“Proper Metal” is:
A category of Heavy Metal music for bands who have taken inspiration from The Metal Gods such as Judas Priest, Saxon, Iron Maiden, and Accept.
The Proper Metal sound is personified by screaming guitars with face melting solos, thunderous drums and pounding basslines.
Proper metal lyrics often deal with dark or serious subjects, like war, rebellion, and the occult. They can also be fantastical or explore mythology and history.
The Proper Metal look comprises the following:
Leather (black or white)
Other proper metal band T shirts
Studs & bullet belts
Long hair (where possible)
Flying V guitars
Very large drum kits
Proper Metallers NEVER:
Mime on stage
Pretend to play
Use backing tracks
*Play stadiums
*unless invited by The Metal Gods
Proper Metal is nothing to do with grunge
The absolute purest form of Heavy Metal music.
For relatively new bands who have taken inspiration from The Metal Gods.
The Proper Metal sound is personified by screaming guitars with face melting solos, thunderous drums and pounding basslines.
Proper Metal singing styles can vary, but they usually share a powerful and energetic quality. This could be anything from Ozzy Osbourne's signature growl to Rob Halford's soaring high notes. Proper metal lyrics often deal with dark or serious subjects, like war, rebellion, and the occult. They can also be fantastical or explore mythology and history.
To be classified as Proper Metal the dress code is critical and comprises the following:
Leather (black or white)
Other proper metal band T shirts
Studs & bullet belts
Bare chests are encouraged
Long hair (when possible)
A single member sporting a strong moustache is not uncommon.
Denim (if worn) must be torn or aged
*Bright blue spandex is also perfectly acceptable.
*dryrobes and anything frilly pink in colour is absolutely not acceptable.
Proper Metal equipment is mainly electric:
Flying V guitars or similar
Firebird basses or similar
Way too many amps
Absolutely MASSIVE drum kit
* A mic stand that can be thrown about easily
* under no circumstances should the mic stand be so big that you can either mount it or hide behind it. That is NOT proper Metal!
That is not proper metal and I don’t like it.
The opposite to proper metal is the sophisticated “clever Metal” and the two should not be confused.