Similar to many other things, music genres are often subject to misunderstanding and unjust stigma. A common perception of metal music is that it is typically listened to by people who are angry, and display troublesome behaviours. This genre of music is one that often gets overlooked of its artistic merit, emotional depth, and overall value, and is highly misunderstood.
For too long, metal music has been unfairly stigmatised as aggressive, angry, or negative and people who listen to metal music are often labelled as rebellious, anarchic, and even dangerous, however, beneath the thunderous drums and roaring guitars lies a rich tapestry of sound with profound therapeutic benefits. For many, metal music is something that brings joy, happiness, and can incite relaxation. This can be because of various elements within the music that include the powerful, validating, and relatable lyrics, artistic expression, as well as community and connection. Below we will delve deeper into these musical aspects and their benefits within a therapeutic setting and explore the healing potential of metal music and debunk the myths surrounding this often misconceived genre.
Breaking the Sound Barrier
Contrary to popular belief, heavy metal music isn't just about loud music and screaming vocals. At its core, it's a form of artistic expression that delves into themes of resilience, empowerment, and catharsis. For many listeners, the raw intensity of heavy music provides an outlet for processing emotions and confronting inner demons in a safe and controlled environment. Like with any other genre of music, metal music is not exempt to validating a listeners feelings, emotions and experiences.
Hearing relatable themes reflected in music and articulated within lyrics and powerful music can afford many therapeutic benefits to listeners who may be able to profit from the validation of their own emotions and struggles.
Themes addressed in metal music are not all focused on struggle, anger, darkness, and despair, but often also focused on love, social and political topics, spirituality and mysticism, identity and individuality. These themes can be really inspiring and empowering to listeners and can break down the barriers of preconceived beliefs about metal music.
Cathartic Release
One of the most significant therapeutic benefits of heavy music lies in its ability to facilitate cathartic release. Through pounding rhythms, mesmerising riffs, and screams, listeners are encouraged to channel their pent-up frustrations and anger, transforming them into a cathartic release of energy. This release can be profoundly therapeutic, offering a sense of relief and empowerment in the face of adversity.
Empowerment through Lyrics
Beyond its sonic intensity, heavy music often addresses themes of resilience, overcoming obstacles, and finding strength in adversity. The lyrics resonate with listeners who may be struggling with their own battles, offering words of encouragement and solidarity and validation of feelings. In this way, heavy music becomes a source of empowerment and inspiration, reminding listeners that they're not alone in their struggles.
Often, metal songs contain some of the most beautiful, raw, and poetic lyrics that are able to evoke such strong emotional responses from listeners, affording many therapeutic benefits to music therapy participants who wish to incorporate metal music into their sessions.
Community and Connection
Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of heavy music is its sense of community and belonging. Far from being a solitary pursuit, heavy music brings together like-minded
individuals who share a passion for the genre. Concerts and festivals become communal experiences where fans can connect with others who understand and appreciate the music on a deep level. This sense of belonging can be incredibly therapeutic, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among fans. The heavy metal music scene is a tight-knit community united by a shared passion for the raw power of sound that allows fans to forge bonds that unite them around the globe. Contrary to stereotypes, the metal community is remarkably diverse and inclusive. Fans come from all walks of life, representing a myriad of backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Regardless of age, gender, race, or orientation, metal fans find acceptance and belonging within the community, united by their shared love of music and the values it represents.
Therapeutic Applications and the Brain's Response to Incorporating Metal Music in Music Therapy Sessions
In the realm of music therapy, heavy metal offers a wealth of therapeutic applications for individuals facing a variety of challenges. From managing stress and anxiety to processing trauma and grief, heavy music provides a means of expression and release that traditional therapy approaches may not offer. Through guided listening sessions, improvisation, and song writing exercises, music therapists can harness the power of heavy metal to promote healing, growth, and well-being in their clients.
While heavy metal music is often associated with intensity and aggression, it can also have a calming and grounding effect on listeners. The rhythmic patterns and repetitive motifs present in many metal songs can induce a meditative state, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Listening to heavy metal music can provide a temporary escape from stress and anxiety, allowing individuals to focus on the present moment. Listening to music we enjoy can lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the body, leading to feelings of relaxation and tranquillity.
Incorporating metal music into music therapy sessions for fans of the genre is a fantastic way for activating the brain's reward pathways and triggering the release of dopamine into the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This activation creates feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, similar to the effects of eating food or engaging in other pleasurable activities. Engaging with any preferred music has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and nostalgia. When we listen to music we enjoy, it can help regulate our emotions by eliciting positive feelings or providing an outlet for processing negative emotions. Metal music is not free from this impact, along with the potential to enhance memory formation and retrieval, increase attention and focus, and activation of motor regions, having the power to elicit spontaneous movement and rhythmic synchronisation, as when we listen to music we enjoy, it can evoke physical responses.
Dispelling Misconceptions and breaking stereotypes
It's time to challenge the stereotypes surrounding heavy and metal music. Rather than dismissing it as aggressive or negative, let's recognise its therapeutic potential and the profound impact it has on listeners. By embracing the diversity of musical expression, we open the door to new avenues of healing and personal growth. Heavy metal has long been unfairly labelled as aggressive or negative, but this perception fails to acknowledge the diverse emotional landscape it encompasses. Beyond the surface, heavy music serves as a powerful outlet for self-expression, offering listeners a cathartic release. By confronting and processing these feelings through music, individuals can experience profound healing and emotional growth.
Heavy metal music may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who connect with its raw energy and emotional depth, it offers a unique form of therapy unlike any other. So the next time you crank up the volume on your favourite metal track, remember: you're not just listening to music, you're engaging in a powerful form of self-expression and healing.
Personal note from RMT Amanda Hyde
As a metal fan myself, and someone who strongly values self-expression and inclusivity, I urge people to not be deterred by your personal tastes in music, perhaps being under the impression that it may not be suitable to incorporate metal music into a therapeutic setting. In addressing the misconception that metal music is not conducive to therapeutic settings, I wish to assure you that every musical inclination has the potential for therapeutic benefit. I invite you to connect with Rhythm and Bloom Music Therapy to explore the possibilities of music therapy, regardless of your musical tastes, preferences, or level of musical experience and ability.
Together, lets use music in an intentional way to address therapeutic goals. Connect with Rhythm and Bloom via the contact page, or through any of our social media pages.
I'd also like to thank Cal Johnstone and the members of Deathbeds for allowing me to use their photographs in this article.
Be sure to check out Deathbeds if you are a metal fan and want a treat for your ears!
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