If you happen to have one, please feel free to load your guns and just shoot me in the face right now because I don't want to be alive if Nickelback's “Here and Now” is #1 on the “Hard Rock” Billboard chart. Seriously, put the bullet in the chamber because this is a big reason to believe that Rock is Dead. I know I'm not being balls out original saying that, but it is what is is. I came into this rant thinking that maybe things aren't that bad. Then I started my minimal research only to find that maybe that my assertion is 100% correct.

I had faith in Rock music and then I listened to 3 tracks of Attack Attack!'s self titled album and realized my faith was totally pointless. I'm assaulting my ears with it right now actually and this such uninspired drivel, like Jimmy Eat World and Hawthorn Heights had a “crabcore” deformed baby that should have been aborted. What is wrong with us as listeners to even validate this miserable swill? Thank god for small favors, little nuggets of goodness that help the ultra ugliness of Modern Rock go down. Like Foo Fighters last album “Wasting Light” or the stirring wonder that was “Sigh No More” from Mumford and Sons. Somehow these gems did make it onto charts and out there to the public or else we would just be left with... Coldplay. (Blech!)

I'm a budding musician and looking at these Billboard charts, with Kidz Bop, Drake, and Rihanna dominating the charts (yes Kidz Bop #21 is beating Florence + The Machine... in what world!? ) I am having a crisis of faith thinking about what could be ahead in my future if I decide I want to be a musician.

We are in the middle of rock hell, with Auto Tune and Pro Tools being the flames lapping at our rock fan feet. I personally feel nauseous when I hear “Bright Sprites and Scary Monsters” from Skrillex. Like I just got put in a dryer and banged out by digital burps and farts; whatever fool sounds are spawned from Dub Step. Yet this is the music that is dominating popular music right now. Thank whoever for The Black Keys,Muse, and Manchester Orchestra or else we would have nothing in mainstream music.

I think the worst part is that there is so much, SO MUCH, fantastic rock music coming out right now that isn't even close to seeing the light of day in public consciousness.

Are we responsible for this? Am I responsible because I have pirated and streamed? Is it that now all these kick ass artists are hiding like turtles in the sand because they know if they put something out. Now that's something to think about, maybe all the abuse that has been done by the online community is making rockers say “I don't want to do this anymore if I can't paid.” Seriously, think about it. I am and I'm feeling a little guilty and kinda angry.

So ok, maybe rock isn't “Dead” but by the way things are looking, rock might be on life support. Of course, album sales aren't going to stop the music from being made but if you are a rocker, you might be in trouble. Don't expect that million dollar house and the 5 cars because that might not be possible anymore. Damn, we really are living in a crummy time.