#metalandchill Detoxing Negativity with Metal \m/

Hello, internet! My name is ArwenStarsong and I am growing Youtuber who sings metal music. My community is small, but I love metal! This is the first time I make an actual blog post on my own website (So Be Gentle <3... :P) and I wanted to talk to you guys today about something I think should be a real thing! LIKE REALLY! WHY THE HELL HAS NO ONE THOUGHT OF THIS SHIT?!

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SO HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS, GUYS. THIS IS GONNA BE GOOD.

ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE METAL AND CHILL. UH-HUH! YOU READ THAT RIGHT! #METALANDCHILL. MUCH LIKE NETFLIX AND CHILL BUT WITH ACTUAL CHILLING INSTEAD OF THE INEVITABLE AWKWARDNESS THAT COMES AFTER THE "CHILL" PART OF NETFLIX AND CHILL (AND YOU ACTUALLY GET TO FREAKING ENJOY THE CONTENT OF WHAT YOU'RE LISTENING TO INSTEAD OF PRETENDING TO!!!). You're probably thinking that I am pulling your leg here, but let me assure you, this is gonna detox that negativity like crazy. as shown in the gif below. :P

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 So here we are, guys. Stressed... depressed.... You name it, you feel it weighing you down like a hippopotamus that just ate a whole box of Krispy Kreme donuts (Because trust me guize... those Krispy Kremes are a doozy). Well, let me tell ya, it is scientifically proven that during the winter time (especially around the holidays), depression and stress hit a lot harder than they do for the rest of the year. Google it. I am telling you the truth! The holidays and the weather changes that cause it to be darker outside even in the day can intensify these feelings. Luckily there is a cure to the winter blues? And that cure?

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METAL!!!

Not everyone would think so, but you would be surprised how much happiness this genre can bring when you feel down. But these losers could't be more wrong. It is actually scientifically proven that those who listen to metal are a lot happier. I seriously cannot make this shit up! Whether you need that song to let out your feelings of anger or tune out the world, or that song to pick you up, metal music has you covered. That is why I decided to share with you my top 15 Metal songs and the reason behind each choice. Sitting and listening to every one of these songs on a bad day can do you a lot of good. So sit back, relax, and prepare yourself cause it is about to get LOUD. ;)

Song 1- Havoc by Eluveitie

This song is freaking nuts and it is GREAT. It is one of my favorite Eluveitie songs. Folk metal is a great way to chill! This particular song is very upbeat and will remind you of Irish riverstomp music. The violin riffs are AWESOME. Eluveitie writes a lot of their music based on old Gaulish folklore and this particular song is about raiding villages and causing mayhem. It actually makes a lot of sense why this song would be in this list. A song about plumage on villages is one that can release any feelings of pent up anger that you could be dealing with. I know that after listening to this song, I always feel relieved! Moral of this one? Imagine you're a raider attacking villages. :P. That'll cure ya.

Song 2- Reason to Believe by Arch Enemy

I just HAD to share this song. First off, Alissa has KILLER clean vocals. Arch Enemy has not delved into the clean singing realm, as it is not their norm. HOWEVER, with the talented Alissa White- Gluz on board, they took a dive and ultimately, the song is one of the most popular ones out of their album, Will To Power. This song also has a very good message. The lyrics are incredible and tell the listener assuring things like NOT to loathe or hurt yourself. It is AMAZING and I cannot recommend a better song for times when you're feeling down. This band has repeatedly told us to remember who we are to to not give in to the pressure of society. They are a constant reminder to love ourselves and find our own power within ourselves.

Song 3- Become the Storm by Dee Snider

This is the voice of metal that everyone needs to hear right now. Dee Snider, who used to be the lead vocalist of Twisted Sister, has been doing solo work for awhile now, but his new album, For the Love of Metal, is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Not to mention, I just frickin LOVE Dee's vocals. The album is chalk full of songs that can make the most depressed person rise. The best song from the album, in my opinion, is Become the Storm. This song is an anthem to get you on your feet. It really hit a soft spot in me, as when this video premiered, I was going through a rough patch. I was instantly feeling better and relaxed after I put this on and it got me through my work day! It is music like this that makes me want to sing even more. PLEASE go and listen to Mr. Snider's album! You will not be disappointed! Every song on it is GOLD.

Song 4- Cry Thunder by Dragonforce

Because Dragonforce has always been a force of good and epicness. They have been around a very long time. But I must say, their new vocalist, Marc Hudson, is both talented and a hunk ;). I love the music this band has been putting out since he arrived on the team in 2011. This song makes my inner warrior burst out... either that or that is the Chipotle burrito I ate earlier. >_> BUT DUDES. I am absolutely behind this band. The fact that their guitar riffs are sick AF and the keyboardist is a maestro. Wanna chill? Let Dragonforce help you with that. JUST LISTEN TO THE SONG...

