In which, using an unlikely Nick Cave paraphrase as a starting point, we ask various prominent heavy metal people precisely that question… This time around it’s drummer Keiran Smith from Aussie metallers Black Rheno answering the questions…
Greetings, Mr Smith, and a very warm welcome to Sentinel Daily! Question One: What initially drew you to heavy metal music, and how has your relationship with it evolved over time? “Growing up listening to the “accessible” side of punk like Blink 182 and Green Day and then discovering grunge through Nirvana made me realise how much more was out there. It was a slippery slope into thrash metal from there and then always chasing the next “heavy”. I think I’m still on that journey to this day considering metal is ever changing and evolving. There’s always something new to discover!”
There certainly is! Can you describe a pivotal moment or experience that solidified your passion for heavy metal? What was the first heavy metal song or album that blew your mind, and why? “Hearing Metallica‘s Master of Puppets album for the first time was definitely a turning point for me. The acoustic intro to Battery kicking into riff city and flat out drumming changed my brain chemistry on the spot. Following that up with the title track… I was hooked”.
How do you think heavy metal culture and music have influenced your identity or personal beliefs? How has heavy metal influenced your personal style, or the way you see the world? “As a young Metalhead, it gave me a community. A close group of people to relate to who were part of something bigger. It’s nice to be “different” around a bunch of people just like you. Even if you seem a bit left of center to the majority of people, you know there’s so many others like you that have your back and understand you”.
Yes, that’s a very important thing to be able to fall back on when you are young, isn’t it? Do you have any rituals or traditions related to heavy metal? “I wouldn’t say I have anything that would count as a ritual or tradition exactly, but always trying to find new music is something I actively do every week. Whether its checking out recommendations from friends, picking up an album from a local band or just chucking on a spotify playlist in the car, more often than not I’ll find something that catches my interest”.
What aspects of heavy metal do you find most captivating or resonant, whether it be the music itself, the lyrics, or the community surrounding it? “The mutual understanding of a shared experience. You’re at a show, you’re deep in the pit and you lost your friends forty minutes ago. Suddenly there’s a moment in the show that catches you off guard, a unique experience that a retelling will never do justice to. You look around and everyone is right there with you sharing that moment. You dont even know those people’s names, yet you all understand each other in that moment, and bond instantly”.
I know what you mean, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone describe ‘that moment’ quite as well as you did just then. Brilliant! How does heavy metal serve as a form of self-expression for you, either through listening to it or creating your own music? And could you express yourself as well in any other medium? “Performing would one hundred per cent be my strongest form of self expression. On the stage is where I belong and where I feel most connected to the music. Creating music is great, but bringing it to people through sweat and blood is where the magic happens”.
Are there particular enduring themes or messages within heavy metal that you find especially resonant? “It’s a bit cliché, but community has always endured in metal, no matter how much it’s changed over the years. The “Heavy Metal Family” aspect of the music is something that will forever be present”.
Amen to that! In what ways do you think heavy metal contributes to broader cultural conversations or movements, if at all? And should it even be part of mainstream culture? “I think its very easy to take an elitist stance and push back on mainstream culture since heavy metal has been an alternative option for the most part of its existence. But with how competitive the music industry is, with less to go around than ever, giving metal music a platform to reach more people can only be a good thing. Sure, there’s a lot lingering under the surface that people won’t be ready for, but metalheads need to remember we didn’t bust out of the womb listening to Dying Fetus. Open the doors to discovery, even if the mainstream stuff makes you cringe”.
What are some of the misconceptions you encounter about heavy metal/rock fans? “Something I say to people who don’t understand the metal scene is “It’s angry music for happy people”. It’s easy to make assumptions based on an outside perception, but all it takes is one friendly conversation to wipe that all away”.
Looking towards the future, how do you envision the role of heavy metal evolving, both for yourself personally and within the larger music landscape? Are you optimistic about what the future holds? “I can only hope that metal continues to evolve, while staying true to it’s roots. Push the envelope and break new ground, but remember where it came from. I don’t know if we’ve reached the end of the line yet, only time will tell!”
We couldn’t let this interview pass without mentioning your upcoming tour. You’ve created a bit of a name for yourselves in the live arena- what should fans expect when you hit the road in August? And have you got any fave tour tales you can share with our readers? “A bit of good-time rock n roll fun! The whole ethos of Black Rheno is to bring a heavy metal party to every town we visit, and we don’t plan on taking it easy this August. Expect to smile through the sweat, and dance until you drop”…
And finally, here’s your chance to say, in one sentence, “That’s what heavy metal means to me”… “Be true to yourself, be weird, and take the path less trodden if it’s the right path for you”.
Thanks for taking part! “Thanks for having us!”
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