Heavy Metal Pt II
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, the hosts explore heavy metal music's place in society, from its controversies to its musical complexity. They discuss notable incidents like the PMRC's "Filthy 15" list and examine how metal serves as a platform for social and political commentary. The discussion also covers studies about metal fans' personality traits and how the genre provides an emotional outlet for its listeners.
The hosts delve into the technical aspects of metal music, highlighting how many performers bring classical and jazz training to the genre. They examine metal's visual elements, particularly through album artwork, and how bands like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden have used imagery to establish their identities. The episode touches on how these visual and musical elements combine to create metal's distinctive character.
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1-Page Summary
Metal Music Controversies and Criticism
The metal music genre has faced significant controversies due to its aggressive nature and the behavior of some musicians. In 1985, the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) targeted metal bands with their "Filthy 15" list, leading to "Explicit Lyrics" warnings on albums. Rather than hurting sales, these warnings often became badges of honor for bands.
Notable controversies include Ozzy Osbourne's infamous animal-biting incidents and substance abuse issues, which ultimately led to his dismissal from Black Sabbath. The metal community has also shown strong opposition to hate speech, as evidenced by the widespread condemnation of Phil Anselmo's white power incident.
Socio-Political Themes and Messages in Metal
Metal music serves as a powerful platform for social and political commentary. Metallica's work, particularly in albums like "Ride the Lightning" and "...And Justice for All," critiques government power and addresses issues like corruption and war. Josh Clark notes that other bands like Megadeth and Pantera incorporate similar leftist populist messages.
Studies show that metal fans typically exhibit high openness to experience and low religiosity. Chuck Bryant describes the genre as providing an emotional outlet for fans dealing with negative emotions, offering both personal solace and communal experience.
Technical Complexity and Musicianship in Metal
Metal music demands exceptional technical skill, with many musicians having classical and jazz training backgrounds. Randy Rhoads and Eddie Van Halen, both classically trained, brought complex compositions to the genre. Studies referenced by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant suggest that metal music's complex structures actually exercise listeners' brains.
The genre attracts deeply engaged fans who appreciate its technical intricacies, with metal magazines serving as hubs for discussing musicians' skills and innovations.
Metal Album Art and Imagery
Album artwork plays a crucial role in metal bands' identity and messaging. Black Sabbath's debut album cover established the genre's foreboding visual tone, while bands like Iron Maiden and Metallica have used distinctive logos and artwork to build their brands. Some album covers, like Guns n' Roses' original "Appetite for Destruction" artwork, have sparked controversy for their provocative imagery. Metal bands often collaborate with artists to create compelling album art that reflects the music's dark themes and enhances the overall listening experience.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- While the PMRC's "Filthy 15" list did lead to "Explicit Lyrics" warnings, some argue that these warnings also had the unintended effect of stifling artistic expression and led to censorship concerns.
- The idea that album warnings became badges of honor is not universally true; some artists and fans felt that these warnings unfairly targeted certain genres and could negatively impact sales and airplay.
- The assertion that metal music serves as a platform for social and political commentary might overlook the fact that many metal songs and bands focus primarily on non-political themes such as personal struggles, fantasy, or horror.
- The claim that metal fans exhibit high openness to experience and low religiosity could be seen as an overgeneralization, as the fan base is diverse and includes individuals with a wide range of beliefs and personality traits.
- The technical complexity of metal music is a point of pride for many fans, but some critics argue that technical skill does not necessarily equate to good music and that emotion and feeling can be more important than technical prowess.
- The statement that metal music's complex structures exercise listeners' brains could be challenged by those who believe that all music, not just metal, has the potential to engage and stimulate the brain.
- The role of album artwork in establishing a band's identity might be seen as less crucial in the digital age, where physical album sales have declined and streaming services often minimize the impact of album art.
- The criticism of provocative imagery on album covers like Guns n' Roses' "Appetite for Destruction" can be seen as subjective, with some arguing that art should be provocative and challenge societal norms.
