TESTING HER METAL

I find it interesting that Penelope Spheeris has chosen to follow up her original “Decline of Western Civilization” documentary with one concerning itself with the current “metal” scene, for this latest musical reawakening truly does involve a jarring decline in musical taste, both mentally and artistically (Outtakes, July 19).

The current metal scene is merely a tired rehash of the same old rock ‘n’ roll cliches, including blatant sexism, ludicrous satanism, redundant lyrics and an overall adolescent sixth-grade attitude toward life and the problems of society.

I’m willing to bet Spheeris won’t be able to find one band in the current “metal” crop who possess one-fourth the amount of intensity, spontaneity and musical drive that any one of the great L.A. punk bands featured in her original 1980 film had.

ROGER STORER

San Bernardino