Metal-ity of anger

Contrary to popular belief, a new study reveals that chaotic heavy metal music can be a great way to process anger

Often stereotyped as violent and even Satanic, heavy metal music and metalheads have had an unfortunate history of alienation and intolerance within mainstream culture. However, the general perception that loud and chaotic music is heard by people who’re aggressive in nature may not be true any more. A recent study by the University of Queensland revealed that rather than inciting people to anger or violence, loud and chaotic music such as metal and punk is ‘a healthy way of processing anger’. We speak to musicians about the relationship between extreme music and anger.

Results of the research showed that levels of hostility, irritability and stress decreased after music was introduced, and the most significant change reported was the level of inspiration the subjects felt. Akshay Chowdhry, lead vocalist and guitarist with Delhi-based modern rock band Bare Faced Liars (BFL) says, “The study must have been done under controlled conditions, where people were made to sit through certain periods of music for a certain amount of time and under specific conditions. The common theme that runs through the study, though, is that music is a vehicle that applies to a large community of people and I think there’s a general sense of emotion that people connect with, whether it’s the ability to vent your anger or deal with a relationship. Generally speaking, there’s a sense of community that people find in music.”

Akshay adds, “Growing up can be a confusing time for kids, so they need something in common, something that gives them a sense of belief. That’s the general idea when it comes down to heavy music. There’s a common message that people connect with when they hear that kind of music.”

When asked about the perception that people who listen to metal/punk are aggressive, Akshay replies, “Personally speaking, I think it’s about how you perceive music individually. I don’t think everyone who listens to metal has to be someone you don’t want to be friends with. I feel that a lot of metal heads are really cool people, they’re outgoing and think differently as well. It just might be a way for people to get away from the daily grind. Metal music is entertaining, loud and fun. It’s a bunch of emotions wrapped up in a few minutes of a song that speaks to people. Heavy music played a big part in my life, when I was growing up.”

Metal music is a perfect way to vent out anger, feels Prachi Kapil, lead vocalist of indie/alternative rock band White Beryl. She shares, “It helps me beat stress. It’s the general thrashiness of it. To me personally, there is nothing more calming than listening to a really great grind record when I’m angry. It serves as a perfect way to vent out. Bands like Metallica or Porcupine Tree are my best companions when I am surrounded with family matters in particular.”

For vocalist and guitarist Arsh Sharma, who plays with FuzzCulture and The Circus, metal music reaches out to introverts. He says, “I am a huge metal head and growing up, I was heavily into it. I truly believe that metal music is awesome and it reaches out to people who aren’t sociable it gives them an outlet to vent out and express themselves. You can liken metal music to a heavy dose of exercise — both are cathartic.”

Music is undeniably relaxing and also serves as a good distraction from whatever it is that is currently making you anxious or upset. “Metal music works both ways. As the studies suggest, metal music can at times have an adverse effect on the nervous system but at the same time, it can have a remarkable effect on people who are loners too. The shock to the nervous system can be therapeutic. Infact, intelligent teenagers often listen to heavy metal music to cope with the pressures associated with being talented,” rock musician Rachit Singh concludes.