Heavy metal music has been linked with aggression, antisocial behavior, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts; however, these claims merely demonstrate correlational evidence and do not prove causation.
Metal music may be considered by some to be music that encourages anger and violence; however, studies demonstrate its healing benefits. Here’s why.
It’s bad for your brain
Heavy metal music may have an unfortunate reputation of encouraging violence and other negative behaviors; however, according to a new study it actually provides positive mental health benefits to its fans.
Study researchers investigated the effect of heavy metal music on young people. They discovered that those who regularly listen to heavy metal were less prone to depression and anxiety than those who didn’t listen, as well as an increase in serotonin levels which help relieve feelings of anxiety and depression.
Listening to heavy metal music has the added advantage of helping to combat anxiety and depression while at the same time increasing brainpower for learning and remembering information. This effect comes from its repetitive rhythms creating neural pathways within the brain.
Heavy metal music has many other benefits for its listeners as well. This genre’s roots in historical events, mythological beliefs, classic literature, and new ideas provide opportunities to expand on one’s self-esteem as well as discovering exciting intellectual pursuits and intellectual hobbies. Furthermore, heavy metal provides its fans with a sense of community and inclusivity.
Heavy metal performers tended to be predominately male until the mid-1980s; since then however, several female rock bands have emerged and led by women. Power metal and symphonic metal genres in particular have seen numerous female performers lead bands.
Listening to heavy metal music may also have positive ramifications on one’s immune system, according to a 2002 study. Playing and singing along to songs increases SlgA levels – antibodies which protect against food sensitivities and inflammation in the mouth and gut. So the next time someone tells you to tone it down, remind them that you are strengthening your immunity by listening and singing along to heavy metal – let them know they would probably join in!
It’s bad for your heart
Metal music may seem bad for your health, but research shows it actually boosts mood and can even alleviate depression. Listening to metal can boost serotonin levels – an antidepressant chemical produced in your brain which relieves depression and stress – thus improving mood and alleviating depression. Furthermore, active participation in musical activities – whether playing an instrument or just banging your head- will produce even more serotonin production!
Heavy metal music often garners an unfair reputation of inciting violence and aggressiveness; however, there is actually little proof of this claim. One study examined how metal affected participants’ behavior; it induced anger but did not lead to aggressive acts. That does not mean it has no influence; researchers have noted that certain lyrics can make people think more negatively of others.
Another study demonstrated that when adolescents at risk of depression listen to metal music, their self-esteem drops and social support drops more drastically than among peers who don’t listen to metal. Furthermore, this group were more likely to use drugs than their peers; although researchers couldn’t directly link heavy metal with these behaviors – suggesting instead possible links through underlying mental conditions or psychological disorders.
Finally, a recent study published in “Psychology of Music” suggests that heavy metal music can be used as an effective teaching tool to facilitate scientific thinking in classrooms. According to its authors, using cases such as those linking metal music with violent crime as examples can stimulate discussions regarding logical fallacies, research design issues and thinking biases among others.
Overall, researchers concluded that heavy metal music should not be avoided altogether; however, it’s important to be aware of its possible drawbacks. Listening to heavy metal may increase heart rates which is dangerous for those with cardiovascular conditions; additionally it can become distracting while driving and decrease attention span; additional recommendations suggest limiting exposure when pregnant or breastfeeding.
It’s bad for your eyes
Heavy metal music often has an adverse reputation due to its aggressive lyrics. Furthermore, some have linked it with violence, suicide and mass school shootings; as a result, psychologists have spoken out against this genre. But regardless of such negative associations with heavy metal as being harmful; in fact, research indicates it can actually offer numerous health benefits.
One study discovered that metal can help people improve their concentration. Participants of this experiment listened to metal music for 10 minutes and then took a 10-minute break before returning to task – when they returned their hostility and irritability levels had significantly reduced compared to before listening to metal – something which surprised researchers as they anticipated negative consequences of listening to such music on concentration.
Another study demonstrated the efficacy of metal music for relieving anxiety and depression. Researchers discovered that listening to this genre increased levels of SlgA antibodies which help protect against inflammation in both mouth and gut; such antibodies tend to be low among depression sufferers and those living with rheumatoid arthritis patients, so their discovery came as quite a shock to researchers.
Note that this statement applies only if listeners enjoy metal music; otherwise, if heavy metal fans feel overwhelmed by stress they could try relaxing with classical or soft rock instead.
