Resident Evil zombies featured in Guitar Center "Big Cool Deal" ad

[VirusPunk]

Mark, I'll just make this very short and say that I agree with you whole heartedly on all accounts. You've made some valid points and I understand where you're coming from. I believe that you truly know your music, and I won't deny the fact that I don't always agree 100% with the message(s) these bands seem to associate themselves with either. I don't always like to feed myself with negativity either. Once in a blue moon when I get fed up with Black or Death Metal I pop in an AC/DC CD, or hell even some Dark Ambient can serve as that short inner peace and tranquility.

What really used to bother me personally about Metal are the ignorant fans. They think it's "untr00" as they say themselves to like other styles and genres of music. I say BS.

The bottom line is: Listen to whatever the fuck you want without caring what anyone thinks or says.

I'm also glad to hear you know and have read your history.

[MeganGrass]

Keep in mind most of the bands that wear facepaint/masks were in their teens and early 20's when they started so you can't really blame them.

Good point. Some habits are... uh... hard to break. ;)

And if I'm not mistaken, weren't you a huge fan of Marilyn Manson a while back?

I still am, however, I don't really like anything past 'Mechanical Animals'. Though I gotta point out, Manson has stated all-too-many times that his work is art, in shock form. Atleast he admits it, and I appreciate that. I guess I just got burnt by these commercial bands claiming one thing, while obvious and simultaneously being something completely different (fake).

It's the whole "I don't care what anyone thinks" attitude that appeals to me, wearing facepaint applies to that statement since I don't care if people choose to know what I really look like.

Same applies to me, aswell -- in almost every aspect of life, music included. I don't like any ideals concerning conformity.

Since you put it that way, I understand the whole facepaint/mask thing. If you just don't give a fuck, you just don't give a fuck. Plain and simple.

In Rap, artists flash guns in their videos and try to look tough. Pop singer Lady Gaga attempts to shock by wearing outrageous clothing as well.

Not all rap artists. Some rappers literally live and die by the gun -- it's all they've ever known, and they try to make the best of it by expressing themselves, musically. Others are simply wannabe fakes. And GaGa? I wouldn't put it past her. But then again, as mentioned before, some people just don't give a damn -- maybe she likes wearing that crap and doesn't care what other people think. Who knows?

But again, I get where you're coming from.

Though I will say, a good number of people I know are indeed actually offended by their appearances. You may laugh and think it's shit, but you would be surprised by how many people there are that actually take offense when seeing these musicians in their "shock" gear.

Well, people are naturally afraid of what "they don't know", so yet again, I get ya. I forgot to put what I know/ego aside, and remember that fact...

If that particular interest doesn't appeal to you, then fine. You're not under any obligation to like it.

Very true, but I don't think you believe me when I say that I truely appreciate music, in all forms. The Music. Not the message(s).

I myself despise organized religion especially in the form of Christianity and have seen first hand what religion and false teachings can do. I used to be a Christian myself years ago, and the only thing I have ever witnessed within the church is greed, false teachings, and brainwashing.

Unfortunately, I have aswell. Which is why I don't attend church. If I wanted to be judged by what i'm wearing, etc., i'd simply think back to my Jr./High School days. But that absolutely does not mean that I believe that all church-going folk are like that. I'm sure there has to be some exception out there, in this fucked up world.

The church burnings (while very childish and immature) were rightfully so. If you studied the History of Europe, and how the Church corrupted so many lives with their false teachings, you would know why such atrocities are being done. Thousands of my European brothers and ancestors lost their lives all because of wars involving religion.

Yes, I am well aware -- i'm a bit of a history buff. Nothing particular, but I just enjoy learning history, and European Christian history disturbs me, aswell. Well, a lot of Christian history bothers me. It saddens me to know that some "Christians" have commited such atrocities, all over the world, even in present day history.

I don't know your religious views either, assuming you do perhaps believe in your God I'll just say that I am not trying to convince you to give up your beliefs on behalf of my little rant here.

Likewise; i'm not trying to convince you of anything, nor am I trying to shove religion down your throat. But yes, I do, always have and always will believe in our God. Again, that's just my personal belief, and I certainly don't expect any single person to share my view(s).

If you want bands that preach life in a positive way then perhaps you should listen to Christian Black Metal instead. Same guitar riffs, same keyboards, but a different and positive message entirely.

