I can sleep well at night confident that some impetuous young men still spit in the face of convention, that there still breathe those who exemplify the Morrisonian ideal of "live fast, die young."

BEFORE the hordes of wholesome, right-thinking people among The Crimson's readership dismiss my perverted idealism, let them entertain for a moment the suggestion that probably some of their favorite bands--some of the greatest bands of all time--are often regarded as heavy metal. I need mention only Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin to make the point. These acts are among the creme de la creme of rock 'n roll, bands and artists that serve as yardsticks for all of rock music today, not just heavy metal.

Granted, most heavy metal is heinous. Even I admit that. But every genre contains its large share of unconscionable work. One must really listen to a lot of music, selectively, in order to locate the treasures among the trash, the pieces that move the human soul time and again. Verdi is esteemed the master of opera, but many forget that the majority of his work never gets performed--because even opera fanatics know it to be atrocious. We don't judge Guiseppe on the basis of his many horrendous compositions, but on his masterpieces like La Boheme.

With this in mind, don't pass judgement on heavy metal on the basis of bands like Poison, Twisted Sister, and Anthrax. Be fair, and recognize the truly great musical achievements of Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and AC/DC; the contemporary virtuosity of Iron Maiden and Metallica; as well as the refreshingly innovative and dangerous Guns N' Roses.

I would be the last to assert that heavy metal is for everyone, however. Prudes, wimps and the squeamish should stay away, as well as those who place great emphasis on melody.

But if you're the type who thinks it would be "neat" to try crack, or who savors the wickedly orgasmic thrill of having nightmares, or who craves the speed fix that only skiing without turning can provide--in short, if you feel that there is nothing wrong with occasional immaturity, recklessness, outrageousness and lack of control--you should give metal a chance.

Those of you on the brink of conversion may still harbor some reservations because of allegations about widespread Satanism in the heavy metal world. The controversy seems to surface again and again, deterring even the most open-minded from trying metal.

Worshipping the devil is certainly one of the most repulsive activities to most Americans. So it is no surprise that several metal bands have taken to employing Satanic motifs in their music and acts. But an examination of lyrical content will turn up few if any words seriously advocating devil worship.

Of course, there is no doubt that certain bands have on occasion dabbled in the black arts, but then again, who among us hasn't?