I use an electric guitar or acoustic and whatever else I can get my hands on. I was taught mostly by a few close friends and myself, and I learned over time that I was a true heavy metal fan. The realization of the distinction between fake metal and true metal, came to me at a time when I, like so many people, was fooled by glam & pop rock, masquerading as Metal. This came about in the 80s and still survives to this day, somewhat a menace to the populace of confused metal fans.

This is why I started work on the TRUE HEAVY METAL station on mp3.com. It contains the TOP 20 heavy metal songs from mp3.com, specifically chosen by True Heavy Metal experts like me and my friends from Forever's End. If you think you have what it takes to pick and choose metal, check out the station and contact me for details.

FYI, True Heavy Metal doesn't sound like thrash, grundge or glam rock.  Heavy Metal is a genre defined by orchestration, as well as a common technicality among the classically influenced to strive for quality. A True Heavy Metal band has to have vocals that rock. I'm not talking about barking or grunting. I'm talking about reaching those octaves baby! The True Heavy Metal vocalist has the responsability of holding together the integrity of the songs. It doesn't matter how good your lead, bass, and drums are if your singer sounds like shit!

This of course does not mean you can't play heavy metal without a vocalist. Heck, if your vocalist sucks I'd prefer you play without him/her. ;) Playing metal with a vocalist is highly recommended though, especially a saprano with range.