Disturbed and System Of A Down only helped to increase my interest in the heavier, "darker" side of music.

However, for some reason that is unknown to me, my enthusiasm suddenly disappeared and I found myself without music again for a few years. When I finally found an interest in it again, the music coming out of my speakers was not of the same caliber. While it was still rock, it was softer and much easier listening. Bands like Muse, who to this day I still enjoy listening to, but for completely different reasons.

It wasn't until I met my girlfriend that the fire was re-lit for something a bit more hard hitting. The first band that she introduced me to was Avenged Sevenfold and it didn't take long for me to become completely overwhelmed with a passion that I hadn't experienced before. This is where my journey really picks up some pace. At this point I had no idea just how much of an impact Metal would have on my life.

In  2011, my girlfriend and I decided to buy Download Festival tickets after seeing a line up consisting of bands that first got us both interested in the music - System Of A Down, Linkin Park, Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed and Korn, just to name a few. The time that we spent at Download was some of the most memorable that we have spent together, and it introduced us both to a whole new, larger and even more exciting element of Metal - the culture.

But I'll explain about that, and more, in my next post. After all, I can't give away all of my secrets at once!

Keep those horns up \m/