I get a fair amount of questions from readers and while I definitely enjoy the correspondence, I thought it might be easier to address some of the more frequent questions here in order to save you guys some time. I plan to update the list periodically, as necessary.
Why are you covering thrash/folk/black/etc. metal on The Blog of Doom?
This is the question that I get asked more than any other. In hindsight, it may have been a bit narrow-minded to call my site The Blog of Doom, when I set out from the beginning to cover all subgenres of heavy metal. However, the word "doom" means more to me to than just a qualifier for a genre of metal. Doom is a feeling that can be, and often is, on display throughout the world of metal. Also, I just like adding "...of doom" to the end of random things like lawnmowers, meals and blogs.
Why don't you write any negative reviews? You can't enjoy every album, right?
I certainly don't enjoy every album that comes my way, but I made an executive decision when I started The Blog of Doom to stay away from negativity. According to my statistics, less than 25% of the albums that I listen to end up in my weekly recommendations column. That doesn't mean that albums that I don't recommend are garbage, it just means that I didn't like them enough to recommend them to my friends. I listen to every new release that comes out in a given week, unless it's Night Ranger or some eyeliner metalcore band that I know I won't like without even listening. The albums that in up my weekly column are albums that I truly enjoy personally. The same goes with concerts that I attend. If I enjoy the show, I'll write about. If the bands are subpar, I leave it at that. I'm not here to embarrass anyone. Everyone is out there working hard to make a good record and put on a good live show. Just because it doesn't personally appeal to me, doesn't mean that it's not solid material.
Are you a full-time writer?
I am not. I had an interest in writing as far back as high school, but I ultimately chose a different career path that is unbelievably boring, but which pays the bills. Writing about heavy metal is way to scratch the writing itch and stay in touch with the metal scene at the same time. Win-win.
Do you play in a band?
I get this question more often than one would think. I think some folks believe that in order to write about music, the writer should be a musician. There are plenty of incredible sportswriters out there who I read everyday and respect the hell out of, but they probably couldn't run 50 feet without collapsing. That doesn't make them any less qualified to write about sports. The same logic applies to music, as far as I'm concerned. That being said, I do currently play bass in two bands. While not necessary to the trade, I do think that playing in bands gives me a unique look into what makes a band tick, and that is certainly applicable to this site. I'm not comfortable with the ethics of covering my own bands in depth on the site, as that may raise conflict of interest issues. If you really want to know more, you know how to get in touch. It's not a big secret or anything. I'll be happy to discuss my bands via email or in person.
Do you accept submissions from unsigned bands?
Absolutely. I'm always happy to listen to unsigned bands and give them a shout in my monthly unsigned bands column. I prefer digital promos, but if you have a physical promo pack that you would like to submit, get in touch and we'll work out the details.
This is the question that I get asked more than any other. In hindsight, it may have been a bit narrow-minded to call my site The Blog of Doom, when I set out from the beginning to cover all subgenres of heavy metal. However, the word "doom" means more to me to than just a qualifier for a genre of metal. Doom is a feeling that can be, and often is, on display throughout the world of metal. Also, I just like adding "...of doom" to the end of random things like lawnmowers, meals and blogs.
Why don't you write any negative reviews? You can't enjoy every album, right?
I certainly don't enjoy every album that comes my way, but I made an executive decision when I started The Blog of Doom to stay away from negativity. According to my statistics, less than 25% of the albums that I listen to end up in my weekly recommendations column. That doesn't mean that albums that I don't recommend are garbage, it just means that I didn't like them enough to recommend them to my friends. I listen to every new release that comes out in a given week, unless it's Night Ranger or some eyeliner metalcore band that I know I won't like without even listening. The albums that in up my weekly column are albums that I truly enjoy personally. The same goes with concerts that I attend. If I enjoy the show, I'll write about. If the bands are subpar, I leave it at that. I'm not here to embarrass anyone. Everyone is out there working hard to make a good record and put on a good live show. Just because it doesn't personally appeal to me, doesn't mean that it's not solid material.
Are you a full-time writer?
I am not. I had an interest in writing as far back as high school, but I ultimately chose a different career path that is unbelievably boring, but which pays the bills. Writing about heavy metal is way to scratch the writing itch and stay in touch with the metal scene at the same time. Win-win.
Do you play in a band?
I get this question more often than one would think. I think some folks believe that in order to write about music, the writer should be a musician. There are plenty of incredible sportswriters out there who I read everyday and respect the hell out of, but they probably couldn't run 50 feet without collapsing. That doesn't make them any less qualified to write about sports. The same logic applies to music, as far as I'm concerned. That being said, I do currently play bass in two bands. While not necessary to the trade, I do think that playing in bands gives me a unique look into what makes a band tick, and that is certainly applicable to this site. I'm not comfortable with the ethics of covering my own bands in depth on the site, as that may raise conflict of interest issues. If you really want to know more, you know how to get in touch. It's not a big secret or anything. I'll be happy to discuss my bands via email or in person.
Do you accept submissions from unsigned bands?
Absolutely. I'm always happy to listen to unsigned bands and give them a shout in my monthly unsigned bands column. I prefer digital promos, but if you have a physical promo pack that you would like to submit, get in touch and we'll work out the details.
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