Jonathan contacted us to share his story of how metal music has helped him in his recovery, especially the music of Halestorm (and Lzzy Hale):
“How it got all started for me- listening to Linkin Park in 2001 and Disturbed (Sickness album) then in 2003 l started listening to Evanescence (Fallen album) and then moved onto listening to others like Five Finger Death Punch, Gary Newman, Slipknot, Stone Sour, Halestorm, Shinedown, Black Stone Cherry, Nightwish, Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil, Arch Enemy, Nickelback, Papa Roach amongst other bands.
But at this present day l am suffering with anxiety and depression, l also have severe asthma and a 90 degree curve in my back. l have been in and out of hospital over my health and could have died, but luckily enough l’m still here fighting everyday like my last and showing my family and my kids that l am changing, not just for myself but for them too.
I did keep a lot of stuff bottled up for a very very long time, l didn’t want to speak to my Mum about things because l knew that my temper and my attitude would be bad. So l would speak to my Nan, told her how l was feeling and now she has passed, my Nan was my rock and I miss her so so much.
Now l have found that rock and metal music is my medicine and therapy for myself, which is amazing and great for me. I am not holding anything in anymore which is great too, at this present moment l have listened to a lot of music but mostly what l have been listening to is Halestorm’s albums and their cover songs too which I find impressive. For me, l can also relate to the songs and lyrics which is amazing too, huge shout out to Lzzy and the guys from Halestorm and these are the reasons why………
This band is amazing, positive, motivated and talented too. Their music is so so passionate which l love and has made me finally made me open up about my anxiety and depression which l am going to talk more about now. 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
The next reason is that their albums and cover songs have made me think about and realise things about my life, my family and my kids. How lucky l am to have my family and kids near my side and l wouldn’t know where l would be today if it wasn’t for them and this music. Either dead or thinking something stupid, and that is not what l want to do at all, that’s not me.
There are so many positive and powerful songs l could pick but if l had to choose one favourite that would be ‘Raise Your Horns’.
The reason why l am so picking this song is that it holds a dear place in my heart right now. I want to give another huge shout out to Lzzy for this song because for me this song has helped me to be motivated, positive and honest when it comes up to opening up about my anxiety and depression. l know l am not alone going through this journey, l am not letting this demon inside me win and 100% l can agree with Lzzy – she is going through her own anxiety issues and it is good that she opened up and made the song. It is hard to come out and open up about anxiety and depression and that is the truth. I look up to Lzzy right now, she is a very honest woman when it comes to opening up about mental health.
My favourite cover songs that Halestorm have done are 1. ‘Shoot to Thrill’ (AC/DC) 2. ‘Get Lucky’ (Daft Punk) 3. ‘Bad Romance’ (Lady Gaga) and one more has to be ‘Mouth of War’ (Pantera).
Luckily enough l got to see Vinney Paul before he passed with a band called Hellyeah, his drumming was so amazing to see and l wish that l could seen Pantera back in the day with Vinny and Dimebag Darrel.
I also want to say that l also do want to try and help others that are dealing with their own mental health issues. l want them to read this and take some positivity away with them when they read it, so thanks for giving me the chance to write out to you guys out there”
Heavy Metal Therapy 