Write for Metal Review

Love metal? Want to write for the best metal site on the net? Metal Review is always interested in finding more talented, creative, passionate and dedicated writers. There is no shortage of metalheads that want to write reviews (just check Metal-Archives), but there IS a real shortage of people who CAN write (again, check Metal-Archives, or any other site with fan reviews). Prior experience is nice, but in no way a prerequisite. And although Metal Review is only interested in the best of the best, we recognize that all reviewers grow and improve with experience.

Here’s what we need:

People with a history with metal. While there’s no magic number for years spent as a listener to underground metal, fans only a year or two in don’t yet have the history, perspective, and context to give the critical reviews for which Metal Review is known.

People with broad tastes. We expect writers to have a strong knowledge of multiple genres, and have at least one or two in which they can specialize. Not knowing/liking a genre or two is just fine. Just don’t sign up for those albums and all parties will be happy.

Students of metal. We’re very, very wary of anyone who tries to pass themselves off as an "expert." Metal contains so many genres, bands, and albums–both well known and otherwise–that no one knows all there is to know. A strong admiration and respect for the depth, breadth, and history of metal is essential. A broadband connection and a large hard drive does not a metal expert make. We want writers who acknowledge that there’s always more to learn and love.

Commitment. Writers are required to meet minimum monthly quotas. The current expectation is a minimum of FOUR reviews a month. We also want people willing to make a long term commitment. One year would be an absolute minimum. Life busy? Got school, marriage, job stuff on the horizon? Maybe now’s not the time for you. Metal Review requires several hours each and every week. And to clarify, these are volunteer positions. What you DO get is the chance to hear some great music (and a lot of not so great music, too), an opportunity to express your ideas and creativity, a chance to make friends, and have a hell of a lot of fun.

What we don’t need:

Elitists. Wanting to turn others on to great music is one thing--looking down your nose at everyone whose cd collection doesn’t mirror yours is something else. We want guys that will give everyone involved their due–other writers, readers, bands, and labels.

Agendas. Similar to above–we’re not looking for people wanting a platform to finally expose the world to the merits of Bulgarian forest metal, or to rid the world of (insert today’s trendy metal here).

Laziness. If you won’t work shoulder to shoulder with us to continue to improve Metal Review, then we’re not interested.

Still interested? Here’s how to apply:

Compose three sample reviews of any albums of your choosing. The reviews should be a similar length to the average Metal Review review (between two-thirds of a page and a page and a half), and use our scoring system. It works best if you show us some variety. Don’t review three albums in the same genre or that you love/hate. Show us how you handle an album you like versus one you don’t. The team will review your work and if we’re interested, we’ll contact you to learn a little more about you and your tastes.

Send your reviews and/or questions to mattm(removethis)@metalreview.com with the following subject line: "METAL REVIEW APPLICATION". Without that subject line your email will not be read.

Most of us started as regular readers just like you. We’re no different than you are--don’t be intimidated to throw your hat in the ring. We look forward to hearing from you, and as always, thank you for your support of Metal Review.


Posted 10-27-2008 8:17 PM by eminor

Comments

SlayerM wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 10-28-2008 1:28 PM

Wow. This is so exciting. I wonder who's gonna be the next reviewer from the boards... Awesome.

sweetiemuffinsugarplum wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 10-28-2008 7:17 PM

Can I be grandfathered in due to my 6 years of review experience at MetalJudgment?  Will you ignore the fact that I was drunk at every single concert?

I'm kidding, I wouldn't want to start reviewing again.  God bless you all.

The Metal Mallet wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 10-28-2008 10:24 PM

Would I seriously have the time to do this... hmm...  It's compelling I must admit.

wolf in the throne room wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 10-29-2008 1:12 AM

It would be a privilage to be writing for this site. I'll try penning a few reviews and sending it to you ASAP.

Ash wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 10-29-2008 4:38 PM

Somebody wanted to have a go at it from the forums. I can't remember who....Hmmm....This is your opportunity dude!