Song 5- Heart of the Furyan by Dire Peril

I like deez guys and happen to be acquainted with Jason and John. John's voice is like velvet. SMOOTH and soothing. He has the amazing ability to be powerful AND soothing at the same time. Which is not something many vocalists manage. He sings every song with passion. And Jason is a great songwriter and composer! He has a great knack for story telling and I can attest after seeing these 2 interect online that they are a great team! If you like Sci- Fi Metal, this is definitely a band you should check out. Their latest work, The Extraterrestrial Compendium has Britney Slayes and Arjen Anthony Lucassen. An impressive couple of guests, don't you agree? But seriously. Sci- Fi Metal is a great listen on a bad day. These guys will take you on an adventure and make you forget everything. But speaking of Brittany Slayes, the next song is one of hers. :P

Song 6- Tonight We Ride by Unleash the Archers

Dune riding and epic guitar battles???? HELL YES. This is a great song to chill to. :D. The fact that this is a Mad Max themed video just makes it even better! And Brittany is a QUEEN. Her vocal work in every song she does is frickin AWESOME. but this song tops her other work in my opinion and shows the mightiness of her vocal power and range! The guitarists and bassist are in perfect harmony the entire time as well and are a great team! This song in general is a sublime experience and is a great battle anthem. Huzzah!

Song 7- First Kill by Amon Amarth

Because vikings. Amon Amarth is another one of those bands that writes music based on folklore. Their folklore roots are more Nordic/ Viking. This song is more of a venting song. If you feel the need to chill after a fight with your parents, putting this on could probably help you calm down. I love this band so freaking much because every one of their albums has a story to it and is not just a pile of music. This song is about a man who commits murder, which set the events of their album Johmsviking. The man runs away and joins a group of outlaws called the Johmsvikings. The rest of the album is the story of his journey. *I DO NOT CONDONE MURDER. HOWEVER, IF YOU NEED A SONG TO HELP YOU GET YOUR FEELINGS OFF YOUR CHEST, THIS IS A GOOD ONE. JUST DON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID. THANKS.* This song is also a great song to work out to. Just throwing that out there.

Song 8- Stand Up and Fight by Turisas

Probably the most cliche of my choices on this list. But who doesn't love a good war song? This Finnish Folk Metal band knows how to invigorate a stressed soul. I love the fact that they also incorporate accordian and violin into the music. Blending traditional instruments, like how Eluveitie also does, is pretty freaking awesome and blends very well! Folk metal is definitely a genre worth looking into if you're an adventurous one! The album, after which this song was named, is based on the history of Varangian Guard, which was the group of elite Norsemen army men in service during the Byzantine Empire. The album unfolds history and is a good listen if you're looking for a good distraction from your woes.

Song 9- Keehauled by Alestorm

Yo ho, yo ho, A PIRATE'S LIFE FOR MEEEEEE! Alestorm is freaking WILD. lol! These guys are another great band that incorporates traditional instruments into their music. Their music is also downright HILARIOUS and is definitely a good listen to beat the blues and chill! Christopher Bowes is a freaking GENIUS when it comes to "Pirate Metal" in fact, they are one of the bands that started this genre. :D Since they came to the scene, other pirates have come from the shadows to bring forth this crazy branch of Folk Metal! They even sometimes incorporate Black Metal roots into their music on some songs as well, which is both totally random and RAD. I highly suggest listening to this song while drinking rum. If you do not have rum, you are not listening to this song OR THIS BAND right.

Song 10- Beyond the Burning Skies by Battle Beast

I LOVE NOORAH AND HER AMAZING ROARING VOICE. No one can even come CLOSE to matching the power of her voice, except, perhaps, Doro Pesch. Noorah has a gift beyond imagination with the amazing things she can do with her voice! I also love this particular song because it has inspiring words and is a great listen to get you back up and empowered. This song is about glory and honor and is a great song to chill to. The soothing piano riffs and guitar riffs are a good clash and the whole piece altogether is just a great composition. They touch the soul. I highly suggest giving Battle Beast a listen in general.

Song 11- TriggerPulse by Kobra and the Lotus

I love this band and their singer, Kobra Paige. I will always look up to Kobra. Not only is she an encouraging ball of sweetness, the music she creates with her team is beautiful and always spreads good vibes. They may write hard music, but don't let the intensity of it deceive you. Their music will make you bulletproof. Kobra's soothing voice and beautiful words are a great way to cheer up in the winter. If you want encouragement and light, look no further than these guys. They are beautiful people inside and out and always convey a message of love and hope.

