Metal music genre has often been perceived as aggressive and violent. Correlational studies connecting it to suicide attempts and delinquency have resulted in policy responses and restrictions at mental health facilities and correctional facilities.
However, it is crucial to distinguish between anger and aggression. Studies show that listening to metal doesn’t increase anger but instead can induce positive emotions such as happiness and pride.
1. It’s a form of therapy
History shows us a correlational research link between metal music and various psychological and behavioral problems such as aggression, delinquency and disregard for social norms – factors which policy makers, mental health professionals and correctional institutions use as grounds to restrict access to metal music – and aggressive behavior (including aggression against adults by young children), delinquency and disregard of norms has caused. Policy makers, mental health professionals, correctional institutions have then restricted metal access; this has in turn shaped attitudes toward metal and its fans ( often known as “metalheads”) while causation cannot be drawn from such correlational data alone.
Anecdotal evidence points towards heavy metal music being beneficial to our wellbeing. Listening can energize and enliven its listeners, providing an unconventional yet cathartic outlet for their emotions. Metal’s emotionally charged lyrics may even help ease symptoms of stress and depression; moreover it brings together like-minded individuals who share similar interests.
Metal can increase these benefits when integrated into therapeutic interventions for mental health. A recent study conducted with 201 board certified music therapists surveyed about their use of metal in therapy sessions; note this does not constitute a unique model known as Heavy Metal Therapy but instead involves integrating metal’s concepts into existing therapist approaches which recognise that facing difficult feelings is beneficial for mental wellbeing.
Rethinking metal’s role in wellbeing requires challenging the assumptions held about its function and role. Reclaiming metal as an effective form of therapy and acknowledging its transformative power for those who enjoy its music requires engaging in open-minded exploration of its healing potential, which may provide benefits both individually and as a society at large. Benefits could include providing empowerment for marginalised groups or stimulating growth of extreme music-inspired therapeutic spaces – this will lead to a more inclusive, diverse, and pluralistic understanding of therapy overall.
2. It’s a form of community
Metal music is an incredibly diverse genre, covering topics that may be hard for many people to broach such as depression, anxiety and anger. Metal artists often explore these subjects in a raw and emotional fashion so fans feel they are not alone with their struggles; furthermore many metal musicians are known for being highly supportive towards their followers and fans.
Metal music can have an extremely positive effect on its listeners’ mental health. Multiple studies have demonstrated this fact: listening to metal can reduce feelings of stress and sadness while simultaneously increasing positive emotions; additionally, one research project demonstrated how listening to metal could help individuals quickly recover after experiencing something distressful.
Metal music has long been seen as an empowering form of expression that helps audiences feel strong after listening. Many metal fans find their favorite bands and musicians inspiring them to push themselves further than they believed was possible. Furthermore, this genre has long been seen as an outlet of empowerment for marginalized groups; with its loud vocals and intense sound providing an alternative voice against oppression that promotes equality and social justice.
Metal music lyrics often address negative aspects of society and human experience, including violence, death and addiction. Some have falsely suggested that metal songs contain sinister content but this is untrue – most metal songs focus on thoughts, feelings or topics which fascinate their creator, such as mythology or fantasy.
Metal musicians and fans have often faced harsh criticism for their music and lifestyle choices, including accusations that promote violent acts, sexually explicit content and Satanism. Yet recent research indicates that metal can actually help young people improve their mental health. Furthermore, its emotive lyrics offer an outlet to vent frustrations while simultaneously supporting personal development.
3. It’s a form of self-expression
Heavy metal music provides fans with an outlet to express themselves creatively. From dancing in concert pits, moshing with other fans or simply singing along to their favorite song – heavy metal is an outlet to vent emotions and forge identities.
Mental health depends upon being connected with others; isolation has detrimental effects on one’s emotions and well-being, so feeling connected through common interests with other people is a great way to promote happiness and build resilience. Studies have confirmed this trend; finding hobbies with shared interests with people you share a similar interest is essential for mental wellbeing! So find something fun you can enjoy together!
Heavy metal music may raise concerns among some listeners due to its violence and misogyny; however, its fans often view it as an outlet of self-expression. Fans use heavy metal music to help regulate their anger as part of emotional regulation; it also serves as an inspirational force that leads to positive outcomes; one study found metal music actually helped people feel less angry while increasing positive feelings over time compared with those who don’t listen to metal.
Being a heavy metal fan is also an incredible way to form supportive and lasting friendships with like-minded individuals who share your love of music. Heavy metal stands out as being uniquely diverse; unlike many genres that target one demographic at a time, heavy metal embraces all who appreciate its sound – most metal fans being female while gigs frequently attract older, disabled, and LGBTQ+ patrons – this shows just how inclusive this genre of music truly is!
Metal fans often form communities and bands as a means of creating an increased sense of belonging and identity. A study published in Journal of Community Psychology showed that these communities fostered strong bonds among their members, protecting against negative outcomes such as substance abuse. Therefore, many seek this form of community when feeling alone or isolated.
4. It’s a form of meditation
Heavy metal music may conjure images of headbanging, Satanism and moshpits; but listening to “extreme” music such as heavy metal can actually be quite relaxing. A study conducted by University of Queensland honors student Leah Sharman and Dr Genevieve Dingle revealed this surprisingly. They conducted several tests that induced anger before asking participants their preference in music they liked best; their results demonstrated how listening to such tunes reduced self-reported anger as effectively as silence did and reduced physiological arousal like heart rate and sweating rates similarly.
Metal music can often be described as dense and slow, with lyrics exploring complex emotions and challenging experiences, like bereavement. Though these themes may appear aggressive or threatening, remember that correlations between listening to metal and violent crimes should not be taken as causal relationships; many metal fans actually report lower drug use rates and delinquency levels than societal norms despite still experiencing high stress levels.
Neurosis and Wolves in the Throne Room excel at creating soothing tones perfect for meditation, with songs featuring droning guitars, ambient folky tones, haunting melodies, and haunting guitar solos. Meanwhile Portland collective Grails avoids power chords, blues-based riffs, vocals of any kind – opting instead for Middle Eastern scales, Asian instruments, and an atmosphere resembling that of an underground chamber.
Ambient deathcore, another meditative metal genre, combines slow tempos with melodies inspired by loss and grief. Pantera’s 2004 song, “Earth Crisis,” serves as an excellent example with its mournful melodies, drone-like bassline, and distorted guitars.