"Everybody's Metal!" III

1) Full name, age and location.

Chimen M. Klein, 39, Harbor City, CA


2. Describe yourself. What do you do?

I am a Delta Air Lines customer service agent.


3. Any previous occupations, education etc...

I have an Associates Degree in Applied Science. I majored in Aeronautical Technology and took several aviation classes which include Introduction to Flight Theory, Aviation History, Flight Physiology, Aviation & Government, Meteorology, and Aviation Law.


4. What first got you into metal?

I remember when my sister got the AC/DC "Back In Black" album and thinking this is really cool. Then I was in my room one day and Ozzy's "Flying High Again" came on the radio. That is what did it for me.


5. What is it about metal that is meaningful to you?

Metal has a marked effect on the mind and emotions through its broad extent of topics that it covers. Everything from government & politics, to world tragedies, to natural disasters to sorcery. I also have great appreciation for the intense artwork found on album covers.

6.Who are some of your favorite metal bands? Favorite albums? Favorite concerts?

Favorite bands- Exodus, Fates Warning, Iron Maiden, Sepultura, Slayer, Testament

Favorite albums- Anthrax: Among The Living, Death Angel: The Ultra Violence, Flotsam and Jetsam: Doomsday For The Deceiver, Judas Priest: Screaming For Vengeance, Metal Church: The Dark, Sacred Reich: Ignorance, Testament: The New Order

Favorite song- Testament "The Evil Has Landed", because nobody will ever forget 9/11 and I think that it hits a little closer to home for me because I work in the aviation industry. This is truly the best song yet ever written about America's fateful day.

Favorite concerts- Everyone remembers their first concert and for me that was Yngwie Malmsteen and Saxon. Other memorable ones include: 1989 Headbangers Ball with Anthrax, Exodus, and Helloween; the entire western US tour I went on in 1990 with Death, Carcass, and Pestilence; 1991 New Titans On The Block with Sepultura, Napalm Death, Sacred Reich, and Sick Of It All; 1991 Slayer and Testament; 1996 Ozz Fest with Sepultura, Slayer, Danzig, Fear Factory, and Biohazard; and more recently The Metal Masters with Judas Priest, Heaven and Hell, Motorhead, and Testament


7. How do you feel being into metal affects you as a person? Does it give you a different outlook and perspective? How?

Growing up it gave me that "don't f_ _ k with me" attitude. It has given strength in dealings in certain past relationships, and has made me the confident and strong willed person that I am today.


8) If you had to tell someone else about why you love metal what would
you say?

I love everything about metal. I love the explosive raw energy it puts out. I love the extreme aggression, ripping guitar riffs, and the rhythmicity in the choruses. I even like some of the love ballads.


9.How has being metal changed your outlook or perspective on day to
day living?

It has made me want to have more knowledge in this world. Knowledge is power. In my early years in high school I didn't care too much about my classes. Then my junior year in my English Literature class we had to read "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Of course I really got into this, as it was the year after Iron Maiden released "Power Slave". Needless to say, I did really well on that project and realized that learning could be a lot of fun depending on what you put into it.


10. Did you ever look like a typical metal fan? If so, how old
were you and what made you change? If not, did you ever consider it and what
changed your mind?

Yes. I'm almost embarrassed to say that all through high school I wore mini skirts with ripped up fish nets and heels or spandex with studded leather belts and bracelets. Then in 1987 I moved to Houston where there was a huge thrash and death metal scene and from then on it was all denim and no more hair teasing.


11. Does being into metal affect your career in any way? In other words, do you bring a metal quality to your work?

No not really. However, because of my career and working for an airline I have had great opportunities to travel the world. It has enabled me to visit different cities to go to concerts, metal festivals, and rock museums.


12. Do you ever feel a conflict between your inner metalhead and your non metal surroundings?

Never. Metal is what I am.


13. Are your peers and co-workers aware of your metal side? What do
they think about it?

Yes, they're aware and most of them think I'm a nut.


14. When you were growing up, what did your family think of your metal interests? How about now? If you have a family of your own, please describe them and their thoughts on your metal side.

Growing up my parents put up with it. However, when the posters of Eddie (Iron Maiden's horror film influenced mascot) went up my mom got a little concerned. Then once every square inch of my bedroom and closet was covered and I started work on the bathroom walls she put a stop to it.

My husband, I guess you could say he puts up with it. I mean he would never listen to it by himself or while driving or anything, but I must say that he truly loves going to the live shows. He gets a big kick out of watching me having a blast and rocking out.

As for my 4 year old, well I often catch him headbanging to the music in his car seat through my rear view mirror. Ah yes, my little metal head.