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.