Abstract

The metal scene defines itself as a subculture that exists in opposition to the mainstream, using metal music as the cultural centerpiece for scene membership. It is common within the community to encounter new scene members, who have just begun their involvement with metal music and the surrounding scene. One defining characteristic of individuals within the metal scene is their reaction to newcomers. Two distinct groups exist within the scene, casual metalheads and elitists, and these groups approach new members in conflicting ways. Where casual metalheads welcome newcomers and encourage their involvement, elitists are protective over scene membership and employ gatekeeping techniques to sort out “posers”. Consequently, casual metalheads combat this behavior by policing elitist behavior within the scene. While each group appears to work in opposition to each other, casual metalheads and elitists exist in a symbiotic relationship that serves to benefit the metal scene. Where the casual metalheads act as recruiters for the scene and help grow scene membership, elitists act as a quality control arm that codifies common themes that tie together the community. These two groups, through differing methods, act to create a scene with both a sense of identity and a thriving membership.