How well can you define metal bands / distinguish subgenres ?

Avatar image for ahmadmetallic
AhmadMetallic

19300

Forum Posts

-1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 11

#1  Edited By AhmadMetallic

I've been a metalhead since i got introduced to metal back in 2004-2005, and til this day, i cant get subgenres quite straight. I mean i get the general idea and i can usually distinguish the sound and vocals, and define bands correctly, but still, its confusing. 
 
For example, i decided to get my Death/Doom/Prog/Gothic on by devoting my weekend to listening to Amorphis, Anathema, Paradise Lost and Dark Tranquility's albums.
So i started listening to Amorphis from their first album on, and while reading the lyrics (of the first album "The Karelian Isthmus") i noticed that while it was about epic battles, religion, god leading the army and other things of that sort, it had no mention of Death, Dying or Dead people whatsoever.  Yet its considered a Death Metal album. 
 
Is there something im missing? how can it be Death?  shouldnt it be Folk (its not Viking since it revolves around an older era), or even Black because of the religious theme ?
 
 
So my point is, i feel like i'll never fully get the graps of the sub-genres definitions, or that they're actually mixed and confusing. 
 What say you, metalheads of giantbomb ? 

Avatar image for catarrhal
Catarrhal

877

Forum Posts

948

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#2  Edited By Catarrhal

Well, son… genre categorization is not necessarily contingent upon lyrical subject matter. That's your first mistake.

Avatar image for ahmadmetallic
AhmadMetallic

19300

Forum Posts

-1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 11

#3  Edited By AhmadMetallic
@Catarrhal said:
" Well, son… genre categorization is not necessarily contingent upon lyrical subject matter. That's your first mistake. "
You're right, dad. 
I do think that the growls and toned down guitars were very death-ish, but i thought the lyrics played a bigger part
Avatar image for mattyftm
MattyFTM

14914

Forum Posts

67415

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 4

User Lists: 11

#4  Edited By MattyFTM  Moderator

Just forget about subgenres of music and crap like that. All you should care about are two genres: Songs you like, and Songs you don't like. I couldn't care less about defining genre's and crap like that. Either I like a song, or I don't, it's that simple. What category of metal it falls into is meaningless.

Avatar image for ahmadmetallic
AhmadMetallic

19300

Forum Posts

-1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 11

#5  Edited By AhmadMetallic
@MattyFTM said:
" Just forget about subgenres of music and crap like that. All you should care about are two genres: Songs you like, and Songs you don't like. I couldn't care less about defining genre's and crap like that. Either I like a song, or I don't, it's that simple. What category of metal it falls into is meaningless. "
It's meaningless to you because you dont seem to have enough interest in metal (if at all) as much as most metalheads do. 
I respect your "like / dislike" policy, and u should respect how essential genre definition is to hardcore fans :) 
 
It's like a hobby to listen to a record and try to capture the sound and notice the elements and then define it, which can be followed by comparing it to other albums, or bands.
Avatar image for whisperkill
Whisperkill

3044

Forum Posts

293

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 11

#6  Edited By Whisperkill

Not well. I can define Metalcore. That's about it. What's the difference between black metal and death metal anyway.

Avatar image for ahmadmetallic
AhmadMetallic

19300

Forum Posts

-1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 11

#7  Edited By AhmadMetallic
@Whisperkill said:

" Not well. I can define Metalcore. That's about it. What's the difference between black metal and death metal anyway. "

As a wikipedia page can quickly tell you, Black Metal is the evil metal based on witchcraft and magic and anti-Christianity, noted for it's high-pitched (crazy) singing, and extreme and sharp guitar play. 
while Death Metal is the opposite: it has deep growls and very thick guitar riffs, usually death-themed. 
Avatar image for alwaysangry
AlwaysAngry

3004

Forum Posts

3489

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 1

#8  Edited By AlwaysAngry

I,  AlwaysAngry, declare all genres from now on be called "ass-pop-explosion" is you don't like them, and "good music" if you do like them. 
 
 
Problem solved. You can thank me now.