Actionables
- You can explore the emotional impact of metal by creating a mood diary to track how different subgenres affect your feelings. Start by listening to a variety of metal subgenres each day and jot down your emotional state before and after listening. This can help you understand the cathartic effect of metal music and identify which styles resonate with you the most.
- Develop an appreciation for the technical skill in metal by attending local music school performances. Many musicians in these schools are classically or jazz-trained and may perform metal pieces. Observing their technique up close can deepen your understanding of the complexity and skill required in metal music.
- Engage with the visual art of metal by designing your own album cover for a fictional metal band. Use drawing, digital art apps, or collage to create artwork that reflects the dark themes typically associated with metal. This activity can help you appreciate the role of visual art in shaping a band's identity and messaging.
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Metal Music Controversies and Criticism
The wild world of metal music has seen its fair share of controversies and criticism, largely due to its aggressive sound, provocative lyrics, and the outrageous behavior of some of its musicians.
Heavy Metal Bands and Public Backlash
1980s: "Filthy 15" List by Parents Music Resource Center Targets Metal Bands, Leads To "Explicit Lyrics" Labels
In 1985, the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), led by Tipper Gore, targeted the music industry with concerns about lyrical content and its influence on children. The PMRC released the notorious 'Filthy 15' list, which aimed to identify the most objectionable songs; notably, nine of these belonged to metal or hard rock bands. The PMRC's actions led to the synonymous "Warning: Explicit Lyrics" sticker placed on albums. Far from deterring fans, this sticker often acted as a badge of honor for bands and inadvertently boosted sales, particularly for hip-hop artists. The PMRC's influence stretched to television, affecting how much heavy metal was broadcast, confining it mostly to MTV's two-hour weekly block called Headbanger's Ball.
Outrageous Behavior and Public Image of Metal Musicians
Ozzy Osbourne's Animal Biting and Drug Use
Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath fame became as well-known for his controversies as for his music. He shocked the public in two notorious animal-biting incidents: first by biting the heads off live doves at a sales convention, then by biting the head off a bat during a performance in Des Moines, after it was thrown on stage, allegedly believing it to be fake. The bat, brought by a fan, was claimed to be already deceased. Osbourne's extreme drug use included outlandish antics like snorting live ants by a swimming pool while on tour with Motley Crue, indicative of his larger struggles with substance abuse. These behaviors led to challenging relations within his band, and he was eventually dismissed from Black Sabbath. The tragic accident that took the life of his guitarist, Randy Rhoads, and the band's seamstress, while trying to rouse ...
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Metal Music Controversies and Criticism
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Actionables
- You can explore the impact of labels on consumer behavior by starting a music blog that reviews albums with and without explicit content labels, tracking their popularity and sales trends over time. This could reveal if modern listeners are still drawn to controversial music or if the effect observed in the PMRC era has changed with digital streaming platforms.
- Create a playlist featuring artists who have been involved in controversies and share it on social media to initiate discussions about the role of artist behavior in music appreciation. This can help gauge current public opinion on whether the actions of artists outside their music should influence how their work is received.
- Engage with your lo ...
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Socio-Political Themes and Messages in Metal
Metal is recognized for its powerful socio-political commentary, appealing to those who feel marginalized and appreciate its anti-establishment messages and emotional catharsis.
Metal as a Genre Reflecting Anti-Establishment, Anti-Authoritarian Views
Metallica's powerful lyrical content is infused with anti-establishment and anti-authoritarian views, critiquing government power and morality.
Government Power and Morality In Metallica's "Ride the Lightning" and "...and Justice for all" Lyrics
Metallica's song "Ride the Lightning" raises questions about the government's moral authority to execute individuals. Their album "…And Justice for All" dives deeper into political discourse with the anti-war message in "One," an exploration of corruption in the justice system in the title track, a commentary on the repression of speech in "Eye of the Beholder," and a critique of fascism in "The Shortest Straw."
Metal Bands Megadeth and Pantera Incorporating Leftist Populist Messages
Not confined to Metallica, leftist populist messages permeate the metal genre. Josh Clark notes that Megadeth’s work includes such themes, sometimes drawing parallels with literature, such as Aragorn's speech from "The Return of the King." Similarly, Pantera also adopts a stance against the powerful elite, highlighting a common theme across different metal bands and communities.
