Remember those kids in middle school that you thought were “strange” for wearing mostly all black and the high top converse with Hot Topic shirts? Yep, that was me. Did I love metal music then? Absolutely. Do I love it now? OH MY GOD, YES.

I may not wear my “scene kid” look anymore, but metal music holds a near and dear place in my heart. I don't come across as a lover of metal, but oh boy, I SO am. Even in a small town in Alabama, we had a pretty big metal music community. There was a local venue, which unfortunately was shut down later on, that some friends and I went to see local artists perform their music. There were nights dedicated to poetry and theatre, but the main form of entertainment where the metal shows.

I always found the shows to be super fun and inclusive. I didn't feel out of place or looked at funny just because I supported a genre of music that wasn’t as popular to some people I knew. A lot of people I went to high school with were into pop, rap and especially country music.

Metal was nowhere on their radar; It was definitely on mine! Unfortunately, when you’re the odd one out, you receive all the hate. Too bad, guys, you’re negativity didn’t change my love for this type of music and scene. Ha!

There is something about the guitar riffs, drum pedaling and, of course, the screaming that makes me smile. I love banging my head along with the drops and being in my own little rockstar world. I also find it interesting that it soothes me, and I could listen to it as “falling asleep” music. Calm piano melodies? Nah, throw on some Memphis May Fire and I’ll be asleep in no time.

If you ever get the chance to go to a metal show, I highly suggest it. I know it’s not for everyone and I want to discourage the thought that it is “satanic music.” Yes, there are some bands out there that can take it to an extreme, but overall it’s just a really fun and energizing genre I like to listen to at least once a day.

Metal music is a great stress reliever, an admirable talent (have you heard those amazing guitar solos?!) and just a fun time. It’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely for me.