Metal Elitists: Stop Lying About Never Liking Something

Main Argument

The host argues that metal elitists should stop rewriting their musical past to seem more authentic. Nobody is “born a metalhead”: people discover metal through friends, family, media, or mainstream bands, and there’s no shame in being honest about what first drew them in.

The Host’s Musical Journey

Around 2006–07, a friend introduced the host to Thin Lizzy, and the first Guitar Hero game inspired him to seek out more music. He says he’d be just as open about it if Slipknot or another nu-metal band had been his gateway. He still enjoys Slipknot, nu-metal, and alternative metal.

He also looks back fondly on childhood favorites, including Maroon 5’s Songs About Jane and Green Day’s American Idiot, which he once thought was the hardest music in the world. He still likes Green Day, though he listens to them less often now. He jokes that he didn’t listen to much music as a kid, but didn’t mind the Backstreet Boys when they played in the car.

Message

The host encourages people not to be embarrassed by their old favorites or the music they still enjoy. If someone judges you for your taste, they’re not worth worrying about. He also distinguishes between forcing music on a child and letting them choose for themselves—even if they choose black metal.

Personality Appearing

Ranter/Shade, the video’s host, who signs off as Shades.