Feature: No Dying Breed – Why We Create in the Face of Criticism

By Seth Metoyer, Heaven’s Metal Magazine

While reading the blog post “No Dying Breed” Explanation by the band DIRE, I found myself deeply resonating with their reflections on perseverance, artistic vision, and staying true to one’s beliefs despite criticism. Their experiences mirror my own as an artist, particularly their thoughts on pushing forward despite naysayers and focusing on the value of creating art for its own sake rather than seeking external validation. Their candid thoughts struck a chord, as these are struggles I’ve faced personally, and I’m sure most artists have asked themselves at some point: Why are we doing this? What’s the point? And perhaps, does there even need to be a point?

As a musician in the extreme metal realm, I’ve certainly dealt with my share of negativity. From trolling about my band’s name (Mangled Carpenter) to critiques of art concepts, production choices, and even the drumming speeds in certain songs, it seems there’s always something for naysayers to latch onto. Early on, I’d find myself caught up in the battle of trying to justify what we were doing. For instance, when people would complain about drumming speeds, I’d respond by linking them to live videos by secular bands like Cattle Decapitation, Aborted, or Infant Annihilator—groups within the genre we aim to reach—to show that these elements are consistent with the extreme metal style.

But over time, it dawned on me: I don’t need to convince anyone of anything. Art is subjective, and people who are set on being negative or trolling often aren’t looking for a conversation—they’re just looking for a reaction.

DIRE captures this perfectly in their lyric, “My fate was never bound to your design,” which reflects the freedom and resilience that comes from staying true to one’s artistic vision regardless of external negativity. This realization ties directly into what DIRE expressed in their blog: staying true to your artistic vision is more important than catering to external validation.

Creating art, especially in a niche or polarizing genre, is already a sacrifice. DIRE highlights the effort and energy it takes to create music, often with little financial return. They underscore the importance of focusing on the intrinsic value of art rather than its profitability. And yet, for those of us who stick with it, it’s not about the financial return or universal applause. It’s about that inner passion—that fire to create, express, and share what’s on our hearts. Whether it’s the music itself or the message within it, there’s a deeper drive that keeps us moving forward.

DIRE’s post, and song “Dying Breed”, highlights the challenges of staying true to one’s artistic vision despite critique. Sharing a song, album, or piece of art inherently exposes us to judgment. Their lyric, “This pain will carry me home,” beautifully encapsulates how the struggles of creation and faith can lead to a deeper purpose. Both their faith in Christ and their dedication to music reflect a resilience that inspires artists to persevere, even in the face of adversity. For artists, the fulfillment comes not from the applause but from the act of creation itself. It’s in staying true to who we are and what we feel called to do, regardless of who’s paying attention or passing judgment.

What stood out to me most from DIRE’s explanation is how their message resonates deeply with those in the music world. Musicians in niche or extreme genres often face moments of doubt and resistance from others, and DIRE’s reflections remind us that perseverance is key. Yet, it’s often these challenges that shape and strengthen us as artists. DIRE’s lyric, “There exists a fight in me, unbroken by your disbelief,” speaks to this resilience.

For me, a significant part of this journey has also been finding encouragement in the connections art creates. Some fans genuinely understand and resonate with the message or the music, and that connection is worth every sacrifice. It’s a reminder that while the negative voices may be loud, they’re not the only ones.

I’ve also learned that faith plays a crucial role in perseverance. DIRE’s unwavering faith in Christ mirrors my own experience. They emphasize how others often judge their faith, just as they judge their music. This is a topic I’ve wrestled with personally, especially in the Christian music community where many obsess over labels like ‘Is this a Christian band?’

I’ve come to realize that as a believer in Christ, everything I do reflects that belief—whether or not I label it explicitly. By association, identification, and salvation, every action I take is inherently tied to my faith. For instance, if I were a mechanic, I’d already be a ‘Christian mechanic’ by virtue of my faith. Whether or not we choose to identify with that label is a personal choice, but it’s not a requirement to validate our identity. DIRE’s statement that ‘no amount of ridicule or exclusion… will change what I see and have seen in Him’ reflects this same understanding—that our faith and identity in Christ transcend external judgments or labels. My belief in Christ has inspired resilience and clarity in the face of criticism, echoing the same conviction found in the lyrics of “No Dying Breed.”

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on DIRE’s journey and their song “No Dying Breed” reminds me of the unshakable purpose that drives artists forward. Whether it’s creating music, sharing faith, or simply pursuing the passions that ignite our souls, the path is often riddled with challenges and critics. Yet, as the lyrics suggest, perseverance and staying true to who we are—both as creators and believers—are what define us. For those of us striving to create something meaningful, let’s remember that the true reward is found not in external validation, but in the act of creation itself, and in the connection it fosters with others. Let your passion and purpose lead the way, even when the road feels uncertain.

Lyrics to “No Dying Breed” by DIRE

Regard me a loss, a waste
A blemish upon this place
I felt it cut to my soul
Your life embraced
Was death by another name
This pain will carry me home

My fate was never bound to your design
Don’t need you to believe
And I may be the last one of my kind
But I’m no dying breed

There exists a fight in me
Unbroken by your disbelief
No man can take it away
I know the light I’ve seen
The river that washed me clean
It will forever remain

My fate was never bound to your design
Don’t need you to believe
And I may be the last one of my kind
But I’m no dying breed

Never a path unworn
Never a son to brave the storm
Never a victor born
But did the blind and the faithless scorn

My fate was never bound to your design
Don’t need you to believe
And I may be the last one of my kind
But I’m no dying breed
No dying breed

About DIRE

DIRE’s unmistakable brand of heavy music is born from and embodies these ideas. Implementing a diverse range of musical styles while maintaining a sound that is definitively metal, they set the bar high with their debut full-length, Volume I. After two EPs and another album, they’ve only raised it higher. Blistering guitar solos, memorable metal riffs, and infectious melodies abound throughout DIRE’s steadily growing catalog.

For aspiring artists, let DIRE’s journey—and their song—serve as a reminder that the value of art isn’t tied to validation or financial return. As their lyric says, “And I may be the last one of my kind, but I’m no dying breed,” the drive to create, fueled by passion and purpose, is enough to overcome negativity and doubt. So whether you’re making music, painting, writing, or pursuing any creative outlet, don’t let the naysayers drown out your fire.

Visit DIRE’s official site for more information and music.

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