Although metal may be seen as encouraging violence and devil worship, its appeal spans millions worldwide. Studies have revealed that regular listeners of metal songs are actually less sensitive to its violent imagery than non-listeners.
Riffs, the musical motifs at the core of most metal songs, combine with crushing power chords and spine-tingling diminished chords to deliver a sonic assault like no other.
1. It’s macho
Metal music has a reputation for being violent and aggressive, due to its signature screaming vocals and generally loud soundscape. Yet it would be unfair to stereotype all metal as having this aesthetic; there are plenty of bands who don’t do either of those things and different genres explore various emotions – for instance blackened death metal duo Hazeen used their music as a form of activism encouraging coexistence among its listeners.
Scientific evidence does not support any link between listening to metal music and an increase in aggression, and research on music’s positive effect on mental health. If metal isn’t your cup of tea, just put on something else – listening won’t make you any more or less aggressive than listening to an opera, for instance.
Music has long been known to influence human behaviour; Aristotle even claimed that listening to music which arouses violent passions could alter one’s character for the worse. Yet contrary to popular perception, metal fans don’t generally react as negatively towards explicit violence in metal music as some might suspect.
Additionally, metal’s inherently masculine stereotype fails to account for female performers’ increasing inclusion within its scene. Though still predominantly male-dominated, artists such as Nightwish and Delain have shown that metal can also empower women.
Metal music explores diverse topics and subverts cultural norms, making it more diverse than many realize. One example can be seen when musicians like Aditya Mehta of Solar Deity speak out against animal cruelty; or Anton Dhar of Nafarmaan embrace veganism.
2. It’s simple
Heavy metal has long been accused of leaving listeners vulnerable to violence, drug use and suicide. While certain metal bands and fans have challenged social norms through music-induced violent behaviour or desensitisation to violence studies have often overlooked factors like poverty, family relationships or feelings of alienation when making such claims.
Metal music draws upon more than just its signature riffs, tempos and chord progressions when crafting its soundscape; metal also uses different musical modes (natural minor and harmonic minor scales) to give its compositions added depth. These menacing scales, including natural minor and harmonic minor scales, give its sound its distinctive sense of foreboding tension while being the basis of some of metal’s greatest guitar solos and sonic payoffs.
Metalheads may recognize Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple as being among its founding bands from the late 60s and early 70s, yet its lineage can be traced back further with bands such as Blue Cheer, Cream, Jimi Hendrix and Vanilla Fudge all playing an instrumental role in building it from its foundations up.
Metal has often been criticized for being formulaic, with compound AABA songs often following this structure. While metal songs do tend to follow this formulaic model, so do the vast majority of rock tracks and classical compositions.
Once again, Dream Theatre, Fates Warning, Ghost or Meshuggah provide ample evidence that metal doesn’t just mean loud and repetitive music. Their musicians are some of the world’s finest virtuosi who create complex yet immersive soundscapes through time signature changes, instrument layering and virtuoso level drumming/guitar playing virtuosity.
3. It’s derivative
Metal music is an aggressive genre that emphasizes power, speed, and volume. The songs in this genre typically include loud electric guitar riffs, powerful drumming beats, and high-pitched growling or screaming vocals that stand out among its competitors. While these characteristics make metal so distinctive for some listeners, their loud sounds and aggressive lyrics often leave some listeners feeling off-put. Many believe metal encourages violence as well as damage mental health.
Metal may seem intimidating and violent at first glance, but its music can actually be both empowering and positive. A recent study suggests that listening to metal may help soothe listeners after experiencing trauma due to it helping regulate emotions by prompting more serotonine release – an anti-anxiety hormone produced naturally in our bodies.
Metal has a rich history, with each subgenre drawing inspiration from various influences to craft its distinctive sound and style. Early metal bands took cues from blues-rock and mind-bending psychedelia for their sound, creating a powerful blend of rock and funk that amplified feelings of rebellion and masculinity – themes still prevalent today but taking on new shapes.
The guitar is at the core of metal music, thanks to its powerful distorted tone and ability to play any chord in any key. Furthermore, its versatility has allowed musicians to explore various musical scales and modes that add depth and dimension to metal’s repertoire; Phrygian mode and Mixolydian modes are often utilized by metal musicians when crafting dark and unsettling sounds.
Metal music may have a bad rap, but its vibrant world of fans makes this genre one to explore and embrace. Their passion is evident through an intricate hierarchy and customs like mosh pit etiquette. Additionally, its powerful sounds and emotional lyrics may contribute to mental wellbeing; many listeners report being energized and feeling more self-confident from listening.
4. It’s boring
Metal music is an expansive musical genre with multiple subgenres. Drawing inspiration from different forms, such as rock, funk, punk and alternative, its influences span from genres as diverse as rock, funk, punk and alternative to sound styles like distorted guitar riffs, drumming and high-pitched screaming vocals that may prove off-putting for some listeners.
However, others find this quality to be what sets metal apart and makes it so captivating. Additionally, metal’s technical nature requires high levels of musicianship; bands such as Animals as Leaders demonstrate this talent with incredible instrumental performances that leave fans breathless.
Heavy and intense metal music sets itself apart from other genres of music with its combination of thunderous amplification, earth-shattering basslines and spine-tingling diminished chords that create an unstoppable wall of sound. Metal songs generally follow a simple structure – verses telling stories and choruses soaring with hooks; each subgenre of metal tends to focus on different emotions – for instance death metal often explores sinister topics and grim concepts.
Metal may have an unfavorable reputation, but studies have actually linked its music with positive mental health benefits for its fans. Heavy beats of metal music can help relieve stress while the emotionally intense lyrics can leave listeners feeling empowered and inspired. Metal music also gives many fans a sense of belonging among fellow fans – offering some fans an accepting community to call home!
5. It’s violent
Heavy metal has long been linked with antisocial behavior and violence due to its loud sound and dark lyrics, as well as its association with rebellious subcultures like punk and goth music scenes. This perception that metal music is violent has lead many people to misperceive it despite evidence to the contrary from research studies.
Metal songs explore an expansive range of themes, including madness and horror, which is often expressed through guitar virtuosic playing. Many metal bands also employ musical modes like menacing natural minor scale and harmonic minor scale to add depth and complexity to their compositions; such modes add tension while foreboding moodiness. Tempo and harmonic progressions in metal music may also draw influence from classical composers.
Metal has long been maligned as being associated with rebellious subcultures and dark themes it explores. While criticizing metal music may be okay, criticizing its genre and fans is not. While some metal bands use shock tactics to attract attention, most do not pose any threats to society and could actually provide health benefits; studies have demonstrated this.
Studies conducted at UCL by anthropology student Lindsay Bishop demonstrated that metal fans are far more diverse than their masculine stereotype suggests; on average they comprise 33% female fans and members of minority groups. Furthermore, young metalheads are developing supportive communities within this genre that foster mental wellbeing and safety.