Introducing a 6-year old to metal

How to do it? If you had a six-year old son or daughter or niece or nephew, how would you do it, metalheads of Gamespot?

I love metal, but a lot of it is vulgar. Some of it might not be vulgar, but it's dark. A lot of it is really intelligent, but morbid. A lot of it is dumb yelling, but that doesn't really set a good standard.

Is there a happy medium of somewhat intelligent, serious-but-not-too-serious, non-swearing metal out there? The kid has good taste already, listening to Tool and Portishead and Jack White already. I think they'd gravitate to metal very well and I'd like to share it with them.

So, what are some good metal bands for the "youth"?

Dimmu Borgir is a good place to start. /s

Why not try out some classic bands? Iron Maiden, Metallica?

I like Trivium... Or well used to at least. I haven't heard a song from them in ages. =/ Yes I know it is only a few clicks away on spotify or youtube...

THat's a good suggestion. I started listening to Metallica before I was 10; they also incredibly talented musicians and great song writers.

I'll have to check out Trivium too.

Trivium is trash metal. Not a lot of swearing if I remember correctly.

And you agreed that Dimmu Borgir is a good suggestion, right? RIGHT? :P

Absolutely. Might throw some Gorgoroth and Cannibal Corpse in there too for balance.

Awesome!

Little Heathen grew up on a steady diet of AC/DC and Black Sabbath. I consider them my gateway to Metal.

Would you say it led you to a highway to hell?

@horgen:

Megadeth - rust in peace

Faith No More

@jeezers: S.O.D. and Gwar would be a little too much for a 6 year old. I remember one Gwar song where they mention performing anal sex with a frozen turd.

On a side note, have you ever checked out Gwar's catalog of cover songs? They do some Kansas, Pet shop Boys and Cyndi Lauper that I saw. I'm sure there is more as well.

My nephews and nieces all listened to metal from the get go, my brother is a huge metal head.