I do. I love the Christian Metalcore band, Norma Jean. Their entire album "Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child" is great. My thing is, I hate being pissed off and angry all the time. It gets old, and listening to Cannibal Corpse, Slayer, etc. all the time doesn't exactly put me in a positive mood. That's not to say that I don't enjoy those bands/genres, because I do. A lot. In fact, i've seen them all in concert, and I really enjoyed their shows.

I see this existence we call life absolute shit because the Human race is shit along with everything it is that we do. I see life in a negative way, and I'm never going to change.

I used to think exactly like you. Exactly. To this day, there are a lot of negative, hate filled aspects in my life, as i've had to endure a lot of shit -- but they're my demons, and I combat them the best way I know how -- love and positivity. As I mentioned, being pissed off and mad, all-the-time, gets me nowhere.

And I wouldn't expect ya to change, VP. If everyone in this world were the same, it would be a very boring. And I must 'tip my hat' for this 'convo' -- it's always nice to hear other people truely speak their mind about such topics I hold dear, such as music, history, etc.

[VirusPunk]

I can appreciate anyone who takes the time to create their own music. I love it. But when a group of grown men paint their faces like clowns/wear masks and expect people to be scared, or even slightly affected by their performace or music, I gotta call bullshit. Take off the face paint/mask, then we'll talk real music/performace.

Keep in mind most of the bands that wear facepaint/masks were in their teens and early 20's when they started so you can't really blame them. A good number of these bands have grown out of being theatrical years ago. And if I'm not mistaken, weren't you a huge fan of Marilyn Manson a while back? That man is the true definition of shock performance and wears the most ridiculous makeup of all. I don't see the use of corpsepaint in Black Metal as a means to shock anyway, I see it more as a way to hide their true identities. It's all about having a persona, and quite personally I'd rather stay anonymous than reveal my true self to my small fanbase. I mean, why would anyone care what I really look like anyway when they should be enjoying my music instead. It's the whole "I don't care what anyone thinks" attitude that appeals to me, wearing facepaint applies to that statement since I don't care if people choose to know what I really look like. I'd rather have them hear my music and my message associated with it instead. Regardless, the small amount of unknowns I listed here have stopped wearing facepaint years ago, for the sole reasons you stated yourself. They have all grown out of it.

Though a good number of musicians (not just BM or DM) attempt to shock and scare audiences. In Rap, artists flash guns in their videos and try to look tough. Being from LA, I've seen first hand that all gang members are a bunch of pussies that only act tough when they have weapons or large numbers. Pop singer Lady Gaga attempts to shock by wearing outrageous clothing as well. So it's unfair to say that Black and Death Metal are the only genres attempting to scare listeners, since it's highly untrue. Many different genres have some form of shock value to it.

Though I will say, a good number of people I know are indeed actually offended by their appearances. You may laugh and think it's shit, but you would be surprised by how many people there are that actually take offense when seeing these musicians in their "shock" gear. Especially my mother.

I spent years listening to nothing but commercial death metal bands, and I believe i've earned the right to talk shit. Me pussy? Ha. I'd tell them all their full of shit, to their faces, given the chance

You're not a pussy, and I salute you for speaking your mind.

Since my teen years, I have become extremely eclectic, musically. I listen to everything from Hank Jr., to Eminem, from GaGa to Jefferson Airplane. Any and everything musical, I love it. That doesn't mean that I always appreciate their message.

EDIT: I've spent the last half-hour checking out a few unknowns from your list. Probably not long enough to make any personal judgement, but i've got the gist.

A few of the bands, i've got to admit -- they may be real (for example, the shitheads that burned down a church?!). I liked some of their guitar riffs and keyboard setups. I'll admit that much. But still, this genre just simply isn't for me. Not anymore.

I don't know of your religious (if any) background, VP, but it seems that all these bands have the same thing in common. Again, this simply isn't my taste.

To each their own, as they say. ;)

These bands all share a common interest because that's what it represents. If that particular interest doesn't appeal to you, then fine. You're not under any obligation to like it. I myself despise organized religion especially in the form of Christianity and have seen first hand what religion and false teachings can do. I used to be a Christian myself years ago, and the only thing I have ever witnessed within the church is greed, false teachings, and brainwashing. I came to my senses years ago, and realized that Christianity and religion in general is the true epitome of evil and all bullshit.

The church burnings (while very childish and immature) were rightfully so. If you studied the History of Europe, and how the Church corrupted so many lives with their false teachings, you would know why such atrocities are being done. Thousands of my European brothers and ancestors lost their lives all because of wars involving religion.

I don't know your religious views either, assuming you do perhaps believe in your God I'll just say that I am not trying to convince you to give up your beliefs on behalf of my little rant here. I'm just telling you like it is, but not all Christians are evil.

