Source: Wellcome Collection
Holy shit, what the fuck, man? A plague? All … I guess it’s joking?… aside, I hope you’re all well. This is crazy shit, and I know I’ve never lived through something quite like this. But hey, don’t read dickhead talking science on twitter, stay clean, stay home if you’re sick, and listen to metal. That’s why we’re here, isn’t it?
OK, look, I have a day job that is going to require a LOT of my time the next, I don’t know, weeks? By the way, and this should go without saying, but respect the people stocking shelves, ringing up your orders, shopping your orders, bagging your items, serving your tables, pouring your beers, delivering your food and/or groceries, etc. I miss my old life. But updates here may be spotty. That sucks because there are a lot of really good records coming up, and I’ll do what I can to write about them. I just don’t know in what form. I’ll do the best I can, but it guts me to not be able to be consistent. Well, unless I’m exposed to COVID-19 and I get quarantined, then I’ll be here constantly.
So, the other obvious thing is this virus is hurting the metal community a lot. Bands can’t tour. Record stores could be impacted. Band members who work normal jobs when not touring may be impacted again if their places of business close. That’s a lot of money not being made, a lot of people who may not be able to get essential items and care and, oh by the way, there’s a good chance they don’t have healthcare. The people who make the music we indulge in could use us right now, and this isn’t to shame anyone, because not everyone can put money into things right now. You need to take care of yourself and your family first. But if you can help, here are some ideas:
BUY SOME RECORDS: Labels could use your help and so could the bands. If you are looking for some new music, buy some physical copies through an online site or, depending on public situations, hit a record shop. Buying music not only helps the bands you like; it also can make you feel better. That’s not a tested theory or anything, but it works for me. Get some vinyl, CDs, cassettes, whatever. It’ll help you pass the time and will irritate the fuck out of your neighbors!
BUY SOME MERCH: Just about every band alive has merchandise readily available (come on, Bolt Thrower!), so if you want to support artists and you need more black T-shirts in your life (and it’s scientifically proven that you can’t have enough), throw some digital money their way and show your support in that manner. Plus, studies have shown clothes keep you warm, so if you do get ill, it’ll help keep you toasty as you battle this menace.
GET THE BANDCAMP APP: If you’re more into digital music than physical, there’s no better method of amassing music than by downloading the free Bandcamp app and starting to buy your music there. The app keeps all of your purchases in one place, so it’s easy to find something in your library when you want to access it. Not every band and label offer Bandcamp options (though a mega shit ton of them do), so you might have to scour for other options. But this is the best method for digital music, though you also can order physical copies and merch on the app from most bands and labels.
I’m sure there are more ways, but I’m tired, I haven’t slept a lot, and this is what I came up with right now. Thanks to everyone who comes to this site and reads my stuff. Much appreciated, and I look forward to the day when we can have some normalcy back. Be well, stay safe, wash your hands, wipe down your smart phones, keep an eye on older members of the community and people with health issues, and don’t say stupid shit about this on the internet or in public. Listen to some heavy shit, and let’s all fight our way through this.
Meat Mead Metal 