Avatar image for whisperkill
Whisperkill

3044

Forum Posts

293

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 11

#9  Edited By Whisperkill
@Ahmad_Metallic said:
" @Whisperkill said:
" Not well. I can define Metalcore. That's about it. What's the difference between black metal and death metal anyway. "
As a wikipedia page can quickly tell you, Black Metal is the evil metal based on witchcraft and magic and anti-Christianity, noted for it's high-pitched (crazy) singing, and extreme and sharp guitar play. while Black Metal is the opposite: it has deep growls and very thick guitar riffs, usually death-themed.  "
Well alrighty then
Avatar image for ahmadmetallic
AhmadMetallic

19300

Forum Posts

-1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 11

#10  Edited By AhmadMetallic
@AlwaysAngry said:
" I,  AlwaysAngry, declare all genres from now on be called "ass-pop-explosion" is you don't like them, and "good music" if you do like them.   Problem solved. You can thank me now. "
Actually, there was no problem for you to solve, and you just shat on a very deep matter and turned it into a shallow black-or-white equation 
fuck you! 
 
 
 
 
 
no just kidding buddy :)
Avatar image for alwaysangry
AlwaysAngry

3004

Forum Posts

3489

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 1

#11  Edited By AlwaysAngry
@Ahmad_Metallic said:
" @Whisperkill said:
" Not well. I can define Metalcore. That's about it. What's the difference between black metal and death metal anyway. "
As a wikipedia page can quickly tell you, Black Metal is the evil metal based on witchcraft and magic and anti-Christianity, noted for it's high-pitched (crazy) singing, and extreme and sharp guitar play. while Black Metal is the opposite: it has deep growls and very thick guitar riffs, usually death-themed.  "
I believe you meant to write "Death" there.  
 
@Ahmad_Metallic said:
" @MattyFTM said:
" Just forget about subgenres of music and crap like that. All you should care about are two genres: Songs you like, and Songs you don't like. I couldn't care less about defining genre's and crap like that. Either I like a song, or I don't, it's that simple. What category of metal it falls into is meaningless. "
It's meaningless to you because you dont seem to have enough interest in metal (if at all) as much as most metalheads do. I respect your "like / dislike" policy, and u should respect how essential genre definition is to hardcore fans :)  It's like a hobby to listen to a record and try to capture the sound and notice the elements and then define it, which can be followed by comparing it to other albums, or bands. "
Sorry, but no. If you ever would shun a band because of genre, you're not a real metal fan. It's like those kids that are all:  
 
"Whoa d00d! This music PWNZ! What's the genre?" 
 
"Anus-pop-explosion v2.0" 
 
"Oh, then I don't like this song anymore." 
 
And if you're not like that and genre is meaningless, who cares what genre it is? It's like driving by a lake and then having to pull over because you MUST know what PH balance in the water. Meaningless.
Avatar image for ahmadmetallic
AhmadMetallic

19300

Forum Posts

-1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 11

#12  Edited By AhmadMetallic
@AlwaysAngry said:
" @Ahmad_Metallic said:
" @Whisperkill said:
" Not well. I can define Metalcore. That's about it. What's the difference between black metal and death metal anyway. "
As a wikipedia page can quickly tell you, Black Metal is the evil metal based on witchcraft and magic and anti-Christianity, noted for it's high-pitched (crazy) singing, and extreme and sharp guitar play. while Black Metal is the opposite: it has deep growls and very thick guitar riffs, usually death-themed.  "
I believe you meant to write "Death" there. "
i sure did 
 
 
@AlwaysAngry said:
" @Ahmad_Metallic said:
" @MattyFTM said:
" Just forget about subgenres of music and crap like that. All you should care about are two genres: Songs you like, and Songs you don't like. I couldn't care less about defining genre's and crap like that. Either I like a song, or I don't, it's that simple. What category of metal it falls into is meaningless. "
It's meaningless to you because you dont seem to have enough interest in metal (if at all) as much as most metalheads do. I respect your "like / dislike" policy, and u should respect how essential genre definition is to hardcore fans :)  It's like a hobby to listen to a record and try to capture the sound and notice the elements and then define it, which can be followed by comparing it to other albums, or bands. "
Sorry, but no. If you ever would shun a band because of genre, you're not a real metal fan. It's like those kids that are all:   "Whoa d00d! This music PWNZ! What's the genre?"  "Anus-pop-explosion v2.0"  "Oh, then I don't like this song anymore."  And if you're not like that and genre is meaningless, who cares what genre it is? It's like driving by a lake and then having to pull over because you MUST know what PH balance in the water. Meaningless. "
Um, if you're talking to me, i never said i base whether i like or dislike a song, on it's genre :S I said its important and interesting to know the different genres and tell them apart and compare them. 
And your lake example sucks ass :P  i really have no interest in explaining why subgenres matter and why they're so interesting, if you dont get it then you really just dont
Avatar image for angelofdeath
AngelofDeath

