Christian Metal

Christian metal, also known as white metal, is a sub-genre derived from heavy metal. 

Bands within this sub-genre include; Stryper, Ever Stays Red, Underoath and POD.

Evanescence were originally promoted in Christian stores however the band decided they didn't want to be considered part of the Christian metal genre.  

Stryper: Stryper is classed as a Christian Glam Metal band from Orange County, California. Their name comes from the King James version of the Bible and they have a 'backronym'; 

Salvation

Through

Redemption,

Yielding

Peace,

Encouragement, and

Righteousness

Stryper is apparently regongnised as being 'the first openly Christian metal band to gain recognition in the mainstream music world.' however there has been controversy regarding them being classed as Christian metal. After Rolling Stone magazine reported that the band had been 'disillusioned with Christian music', their songs began to be banned from Christian music stores.

Ever Stays Red: Ever Stays Red is another American Christian metal band however they have also been classed as 'Christian rock/pop'. The bands 'catchphrase' has become "To glorify God is all that we do".

Underoath: Underoath is also a Christian metal band from America (Tampa, Florida). However they don't class themselves as a traditional christian band 'We are Christian, but in a different way. We're not like your average Christian band.'

POD: POD or Payable on Death were formed in 1992 in San Diego.  

Sub-genres of Metal: Glam

The Darkness

• Also known as Hair Metal
• Originated in the late 1970s-early 1980s in LA
• 'Uses traditional hard rock and heavy metal songs but adds pop influenced guitar riffs and hooks'
• Long backcombed hair, Make-up and over the top clothing and accessories were the normal attire (Spandex and tight clothes, headbands)
• Big Glam metal bands include; Aerosmith, Alice Cooper and The Darkness

Aerosmith

Sub-genres of Metal: Grunge

• Originated in the mid 1980s in Washington, USA
• Typical instruments include electric guitar, bass guitar and drums
• Mainstream popularity was high in the early to mid 1990s
• Famous grunge bands include Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains
• Lyrics are typically angst-filled 

Sub-genres of Metal: Christian

• Christian Metal is also known as White Metal
• Originated in the late 1970's in the USA
• According to Wikipedia;'Christian metal is regarded as more of a concept rather than a genre since it has no specific musical characteristics
• Stryper were the first openly Christian metal band to gain recognition in mainstream music
• There is a lot of controversy regarding Christian metal as some devout Christians believe that rock music is satanic
• 
  

Sub-genres of Metal: Power Metal

• Combination of traditional and speed metal
• Originates from Germany in the 1980's
• Lyrics often involve mythology and fantasy
• 80's appearance: big permed hair and bright clothes - no make-up
• Modern appearance: Gothic, dark clothing and heavy make-up
• As well as being big in Germany, power metal is popular in Japan and Asia
• Lead singers are mostly male with the exception of one band (Nightwish)
• Music videos are performance but with concept and some narrative
• Modern videos feature strobes and special effects
• Jumping zoom in commonly used

Sub-genres of Metal: Viking Metal

• Comes from Norway and Sweden (Scandinavia)  
• Quite bleak music
• Bands include Barthory and Amon Amarth
• Keyboard features heavily
• Music videos generally contain rural longshots and feature 'Viking way of life'
• Some music videos feature Viking settings but modern clothing
• Viking metal has a heavy emphasis on Norse mythology

Sub-genres of Metal: Hardcore

• Started in the 1970's in Boston/New York/New Jersey
• Misfits were the first real successful band in 1977
• Despite being a small genre, bands can be high earners - Gallows signed with Warner Bros. records for £1 million
• Hardcore bands normally play at smaller venues or festivals
• The genre is a mix of thrash and punk rock
• Hardcore is more aggressive than other metal sub-genres and the vocalists either scream, shout or rap
• Lyrics are nearly always controversial 
• Music videos usually focus on the front man
• Shots of head banging and moshing
• Music videos are more performance based

Sub-genres of Metal: Nu Metal

Bands include; Linkin Park, Papa Roach, Limp Bizkit, Korn, Disturbed and Rage Against the Machine.

• Korn was labelled as the first in 1944
• Nu Metal didn't reach mainstream success until the late 90's
• The genre originates from California
• Songs are generally about pain/suffering, suicide or paranoia
• Most feature some sort of rap
• Music videos are normally performance and narrative
• The music videos also feature a lot of over the top hand gestures 
• Audience for Nu Metal is teens

Sub-genres of Metal: Thrash Metal

Metallica

• Aggressive with a fast Tempo
• Male dominant genre 
• Originated in the United States in the 1980's
• Normally have complex guitar riffs

       

         The Big 4

1. Megadeath
2. Slayer
3. Anthrax
4. Metallica