If you want bands that preach life in a positive way then perhaps you should listen to Christian Black Metal instead. Same guitar riffs, same keyboards, but a different and positive message entirely.

However, I myself will continue to listen to Christraping Necro Hateful Bleak and Mournful Black Metal, as I see this existence we call life absolute shit because the Human race is shit along with everything it is that we do. I see life in a negative way, and I'm never going to change.

[MeganGrass]

Hey VP, it's been awhile. ;)

To start, i'd like to say that my late-night rant wasn't directed torwards you, or anyone that prefers that genre of music.

I just hope you aren't using "Death Metal" as a derogatory term for all extreme metal music

Most definitely not, I actually prefer metal.

You need to open your eyes and ears more if you think Extreme Metal or Death Metal is for pussies.

Believe it or not, it actually takes skill to perform growled vocals without permanently damaging your vocal chords. And many growling singers can perform clean vocals, quite wonderfully I might add. I myself have been practicing growls for a very long time, but still can't perform 100% without my throat hurting after 30 minutes, so imagine having to play a 2-4 hour live gig or so. It takes years of practice. Let's not even get into the details about the guitar work, please.

I can appreciate anyone who takes the time to create their own music. I love it. But when a group of grown men paint their faces like clowns/wear masks and expect people to be scared, or even slightly affected by their performace or music, I gotta call bullshit. Take off the face paint/mask, then we'll talk real music/performace.

I personally can appreciate many forms of different music, even though I'm not a particular fan of the genre. And I'm not aiming at you personally but I'll say that the only pussy here is the person who can't accept musical tastes for what they are, and bash a subgenre they do not know anything about or understand.

I spent years listening to nothing but commercial death metal bands, and I believe i've earned the right to talk shit. Me pussy? Ha. I'd tell them all their full of shit, to their faces, given the chance.

I have some understanding of the people in this genre -- as I said, i've played shows with local bands, heard a wide variety of both mainstream and underground bands, and they all have the same thing in common. Believe me when I say I understand people who take this path in life, musically. I bash them because it's a shit genre. The message is always the same, no matter the band, whether they're signed, or not, and these whackos are usually putting on a front. Hatred, shock factor, dark religion, etc. just simply isn't for me.


Since my teen years, I have become extremely eclectic, musically. I listen to everything from Hank Jr., to Eminem, from GaGa to Jefferson Airplane. Any and everything musical, I love it. That doesn't mean that I always appreciate their message.


EDIT: I've spent the last half-hour checking out a few unknowns from your list. Probably not long enough to make any personal judgement, but i've got the gist.

A few of the bands, i've got to admit -- they may be real (for example, the shitheads that burned down a church?!). I liked some of their guitar riffs and keyboard setups. I'll admit that much. But still, this genre just simply isn't for me. Not anymore.

I don't know of your religious (if any) background, VP, but it seems that all these bands have the same thing in common. Again, this simply isn't my taste.

To each their own, as they say. ;)

[VirusPunk]

Absolutely nothing. However, members of the band Slipknot have often referred to themselves as 'zombies', so the marketing scheme isn't complete nonsense to those familiar with the band. IMO, it's stupid, though -- and I still like Slipknot. Their early work, anyways.



No, they're not... even live, in concert. Deicide, however, is just plain fucking sickening. The word 'Deicide', itself, can strike fear into those who are deeply religous.

...and this is completely off-topic, but Death Metal bands are some fake-ass pussies. If they're self-claimed "misanthropists" and hate humanity sooo much, why the hell do they create and release materials and tour for live audiences? Money couldn't have anything to do with it, afterall, it was humanity that created currency.

And talent? Give me a fucking break. Any Joker can program a drum machine to 300bpm, scream some static nonsense into a mic and play a few Orchestral Pipe chords in MIDI format. Once compiled into a song, it doesn't make you hard, impressionable or feared.

Off topic post here, too.

I prefer Black Metal, Doom, and Dark Ambient over Death Metal, for good reasons too. I just misread Gradon's sarcasm and took it too literally and used Deicide as an example to show that Slipknot is garbage. And anyone who doesn't see the difference between BM, Doom, Thrash and DM is just plain ignorant. Real Black Metal is non commercial, and don't even mention Cradle of Shit or Dimmu Burger. Those are Pop Metal bands as far as I'm concerned. I'm ashamed to say that I once liked Cradle a few years ago, I wish I could travel back in time and shove an Emperor CD up my ass to set my past self straight..

