Critical Review 5: Walser 1993

In the introduction and first chapter of Walser's 1993 book, reasons for the history of neglect of heavy metal, and reasons that it is pertinent are explored.  Early on, and throughout the piece, comparisons to classical music are made in an effort to put the two on the same level rather than simply to legitimate heavy metal.  Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Metallica among many other were brought into the discussion as potential first heavy metal bands, while the rise of the genre was cataloged.  After sharing results from a survey aimed at getting inside the mind of a heavy metal fan, Walser concludes by returning to the conversation of why heavy metal has been either deserted or misinterpreted by scholars.

Discussion Question:  As an explanation for why blacks are not significantly represented in the heavy metal fan base, Walser notes, "If the motive for much white music making has been the imperative of reproducing black culture without black people in it, no comparable reason exists to draw black musicians and fans into traditionally white genres." Do we believe this is true? To me it seems that this explanation only covers why black music historians would not join in. Regardless of history, why aren't more blacks interested?