Metal is a genre of music that has been around since the late 1960s and has evolved and diversified over time. It can be overwhelming for those new to metal music to choose where to start. One of the best ways to explore this genre is by buying metal albums. This beginner’s guide will help you navigate the process of buying metal albums and provide tips to build a solid collection.
Know The Subgenres
One of the first things to understand when buying metal albums is the different metal subgenres. Some popular subgenres include black metal, death metal, thrash metal, power metal, and doom metal. Each subgenre has a distinct sound, and it’s important to listen to different types of metal to find the subgenre that resonates with you. This will make it easier to choose the right albums to buy.
Identify Your Favorite Bands
If you’re already a fan of metal music, then you probably have some favourite bands. When buying metal albums, a good place to start is with the bands you already know and love. You can start by buying their most popular albums, exploring their discography, and purchasing those you may have missed.
Look For Recommendations
Another great way to discover new metal bands is by asking for recommendations. You can ask friends who are fans of metal music or search for metal music communities on social media platforms like Reddit or Facebook. Some websites offer recommendations based on the subgenres of metal you’re interested in, such as Metal Archives.
Shop At Record Stores
Record stores are great places to buy metal albums. Many record stores have a vast selection of metal music, and you can find albums that you may not be able to find online. You can also talk to the staff, who are usually knowledgeable about metal music and can recommend albums based on your interests.
Buy Online
Online retailers like Amazon and eBay are also great places to buy metal albums. These retailers offer many albums from different metal bands and subgenres. You can also find rare and out-of-print albums that may be hard to find in record stores.
Attend Concerts And Music Festivals
Concerts and music festivals are great ways to discover new metal bands and buy their albums. Most metal bands sell their albums at their merchandise booth during concerts and festivals. You can also attend concerts and festivals to experience the energy and atmosphere of metal music.
Check Out Record Labels
Another great way to find new metal bands is by checking out record labels that specialize in metal music. These record labels often have many albums from different metal subgenres. Some popular metal record labels include Nuclear Blast, Century Media, and Metal Blade.
Buy Used Cds
If you’re on a tight budget, buying used CDs can be a great way to save money. You can find used metal albums at record stores, online retailers, and garage sales. Just inspect the CDs before purchasing to ensure they’re in good condition.
Check The Album Reviews
Before buying metal albums, checking the album reviews is always a good idea. You can read reviews on websites like All Music, Metal Archives, and Pitchfork. These reviews can give you an idea of what to expect from the album and help you decide whether it’s worth buying.
Store Your Albums Properly
Once you’ve started buying metal albums, it’s important to store them properly to prevent damage. Keep your albums in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. You can also use album cases or shelves to organize your collection and keep it in good condition.