Metal's Appeal to Marginalized Groups and Outsiders
Metal resonates with individuals seeking uniqueness, those who deviate from mainstream norms, offering them a solace and a form of expression.
Metal Fans Have High Openness, Low Religiosity, and Seek Uniqueness
A study revealed that British metalheads exhibit greater opennes ...
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Socio-Political Themes and Messages in Metal
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Counterarguments
- While metal often includes anti-establishment themes, not all metal bands or songs have socio-political messages; some focus purely on personal, fantastical, or other non-political themes.
- The interpretation of Metallica's lyrics as anti-establishment or anti-authoritarian could be subjective, and some listeners may focus more on the musicality than the message.
- The claim that Megadeth and Pantera incorporate leftist populist messages might oversimplify the bands' lyrical content, which can be multifaceted and open to different interpretations.
- The appeal of metal to marginalized groups is not exclusive to this genre; other music genres also provide solace and a sense of belonging to their listeners.
- The study on British metalheads might not be representative of the global metal fan base, which is diverse and cannot be universally characterized by high openness, low relig ...
Actionables
- Create a personalized playlist of metal music that focuses on socio-political themes to explore the genre's commentary on current events. By curating a selection of songs from bands like Metallica and Megadeth, you can immerse yourself in the music's messages and use it as a backdrop for reflection on your own views about society and politics.
- Start a blog or social media page where you review metal albums and discuss their socio-political messages. This will not only deepen your understanding of the themes present in the music but also connect you with a community of like-minded individuals who share your interest in the intersection of metal and social commentary.
- Use metal music as a creative prompt for your own artistic expressions, such as writing, ...
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Technical Complexity and Musicianship in Metal
This article delves into the intricate world of metal music, exploring the technical demands of the genre and its appeal amongst devoted fans and musicians.
Metal as a Challenging Genre Requiring Expert-Level Abilities
Metal music is recognized for its complexity, demanding a high level of expertise and often requiring formal training in other music genres.
Metal Musicians' Classical and Jazz Training Influences Complex Compositions
Math rock, an evolution from prog rock and jazz with intricate time signatures and technical playing, is part of the metal genre's complexity. Prominent metal guitarists, like Randy Rhoads and Eddie Van Halen, had classical training. Rhoads, mentioned by Chuck Bryant as a virtuoso since his teen years, was known for his intensive practicing, reflecting dedication to musicianship. Van Halen, prior to revolutionizing guitar techniques in metal, took classical piano lessons and excelled at the instrument, which influenced his complex compositions in metal music.
Studies: Metal Fans' Brains "Exercised" by Music's Complex Structures
Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant reference studies suggesting that heavy metal music exercises the brain, requiring listeners to process complex rhythms and time signatures. Metal compositions, even when not immediately perceived as complex, typically possess intricate layers and time signatures that underscore their technical complexity.
Metal Attracting Devoted Fans and Music Enthusiasts
Metal music does not only demand highly skilled musicians but also attracts a deeply engaged and knowledgeable fan base that appreciates the technical intricacies of the genre.
Technical and Nuanced Understanding Among Metal Fans
Fans of metal music oft ...
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Technical Complexity and Musicianship in Metal
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Counterarguments
- While metal music often requires expertise, not all subgenres or songs are complex, and some musicians are self-taught or learn through informal means rather than formal training.
- The influence of classical and jazz training on metal compositions is not universal; many metal musicians draw inspiration from a variety of other sources, including folk, electronic, and other non-classical music traditions.
- While prominent guitarists like Randy Rhoads and Eddie Van Halen had classical training, there are also many influential metal musicians without formal classical backgrounds who have contributed significantly to the genre.
- The claim that metal fans' brains are "exercised" by the music's complex structures could be seen as an oversimplification, as cognitive engagement with music is subjective and can vary widely among individuals.
- Some metal compositions are straightforward and do not possess intricate layers or time signatures, appealing to fans for their energy, emotion, or thematic content rather than technical complexity.
