The Classic Metal Show Interview
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Chad Bowar: What pisses you off about metal fans?
Chris Akin: Several things. First and foremost, it's infuriating to me personally how shallow so many metal fans are. Nothing is more ridiculous to me than someone saying that “oh, that's too new for me.” I personally am one of those guys that will listen to Warrant's “I Saw Red” and Cannibal Corpse's “I Cum Blood” and get the same enjoyment from both.
I loathe people that say they can't listen to Godsmack or Disturbed because it doesn't sound like Dokken or Quiet Riot. From most of those people that cast such claims, they don't even take the time to try anything new, different, or outside the tight confines of their own little box.
Secondly, I am sickened by how pussified the attitude is from most of these alleged metalheads these days. This is both fans, radio guys and especially this new age of “metal podcaster.” All of them, especially these new age podcasters, are so willing to figuratively suck off their favorite band with no other reason than it represents some small, useless part of their own perceived identity. There's nothing lamer than hearing someone kiss a band's ass for the sole purpose of their hope to get an interview. But it happens all the time.
The fans are the same way. They all get crazy when you point out that their favorite band did something lame. We did a segment goofing on some awful dance demos that Ace Frehley did back in the Frehley's Comet days.
Because of that, the Kiss fanatics were so offended because we pointed out that this “legend” did something subpar and awful. Every band is somebody's favorite band, and every band has some (crap) mixed in with their better material.
Finally, fans need to stop associating their own personal identity with these bands. It's really lame. So many metal fans are offended by us because we said something mean about “their band.” Is it really your band? Not hardly. It's everyone's band, and therefore it's all open for criticism as well as praise.
What’s your biggest problem with heavy metal today?
The age of major metal bands is almost over, and there are no replacements coming. We talk often on The Classic Metal Show about when the old timers out there today finally pack it in, the age of arena rock and metal will be gone for good. There's not a single act out there today that seems poised to replace bands like Metallica or Motley Crue as big ticket sellers. Who exactly will it be? Disturbed? Slipknot? Lamb Of God?
None of them are at that level now, and none seem poised to get there. When you think about when we grew up, how many bands did you discover simply by seeing them open for a big band? For me, the list is long, and encompases almost every band that is part of my day to day listening. But now, there's nothing on the horizon. Since Korn's popularity waned, there really hasn't been any act that's taken the mantle to carry on in any of the metal genres.
If you were put in charge of metal as the “Heavy Metal Commissioner,” what would you do?
First, I would issue a proclamation that Bret Michaels is to no longer be associated with the term “Heavy Metal.” He is a total embarrassment, and one of the main reasons that hard driving rock and metal stays as a joke to the younger generation. They see this clown whoring around like it's 1987 on VH1, and all they leave with is the idea that looking like a chick, sit-ups and a couple of good songs from 20 years ago should guarantee you a bus full of trailer trash whores. He lacks integrity to his craft, and should be eliminated.
Next, I would force all new bands to listen to the entire catalogs of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Slayer before being allowed to write a single note of music. Much like American history, the people making the new music would be better served if they have some real perspective of the origins of their craft.
I would install a ban on all cover albums from heavy metal and hard rock bands. They are useless, a cash grab, and insulting to fans. Has their ever been a time when you sat back and said, “man, I would love to listen to an hour of Slayer covering Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Rainbow?” The answer is no, so stop wasting our time and forcing the completists to pay for the new garage door you want installed.
Finally, I would make every band, both old and new, sign a decree stating that they understand that what they are doing has no more importance than whatever it is anyone else is doing. Nothing is more cringe-worthy than listening to Nikki Sixx talk about the crafting of his art. “She Goes Down” is not art, Nikki. It's a song about getting a blowjob. Once a musician starts thinking they are an artist is the exact same moment they lose perspective of what it is they do. Therefore, it's now outlawed.
How and when did you first discover metal music?
When I was little, my cousin Mike had his room covered with Kiss posters. When I would go over to visit, he would play it all the time. At that point (12 years old I guess), I was more interested in AM rock, and would rather hear “Here Comes The Sun” by the Beatles than anything by Kiss. At one point while over at his house though, he pulled out a new album and threw it on. It was Mob Rules by Black Sabbath. I remember that he dropped the needle down on “Sign Of The Southern Cross,” and it was like nothing I had ever heard before. The power of Iommi's guitar and Dio's voice. I was immediately hooked. From there, I had to have everything from Sabbath, and it just grew from there.
