Metal University

Bryan and Chris talk about experiences they've had while introducing metal to non-metalheads. What are the benefits of putting ourselves out there to share the music we love? Do metalheads have an obligation to spread the word and introduce new people and groups to metal?

This time around, Bryan has been listening to Iron Maiden, and Chris has been listening to Dream Theater and Blackbriar.

Find Chris on Twitter: @valvoch

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Bryan and Chris discuss three court cases where metal bands were sued over the actions that their fans have taken that were allegedly inspired by the music and lyrics of the bands. The professors look at lawsuits brought against Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, and Slayer in famous cases involving suicide and murder. Can music make someone do something tragic? Could and should bands be held responsible for the actions of their fans? 

This time around, Bryan has been listening to Sacred Reich, and Chris has been listening to Trivium.

Find Chris on Twitter: @valvoch

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Bryan and Chris discuss alienation and its role in bringing people into metal and also how metal can alienate metalheads from others. Why is metal so scary and off-putting to those who don't know and understand it? Why is there such a stigma for metalheads? Why do people think we are scary or unintelligent or dirty? The professors also talk about the role of the Satanic Panic and the oft-repeated notion that metal is dead.

This time around, Bryan has been listening to Ozzy, and Chris has been listening to Adrenaline Mob and Thank You Scientist.

Find Chris on Twitter: @valvoch

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Bryan and Chris discuss the concept of scene in metal, from its definition to the core elements of bands, fans, and venues. What does it take to be a part of a local scene, and why might the strength of a scene extend beyond the fans to the bands passing through? This is a topic on which Bryan has literally written the book, and through that lens, the professors explore the role of scholars in scenes.

This time around, Bryan has been listening to Jinjer, and Chris has been listening to Redemption and Halocene.

Find Chris on Twitter: @valvoch

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Bryan and Chris explore the different ways that metal music uses lyrics, particularly talking about the diversity of lyrical themes and approaches. Why does metal have such a wide range of topics and ideas in its lyrics? The professors consider themes of fantasy, horror, politics, and the ever-popular "metal rocks." They also discuss concept albums and why those might be more common in metal than in other kinds of music.

This time around, Bryan has been listening to Alice Cooper, and Chris has been listening to Dark Sarah.

Find Chris on Twitter: @valvoch

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Bryan and Chris start by discussing their favorite metal songwriters and then transition to the main topic: authenticity in metal music. What does authenticity mean? Is metal more authentic than other kinds of music? The professors examine these questions and also consider the role of songwriting in whether an artist is authentic or not.

Find Chris on Twitter: @valvoch

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In the first episode of Metal University, Bryan and Chris share how they got into metal music and explore the concept, pros, and cons of having so many subgenres in metal. 

Find Chris on Twitter: @valvoch

Email us: [email protected]