How Heavy Metal Music Can Actually Be Good For You
A recent study has shown that listening to heavy metal music can actually have some benefits for your health.
The Origins of Heavy Metal
Though heavy metal is often demonized, the genre has actually been shown to have a number of benefits. For example, heavy metal music can actually help you focus and can even be used as a form of therapy. Let’s take a closer look at the origins of heavy metal and some of its benefits.
The first wave of metal: 1968-1977
The first wave of metal began in the late 1960s and early 1970s with bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple. These bands defined the genre with their heavy, distorted sound and dark lyrical themes.
Heavy metal music has always been about rebellion. It’s the music of outcasts and misfits, of people who don’t conform to society’s norms. This was especially true in the early days of the genre, when metal was seen as a threat by the establishment.
In the 1980s, metal went mainstream with bands like Metallica and Megadeth. This was a controversial move within the metal community, as many felt that selling out would compromise the music’s integrity.
Today, heavy metal is more popular than ever, with new subgenres constantly emerging. And while it may not be as rebellious as it once was, it still has the power to inspire and provoke thought.
The New Wave of British Heavy Metal: 1978-1990
The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) is a movement that started in the late 1970s and peaked in the early 1980s. It was a response to the decline of hard rock music in the UK. NWOBHM bands brought back the sounds and styles of early heavy metal bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple.
In the late 1970s, many young British bands were influenced by these older groups. They started to play heavier and faster music than what was popular at the time. These bands became known as the NWOBHM. Some of the most famous NWOBHM bands are Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Diamond Head, Saxon, and Def Leppard.
The NWOBHM had a big impact on heavy metal music. It introduced new styles and sounds that would influence metal bands for years to come. Many of the bands from this movement went on to have successful careers in the 1980s and beyond.
The American metal scene: 1980-present
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, American metalcore was influenced by Swedish death metal. American death metal bands such as Death, Obituary, and Morbid Angel were particularly influential. Early in the decade, many thrash metal and death metal bands formed a stylistic alliance known as hardcore punk (or simply “metalcore”). This alliance represented a departure from the traditional blues influence that had previously defined heavy metal music.
In the mid-1990s, some death metal bands began to incorporate elements of black metal, a harder and more extreme subgenre of heavy metal music. Black metal is characterized by high-pitched screaming, fast tempos, and heavily distorted guitars. Black metal bands such as Mayhem and Emperor were influential in the development of American metalcore.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, American metalcore began to be influenced by hardcore punk again. This was evident in the work of bands such as Hatebreed and Earth Crisis. Americanmetalcore bands continued to experiment with different styles throughout the early 2000s; for example, some groups incorporated elements of post-hardcore or emo into their music. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, there was a renewed interest in classic heavy metal among Americanmetalcore bands. This was evident in the work of groups such as Lamb of God and Shadows Fall.
The Benefits of Heavy Metal
Heavy metal music has often been criticized for its loud, aggressive sound. However, there are actually a number of benefits to listening to heavy metal music. For example, heavy metal music can help you relax, it can increase your energy levels, and it can even improve your mental health. Let’s take a closer look at some of these benefits.
Improved mental health
Heavy metal music has long been associated with anger, violence, and general bad behavior. But recent studies have shown that heavy metal can actually have some positive effects on mental health.
In one study, researchers found that people who listened to heavy metal had lower levels of anxiety and stress. They also found that heavy metal fans were more likely to have a “positive outlook on life”.
Another study found that people who listen to heavy metal are less likely to be depressed. And a third study found that people who listen to heavy metal are more likely to have a higher sense of self-esteem and self-worth.
So if you’re feeling down, try cranking up some Metallica or Slayer. It just might help!
Increased physical health
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that people who listen to heavy metal music tend to have increased physical health. The study found that heavy metal fans had lower blood pressure, better cholesterol levels, and overall better cardiovascular health than those who didn’t listen to heavy metal music.
So if you’re looking for a way to improve your physical health, consider turning up the volume on your favorite heavy metal songs!
When you’re a heavy metal fan, you’re part of a community. You have a shared interest with other fans, and that can lead to lasting friendships. Studies have shown that music can be a bonding experience, and that’s especially true for heavy metal fans.
One study found that heavy metal fans have stronger social bonds than fans of other genres of music. And it’s not just because you’re meeting up to headbang together – heavy metal fans are more likely to help each other out and offer emotional support.
So if you’re looking for a way to improve your social life, getting into heavy metal could be the answer.
The Drawbacks of Heavy Metal
Heavy metal music can be extremely loud and aggressive, which can be off-putting for many people. The music can also be very dark and depressing, with lyrics that often deal with death, violence, and other dark subjects. However, there are also some positive aspects to heavy metal music.
It can be too loud
Heavy metal is a genre of music that is often criticized for being too loud and aggressive. However, there are many benefits to listening to this type of music. Studies have shown that heavy metal can actually help you focus and boost your mood.
One of the main drawbacks of heavy metal is that it can be too loud for some people. If you are sensitive to noise, then this type of music may not be suitable for you. It is important to listen to this type of music at a volume that is comfortable for you.
Another downside of heavy metal is that it can sometimes be associated with negative behaviors such as violence and substance abuse. This is not always the case, but it is important to be aware of these risks. If you are concerned about these issues, then you may want to consider listening to another genre of music.
It can be aggressive
Heavy metal is a controversial genre of music. Some people argue that it’s too aggressive and promotes violence, while others argue that it can actually be therapeutic, helping people to release pent-up anger and frustration.
There is some evidence to support both sides of the argument. A study published in 2015 found that people who listen to aggressive music, including metal, are more likely to engage in risky behavior. However, another study from the same year found that people who listen to metal are no more likely to be violent than people who don’t listen to any music at all.
So, what’s the truth? It’s probably somewhere in the middle. Heavy metal isn’t going to turn you into a raging psychopath, but it might make you more likely to take risks or act out in anger. If you’re prone to aggression or violence, it might be best to stay away from this genre of music.
It can be satanic
While most people think of heavy metal music as being dark, aggressive, and full of angry lyrics, there is another side to this genre that is often overlooked. Heavy metal music can actually be good for you, providing a number of benefits that range from improving your mood to helping you focus better.
One of the most common misconceptions about heavy metal music is that it is satanic. This could not be further from the truth. While some bands may use dark imagery and lyrical themes, this does not mean that they are promoting Satanism or any other type of evil. In fact, many heavy metal musicians are quite open about their Christian faith.
Another benefit of heavy metal music is that it can help improve your mood. Studies have shown that listening to this type of music can increase levels of adrenaline and dopamine in the brain, which can lead to a feeling of exhilaration and even euphoria. If you are feeling down or anxious, crank up some heavy metal and let it help you escape from your problems for a little while.
In addition to helping improve your mood, heavy metal music can also help you focus better. This is because the fast tempo and aggressive nature of the music can help to keep you alert and focused on whatever task you are trying to accomplish. So if you need to buckle down and get some work done, consider listening to some heavy metal in the background to help give you an extra boost.