Chad Bowar: What pisses you off about metal fans?
Chris Akin: Several things. First and foremost, it's infuriating to me personally how shallow so many metal fans are. Nothing is more ridiculous to me than someone saying that “oh, that's too new for me.” I personally am one of those guys that will listen to Warrant's “I Saw Red” and Cannibal Corpse's “I Cum Blood” and get the same enjoyment from both.
I loathe people that say they can't listen to Godsmack or Disturbed because it doesn't sound like Dokken or Quiet Riot. From most of those people that cast such claims, they don't even take the time to try anything new, different, or outside the tight confines of their own little box.
Secondly, I am sickened by how pussified the attitude is from most of these alleged metalheads these days. This is both fans, radio guys and especially this new age of “metal podcaster.” All of them, especially these new age podcasters, are so willing to figuratively suck off their favorite band with no other reason than it represents some small, useless part of their own perceived identity. There's nothing lamer than hearing someone kiss a band's ass for the sole purpose of their hope to get an interview. But it happens all the time.
The fans are the same way. They all get crazy when you point out that their favorite band did something lame. We did a segment goofing on some awful dance demos that Ace Frehley did back in the Frehley's Comet days.
Because of that, the Kiss fanatics were so offended because we pointed out that this “legend” did something subpar and awful. Every band is somebody's favorite band, and every band has some (crap) mixed in with their better material.
Finally, fans need to stop associating their own personal identity with these bands. It's really lame. So many metal fans are offended by us because we said something mean about “their band.” Is it really your band? Not hardly. It's everyone's band, and therefore it's all open for criticism as well as praise.
What’s your biggest problem with heavy metal today?
The age of major metal bands is almost over, and there are no replacements coming. We talk often on The Classic Metal Show about when the old timers out there today finally pack it in, the age of arena rock and metal will be gone for good. There's not a single act out there today that seems poised to replace bands like Metallica or Motley Crue as big ticket sellers. Who exactly will it be? Disturbed? Slipknot? Lamb Of God?
None of them are at that level now, and none seem poised to get there. When you think about when we grew up, how many bands did you discover simply by seeing them open for a big band? For me, the list is long, and encompases almost every band that is part of my day to day listening. But now, there's nothing on the horizon. Since Korn's popularity waned, there really hasn't been any act that's taken the mantle to carry on in any of the metal genres.
If you were put in charge of metal as the “Heavy Metal Commissioner,” what would you do?
First, I would issue a proclamation that Bret Michaels is to no longer be associated with the term “Heavy Metal.” He is a total embarrassment, and one of the main reasons that hard driving rock and metal stays as a joke to the younger generation. They see this clown whoring around like it's 1987 on VH1, and all they leave with is the idea that looking like a chick, sit-ups and a couple of good songs from 20 years ago should guarantee you a bus full of trailer trash whores. He lacks integrity to his craft, and should be eliminated.
Next, I would force all new bands to listen to the entire catalogs of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Slayer before being allowed to write a single note of music. Much like American history, the people making the new music would be better served if they have some real perspective of the origins of their craft.
I would install a ban on all cover albums from heavy metal and hard rock bands. They are useless, a cash grab, and insulting to fans. Has their ever been a time when you sat back and said, “man, I would love to listen to an hour of Slayer covering Pink Floyd, Deep Purple and Rainbow?” The answer is no, so stop wasting our time and forcing the completists to pay for the new garage door you want installed.
Finally, I would make every band, both old and new, sign a decree stating that they understand that what they are doing has no more importance than whatever it is anyone else is doing. Nothing is more cringe-worthy than listening to Nikki Sixx talk about the crafting of his art. “She Goes Down” is not art, Nikki. It's a song about getting a blowjob. Once a musician starts thinking they are an artist is the exact same moment they lose perspective of what it is they do. Therefore, it's now outlawed.
How and when did you first discover metal music?
When I was little, my cousin Mike had his room covered with Kiss posters. When I would go over to visit, he would play it all the time. At that point (12 years old I guess), I was more interested in AM rock, and would rather hear “Here Comes The Sun” by the Beatles than anything by Kiss. At one point while over at his house though, he pulled out a new album and threw it on. It was Mob Rules by Black Sabbath. I remember that he dropped the needle down on “Sign Of The Southern Cross,” and it was like nothing I had ever heard before. The power of Iommi's guitar and Dio's voice. I was immediately hooked. From there, I had to have everything from Sabbath, and it just grew from there.
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