Heavy Metal fans are sometimes perceived as shy and insecure due to the genre’s dark themes which mirror many aspects of human nature and can even explore death themes that can be disturbing for those unfamiliar with its fan base. Unfortunately, such perceptions based on stereotypes rather than science can create social biases which have serious repercussions for all involved parties involved.
Though heavy metal may have many negative associations, studies have demonstrated its positive benefits on mental wellbeing. Furthermore, its sense of community can aid wellbeing while its music helps regulate emotions and ease feelings of stress and anger. Young people at risk for depression may listen more than usual but it is crucial that listening habits be closely monitored so early warning signs may be identified and treated early.
It’s bad for your teeth
Heavy metal music originated during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It’s distinguished by loudness, distortion, extended guitar solos and keyboard effects like reverb and echo; some bands use keyboards for these purposes too. Heavy metal evolved from British Invasion rock, psychedelic rock and blues rock styles. Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Led Zeppelin often included occult themes into their music which resulted in accusations from fundamentalist Christians of being connected with Satanic influences; other artists such as Alice Cooper and KISS focused more on pop-inspired sounds; this style became known as glam metal, while Alice Cooper and KISS focussed more on stage presence and elaborate costumes as part of this genre’s creation.
Heavy metal has long been influenced by blues and funk music, creating various subgenres of heavy metal music. Deathcore, popularized by groups like Dillinger Escape Plan and Whitechapel, features downtuned guitars with downtuned frequencies, fast riffing, “death growl” vocals, and fast riffing; power metal uses traditional distortion techniques to produce complex melodies; hardcore metal involves fast riffs with aggressive solos; while doom metal and speed metal genres also exist as subgenres of heavy metal genres of heavy music.
Studies have suggested that metal music may increase suicide risk or lead to desensitization towards violence; however, these studies often overlook other variables which may contribute to these risks. Furthermore, recent research has demonstrated that long-term metal fans tend to be healthier in middle age compared to non-fans; this refutes previous claims that this music was harmful for mental health.
Metal music may or may not cause depression, but it does appear to reduce some symptoms of anxiety. One study provided participants suffering from anxiety with a choice between listening to classical, heavy metal, self-selected music or sitting silently; researchers discovered that non-metal listeners experienced greater levels of anxiety compared to listeners of classical or other types of music or silence; heavy metal may help by decreasing negative emotions and decreasing cortisol levels – this may especially benefit people experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which often leads to anxiety and depression.
Heavy metal music has been linked with aggression, antisocial behavior, drug use, suicidal thoughts and depression in correlational studies that cannot draw causal inferences. There have also been studies which suggest it could help alleviate negative emotions.
metal has also developed strong communities for fans to connect to and form bonds within. This provides essential benefits for their mental wellbeing.
1. It’s a form of addiction
In the 1980s, heavy metal musicians and fans faced harsh criticism. They were accused of everything from crimes of violence and drug use to despondency and depression – yet there was little empirical evidence linking these issues with heavy metal music; rather, its themes of madness and horror simply reflected real world concerns.
Studies have proven that listening to metal music can actually help relieve anxiety and depression. In one such experiment, researchers incited anger in participants before asking them to listen to a metal song for 10 minutes followed by 10 minutes of silence – the results? Hostility, irritability, and stress all decreased dramatically for everyone involved.
Metal’s dark lyrics often address complex issues like social inequality, war, and oppression – making the genre both empowering and thought-provoking forms of expression for some listeners. Metal music may also serve as an emotional release and help one gain control of one’s life by channelling emotions outward and processing through them through sound.
One other key advantage of listening to metal music is its ability to bring people together. Metalheads enjoy attending concerts and meeting fellow fans – giving them a chance to bond over shared interests and build community ties that may have mental health benefits if you’re feeling isolated or alone.
Metal music can help keep you focused on the positive aspects of life, keeping negative thoughts at bay and getting through each day more easily. If you’re having difficulty at work, listening to metal can help you focus on tasks at hand and get through your day more successfully.
True enough, many people find that heavy metal music helps them maintain good mental health despite what critics may claim. Therefore, it is so essential to embrace your passions and do whatever makes you happy.
And if that’s rock ‘n’ roll, then we say let the metal gods guide your music!
2. It’s a form of escapism
Heavy metal music has long been accused of fomenting anger and hostility among listeners, and studies suggest a connection between listening to metal music and aggressive behaviour, antisocial behaviour, substance use, suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, these studies tend to rely on correlational data rather than drawing causal inferences; additionally, long-time fans don’t become desensitized to its violent lyrics, with studies finding they tend to be happier and better adjusted than non-fans.
