by The Metal Dog
The world of heavy metal has always been at the cutting edge, pioneering innovations that push the boundaries of musical creativity and, for some, musical taste. From the era of Black Sabbath to today's complex progressive metal, the genre has consistently embraced new technologies that redefine music production. Over on mastodon.social, I've shared numerous articles on the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in music. Figures like M Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold have been vocal about the role of AI in music, engaging in debates that touch on everything from creativity to the ethical implications of this new technology. Meanwhile, headlines like "Ozzy Osbourne ‘Open’ to Using AI to Make Music With the Late Randy Rhoads" capture the imagination and provoke discussion about the potential of AI to revolutionize composition, enhance live performances, and challenge our notions of authenticity within the heavy metal community.
A New Era
For better or worse, AI is about to carve out its niche in the music scene. Platforms like Suno.com allow you to type in a descriptive prompt—say, "an aggressive track that channels the spirit of Slayer" or "bless me with a satanic, thundering, galloping banger where Iron Maiden meets Behemoth"—and the system takes it from there. Like other generative AI tools, it's about guiding the AI with your creative vision. While it’s true that the results can be hit or miss, the technology offers musicians and fans a new playground to experiment with sounds and explore creative avenues that were once inaccessible.
Reign of Chaos
Today, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to experiment with Suno.com. I prompted the platform for an "Aggressive song in the style of Slayer." Initially, the system hesitated due to policy concerns; yeah, it's metal, and I'm looking for the PMRC sticker. However, it decided it was okay and quickly processed the request to produce "Reign of Chaos" in two distinct flavors. Here's one of them:
thrash metal aggressive heavy song. Listen and make your own with Suno.
The results were almost laughable—almost. While I certainly can't call it listenable on its own merit, the lyrics were indeed metallic yet somewhat disjointed, which, to be fair, isn't that unusual for the genre. The chorus sounded eerily like it was plagiarized straight from a late-era In Flames track. Despite these quirks, these compositions illustrate both the potential and the current limitations of AI in crafting music in this style. I started imagining groups of people splintering off in mass rejection of AI and the new dystopian age that some will say is being ushered in. In response to the original post of this track, I posted, "Should we just create an off-grid homestead commune where we all unplug from the internet and play real instruments?"
The Ethics of Authenticity
As with any new technology, the integration of AI into music production raises ethical concerns about authenticity and authorship. Is it possible for a machine to truly capture the rebellious spirit that defines heavy metal? Can an AI-generated composition ever be considered "authentic"? These questions will spark heated debates among fans and musicians alike, who grapple with the implications of this technological advancement on their beloved genre. I'm expecting to be seeing and sometimes re-posting a lot of articles on the topic in the future.
Artificial Intelligence as a Band Member
In addition to composing music, AI will undoubtedly play an active role in live performances by assisting with sound design, visuals, or even backing vocals. The current endless debate about backing tracks in live performances will not be settled anytime soon. With the inevitable leveraging of machine learning algorithms, acts will be looking to create immersive and engaging concert experiences that push the boundaries of what is possible within the realm of heavy metal. KISS is already getting ahead of the curve with the selling of its brand and the introduction of its avatars. However, as this technology continues to evolve, it will be essential for artists to maintain a balance between embracing innovation and preserving the raw energy that has always defined their genre. But it would be hard to imagine not seeing another splintering branch of AI-core genres sprout from Sam Dunn's Heavy Metal Family Tree.
The Future of AI in Heavy Metal
Where's this all heading with AI stepping into the band? Well, I'm not quite the old man yelling at clouds yet, but I've been around since before the internet. People used to moan about word processors replacing their typewriters, just like they do about AI taking over now. We got over that, and I bet we’ll get over this. AI's like the new effect pedal or the latest recording tech. Maybe it’s not the end of real music but just another way to mix things up. Imagine getting AI to cook up a few cool riffs when you're stuck on a track, then learning to play them yourself. This is a likely outcome that will push music in new directions.
Redefining Rebellion: The Next Era of Metal
The integration of AI into metal music marks a new chapter in this storied genre's evolution. Sure, some of it will be rough around the edges—maybe even downright terrible. But let's be honest, the metal scene has always had its fair share of chaos and roughness, some of which we've come to love. What's crucial is finding a balance and harnessing innovation while preserving the raw, explosive energy that defines our music. Rest assured, the new wave of technology will be embraced by innovative young artists—those crazy-eyed dreamers chasing their version of the rockstar dream. Assuming we survive all the impending apocalypses, they'll continue to expand the boundaries of what's possible in heavy metal, punk, and the evolving array of '-core' subgenres, ensuring that this music remains as vibrant and vital as ever for future generations.
Comments