Metal

Music has always been important to me. I often find that music can express my moods, my feelings and my state of mind a lot better than I can possibly do by the help of words. My own ability to perform music is at best poor, but luckily the world is full of artists and bands which through their brilliant talents, abilities and guts present their music and lyrics to the world… and thus me.


So often I listen to lyrics and think: “That is me, that is exactly how I feel right now. I can relate to this”. I do realize that lyrics to most are less important than the sound and beat, but to me the two complete each other, they intensify the message by creating mutually dependent actuating quantities (big words, I know, but still true).


I have no definite favourite when it comes to genre of music. What I choose to listen to at a time is most times defined by my own feelings and circumstances.


I was a young teen when I first heard metal, and I have to say metal back then appealed to the darker sides of me, not that I adopt all the values (and I certainly do not adopt the lifestyle many turn to in order to show where they are at in life), but I find metal adds values to the diversity my personality, at the end of the day, consist of, and complete me as a person. Even though I am getting older and in many people's opinion should know better, metal is part of that.


Just for the fun of it I thought it would be kind of enlightning to show how the genres of metal differs. It is not all about people with abnormal lung capacity screaming their heads off, you see.

Brief History of Metal Music:

Metal music is a worldwide form of music that has held the attention of younger generations for over 50 years. Metal music has branched off into different sub genres, but one thing is the main motivator for the survival of metal music through all the generations. That is a need for younger generations to rebel against the status quo, to express themselves and their frustration of an outdated way of life.
Black Sabbath were the first real metal band, and become the inspiration for the sub genre Doom Metal. Metal went on through Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, while other bands such as Motorhead, Iron Maiden and Metallica belonged to the sub genre, infused punk.
Metal bands began to look further from the blues scale that Black Sabbath used and went on to use diatonic modes. This sparked a new phenomenon that spread through nearly all of the sub genres of metal.
In the 80s, the sub genre of thrash metal evolved into death metal. Some of the prominent death metal bands of that time were Possessed and Death. Traditional metal also began in the 80s and bands like Fates Warning and Queensrysce were accepted into the mainstream of music.
More sub genres of metal surfaced quickly in the 90s, including Stoner Metal and Sludge Metal.

Sub Genres Of Metal Music:

Metal, much like rock, is made up of many sub-genres. Metal genres can at times be difficult to differentiate as they seem similar but have small changes in overall structural, temperamental, instrumental and vocal changes. This is made even more difficult to differentiate, as often sub genres are similar to each other in other genres.


Black Metal: Black metal evolved from thrash metal. Black metal is not as cold and brutal as thrash, although it is still considered to be an extreme genre. The sound is a combination of tremolo bass and vocals are usually screamed or yelled by performers. Themes of Black metal are usually supernatural or occult in nature.


Death Metal: Death metal is closely related to thrash metal. It tends to be more brutal in nature, with odd chord progressions and mixed up time changes. Like many genres of metal, the words of the songs include themes that relate to the occult and the darker side of human nature.


Doom Metal: Doom metal emphasizes emotion, melancholy and depression. Tempos are usually slower with somber harmonies. Doom metal has the same type of vocals as death and black metal. Classical instruments are also used a lot in Doom metal to enhance the mood of the music.


Folk Metal: Folk metal started out as a fusion of folk rock, power metal and black metal. Now it is a term given to folk-themed bands that use folk based lyrics and themes, including instruments.


Glam Metal: Glam metal was popular in the 80s and was also known as hair metal. Many of the band members used makeup, similar to the 70s glam rock bands and Idols such as Alice Cooper.


Gothic Metal: Goth Metal had the same style as doom, black and death metal, but used heavy keyboard sounds with romantic story like words. Goth metal often used two vocalists.


Grindcore: Grindcore is like thrash metal with tones of hardcore and punk. Vocals are a lot like death metal and the songs tended to be very short. Grindcore today is mostly influenced by death metal.


