Metal Elitists: What is the Problem with Glam, Nu Metal & Core?

Randal in Shades on Metal Elitism

In his first metal-elitism vlog, Randal in Shades—also known as Shades—introduces a phrase he plans to use in future videos and cheekily tells anyone who dislikes it to “deal with it.”

Wearing a KISS shirt, he describes himself as a fan of glam or hair metal, nu metal—which he prefers to call alternative metal—and metalcore and deathcore, which he groups together as “core.”

What He Likes

Shades says he enjoys hair metal for its mood and standout guitar solos, alternative metal for its tones and rhythms, and core for its rhythms and harmonies. He names Alter Bridge as a favorite in alternative metal, and Bullet for My Valentine and All That Remains as core bands that stand out to him. He also admits he can’t get into Asking Alexandria, while emphasizing that this is just his personal taste.

His Challenge to Metal Elitists

The video’s central question is: What, specifically, makes these genres bad or “not metal”?

Shades says the criticism he encounters often stops at insults like “poser” or “they suck,” without explaining what’s wrong with the music. He asks critics to focus on musical qualities rather than a band’s image, fan base, or sales—and to support their opinions with reasoned arguments. His frustration peaks when he says that people who can’t discuss the music itself seem to know nothing about music.

He closes by inviting honest, civil debate and promising more videos about metal elitism. His tone is blunt and irritated, but he repeatedly clarifies that he isn’t asking anyone to like his favorite bands; he just wants criticism with substance.