Many people assume metal music to be filled with aggression and violence; however, its roots go much deeper. Metal explores mental health topics quite extensively.
Metal music provides its fans with a sense of community, who can come together through their shared appreciation for this genre. Here are some of the best metal songs about depression.
Type O Negative – “Everything Dies”
Music can provide the perfect outlet for those living with depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder to find relief and move forward with life. Heavy metal music in particular has long been used to help relieve suffering; particularly heavy metal’s ability to inspire energy in listeners and generate powerful imagery that helps lift one out of their low moods and move on with their lives. While some might see such art as harmful, when used therapeutically it can be immensely effective at helping treat their condition.
Type O Negative are Brooklyn-based goth metal purveyors who have dedicated themselves to exploring its inherent tension between seriousness and irony in goth metal music. Their debut album Slow, Deep and Hard was more thrashy than subsequent efforts, but still laid down a strong foundation for their unique bleak aesthetic.
World Coming Down took their doom-laden sound even further. Featuring songs about loss of loved ones (the haunting “Everything Dies”) and Steele’s monk chant vocals, World Coming Down was an album full of guilt and loss; its tone only deepened over time as Steele suffered multiple health issues before succumbing to an aortic dissection shortly thereafter.
While much of the music on this album is dark and heavy, some tracks are actually quite melodic. A standout on this release may be its cover of Black Sabbath’s Paranoid which features doomy guitar riffs from Peter Hickey alongside Josh Silver’s keyboards and Johnny Kelly’s drumming to create an album which feels both grandiose yet deeply intimate at once.
Pantera – “Cemetery Gates”
Pantera was one of the greatest metal bands ever to grace this Earth, their music not only hardcore but also candid about matters such as death, pain and depression – with songs like “Hollow” and “This Love” speaking about loss while “Cemetery Gates” discussing depression in detail and providing some tangible advice as to what actions one should take when they feel it coming on.
“Cemetery Gates” was the second single from Pantera’s Cowboys From Hell album and quickly became both a fan favorite and chart hit. A power ballad that shows off lead singer Phil Anselmo at his best, with him singing in lower register than usual and really showing his emotional side while telling a powerful tale about depression, it features catchy vocal hooks from Anselmo as he sings about being ready to end his life and featured an outstanding guitar solo that earned it 35th spot on Guitar World’s list of greatest guitar solos of all-time.
Another wonderful aspect of this song is that it serves as an anthem against depression and what to do when experiencing it. The main message is to remain strong and fight for yourself despite feeling down. This song provides hope to anyone experiencing depression by encouraging them not to give up their dreams even when feeling low. This makes this a fantastic resource for anyone suffering with their mental wellbeing – this anthem will encourage them to not give up and find strength through life!
Studies have demonstrated that Heavy metal music may actually aid depression. This is because its melodies help decrease symptoms of depression and anger while slowing down brain production of serotonin. Although not everyone experiencing its benefits will find the same impact from listening, Heavy metal should at least be explored further as each individual will react differently; so give it a try to see if it helps!
Shining – “Sleepless”
If you’re struggling with depression, listening to metal music could be just the thing to lift your spirits and build your self-esteem. Not only can metal help raise your mood; it can also bring people together; its fans often form bonds. Plus it helps relax you while decreasing cortisol levels for a healthier lifestyle!
Shining’s “Sleepless” is one of the best songs to listen to when feeling depressed, as its Swedish band has made a career out of creating dark and hopeless music. Niklas Kvarforth’s anguished screams perfectly capture this feeling, while all other instruments – from its gnarly guitar riff, funky bass groove and Afrobeat-influenced percussion – enhance this sense of hopelessness.
People tend to quickly dismiss art that depicts extreme states of pain, but it’s important to remember that extreme metal is an art form and should be appreciated for what it is: an artistic form that offers something for all audiences while having therapeutic value for those suffering from mental health conditions and providing strength during times when life seems hopeless.
No matter where you find yourself at in life, death metal songs about depression will offer strength in every form. From fast shreds to emotive ballads, these tracks remind us that even our darkest emotions can still be transformed into something beautiful if only we keep moving forward! Plus, many can serve as an anthem of perseverance and survival! Don’t forget to keep your head above water – everything will turn out alright in time!