These Kids Today

While I'm driving around looking for ethanol I'm listening to the new disc by Atreyu called A Death-Grip On Yesterday. Yes, I was driving a huge SUV listening to thrash. And I did catch myself enjoying some of the songs, but I'm wondering how music got here. How did the seeds planted by Pantera, Slayer and the like grow through hardcore, punk, then emo and into a bastardized blend of all of them? However it happened, I'm beginning to get fed up. Atreyu is the best of this new breed with at least some grasp on harmony and melody ("Stand Up"), you know those things that make music music. Of course they have all those grating screams, even on rock ballads like "The Theft". So why is it so distressing to a music elitist like me?

Honestly, I think it's because the guys that make up bands like Atreyu, From First To Last, Funeral For A Friend et al couldn't beat anyone up. I remember seeing Pantera and just being scared. Not because of the music, that was good, but because of these big, hairy, tattooed dudes playing it. You knew Phil Anselmo could kick your ass and that made you respect the rock. Vinnie Paul wasn't necessarily sane either and even the guitar player's name was Dimebag Darrell (R.I.P.).

Seeing the new crop of skinny kids from the burbs tatted up, playing thrash just doesn't cement that badass mental picture of metal. Even if Atreyu has made a solid album for this new genre of "scream-o" or "thrashcore" or whatever, it just doesn't bring the rock like the good ole days. Eat some meat and potatoes, try and grow some stubble, and then come back and tell me you're metal.

Dave
Posted - March 31, 2006
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