Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Spring 2024 23 Metal We all met outside the arena aer the show, breathing heavily, eagerly sharing our stories. Isaih and Javius weren't able to get inside until past six due to a technical glitch with their tickets, so this was the first time we had met with them. Neither of them knew it was me who had fallen down during "Slaughterhouse." As I recounted the tale, their faces were a combination of astonishment and concern, but once I assured them everything was fine, we all laughed about it. I still felt bad about getting separated from Tiffany, but as I reflected on all that happened — from that first night in my bed to this concert — I was reminded of the power of music. And I remembered something: Motionless in White wasn't done with the Bluegrass. ey had said during the show that they would be coming back, and next time they would be bringing Knocked Loose. I smiled. Here we go again. Metal can be intimidating for those unaccustomed to it. But music is a kind and truthful speech, and it speaks truth to power. It is through the shocking visual and lyrical imagery, unorthodox composition, and controlled violence that listeners and musicians alike find healing, liberation, and brotherhood. Or should I say sisterhood? While I firmly believe metal does not need a defense per se, it is my sincere hope that this story inspires you to give this genre a chance. Or if it truly is not your cup of tea, that you have gained respect for the artists that create it. Music is diverse and beautiful; as members, it is our duty and privilege to honor that. FOOTNOTES 1 Sister Rosetta arpe. (2020, July 20). Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Retrieved January 1, 2024, from: https://bit.ly/3IGg0mK 2 Walser, R. (2023, December 15). Heavy metal | History, Music, Bands, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved January 1, 2024, from: https://bit.ly/strainencybrit 3 Young, S. (2020, June 9). e 21 best U.S. metalcore albums of all time. Kerrang! Retrieved January 1, 2024, from https://bit.ly/3TjomW7 4 Enis, E. (2021, August 16). 10 Most Influential Metalcore Albums of All Time. Revolver. 5 [Extreme Vocal Institute]. (2023, April 17). How to scream: What should screams feel like? Am I hurting myself? [Video]. YouTube. https://bit.ly/4a9z5co 6 Bowar, C. (2014, May 20). Trivium Cancel Handful of U.S. Shows Aer Frontman Matt Heafy Blows Out Voice. Loudwire. 7 Yuhas, A. (2021, March 31). It's Time to Revisit the Satanic Panic. e New York Times. https://bit.ly/3PLabIH 8 Grow, K. (2015, September 17). PMRC's 'Filthy 15:' Where Are ey Now? Rolling Stone. 9 Ragusa, P. (2021, August 19). e History of Moshing. Consequence. Retrieved January 6, 2024, from: https://bit.ly/3IE5WdP 10 (n.d.). Concert and Mosh Pit Injuries | Houston Concert Injury Claims. Houston Personal Injury Attorneys | Reich & Binstock LLP, Houston, TX. https://bit.ly/strainmosh 11 Trapp, P. (2022, June 8). New Motionless In White Song Cracks Spotify Viral 50 Chart. Loudwire. 12 Kielich, K. (2022, July 23). Motionless in White: Lies, Injustice, and the American Grave. Distorted Sound. 13 [Motionless in White]. (2022, May 13). Motionless in White - Slaughterhouse (Feat. Bryan Garris) [Official Audio] [Video]. YouTube. https://bit.ly/strainmotionless Rebekah Strain was initiated into the Gamma Upsilon Chapter at Morehead State University in 2013. She currently resides in Lexington, KY, where she teaches writing classes. She can be found on TikTok and Instagram as: @rebekah_writes94 A merican violinist and SAI Honorary Member Rachel Barton Pine has a rich and diverse career. Beyond her work as a classical musician and leader of the Rachel Barton Pine Foundation, she was also a founding member of a metal band, Earthen Grave, for which she played electric violin from 2008-2014 (highlighted in the Summer 2010 issue of PAN PIPES). Her newest recording highlights her continued love of metal. Pine's 24th recording for Cedille Records, Dependent Arising, reveals surprising connections between classical and heavy metal music by pairing Shostakovich's Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 77 with Earl Maneein's Dependent Arising — Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, performed with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra under the baton of Tito Muñoz. Shostakovich's work holds a special place among metal devotees, with its haunting Nocturne and relentless Burlesque. Earl Maneein is a renowned composer and violinist known for fusing classical music, heavy metal, and hardcore punk. His Dependent Arising draws inspiration from the Western European classical music tradition, the world of "Extreme Metal," and the composer's practice as a Buddhist. Both concertos explore themes of struggle, oppression, and defiance, which define Shostakovich's works and resonate deeply with the heavy metal music enthusiasts.

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