28

Forum Posts

25

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 1

#13  Edited By AngelofDeath

I think think placing a metal band in a metal genre has alot to do with song structure, mainly guitar structure. For example, when you listen to Cannibal Corpse or Nile, you can tell its death metal because of the chaotic guitar structure and by how the drums fit with the guitar. The same goes for when you listen to Dimmu Borgir, Graveworm, or Wolves In The Throneroom you can tell its Black metel. Lot of tremelo picking and long drawn out notes at times. I think Amorphis would probably fit in Progressive Metal.  (Straight forward guitar, new wave keyboard etc.) Just my thoughts though. 
 
Cheers.
Avatar image for alwaysangry
AlwaysAngry

3004

Forum Posts

3489

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 1

#14  Edited By AlwaysAngry
@Ahmad_Metallic said:
" @AlwaysAngry said:
" @Ahmad_Metallic said:
" @Whisperkill said:
" Not well. I can define Metalcore. That's about it. What's the difference between black metal and death metal anyway. "
As a wikipedia page can quickly tell you, Black Metal is the evil metal based on witchcraft and magic and anti-Christianity, noted for it's high-pitched (crazy) singing, and extreme and sharp guitar play. while Black Metal is the opposite: it has deep growls and very thick guitar riffs, usually death-themed.  "
I believe you meant to write "Death" there. "
i sure did 
 
 
@AlwaysAngry said:
" @Ahmad_Metallic said:
" @MattyFTM said:
" Just forget about subgenres of music and crap like that. All you should care about are two genres: Songs you like, and Songs you don't like. I couldn't care less about defining genre's and crap like that. Either I like a song, or I don't, it's that simple. What category of metal it falls into is meaningless. "
It's meaningless to you because you dont seem to have enough interest in metal (if at all) as much as most metalheads do. I respect your "like / dislike" policy, and u should respect how essential genre definition is to hardcore fans :)  It's like a hobby to listen to a record and try to capture the sound and notice the elements and then define it, which can be followed by comparing it to other albums, or bands. "
Sorry, but no. If you ever would shun a band because of genre, you're not a real metal fan. It's like those kids that are all:   "Whoa d00d! This music PWNZ! What's the genre?"  "Anus-pop-explosion v2.0"  "Oh, then I don't like this song anymore."  And if you're not like that and genre is meaningless, who cares what genre it is? It's like driving by a lake and then having to pull over because you MUST know what PH balance in the water. Meaningless. "
Um, if you're talking to me, i never said i base whether i like or dislike a song, on it's genre :S I said its important and interesting to know the different genres and tell them apart and compare them. And your lake example sucks ass :P  i really have no interest in explaining why subgenres matter and why they're so interesting, if you dont get it then you really just dont "
It would be interesting, and I understand that because I used to be like that, but now it seems everyone has a different genre for one song. Nothing is really right or wrong anymore :/ 
 
But here's my opinions, 
 
Death Metal - Low, dark vocals. Always fast paced with heavy riffing and no breakdowns like in other metal genres. Example - Cryptopsy. 
  
Death-core - Death Metal mixed with metalcore. Breakdowns, pig squealing, and pretty much a toned down version of Death Metal. Example - Job for a Cowboy. 
 
Metalcore - A mixture between hardcore bands such as A Day to Remember and oldschool metal bands like Metallica (no link necessary...I hope.) 
 
Black Metal - Simple, demonic, Satan-worshiping metal such Dimmu-Borgir. Being a Christian, you can understand why I don't really like Black Metal :/ 
 
Mathcore - A sort of Progressive Metal-ish genre with fast paced riffs and EXTREMELY technical playing. Example, Protest the Hero (which many of you know I think is the best band of all time...OF ALL TIME!) 
 
