AS WE WENT to press on this issue, the world had exploded into a movement that could (and should) bring real, palpable change to the very fabric of our society. While it’s the Black Lives Matter protests that have put black lives and societal racism back in the spotlight, the longer impact will be determined by what we all do next. Put plainly: we can all do better, and the metal scene is no exception to that.
Us metalheads see ourselves as the most open and welcoming community in music, so perhaps this is a good time to pause, reflect and ask if we are always truly living up to that reputation. So let’s all make a pact, together: let’s be proactive, be unafraid to ask ourselves some tough questions, and listen to the people of colour who have been brave enough to share their experiences with us. Racism has no place in metal or anywhere else. It’s as simple as that.