Heavy Metal: Heavy metal is the origin of the genres and where metal music got its name. Loud rasping vocals and long solos with the guitar characterize heavy metal. The words of the songs are often unfocused on any particular theme.


Industrial Metal: Industrial metal uses Distortion of guitar sounds, synthesizers and drum machines. Industrial is heavily influenced by techno and industrial music.


Metalcore: Metal core bands use the vocals and beat of American Hardcore metal with the instruments, such as guitars that are used in European thrash metal.


Neoclassical Metal: Neo-Classical uses parts of classical music in normal metal music.


Nu Metal: Nu Metal has very little to do with heavy metal and is largely influenced by Hip Hop.


Power Metal: Power metal is more upbeat and uses clear vocals. Power metal uses science fiction or fantasy themes and is inspiring to the listener.


Progressive Metal: Progressive metal is sophisticated and complex. Vocals are clean and often lean towards philosophy or politics. Progressive metal is very much like progressive rock.


Thrash Metal: Thrash Metal is heavy metal combined with hardcore punk. Thrash is usually complex with many tempo add time changes. The words are usually yelled, although they remain in tune and melodic. Thrash was also the first metal genre to use double bass drums in their music.

The history of metal music can also be found here:

http://www.rusticgirls.com/fun/history-of-metal-music.html

www.rusticgirls.com a site where you can find the most incredible topics and matters explained or suggested upon.  Some times you need to do it yourself, not sit and wait around for someone to show up to help you, you see.

DIY= Do It Yourself

Friends

Funny how one word can mean so different things to different people.

Not only does it mean different things to different people, but I put different meaning to the word depending on who I call a friend.

Because…. Well…. I know many will disagree, but I say it anyway, and I strongly believe it to be true: friends are different.

Some friends are those you bump into, catch up with and say:”We really need to get together some day…..” And you both leave feeling this was a good, unexpected chat, but you will not make priorities or make the effort to make the get-together happen. I like these uncomplicated friendly “friendships-on-hold”.

I still refere to them as friends, but they are not significant to my everyday life.

Then I have the ones who call to make sure I am at home before they come over. They expect the coffee or tea to be ready when they arrive, and preferably some biscuits or candy with it. They sit chatting for hours about their own life, their kids, their current boyfriend or forever spouse, their problems and their perfect life… and when they run out of issues and things to share they get into a hurry and have to leave.

I love these visits… I “mhm” and “oooooh?” in suitable intervals, and listen half-heartedly while I at times let my own thoughts wander inspired by what my friend is telling.

A couple of my friends are those who never call, never return a call and who I know never read my text messages… so I do not bother to neither call nor texting them (And as I write this, I realize we act the same way towards eachother; neglecting the other’s attempts to get in touch by mobile phone, but feeling it is as it should be).

When they come over, I never know in advance. They don’t knock or ring the doorbell; they just come into the house like a fresh breeze as they shout “Hello! It’s me! Anyone here?” They take control, put on fresh coffee, find a jug on their own, clear a chair or a sofa of whatever is occupying the seat they want, sit down and chit-chat about this and that. Everything from a cat having kittens to international politics is discussed, while I continue to fold clothes or do the dishes.

The way they feel at home makes my heart warm and thankful they feel like they belong in my house and home, and even though we don't interfere in eachother’s lives, we stay updated on what is going on with eachother, but it is the essentials in their person which is important.

We have no total control of what the other person is doing at all times. Some times we do not see each other for months, but we feel confident the other would drop everything and step up if either of us needed support. Never had to try the theory out, but there is total trust that neither of us will fail to be there 100% when rainy days come (and trust me: they will come, eventually).