 
That's just my opinion on some genres though.
Avatar image for habster3
habster3

3706

Forum Posts

1522

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#15  Edited By habster3
@AlwaysAngry said:
" @Ahmad_Metallic said:
" @AlwaysAngry said:
" @Ahmad_Metallic said:
" @Whisperkill said:
" Not well. I can define Metalcore. That's about it. What's the difference between black metal and death metal anyway. "
As a wikipedia page can quickly tell you, Black Metal is the evil metal based on witchcraft and magic and anti-Christianity, noted for it's high-pitched (crazy) singing, and extreme and sharp guitar play. while Black Metal is the opposite: it has deep growls and very thick guitar riffs, usually death-themed.  "
I believe you meant to write "Death" there. "
i sure did 
 
 
@AlwaysAngry said:
" @Ahmad_Metallic said:
" @MattyFTM said:
" Just forget about subgenres of music and crap like that. All you should care about are two genres: Songs you like, and Songs you don't like. I couldn't care less about defining genre's and crap like that. Either I like a song, or I don't, it's that simple. What category of metal it falls into is meaningless. "
It's meaningless to you because you dont seem to have enough interest in metal (if at all) as much as most metalheads do. I respect your "like / dislike" policy, and u should respect how essential genre definition is to hardcore fans :)  It's like a hobby to listen to a record and try to capture the sound and notice the elements and then define it, which can be followed by comparing it to other albums, or bands. "
Sorry, but no. If you ever would shun a band because of genre, you're not a real metal fan. It's like those kids that are all:   "Whoa d00d! This music PWNZ! What's the genre?"  "Anus-pop-explosion v2.0"  "Oh, then I don't like this song anymore."  And if you're not like that and genre is meaningless, who cares what genre it is? It's like driving by a lake and then having to pull over because you MUST know what PH balance in the water. Meaningless. "
Um, if you're talking to me, i never said i base whether i like or dislike a song, on it's genre :S I said its important and interesting to know the different genres and tell them apart and compare them. And your lake example sucks ass :P  i really have no interest in explaining why subgenres matter and why they're so interesting, if you dont get it then you really just dont "
It would be interesting, and I understand that because I used to be like that, but now it seems everyone has a different genre for one song. Nothing is really right or wrong anymore :/ 
 
But here's my opinions, 
 
Death Metal - Low, dark vocals. Always fast paced with heavy riffing and no breakdowns like in other metal genres. Example - Cryptopsy. 
  
Death-core - Death Metal mixed with metalcore. Breakdowns, pig squealing, and pretty much a toned down version of Death Metal. Example - Job for a Cowboy. 
 
Metalcore - A mixture between hardcore bands such as A Day to Remember and oldschool metal bands like Metallica (no link necessary...I hope.) 
 
Black Metal - Simple, demonic, Satan-worshiping metal such Dimmu-Borgir. Being a Christian, you can understand why I don't really like Black Metal :/ 
 
Mathcore - A sort of Progressive Metal-ish genre with fast paced riffs and EXTREMELY technical playing. Example, Protest the Hero (which many of you know I think is the best band of all time...OF ALL TIME!)   That's just my opinion on some genres though. "

You've got it all right, man, but there are a few things you're missing. For example, Black Metal is also about cold, relentless, fast-moving instruments and vocals that usually sound like death metal but much higher pitched. How would I know all of this, considering the fact that I hate the genre too? It's called unblack metal, which is pretty awesome. 
 
You're also missing a few other genres, such as Doom Metal (Black Sabbath-esque metal music), sludge metal (Southern music that takes a lot of influence from doom), Groove Metal (A child of thrash metal, and, to a MUCH lesser extent, death metal; consists of harsh vocals and rythymic riffs), and there are just so many others that I could name but don't have the time to. 
 
Over a year ago, I didn't know the difference between these so I looked them up on the internet (learned the hard way about black), but I believe I have a pretty good grasp on metal.
Avatar image for jayzilla
Jayzilla

2709

Forum Posts

18

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 7

#16  Edited By Jayzilla

It's the same as knowing one jazz trumpeter from another, or sax player etc. Don't let anyone get all elitist on you bro. If you don't spend time studying something, you won't know it by ear. People who study it can get really pompous about it. I can't stand people that are like that. It's annoying.

