Does metal take itself too seriously at times?

Controversial topic i know, but does anyone think that some metal bands (Christian and secular alike) take themselves a bit too seriously? There are several acts out there who think that everything they do is some great, deep, meaningful work of genius, which has to be taken seriously . While its fine to admire your work, there is such a thing as getting too wrapped up in yourselves. Compare that to punk rock. Every punk act i've listened to at least has somewhat of a sense of humor, either in their videos, or their lyrics, or even on the album covers, which prevents them from getting too serious. Im not referring to EVERY metal act out there of course, nor am i going to name names, but it is somewhat of a problem.

WildWorld wrote:Controversial topic i know, but does anyone think that some metal bands (Christian and secular alike) take themselves a bit too seriously? There are several acts out there who think that everything they do is some great, deep, meaningful work of genius, which has to be taken seriously . While its fine to admire your work, there is such a thing as getting too wrapped up in yourselves. Compare that to punk rock. Every punk act i've listened to at least has somewhat of a sense of humor, either in their videos, or their lyrics, or even on the album covers, which prevents them from getting too serious. Im not referring to EVERY metal act out there of course, nor am i going to name names, but it is somewhat of a problem.

Yes.
I'm not sure why but I think that it has to do with the stoner culture roots. In that culture things are deep and serious.
Part of the punk ethos is self deprecation. So, it's expected to see a more humorous take on things.

If the music sucks then yeah, they should have turned it into a joke instead. Comedic music usually wears off quickly for me, though some bands do a great job at compartmentalizing their serious and silly music (like Theocracy). If being "too serious" alone is a criticism, I disagree though. Life obviously is both, but not every band or every source of media has to be it all. I get my kicks from comedy shows and daily conversations, and as a pretty introspective guy I prefer my "serious" art from music. I guess that's just how my tastes panned out.

No.

Metal bands need to take their music MORE seriously.

WildWorld wrote:Controversial topic i know, but does anyone think that some metal bands (Christian and secular alike) take themselves a bit too seriously?

I don't think it's controversial, metal obviously takes itself more seriously than most other forms of music.  Studies show that metal and classical listeners tend to be introspective and melodramatic, whereas rock listeners are more outgoing.  Punk is probably in the middle.  Plenty of exceptions of course.

Sometimes I think metal fans take their music too seriously. The whole "Death to false metal" thought line comes to mind. My thought on that - "Whatever. It's music"

I think fans need to chill the heck down about what metal is. It's music and completely subjective to the listener's listening enjoyment. On the flip side, I think bands should take their craft seriously insofar as writing and playing the music.

Life takes itself too seriously at times.  Metal helps me chill.  

Neal Morse Code wrote:Life takes itself too seriously at times.  Metal helps me chill.  

Truer words have never been spoken!