But here are a few bands that are worth note:
Burzum
Darkthrone
Isengard
Xasthur
Nortt
Silencer
Abruptum
Graveland

All bands that despise commercialism, and have never performed live, that chose to work either alone or with one other person.

I just hope you aren't using "Death Metal" as a derogatory term for all extreme metal music, because not all "Death Metal" bands play at 300 bpm, scream nonsensical bullshit, and are talentless. Many Death Metal groups, as well as Black, Doom, Thrash, and anything else extreme compose beautiful masterpieces with melody and atmosphere that will blow anything away. You need to open your eyes and ears more if you think Extreme Metal or Death Metal is for pussies.

Believe it or not, it actually takes skill to perform growled vocals without permanently damaging your vocal chords. And many growling singers can perform clean vocals, quite wonderfully I might add. I myself have been practicing growls for a very long time, but still can't perform 100% without my throat hurting after 30 minutes, so imagine having to play a 2-4 hour live gig or so. It takes years of practice. Let's not even get into the details about the guitar work, please.

I personally can appreciate many forms of different music, even though I'm not a particular fan of the genre. And I'm not aiming at you personally but I'll say that the only pussy here is the person who can't accept musical tastes for what they are, and bash a subgenre they do not know anything about or understand.

[MeganGrass]

What do zombies have to do with drums?

Absolutely nothing. However, members of the band Slipknot have often referred to themselves as 'zombies', so the marketing scheme isn't complete nonsense to those familiar with the band. IMO, it's stupid, though -- and I still like Slipknot. Their early work, anyways.

Slipknot = meh, not scary at all. ...Deicide...

No, they're not... even live, in concert. Deicide, however, is just plain fucking sickening. The word 'Deicide', itself, can strike fear into those who are deeply religous.

...and this is completely off-topic, but Death Metal bands are some fake-ass pussies. If they're self-claimed "misanthropists" and hate humanity sooo much, why the hell do they create and release materials and tour for live audiences? Money couldn't have anything to do with it, afterall, it was humanity that created currency.

And talent? Give me a fucking break. Any Joker can program a drum machine to 300bpm, scream some static nonsense into a mic and play a few Orchestral Pipe chords in MIDI format. Once compiled into a song, it doesn't make you hard, impressionable or feared.

[nemesiswontdie]

I was being sarcastic with how the mainstream think Slipknot are scary with their masks.
But I dislike Slipknot.
So I don't really care haha.
It's a selling bribe. Like, "look at these awesome drums, they're by Joey Jordison from scary Slipknot."
and of course, scary = zombies. haha.

Its true. I remember in middle school (yeah I had shitty taste in music in middle school but didn't we all?) I wore a few slipknot shirts to school and people thought my shirts were scary....Fucking pussies.

Anyways I saw this before but I never really paid attention to it. Probably due to the fact that I was looking for instruments not zombies.

[Dracarys]

I was flicking through channels one night ages ago and on channel 5 wa sa really low budget horror movie (turned out to be a softcore porn flick), it used the original RE1 mansion music.

[Gradon]

I was being sarcastic with how the mainstream think Slipknot are scary with their masks.
But I dislike Slipknot.
So I don't really care haha.
It's a selling bribe. Like, "look at these awesome drums, they're by Joey Jordison from scary Slipknot."
and of course, scary = zombies. haha.

[VirusPunk]

^ Slipknot = meh, not scary at all. Glen Benton from Deicide doesn't even wear a mask and he's far more scarier. I can see those drums being used in the Deicide video for Homage for Satan though.

Good thing there's such a thing as realistic drum machine software. I would hate being a Death Metal drummer having to replace the skin every month or so due to the kick+snare kick+snare kick+snare kick+snare kick+snare kick+snare kick+snare kick+snare kick+snare kick+snare at 230 bpm.

By the way, isn't it some sort of copyright violation to use renders of game characters for commercial sales?

[Gradon]

Joey Jordison explains it all.
Slipknot obv = scary.
So, Slipknot drums = obv scary.

[Anders]

What do zombies have to do with drums?

Nothing. It seems so forced.

SINISTER SNARE
SCARY LOW PRICE
... and other retarded uses of "scary things" in the description

Quite poor marketing if you ask me. "Hmm maybe if we use zombies we can call our price 'scary low'?"

[leftshoe18]

What do zombies have to do with drums?

[Kruspe12]

Yeah, I agree. Pretty cool to hear that during wrestling haha!

[Zombie_X]

Sounds like it's played live as it has an echo.