Song 12- Victims of Contingency by Epica

Epica is one of the first metal bands I got into. The fact that they have evolved so much over the years of their being together is AMAZING. The reason I chose this particular song is because this one is a great song to not only vent anger, but it reminds you to not blame others for mistakes and failures. It is a reminder to also look within ourselves to find our weaknesses and turn them into strengths. The music Epica writes is a reminder of what metal is about. Metal is not only about being the outsider. It is also supposed to bring forth truths that people are too afraid to observe. Keep this in mind when you're feeling down and out of it.

Song 13- Last Hope in a World of Hopes by Temperance

Temperance is a good epic metal band. The music they write is beautiful and the harmony between Michele, Alessia and Marco are a good mix! Michele and Alessia sing the clean vocals and Marco the harsher vocals. But the fact that 3 completely different voices can come together in this way is great! It reminds me of my days in choir. This particular song has a nice balance of metal and folk music and it is very relaxing to listen to. If you need a break, pop some Temperance on your computer/ phone/ mp3 player. :)

Song 14- Kings by Frozen Crown

Frozen Crown just made their debut and they are already a hit. I just HAD TO put them here. They are also cool people to talk to and very active in their fan community. :). Giada's voice is unique and brings a new crispiness to the power metal genre. She also harmonizes well with Federico, the male vocalist. Thalia, the female guitarist of the band, is a freaking MANIAC and brings riffs that will light the torch in your heart! Not to mention she is also left- handed, which is something you do not see too often anymore! I dig it! If you listen to their whole album, The Fallen King, it will take you into an epic journey about tyrants and war. It is a great listen when you're down in the dumps and need a distraction. I suggest hearing this one while you lie in bed with ear buds and shutting your eyes. It will help you get a better picture of the story. :D

Song 15- Over the Hills and Far Away (Originally by Gary Moore) Covered by Nightwish

 Gary Moore was a legend and is influence on many bands such as Nightwish, Powerwolf, ReinXeed, and Sonata Arctica, who all did covers of his music. I love this particular cover that Nightwish did of his song, Over the Hills and Far Away, which is about a man who is framed for murder and robbery and put to face the death penalty, but the alibi ( he did not commit murder because he was out sleeping with his best friend's wife) he has would also ruin his life. This is also the album that lead to Marco Heitala becoming the bassist and Male Vocalist for Nightwishand has backing vocals by Tony Kakko of Sonata Arctica. :D This version was dubbed to be too karaoke like by Gary himself, but I dig it. I like the way Nightwish put their little spin into it. If you want another story to get your mind off feeling blue, this band is your place to look! Their music is what got me into this genre in the first place and though I do not care for Floor Jansen as their current vocalist, I do hold this band in my heart and Tarja is still one of my favorite vocalists! Speaking of Ex- Nightwish vocalists, here's a bonus for you!

Bonus Song- My Sweet Mystery by The Dark Element

Annette Olzen is another ex- Nightwish vocalist and she along with ex Sonata Arctica Guitarist Jani Liimatainen started the band, The Dark Element, as a collaboration. Their self- titled debut released in 2017 with their Self- Titled song The Dark Element kicking it off. And people were BAMBOOZLED. The fact that these 2 came together and wrote this music (and they did not even meet till the filming of My Sweet Mystery) is ASTONISHING. The music they write is music about love, hard times, and rough experiences, but they write in a way where it inspires you to really listen and think about your own life. Inspiration comes from their own experiences. So if you're experiencing a bad day, chill out to The Dark Element. You'll be surprised. TRUST ME. I know I sure as hell was when I found out the news of this collab! I am also SUPER STOKED that Annette came back to music with this project!

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So there you have it, folks. I have given you 16 songs to help you gain your "holiday spirit" or whatever back. Personally, I think you should sit down in your room and whip out Youtube, Mp3 Player or Spotify. Then you should go through your music and see what songs motivate you. What moves you? I want to know your opinions in the comment section. give suggestions. HELL! Show me a playlist of your blues battle music. In this community, it is never about who is a better band or who is more metal than the other. In this community, it is about raising each other's spirits. Being encouraging. Listening to the music together and enjoying a good time with your friends or relaxing to the sound of blaring guitars. Guys. Take this moment to reflect your own life and your favorite bands. Have you told your friends about your musical tastes just yet? Welp. I have one more suggestion for you. Give me 3 more songs in the comments. And make a friend in the comment section. And show your friends your favorite music. Music has a beautiful way of bringing people together. It is a great way to bond with those important to you. Every musician I have met will tell you the same thing. Music should be a shield. A sword. A way to make it through the rough times and amplify the good. Spread the love and good vibes, everyone. As I will always say in these blogs-

KEEP IT METAL!

Yours Truly,
ArwenStarsong

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