Social medias online has opened up to different kinds of friendships. Some share their entire lives in detail through updating status on what they have for breakfast and what their kids are wearing. Others just send a casual “hi” and/or “bye”, and never expect nothing more than a “like” now and again. But they are good at sending birthday greetings and comment upon what I post myself. Strange how little things sometimes gives you the impression others actually do keep you in mind. At least the thought of me hovers in the back of their mind, and that is something to treasure too, right? The thought of people not being entirely indifferent to who I am and what I do is precious. Especially since I am really a very private and shy person.

Some you chat with. Some more often than others. You find compatible people with mutual values and interests and you get to know them regardless of what could have been obtacles if you ever met them in real life.

I so appreciate the input they have on issues and topics. It is like opening my mind to new approaches and less prejudice.

I have always thought that I was open minded, (a friend ones told me “she is black, you know” and I replied “She is?” and I meant it… yes, sounds like I am totally ignorant and dumb, but in that context I just didn’t see why that was an issue) but I realize I still have a lot to learn, thanks to social networks and medias. And I consider that a good thing.

It might have something to do with the fact that I realize time is in short supply for most people, me included. When someone takes  time to recognize me, gives me attention and adds something valuable to my person, I consider that a friend. 

Oh, my God; Women SHOULD TAKE THE BUS!!!

"I was driving to work today, taking the E39, when I happened to take a quick look at the driver to my right. 

I was passing by as we were in a two-lane area. I saw a great looking woman in a green Ford, quite stunning, in fact.

She drove at 120 km / h with her face deep into the rear view mirror while painting her eye lashes with some mascara-stuff. For a moment I looked a different way, and when I turned back to the woman, she was to my great horror ... she had seemingly lost steering as she was about to enter my lane - still her face close to the rear view mirror and make-up equipment at full use!

I got so startled that I lost my shaver, and the sandwich (which I had in my other hand) was knocked out of my hand. In the panic to get control of the car (as I was steering with my knees), my mobile fell  from the arch of my neck and straight into the cup of coffee, which I had between my legs.

This resulted in a small disaster as I spilled hot coffee all over "Bill", and the set of twins. In the cry of pain which followed, I lost the cigarette from my lips and burned a large hole in my shirt. 

In addition, I lost the important phone call!

How can we allow women to drive this way?! Now someone must take action and get these irresponsible motorists off the roads! "

A truly beautiful mind and soul.

Yesterday, April 16 2012, the trial against Anders Behring Breivik started. A man who has confessed to what we percept as cruelty beyond belief. July 22 2011 will always be a dark date in history to us Norwegians.BUT! We find truly beautiful people with beautiful souls among us. Some times in the most unexpected ways. This is a true story, just wanted to translate it and share it: 

Jorunn Berland found this present on the subway yesterday. Read what Jorunn writes:

"On the subway from Smestad today, I experienced something I would like to share with you: A small parcel was left behind on the seat as a young girl with a pram got off the train. I ran after her, wondering if she had lost it? "No, I left it there" she said with a big smile! The picture shows the text written on the box, the note and the item put inside the box. Words just aren't enough..."

On the red box it says: 

To: the first one who finds this present.From: Julianne 

On the note it says:

Hi, beautiful stranger.This is a small present to you.If it does not fit you, you can give it to a friend.Just wanted to do something nice to someone, now that we experience such a gloomy period of time with the trial going on and sorrow.
Hugs Julianne

(Freely translated)

Take good care of eachother - don't gloat

“A knight was expected to have not only the strength and skills to face combat in the violent Middle Ages but was also expected to temper this aggressive side of a knight with a chivalrous side to his nature. There was not an authentic Knights Code of Chivalry as such - it was a moral system which went beyond rules of combat and introduced the concept of Chivalrous conduct - qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women”.

