Metal Music Makes You Calmer? - Your Brain On Metal 

Metal isn't angry _at_ you, it's angry _with_ you

People: Metal lyrics are about anxiety, depression, anger, loneliness. My metal playlist: swords, elves, vikings, wars, and adventures.

I'm not sure if anyone can identify with this, but metal makes me feel powerful in a world where I feel powerless. As soon as something heavy starts, I feel 10ft tall and bulletproof for a moment. It's deeply satisfying and cathartic and gives me a break from the world.

Metal doesnt explore just negative emotions, ive herd metal songs about love and other emotions, metal often explores more complex emotions and dives deeper into different situations that make you feel alone or uncomfortable. Makes you feel understood

Breaking news: if you listen to music you enjoy, youre happy

I've said for years that metal is actually relaxing to me and people look at me weird.

A few years back. I got into a Psychiatric hospital. I was Sick. Than, someone in the hospital Introduced me to Metal, at first i thought it was noise. But than i really tried to listen to this, and i was SO surprised to see how it effected me. Suddenly i was so much calmer, healthier, I was able to see things more clearly. I felt so much better... Metal literally SAVED my life. Thank you everyone who is open minded enough to try and listen to Metal.

Classical & metal music actually have a lot in common, especially in regards to their melodies.

Metal doesn't cause violence, it's a way to find peace within the violence

"Metal is a friendly way to enjoy aggression" That is legitimately the most amazing way I've heard that put

I’m a metal musician. Before I joined a serious band, I falsely convinced myself that I was an introvert, because I had very few friends and I needed to justify why I was failing to connect with people. It turned out I was extroverted the entire time because when I started attending and playing metal shows, I blossomed socially and found the confidence in myself that I needed. Since then, I have realized that all of the darkest times in my life were when music wasn’t a part of it and the majority of my fondest memories were attending or performing metal shows.

As someone who's been to literally hundreds of concerts, I can EASILY say that the crowds at metal shows are the most respectful and kind I've ever seen, bar none. I've gone to see plenty of shows, of all genres, from opera to raves to heavy metal shows. But metal shows by far are my favorite because they're just a good time, and everyone is so nice. I'm a 115 pound girl, and I regularly jump into moshpits. Sure, I get knocked around a lot, but EVERY single time, I've had multiple people pull me back up right away. I've lost my glasses and within seconds there will be 3 dudes asking what I've lost and helping me look for them. Lost my wallet once and didn't even go five minutes before someone handed out back to me. Even when crowd surfing people are respectful and don't get hands or try to touch you inappropriately. At least they've never done that to me And yeah, honestly, I think there are some correlations between people who suffer from mental health issues and people who listen to metal. But it's the other way around. Metal doesn't cause the problems. The people suffering from mental health problems gravitate towards metal because they relate to the themes often brought up in that music. That music makes them feel seen and heard, helps them navigate those difficult feelings. It gives voice to things they don't know how to say. Those songs about depression and isolation help people who are depressed and isolated to feel less alone with what they're going through. And that's exactly why I listen to it. Because I've been through a ton of traumatic shit, and rock and metal has always helped me deal with that stuff, specifically because it's a genre that tends to tackle those kinds of things. Metal gives me solace, gives me an outlet. And it gives me a space to connect with emotions that aren't usually fun to feel. I can cry along to a sad song and process those feelings in a healthy way because the music helps me. When I've had a bad day at work and I'm pissed, I listen to the angriest, heaviest songs on my Playlist. (Gasoline by I Prevail is a favorite) and it helps me feel better. It helps me channel my anger into something that's healthy and won't hurt anyone. I can let myself sit with that anger while I listen to that music and process it instead of slapping a patient (hospital work is not for the weak). And I always feel better after having listened to some music. That's why we like it. Also, I feel compelled to mention that metal also had so many talented musicians it's absurd. People think it's just noise, but there's a ridiculous amount of technique there to be appreciated

What most people don’t get, is that I’m not depressed and angry because I’m listening to metal, it’s actually the other way around.

I never met nicest people than metal heads. Most of them are crazy open-minded.

After 16 years of depression and suffering from burnout, listening to Babymetal by pure coincidence actually saved me from suicide. Although I had been into metal for a long time (Helloween fan since the beginning), I had never heard of this group before. RU-vid's algorithm thought it should play Babymetal's Ijime, Dame, Zettai while I was looking for a motorway bridge... Went to the docs the next day and started therapy for three years. Made me learn Japanese to understand Babymetal's lyrics, got attracted to Wagakki Band (mixing traditional Japanese music with rock), Attarashi Gakko (literally an anti-idol group), Otoboke Beaver (great punk band) and some more. Met one of my Japanese penpals last year for a week and will travel across Japan with her for two months. What's next? Only the Fox God knows... 🤘🦊🤘 Edit: typos...

I like most all genres of music, but when I discovered metal, I felt like someone was making music for me. I now had something that matched the noise in my head. To feel you are listened to and understood is to feel respected-the most basic human level of love. Thank you for this. Beth Roars, national treasure

It is ironic when they called Metal the devil’s music, but a lot of the metal tracks seem to be about anti war

i think music like this doesn't cause depression, but attracts people with it, because it helps you process it just like you showed with anger

I listen to metal because the lyrics touch so deep and the lyrics describe exactly how you feel. And that’s just one of the reasons why I love metal.