Avatar image for mooseymcman
MooseyMcMan

12781

Forum Posts

5577

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 13

#17  Edited By MooseyMcMan

You're spending too much time thinking about it. You're not supposed to think about metal, you're just supposed to listen to it and enjoy it.  
 
And I've never associated death metal with actual death, just more with the level of metalosity. For example, listen to stuff like Black Sabbath and Metallica, and half of their songs are about death, yet neither is considered a death metal band (Sabbath being classic metal, and Metallica being thrash). 

Avatar image for ryax
Ryax

4580

Forum Posts

6

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 3

#19  Edited By Ryax

i can define metal and sub genres well. been listening to metal since i could get ahold of mayhem back in the 90's

Avatar image for deactivated-5f00787182625
deactivated-5f00787182625

3325

Forum Posts

604

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

The only reason I look at the genre of music is to find other music in that genre. That's what they are there for. It's for the band to decide what genre they are in. It pisses people oof when they do that, I remember the Sex Pistol's lead guy ranting when he heard Green Day was labelled as Punk.

Avatar image for professoress
ProfessorEss

7962

Forum Posts

160

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 11

#21  Edited By ProfessorEss
@MattyFTM said:

" Just forget about subgenres of music and crap like that.

Yeah, that shit is purely a device the music industry created and uses to group things into chunks that will be easier for the masses to digest.
Avatar image for habster3
habster3

3706

Forum Posts

1522

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#22  Edited By habster3

I must admit, though, that I sometimes have a difficult time distinguishing Death Metal from Melodic Death Metal, Metalcore, and Deathcore. Also, I once heard a song by At the Gates(Blinded by Fear), and I thought it was Black Metal with the high-pitched growling; it turned out to be melodic death metal.

Avatar image for handsomedead
HandsomeDead

11853

Forum Posts

-1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#23  Edited By HandsomeDead
@ProfessorEss said:
" @MattyFTM said:

" Just forget about subgenres of music and crap like that.

Yeah, that shit is purely a device the music industry created and uses to group things into chunks that will be easier for the masses to digest. "
Not really.
Avatar image for professoress
ProfessorEss

7962

Forum Posts

160

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 11

#24  Edited By ProfessorEss
@HandsomeDead said:
" @ProfessorEss said:
" @MattyFTM said:

" Just forget about subgenres of music and crap like that.

Yeah, that shit is purely a device the music industry created and uses to group things into chunks that will be easier for the masses to digest. "
Not really. "
To each there own I guess.
If you like to consider it useful tool for deciding what you like and don't like that's fine I suppose.
I just prefer to let the music speak for itself.
Avatar image for subwayd
SubwayD

927

Forum Posts

123

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 27

#25  Edited By SubwayD

 In regards to the original question: Quite well, I'd like to think.
 
It's not some sort of elitism or a requirement. Well, it could be... if you're a dick. But for most, it just a way of quickly explaining what a band sounds like in a huge sub-section of music that can have greatly varying sounds and styles.
Hell, I'm pretty sure most other sorts of music have just as many intricate genre definitions. It's just that most loudmouth idiot metal-heads seem to make a big deal about it. :P

Avatar image for ben_h
Ben_H

4812

Forum Posts

1628

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 5

#26  Edited By Ben_H
@Whisperkill said:

" Not well. I can define Metalcore. That's about it. What's the difference between black metal and death metal anyway. "

A lot. Black metal often focuses on sheer speed, intensity and atmosphere while death metal is more riff and melody oriented.  Of course it depends on which type of death metal we're talking about here.  American death metal is a completely different beast than Scandinavian melodic death metal. Melodic death metal shares a number of characteristics with power metal (Keyboards, noticeable melodies etc.) while standard death metal can at times be similar to thrash metal.  Black metal is an entirely different animal because it can range from incredibly simple (But fast!) stuff like early Mayhem to incredibly complex, symphonic sounding music.
 
Black metal:
 
 
 
  Melodic Death Metal:
 
 
 
 

  regular death metal:
 
 
 
 

 
  @habster3 said:

"I must admit, though, that I sometimes have a difficult time distinguishing Death Metal from Melodic Death Metal, Metalcore, and Deathcore. Also, I once heard a song by At the Gates(Blinded by Fear), and I thought it was Black Metal with the high-pitched growling; it turned out to be melodic death metal."