The fame would be nice and the groupies tii but I'll have to pass lol. I can't string two words together....And I hated writing essays at Uni...Not going to change now

Facial La Fleur wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 10-29-2008 6:19 PM

I'd do it if my opinion was valued by more than just Lee. That and if I was even wanted on the team AGAIN AGAIN. LoL

firish wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 10-29-2008 6:42 PM

That was me who was interested, ash.

I would love to, but I seriously don't think I have the experience. I've been listening to this music for 3-4 years. A history lesson concerning the classics of yore (which I see in quite a bit of the reviews) is out of the question.

It's quite tempting though.

Damn it.

Elpants wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 10-30-2008 11:51 AM

I hope you find someone worthy of writing for this site! If I could wasn't insanely busy with school I would consider it.

munson wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 10-30-2008 5:46 PM

Definitely just sent in my application.  Working for you guys would certainly beat doing freelance metal reviews myself...

Now my fingers are crossed...

SlayerM wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 11-01-2008 12:35 PM

@ Ash: I think Maiden wanted to write for MR too... If I remember correctly.

Iron Maiden wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 11-01-2008 3:16 PM

I would love too and have shown interest but with my other half working 3 hours a night after I get home and needing to eye my kid, it's a little hard to fit shit in. When I feel the time is right, I will apply.

For sure.

mortiis73 wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 11-06-2008 12:03 PM

I'm sending in my application within a day or so.  Can't wait to hear from you.

Wooderson wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 11-08-2008 9:33 AM

Find Drew Johnston from Electro Quarterstaff.  He easily had the best written reviews (CD and live) on the Relapse board.  He also used to do write ups for new releases on Willowtip years ago - fucking great writer.

DolphinDude31 wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 11-13-2008 10:02 PM

Probably don't have the time to do this...but I've been waiting for this banner to come up since the very day the last one went down, so I'm not gonna let this chance slip by.  I'm gonna submit one, and I really hope I don't disappoint the guys who have to read it.

Awesome.

munson wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 11-19-2008 9:07 AM

Yeah!  My application is being reviewed!  Wish me luck guys!

Good luck to everyone else who applied, as well.

munson wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 12-04-2008 8:06 PM

I don't suppose there is an update on a selection, is there?

number9 wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 12-08-2008 4:15 PM

After reading all the requirements, I will no longer skip the review and go off of the scores. I do read my fair share of the reviews, and I am very impressed with the professionalism and talent of the writers.

doug392 wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 01-19-2009 2:00 PM

This sounds very enticing to me but I don't know if I have the time.

Ash wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 02-06-2009 7:26 PM

Didn't anybody get the gig?

eminor wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 03-04-2009 6:42 PM

Keep those applications coming, folks.

DolphinDude31 wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 04-02-2009 12:45 PM

I'm gonna submit a second app very soon...got my 3 CDs picked out, and I'm gonna write the reviews this weekend.  I think my writings matured a helluva lot since my last one, so hopefully these are gonna make the mark.

DeathMetalJesus wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 06-03-2009 9:56 AM

I would really enjoy writing for Metal Review for sure, but I think my fairly young age may take away from the credebility of what I wrote in the eyes of some (purists). And though I have researched A LOT into the music I love over the 5 or so years I have been into it. I don't think I'm not sure whether my mental metal history bank is yet deep enough for the job ;). Maybe some time in the future I will apply for this, it is an interesting opportunity indeed.

DeathMetalJesus wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 06-03-2009 10:42 AM

Haha, the evident lack of sufficient proof reading in that post of mine can't have helped my case much.

Saywah? wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 06-16-2009 12:13 PM

Hot damn but I'd love to do this... unfortunately I feel that my situation is similar to Firish's. I love writing. I love metal. This would hit the spot totally. Am I any good at it though, I guess?

Hmm...

ellipsis wrote re: Write for Metal Review
on 09-29-2009 6:03 AM

I'm actually considering doing this. I've had quite a few of my friends tell me that I should look into reviewing music because not only do I have a penchant for writing well (some sort of miracle gift!!), but also because I tend to get very into conversing about music....to their disdain. -_-