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July 20, 2008 |
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By Corey Bonnett
August 20, 2005
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One of the "perks" of being involved with a metal magazine such as METALEATER is the ability to contact people/bands who you are personally a fan of. Sure, you can e-mail a band member via their website and sometimes you even get a reply, but who's really replying to you?
I recently approached a fairly well known Canadian metal band (of whom I consider myself a longtime fan) about doing an interview to find out what's going on with them, promote their upcoming release, discuss summer tour plans etc. I hadn't made the initial contact directly, but through the band's webmaster (who happens to be a friend of mine). The webmaster contacted him to make arrangements to which he agreed, only to send an email ten minutes later reneging...very strange.
My assumption is that he visited METALEATER, then surfed around and stumbled across a review of his band's last release, which happened to receive a less-than-favorable evaluation. I can think of no other reason for the change of mind in ten minutes time. Is it not true that every band's musical direction, or specific album for that matter, is not suited to every metal listener? (A review is done by a single person and is just that, a personal review. What I enjoy, you may not and vice-versa. However, album reviews discuss what the album is all about, the lyrics, the production, the musicianship etc. and regardless of what rating was assigned by the reviewer, give potential buyers a reference point from which they can later make their own judgments.)
I got in touch with the band's webmaster once again, and asked him to contact them explaining that I didn't want to discuss the last album, and reiterate the fact I am a fan, my desire to help promote the band and their forthcoming release...no reply. I waited a week and with no response or explanation - I have to go with my assumption and this feeling that due to these silly circumstances. I've lost some respect for a band that have been putting a smile on my face for years now.
After more than 27 years in the business and 12 studio albums, I would think that an unflattering album review every now and then is expected - apparently not. I would like to note here it was not I who wrote the review in question. So, here I sit thinking and decide that if you want a job where everything you do is praised, I would suggest quitting the music business and becoming a...a...wait a second, there is no such job!
So, to the band: I'd say it's time to wipe away those big alligator tears, get down off that high horse, swallow hard, and get over it! Like I said, I'm a fan that follows your band quite closely and see no indication of people knocking down your front door to book your next worldwide arena tour. As a metalhead, a fan, and a supporter of metal music, I was offering to help promote your band, as well as your next release, and your currently scheduled tour dates. However, if you can get along just fine without the free promotion, all the power to you, and good luck on your next 6-stop stint around Eastern Ontario in your '84 GMC Vandura with a 4'x8' U-Haul trailer in tow.
Till next time... [FIN]
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