This is something I'm trying out. Many people think Metal as a genre is nothing more than screaming and noise. But Metal is so much more than that. And in these journals, I want to disprove it. With every journal a different side of Metal. This time: Ballads.

One can say that Metal is about headbanging yourself a whiplash and having your ear drums pop at the sound of raging guitars and awesome growls. However, you can truly respect one Metal band when they have a softer side. An emotion, a soul. Ballads are their way to show this.

Two examples:

Machine Head: Damage Inside (www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pYjwdBmb50)

The bell tolls on as the rain comes down
On my face, the drops, they sound
I slowly melt into grey abyss
Depression and her endless kiss
I hope to feel the life again
End the numbness, living in
I sit in silence, deaf to all

And I can't look you in the eye
I don't want you to see the damage inside
I've been gone for so long

My demons pull me into the hole
To dance with leaches and drink my soul
While violins play the endless song
Of hearts broken everlong

I can't look you in the eye
I don't want you to see the damage inside
I've been gone for so long

And I can't look you in the eye
I don't want you to see the damage inside
I've been gone for so long

Disturbed: Darkness (www.youtube.com/watch?v=T23D193nCys)

Don't turn away
I pray you've heard
The words I've spoken
Dare to believe
Over one last time
Then I'll let the

Darkness cover me
Deny everything
Slowly walk away
To breathe again
On my own

Carry me away
I need your strength
To get me through this
Dare to believe
Over one last time
Then I'll let the

Darkness cover me
Deny everything
Slowly walk away
To breathe again
On my own

Listen to these songs and tell me you didn't get any shivers. That the hairs on your arms didn't rise. That you didn't you want to put some Devil Hands in the air. As you've heard, Metal has a soft side that many overlook.

I hope you've enjoyed this first issue of "\m/". If you have any suggestions, please them in the comments below and I'll see you guys later!