At The Gates was a part of a metal scene in Gothenburg that was partly responsible for the creation of melodic death metal.  If you listen to some modern melodic death metal bands you will notice similarities (vocal style, guitar harmony stuff etc.).  Quite a solid band if you ask me.
Avatar image for gunner
Gunner

4424

Forum Posts

248

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 6

User Lists: 6

#27  Edited By Gunner

I cant when it comes to metal. 
 
Throw me a punk song and ill dissect it into a million pieces.

Avatar image for charlesalanratliff
CharlesAlanRatliff

5763

Forum Posts

13647

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 34

@MattyFTM said:
" Just forget about subgenres of music and crap like that. All you should care about are two genres: Songs you like, and Songs you don't like. I couldn't care less about defining genre's and crap like that. Either I like a song, or I don't, it's that simple. What category of metal it falls into is meaningless. "
Same for me. That sub-genre shit gets waaaaaaay too complicated, to the point where I don't even think most people into the stuff know all of the little minor differences between them. I see a lot of people arguing about it.
Avatar image for ramone
Ramone

3210

Forum Posts

364

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 5

#29  Edited By Ramone

Well for me there's only two types of metal: Good (Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and the bands that inspired them like Budgie) and Bad (Pretty much everything after those bands)
Whoops I think I just started a flame war.

Avatar image for phazon
Phazon

86

Forum Posts

214

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 8

User Lists: 0

#30  Edited By Phazon
I agree with the 'like/dislike' philosophy.  I don't care if Pantera is "groove metal" or "thrash metal", I'll like it just the same.  It's really irritating when all these metalheads keep microcategorizing every fucking band, it's like every one has it's own genre.  It's almost as annoying as seeing the top comment on every metal song on youtube is about bashing a pop star.  So fucking elitist, it's annoying.
Avatar image for ahmadmetallic
AhmadMetallic

19300

Forum Posts

-1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 11

#31  Edited By AhmadMetallic
@MooseyMcMan said: 

" You're spending too much time thinking about it. You're not supposed to think about metal, you're just supposed to listen to it and enjoy it.  .  "

Yeah no. allow me to disagree :) a big part of metal music's uniqueness is the big variety of sounds, guitar tones, vocals and lyrics that turn metal into a big universe.. If you listen to metal just to enjoy what u hear, i think you're missing out ! 
Avatar image for ahmadmetallic
AhmadMetallic

19300

Forum Posts

-1

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 11

#32  Edited By AhmadMetallic

  @Phazon said: 

"  I agree with the 'like/dislike' philosophy.  I don't care if Pantera is "groove metal" or "thrash metal", I'll like it just the same.  It's really irritating when all these metalheads keep microcategorizing every fucking band, it's like every one has it's own genre.  It's almost as annoying as seeing the top comment on every metal song on youtube is about bashing a pop star.  So fucking elitist, it's annoying. "


@Lydian_Sel said: 

" You don't. You leave all of that pointless shit to journalist who are more than comfortable tagging your favourite acts with vague labels that make you cringe & only describe what they do at face value. "

  @ProfessorEss said: 

@MattyFTM said: 

" Just forget about subgenres of music and crap like that.

Yeah, that shit is purely a device the music industry created and uses to group things into chunks that will be easier for the masses to digest. "

 
Allow me to answer the three of you with a quote of myself : 
  
@Ahmad_Metallic said: 

"  It's like a hobby to listen to a record and try to capture the sound and notice the elements and then define it, which can be followed by comparing it to other albums, or bands. "

It's fun. its challenging. its meaningful. it makes Metal the badass multi-faced monster with that it is.     Trust me, it is incredibly pleasant to spend a day listening to Amorphis' old albums, then move on to the new one, and see how the sound changed and how the change is explained in genre-talk, and also compare the albums to a band of a similar genre and see the similarities and differences.... Metal isnt another mindless 4-minute get-up-and-dance genre, its a universe on its own !
  

Also, read this : 
 
@SubwayD said:
" It's not some sort of elitism or a requirement. Well, it could be... if you're a dick. But for most, it just a way of quickly explaining what a band sounds like in a huge sub-section of music that can have greatly varying sounds and styles.  "