§  To fear God and maintain His Church

§  To serve the liege lord in valour and faith

§  To protect the weak and defenceless

§  To give succour to widows and orphans

§  To refrain from the wanton giving of offence

§  To live by honour and for glory

§  To despise pecuniary reward

§  To fight for the welfare of all

§  To obey those placed in authority

§  To guard the honour of fellow knights

§  To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit

§  To keep faith

§  At all times to speak the truth

§  To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun

§  To respect the honour of women

§  Never to refuse a challenge from an equal

§  Never to turn the back upon a foe

Just like the Ten Commandments, these are such great virtues to live by. Not because they define the rules of membership to a section of the population or a religion, but because the guys back then paid some attention and found out what it would take to be at peace with each other and the society in which they lived, to make people they surrounded themselves with the best they could be, and to show respect when respect was called for.


Reading the newspapers and watching the news on TV, regardless of reference or agency, I come to think about how we disrespect others and often gloat at other people’s misfortune. That is perhaps our greatest source of entertainment. Sad but nevertheless true.
That aside: what I really like about these guidelines is the fact that if you try to live by them, you do not have to live your life constantly looking over your shoulder. Worrying people have issues they feel are unsettled between you.


So many people I know (myself included) realize they have not always made the right choices. They have blamed others for they own shortcomings, given up at other people’s expense, not stood up for others when they know for sure they have been wrongfully discredited… to make it short: they have done what I have done myself: trying to make life easier on themselves and if lucky; getting a good story out of it; A good story just because this time (as well) it is about someone else.


To mind our own business is what we really want to do, and that others stay out of our business is what we keep telling them to do, but we get annoyed when we discover somebody could have helped someone we love and care for: Quite a deadlock, right?


I am far from being a saint, I mess things up all the time, and I know I at times walk away when I should have stayed facing the heat. Maybe it would have been easier to make the right choices if we had more approval, from society in general, to give fair and matter of fact feedback, without being percepted as meddlesome. 
If we focused more on other people’s well-being rather than the entertainment value of their misfortune, maybe, just maybe, we could have had more good times together, instead of looking for our own and others’ possible social embarrassments. 

On the phone...

Every day I see people almost maniacal preoccupied with their mobile phone; watching the screen as they constantly press keys, buttons or shuffle on the screen.  

I do understand that a mobile phone is not just a phone… People tend to store their entire life on their phone: contacts with info like numbers, picture, address, date of birth, calendars with appointments and special occasions (even Christmas, Valentine’s Day, National Day and other rather obvious can’t-miss-out-on-noticing-they-are-coming-up days), pin codes and passwords. Not to mention down or uploaded music, games (I recommend wordfeud!), internet with social medias like facebook, twitter and msn (I am sure there are more, but those three should represent the nature of them all.)

There is something ridiculous about people shopping for groceries while talking to themselves, and not very discreetly either, mind you. They jabber about people, names and their private issues, paying no attention to fellow customers or shop assistants.

Walking about in their own private sphere, people do not realize people hear what they say in their end. I do not really consider it eavesdropping when they talk that loudly, either.

It is quite a while since I had a meal in a restaurant without hearing someone’s phone ringing. I miss that. I miss having a conversation and a meal without being abrupted, in the middle of a sentence, with the words: “Hang on, I just have to take this call”. And I end up sitting there, in my own awkward limbo, listening to my company being overly friendly to a friend or a coworker who just called to say hi, as I sit there feeling more and more neglected, left out and less important than the random person on the phone.

Sometimes I feel people talking on the phone or sending a text message are getting more attention and are taken more seriously, than the one there, in person. Maybe we think people would feel turned down if we do not instantly reply to the approach a call or a text message actually is, but to be honest: To talk to someone on the phone and then hear the toilet flush really is no compliment to me.

I am old enough to remember when people did not expect me to be accessible at all times.

Maybe that is the reason why I put my mobile phone away and leave it in the car or keep it out of reach and audibility in various ways. For some reason some find it appropriate to ask me why I did not answer their call at the time they called… I could be tending to private business, you know.

I am not as brave as a friend of mine, though, who has the following message on her phone service: “Hi, either I am not available right now, or I just do not want to talk right now. Leave a message and I might get back to you”.