Heavy metal music has long been associated with violence. From Columbine killings to allegations that Marilyn Manson inspired the suicide of a metalhead, heavy metal music has often been blamed as being at the root of extreme behaviors that manifest themselves externally.
Educators can foster scientific thinking among their students by investigating allegations of violence and offense made against artists such as Cradle of Filth, Ozzy Osbourne and Marilyn Manson. Doing this will enable students to identify logical fallacies as well as research design issues.
1. Lemmy Kilmister
Last week, metal fans were deeply saddened to hear of Ian Fraser Kilmister (better known as Lemmy from Motorhead), also known as his nickname Lemmy, having passed away at 70. Motorhead are widely credited with being pioneers of genres like thrash metal. Lemmy became known for his live hard and play fast attitude and larger than life appearance (untamable mutton chops and distinct facial moles to collect Nazi memorabilia); making him an icon both to diehard fans as casual listeners alike.
Lemmy had an infectious sense of humor that never left his side, such as telling an interviewer how, after first starting at Hotpoint, his boss asked him to cut his long locks short as they might get caught in machinery if left long – however Lemmy refused as his “hair is sacred.”
Kilmister was one of the most beloved rock stars ever. His large personality and music helped cement this status, even earning him an unlockable slot in Guitar Hero video game franchise. Additionally, many comedians such as David Letterman and Eddie Izzard found joy in paying their respects to him.
Kilmister has long been considered an icon of heavy metal music. Yet he rebuffed that label himself, preferring instead the title “rock and roll legend”. Additionally, he didn’t seem to mind being underrated as a lyricist either – something his fans attest to as evidence of his timeless musical legacy and legendary personality. Get all of your entertainment, comedy and culture news delivered straight to your mailbox!
2. Metallica
Metallica were one of the key heavy metal bands of the Eighties and their influence can still be felt today. Their mix of speed, power, heaviness and precision set a new standard for other acts – inspiring a whole generation to take it in new directions like Judas Priest dropping blues instruments from their music; Iron Maiden adding faster beats; Slayer adding punk vibes – the results speak for themselves.
Metallica are known for their intense, uncompromising music, yet have evolved into more of a mainstream force through later albums. They’ve had several hit songs that go beyond expectations for metal songs such as their symphonic rock version of “Enter Sandman” or hard rock ballad like “One.”
Metallica have plenty of classic tracks worth listening to even without their highly sought-after songs, like “Seek and Destroy”, which from Kill ‘Em All is one of their more underrated tracks and boasts a jaw-dropping riff with lyrics that capture the rebellious spirit of metal with beautiful poetry and melody.
“Wherever I May Roam” from Metallica’s Black Album stands out as an early favorite, boasting an unforgettable sitar-sounding intro and guttural 12-string bass that set up one of Hammett’s more exotic guitar solos, as he belted out about life on the road – this all comes together seamlessly for one incredible metal tune that showcases Metallica’s depths.
3. AC/DC
AC/DC are one of the greatest rock bands of all time, having sold an estimated 200 million albums worldwide and 69 million in the U.S. They remain one of the most beloved groups ever formed out of Australia and one of its most popular acts on classic-rock radio, with songs such as “Highway to Hell” and “You Shook Me All Night Long” often playing. Their influence can also be felt throughout Australia; founded by brothers Malcolm Young in Sydney in 1973 with guitarist Angus Young (known for his schoolboy short-trousers outfit) becoming legendary on lead guitar and vocals roles before eventually stabilising with Phil Rudd (drummer), bassist Cliff Williams (basist), singer Bon Scott (lead vocalist).
AC/DC managed the near-impossible by replacing Bon Scott with Axl Rose, who managed to fill Bon’s shoes seamlessly and lead them on an amazing comeback album called Back in Black with its rowdy, rocking anthem featuring crash-‘n-bash rhythms and singalong, gang vocal-assisted choruses that captured new generations of fans’ hearts while remaining iconic songs from AC/DC’s catalog.
Heavy metal music expanded its boundaries during the 1980s, as bands like Judas Priest embraced punk, Iron Maiden upped the pace, Slayer introduced aggression and Pantera increased speed while Korn brought absurdism into play. Each style brought something different to metal music’s movement but their combined effects created something greater: no longer was metal entertainment mindless entertainment but tackled complex subjects from anxiety to nuclear bombs to death itself; critics may claim otherwise but its clear that many love it nonetheless.
4. Rammstein
Berlin provocateurs Rammstein are unlike most industrial metal bands; instead they refuse to conform to popular taste by mixing elements of industrial music, latex-clad gothic style and hard rock bombast into an inherently theatrical package that has taken them all over the world.
Rammstein have always been fearless in voicing blunt sociopolitical critiques in German, using symbolism often misunderstood overseas. This approach was most apparent on their 1995 self-titled album Herzeleid, which begins by alluding to the 1988 air disaster that inspired their moniker – an air crash which killed 71 people including three pilots – before segueing into ambient electronics, half-speed helicopter sounds, and an eerie keyboard line reminiscent of Psalm 69 Ministry. Till Lindemann’s distinctive baritone voice separates them as one-off acts within this genre.
Puppe stands out among Rammstein’s catalogue with its dark narrative: its 2019 single, which follows a man as he watches his sister prostitute herself through a keyhole and get raped and murdered before him, complete with Middle Eastern female vocals that recall a bloody tide. It demonstrates their ability to use music as a tool for activism while remaining dedicated to making art despite tragedy.
5. Gojira
Gojira, founded in 1996 and initially known as Godzilla, has won both critical acclaim and fan support since their 1996 debut as Godzilla. Gojira has earned praise from music critics and fans for its technically precise rhythmic style, unusual riffing patterns and start-and-stop songwriting style. Joe and Mario Duplantier create an eclectic sound blending metal with classical and reggae elements while employing clean vocals alongside typical extreme metal growls; its melodic songs often boast progressive structures; its melodic melodies often surpass expectations as they’re presented together as one package!
Gojira’s sci-fi narratives address climate change and searching for new homes; as seen on albums such as From Mars to Sirius and Terra Incognita which have both been widely acclaimed as some of the most complex, multilayered, and virtuosic recordings in metal music history. Beyond their musical endeavors, the band extends their efforts beyond music itself by supporting NGO Sea Shepherd in its efforts against whaling while raising funds for indigenous Amazonian people and Joe being vegan himself.
Gojira took a different tack with their latest album, Fortitude. Gojira’s lyrics and production convey a motivational message regarding climate change mitigation – this record has become their best seller to date!
Heavy metal musicians and their audiences have long been criticized for what are perceived to be violent or offensive lyrics, yet researchers say their music can promote scientific thinking by teaching students about logical fallacies and design issues. Anthropologists have studied metal communities worldwide and discovered they possess strong senses of community inclusivity and mosh pit etiquette. Heavy metal’s musical virtuosity as well as explorations into madness and horror can teach students rhythm and time as well as how to compose original compositions.