- The metal fan base is diverse, and not all fans are deeply engaged or knowledgeable about the technical ...
Actionables
- Explore metal music's complexity by creating a listening journal to track patterns and structures in different songs. As you listen to metal tracks, jot down notes on the rhythms, time signatures, and layering you notice. This practice will enhance your appreciation for the technical skill involved and may even improve your cognitive engagement with the music.
- Start a casual study group with friends to learn about music theory using metal songs as case studies. By dissecting the compositions together, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the genre's intricacies and the influence of classical and jazz training on metal musicians. This can be a fun, social way to connect with others who have an interest in metal music and want to learn more about what makes it uniq ...
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Metal Album Art and Imagery
The role of album art in metal music is not only significant but often central to the band's branding and thematic expression.
Album Covers: A Key Metal Experience
Metal bands typically play a significant role in crafting the vision for their album art, and classic bands have set a high standard for memorable and iconic imagery.
Black Sabbath's Debut Album Cover Sets Genre's Foreboding Tone
Black Sabbath pioneered the trend with their self-titled album cover, which Rolling Stone ranks as the fifth top metal album of all time. The cover features a terrifying cloaked figure in front of a dilapidated building, a stark contrast to the colorful psychedelic album art common in 1970.
Iron Maiden, Metallica Use Logos, Imagery to Build Brands
Both Iron Maiden and Metallica have effectively used their logos and cover imagery to build their brands. Chuck Bryant notes the use of the old English black letter typeface on Black Sabbath's "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" album as particularly foreboding. Further discussing iconic artwork, Iron Maiden's intricate poster art and Metallica's "Master of Puppets" are praised for their impact on the bands' imagery. Iron Maiden makes multiple appearances in Rolling Stone’s top metal albums with their strong branding through art, demonstrating the importance of album covers in establishing a band's visual signature.
Album Art Reflecting Metal's Dark, Occult, Anti-Establishment Themes
Albums Such as Riot's "Metal Health" and Guns n' Roses' "Appetite For Destruction" Spark Controversy With Provocative Imagery
The cover of Slayer's "Rain in Blood" with its hellish landscape adds to the unsettling nature of metal, while Dio's "Holy Diver," featuring the mascot Murray, symbolizes control and oppression, reflecting anti-establishment themes. The original cover of Guns n' Roses' "Appetite For Destruction" stirred controversy with its depiction of sexual assault by a robot, ...
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Metal Album Art and Imagery
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Counterarguments
- While album art is significant in metal, some might argue that the music itself holds primacy and that there are successful metal bands with less emphasis on album art.
- The involvement of metal bands in their album art varies, and not all bands may have the same level of input or interest in the visual aspect of their albums.
- The assertion that Black Sabbath's debut album cover set the tone for the entire genre could be seen as an overgeneralization, as metal is diverse and not all subgenres embrace a foreboding aesthetic.
- The effectiveness of logos and imagery in branding can be subjective, and what works for bands like Iron Maiden and Metallica might not be as successful for others.
- The claim that metal album covers often reflect dark, occult, and anti-establishment themes might overlook the variety within the genre, including bands with more positive, fantastical, or neutral imagery.
- The idea that provocative imagery on metal album covers is universally controversial could be challenged, as some audiences may not find it as shocking or may even expect such themes in metal.
- The impact of album art on the listening experience is subjective; some listeners may not be influenced by the artwork or may engag ...
Actionables
- You can explore the impact of album art by creating a visual journal of your favorite metal albums, noting how each cover makes you feel and any themes you detect. This activity will help you understand the emotional and thematic connections between the artwork and the music. For example, if you're drawn to Iron Maiden's covers, sketch out the elements that stand out to you and write down the feelings they evoke, linking them to the music's themes.
- Start a blog or social media page dedicated to discussing and analyzing metal album covers, focusing on how they represent the band's brand and music. This will allow you to dive deeper into the visual culture of metal and share your insights with others. You could feature a different album each week, breaking down the imagery, typography, and any controversial elements, encouraging discussion and debate among followers.
- Create a playlist of metal music based on the album art that intrigues you, and share it with f ...
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