Though many metal musicians flirted with occult themes during the ’80s, few artists actually advocate devil worship or murder; most fans simply enjoy metal as an escape or way to displease their parents; many metalheads take great pride in being metalheads and will display corna hand signs (with two fingers raised as in devil horns shape), wear band t-shirts or stand together in the mosh pit at concerts.
Studies relating music with violent themes to aggression do not take into account other contributing factors, such as poor family relationships or drug abuse. One experiment went even further by calling psychiatric institutions posing as parents worried about their son’s love of heavy metal music who needed treatment; 10 out of 12 facilities believed the story and admitted the boy.
Heavy metal music offers something special in terms of escape, community and sound – something not many other genres can. At a time when so much of our lives revolve around television and movies and many feel isolated from one another, heavy metal provides us with another avenue through which to connect with each other and find meaning in life.
Metalheads often gather together for a mosh pit or help create scenes through writing or photography – whatever their preference, having an engaging community of like-minded individuals is always welcome and beneficial.
3. It’s a form of self-harm
Some have speculated that metal music may be a form of self-harm because its lyrics often depict violent imagery that could provoke aggression. Unfortunately, there is little evidence supporting this claim and when any link has been identified between violence and aggression and metal music listening, other factors usually are present such as drug abuse and mental illness.
Noteworthy is the fact that most metal fans are peaceful people with no intent of hurting anyone else, nor listening to heavy metal music for any other purpose than entertainment. Metal music has long been associated with hard work, loyalty and community support – qualities most likely found among working class individuals themselves.
Music can be an incredible way to help regulate our emotions and can have significant positive effects on mood. Research has demonstrated its power in relieving depression and anxiety symptoms while at the same time increasing positive feelings such as happiness. Furthermore, music promotes creativity while improving attention spans and reaction times; not to mention helping with sleeping better!
Studies have demonstrated how music can impact our emotions, with certain genres having an effect. It has been determined that individuals feeling depressed often prefer slow and soothing tunes while those feeling more upbeat and energetic might prefer more lively or energetic sounds. Furthermore, listening to heavy metal music has even been found to provide relief from stress and tension.
Another study demonstrated that listening to heavy metal music helps people who are angry to calm down more rapidly than listening to other genres, as this music helps regulate negative emotions like anger. Furthermore, studies also reveal that metal fans do not tend to engage in suicide attempts or self-harm due to misrepresentation by mainstream culture as well as lack of appreciation of extreme metal’s benefits (C. Baker & Brown 2016).
Overall, there is little evidence of extreme metal music having any harmful effects on mental health and behaviour, as reported by policy makers and mental health professionals. More specifically, this music does not contribute to increases in aggression, antisocial behaviour, suicide or substance use among nonclinical populations. Furthermore, correlational links between it and these outcomes have often been overstated by them.
4. It’s a form of depression
Heavy metal music has earned itself an unfortunate reputation of encouraging devil worship, drugs and violence. Reports emerged during the ’80s and ’90s of teenagers listening to heavy metal turning to Satanism or even murder due to this genre’s influence; several bands in the US were even sued over subliminal references in their lyrics to these harmful practices.
Even with these negative media portrayals, metal music does not lead to violent acts; most violent incidents that result from listening are related to mental health issues which cannot be worsened by listening.
Studies show that metalheads tend to be happier and better-adjusted than non-metalheads, probably because metal helps regulate emotions and cope with daily stressors better. Furthermore, this genre of music encourages self-expression and open dialogue – two elements which may help those struggling to express themselves freely to do just that.
One study discovered that when students were asked to write freely about their worries, Metallica music helped them do so more freely than soft classical. Another research project showed how playing musical instruments like guitars or drums helps reduce depression and anxiety by stimulating brain activity; still another research paper demonstrated how Parkinson’s patients walk better when listening to Beatles’ music rather than simple piano pieces.
However, it should be borne in mind that these studies only demonstrate correlations. It remains unknown if heavy metal music actually leads to positive outcomes or simply contributes to them in some way; Aristotle believed that one’s character could be formed through what music one listened to – whether this holds true for metalheads is uncertain.
No matter these findings, most researchers agree that heavy metal is neither harmful nor causes depression. On the contrary, listening to metal music has actually been shown to help alleviate depression symptoms by decreasing cortisol levels and listening to metal can raise SlgA levels – antibodies which protect against food sensitivities and inflammation in both mouth and gut.