Rock is a generalized name for a variety of music styles. It includes:
- both light genres (for example, rock and roll, Brit-pop);
- and quite brutal and even aggressive genres (grindcore, death metal).
Accordingly, the content of the songs can also be completely different – from relaxed and humorous to gloomy and philosophical. In most cases, rock musicians perform compositions of their own composition. The word rock comes from the English words “to lull” and “to rock” – it is associated with a certain rhythm of rock music.
Many styles of rock are characterized by the use of custard instruments, as well as musical expression, which is characterized by increased volume of performance (exceeding the sound of a symphony orchestra).
Rock has its origins in black blues, jazz, and classical music. The music can use different rhythmic patterns, and the dimension of the song often changes during performance.
Usually, a rock band consists of a guitarist (playing mostly electric guitar), a vocalist, a bassist, a drummer, and sometimes a keyboardist with a synthesizer.
The bass guitar and drums make up the so-called rhythm section, which maintains the set rhythm. Rock is usually a clean male vocal, sometimes with a slight hoarseness. Guitar riffs (repeated musical fragments) are notoriously hard.
Metal, or metal, as an offshoot of rock, has all its features, but with characteristic features. It is characterized by a more powerful, heavy sound, high-speed aggressive rhythms, hard riffs, guitar solos, sharp, assertive, energetic, growling vocals; distorted, overloaded guitar sound, which is achieved with the help of a special sound effect called “distortion”.
The central element of the composition is a guitar solo that requires a virtuoso performance. Therefore, a participant with an electric guitar is at least as important as a vocalist in a band. Vocals should be subordinated to the overall sound of the band.
The bass guitar and drums play a secondary role, but they set the overall rhythm of the music. The bass guitarist often uses a pick, and the metal drum kit is much more complicated than the standard one.
Usually, a metal band consists of a bass player, a rhythm guitarist, a lead guitarist, a drummer, and a vocalist (sometimes keyboards are added). Of all the subtypes of rock music, metal is the most theatrical and masculine performance, often using show elements, expensive scenery, pyrotechnics, and glorifying the cult of power.
Musicians can perform in special costumes, makeup, and even masks. Performers and metal fans can be distinguished by their traditional image, which includes:
- leather pants and jackets;
- metal rivets and chains;
- black T-shirts with symbols;
- long hair;
- tattoos.
Motorcycle bikers are considered a movement close to metal. At all heavy music concerts, it is customary to demonstrate a “goat” – a symbolic gesture with two raised fingers, signifying greeting and approval.