Through all of the conflicts and tragedies in the world, music has always brought people together. Music bonds people through shared experiences and it also helps foster one’s personal identity. One of the most world changing genres is rock and roll. Rock music has been bringing the world together since the early 1950s. Still to this day, it brings FHN students together in connection and friendship.
“Rock music can connect you with more people,” senior Aaron Wohlberg said. “I like Metallica because I think they have good instrumentals, and their songs have a good rhythm.”
Metallica is an American heavy metal band, formed in 1981. This famous band originated in Los Angeles by vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield, and drummer Lars Ulrich. Widely known from their hit song “Enter Sandman,” Metallica has left a great legacy and impact on the rock industry.
“I grew up around rock music because of my dad,” Wohlberg said. “I have probably been listening since sixth grade.”
When it comes to students’ favorite rock music, often times parents have a major influence. This is most likely because rock music was extremely popular in the 1980s and 1990s.
“My favorite rock bands are Green Day, Sum 41, and Blink-182,” senior Caleb Vaughn said. “I like rock music because my parents have always been listening to it. It’s what I hear every time I’m in the car, so I just got used to it.”
Similar to Metallica, Green Day debuted in the 1980s in California. Music doesn’t only help shape personal identity, but it can also strengthen parent-child relationships.
“My favorite metal band is the Black Dahlia Murder,” sophomore Emily Thomas said. “I like them because they were one of my first metal bands. They have a lot of albums to choose from, and I just really fell in love with their music. My dad is into this type of music and he definitely inspired me to start listening to metal.”
There is a strong community inside the alternative music genre. It is a way of self expression for some through fashion and makeup.
“Music heavily shapes my style, I wear band shirts,” Thomas said. “The community within metal is very alternative, and that definitely inspires the way I dress and do my makeup.”
