Hang on guys, here's something you won't believe: Phil Anselmo of Pantera/Down is mad about something.
But it's not the sort of thing we're used to him being mad about. As you're no doubt aware, with the weather beginning to act like it might cool down, college campuses swelling with textbook-toting young'uns and fake breasts, and fantasy draft lineups being locked in place, it's football season. Hell yes.
You see, Phil Anselmo is a huge fan of the New Orlean's Saints, and he's kicking off the NFL season with a strong defensive stand against the "bounty gate" suspensions against the team, calling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell "the cop that will pull you over and take you to jail just because he can, and he's the dude that peeps through your daughter's window when she's in third grade." He also accuses the media, particularly Sports Illustrated writer Peter King, of making Jonathan Vilma the poster boy of the whole situation.
Football, heavy metal, and loud-ass-hell opinions are intertwined, though. Never mind that last night's New York Giants/Dallas Cowboys, featured music by Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani and Queen Latifah. Football and the metal share aggression, testosterone, and unpredictability.They both naturally evoke strong sentiments, whether in the players or fans. They arouses the emotions, competitive animalistic urges.
It goes beyond fans and players amping up to Metallica in locker rooms and the tailgate lot: Last week, in a partnership of rock royalty and America's favorite drinking excuse, it was announced that KISS's single "Hell or Hallelujah" will set the tone on ACC Network telecasts for the kickoff of each week's syndicated game.
In Oakland, the Raiders have trotted out onto the field to AC/DC's "Hells Bells," however, after Al Davis' passing, I think an appropriate song would be "Black Hole Sun"--not just for the obvious imagery of the Raiders' O.co Coliseum nickname, but to bring some renewal to the franchise. The Kansas City Chiefs have played a pair of Motley Crue songs, "Kickstart My Heart" and "Wild Side" when leaving the tunnel to 80,000 screaming fans at Arrowhead.
It would be easy to go on a tangent and create an NFL playlist for each and every time, but instead, I want to list some heavy metal songs that I'd love to see being rocked on the field...or at least in the parking lot. To grill to while tailgating or headed to the big game. To play during half-time while shot-gunning beers at home. Or just to rock out to when your team scores a TD.
Korn's "Coming Undone:"
This song was on ARTISTdirect.com's list of top guitar riffs of the 21st century, and that should be reason enough to blare this one when you're down and looking to comeback strong.
Power Man 5000's "Worlds Collide" or Drowning Pool's "Bodies"
These songs just makes you wish you were a linebacker running people down. Or, if you're anything like me, it makes you daydream about taking out the San Diego Chargers one-by-one.
Dragonforce's "Through The Fire and Flames:"
Here's a band whose riffs can make your head spin -- like a skull-crushing tackle, no?
Tesla's "Modern Day Cowboy."
Dallas fan or not, don't ever call Tesla a glam band.
Slayer's "Hell Awaits:."
Why is this song not already accompanying a football team to the field?
Motorhead's "Ace of Spades"
Solid, ass-kicking power.
Accept's "Balls to the Wall"
The great opening riff and drums seem to get the adrenaline pumping immediately.
Black Sabbath's "Iron Man:"
It may be cliché, but only Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" rivals it for one of heavy metal's most famous intros.
Metallica's "Enter Sandman:"
Another possible cliché, but still phenomenal for getting pumped up before a good game of football. But it's actually known more as a baseball introduction that for football, mainly because of the New York Yankees' Mariano Rivera.
Other top picks:
Dio's "Last in Line:"
Watch this music video and you'll never want to go into an elevator again. Don't let the first thirty seconds fool you.
Warrant's "Uncle Tom's Cabin:"
This band is known mostly for "Cherry Pie," but those who think that's their best song should really ask somebody. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is easily the best Warrant produced.
Manowar's "Violence and Bloodshed:"
Weightlifting jocks love it -- and not just cause these guys dressed like barbarians in loincloths.
Megadeth's "Symphony of Destruction:"
Accompany it with destruction -- on and off -- the field.
So here's to an upcoming hardcore football season. And remember: no need to turn down those speakers.
