“‘Today’s Young Musicians Don’t Want to Put in the Effort’: Deicide’s Glenn Benton Highlights What Modern Metal Bands Are Missing Compared to the Legends”
Veteran metal musician Glenn Benton, frontman of the iconic death metal band Deicide, has a reputation for being brutally honest. Known for his unapologetic approach to music and intense presence, Benton recently shared his views on the state of modern metal music, and he didn’t hold back. According to Benton, the younger generation of metal musicians lacks a key quality that the genre’s legends once held dear: dedication and hard work.
Benton’s Perspective on Today’s Metal Scene
Reflecting on the rise of young bands in the genre, Benton argued that a significant difference between his generation of musicians and today’s younger metal artists lies in the level of commitment. “These kids today don’t want to put in the effort,” he said in a recent interview, hinting at what he sees as a lack of drive and willingness to work tirelessly at their craft. For Benton, that drive was crucial to pushing boundaries in metal and forging the sounds that made the genre legendary.
In his view, the legends of metal – from early thrash icons to death metal pioneers – were willing to sacrifice, practice, and endure long hours and difficult conditions for the sake of their music. This kind of work ethic, he says, is noticeably absent in much of the newer wave of metal bands.
Passion, Grit, and the Foundation of Metal
Benton also touched on the early days of metal, recalling how bands had to fight to gain recognition. For bands like Deicide, Slayer, and Metallica, the road to success was paved with years of relentless touring, grueling rehearsal schedules, and a deep-seated commitment to the genre. Musicians were forced to hone their skills in a time when there was no internet, streaming platforms, or social media to catapult them to fame overnight. Benton believes it was precisely this grit that made the music stronger, pushing the limits of creativity and musicianship.
In contrast, Benton feels many young bands today may lack the same drive, taking shortcuts that he believes compromise the raw authenticity that once defined metal. Instead of grinding it out on the road and building a dedicated fanbase through live performances, he sees a trend of bands relying heavily on digital media, sometimes prioritizing image over substance.
The Changing Landscape of Metal
There’s no question that the music industry has undergone dramatic changes since Deicide formed in the late 1980s. Platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Instagram have enabled musicians to reach fans in ways that were unthinkable decades ago, creating new avenues for exposure and success. While Benton acknowledges that these platforms offer benefits, he worries they may dilute the depth and intensity of the music. For Benton, metal is about more than image and streaming numbers – it’s about the passion and dedication that underlie the music.
Though he remains critical of younger bands, Benton’s words are not entirely dismissive. He hopes to see more young artists take the time to truly invest in their musicianship, saying that dedication to the craft is what creates longevity and sets apart the legendary from the forgettable.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
Benton’s call for greater commitment may serve as inspiration for up-and-coming metal musicians looking to leave a lasting impact. His advice, while blunt, offers insight into what it takes to stand the test of time in a genre known for its intensity and complexity. As metal evolves and new bands emerge, Benton’s message underscores the importance of hard work, a quality that has defined metal since its inception.
For fans of Deicide and other classic metal bands, Benton’s words are a reminder of the sacrifices made by the genre’s pioneers. For the young musicians he critiques, it’s a challenge to prove that they, too, can rise to the occasion and put in the effort needed to keep metal alive and thriving.
In a world where music trends shift quickly and digital success can be fleeting, Benton’s message is clear: true legends are forged through dedication, resilience, and an unbreakable connection to the music – qualities that can’t be faked or shortcut, no matter the tools at a musician’s disposal.