Before I met my girlfriend of 1 year I was going through a major depression. Started with the gym and listening to slipknot. Thanks to my Spotify I stayed discovering sub-genres. It went from Black metal, to speed metal, Metalcore, death metal, then my all time favorite Death Core. Hitting the weights while listening to metal help me focus my anger and sadness in a productive manner. After my gym session and some Paleface Swiss I would feel an overwhelming calm wash over me. It really made me a better and happier person. Thank you Metal Heads. You’re awesome

My wife, when she was 7 month's pregnant went with me to a Metal Festival. In public places, she'd often have to stand in buses and trains during the daily commute, but at this festival full of metal heads, they would invite her to cut in line for LONG bathroom (porta potty) lines, water fountains, etc. This is one of the most civil group of people around.

Metal music about hating society: Normie outrage Rap music about killing, raping, doing drugs, and stealing, : Normie silence

I grew up with rock and metal and still is my favorite genre to this day. My dad had CDs of AC/DC, Rush, Led Zeppelin. My older sister introduced me to Linkin Park, Korn, Metallica, and System of a Down. To this day I find metal very soothing and nostalgic even since my sister moved and I’ve moved out and live by myself now. Metal music helps me stay calm and even sleep some nights.

Coming from a classical background and being singing my whole life, I discovered that metal is the music you can't necessarily sing along with. Metal has to be listened to very closely and with your full attention. I can't have it in the background or while I'm busy with something else. Which makes it such an intense experience. It's really like therapy for me - maybe because it's an almost meditative activity for me.

"The lyrics often explore anxiety, depression, anger, social isolation, and loneliness" Gojira: *Hold my Flying whales and shapeshifting humans*

The stereotype of the angry, maladjusted metal head goes out the window when you see a hulking, 200 pound, tattoed and pierced guy in a spiked leather vest at the register in a super market turn around to give the little freightened girl behind him a lollypop as a present and beg for forgiveness for having scared her. True story. Happened at Waken Open Air in Germany.

Thank you for this. Metal helped me survive my teenage years. It was an encouragement, an outlet, it was a way for me to fight back against the bullies, a way to start trying to figure out who I really am. There's nothing more badass than at fourteen, being invited to play a song to the class and having it be 'Angel of Death', and watching all the people who've called you horrible names freak out! !m! Still moshing, mostly in my mind, I'm old now! ~_~

As a person with an ED, all this aggression and anger and loudness of metal just takes over the chaotic thoughts in my head and thus makes me more peaceful.

90% of people that think metal is just screaming and headbanging have never even looked at the lyrics of these songs. Metal bands have one of the deepest and relatable stories that you could ever imagine. Also, not all metal songs need to have distorted screaming vocals.

"Metal confronts what we'd rather ignore, it celebrates what we often deny, and it indulges in what we fear most. And that's why metal will always be a culture of outsiders." -Sam Dunn, Metal: A Headbanger's Journey. \../

I started listening to metal/heavier rock at around 11 years old. Evanescence, MCR and the like had just debuted internationally and I was immediately drawn to it. I am now diagnosed with autism, ADHD and PTSD from growing up in a violent household, and I often felt depressed, so to me, Metal soothed and reflected my emotions in a way that nothing could. I like to think that music saved my life more than once.

I started listening to metal when I was depressed as a teen. I used it as a release for any anger and bad feelings I had. I used it as fuel to do good at school, workout regularly, go to work, and just try to be as social and happy as possible. Now 10 years after starting listening to metal its my favorite music genre which I listen to almost exclusively and I try to spread its power and energy with as many people as I can. There's some metal genre for everyone I assure you that, and once you find it you'll feel more powerful than ever!

Other people: “Why are you so calm?” Me: “Metal music helps.” Other people:🤨

The only enraging part of metal is when people interrupt me listening to it

Metal has changed my life for the better in so many ways. Mostly because of the community. I’ve made so many life long friends just off the basis of we both like the same music. And as a guitarist, I don’t think I would be playing music at all if I didn’t like metal

I wasn't depressed 'cause I'd listen to grunge, I listened to grunge 'cause I was depressed. It literally saved my life!

going to a metal concert is actually one of the things that make me the happiest lol

I just turned 60 this week. I've been a metalhead for the past 50 years. I love metal because it's so honest. The lyrics often focus on mental health issues, being an outsider, war, politics, the environment (thank you, Gorjira!), etc. Metal definitely calms me down, allows me focus, gives me a place to belong, etc. I can't imagine my life without metal. I'll be a metalhead until I'm dead.

Since i start hearing metal and rock, i feel more relaxed and happier than ever(sorry for my bad inglish) i also have more control with my emotios and feelings. So yeah, metal and rock change my life

I was raised by metal heads and find the heavyness of the guitars and drums soothing. Apparently they used to play it to us as babies to calm us down when nothing else helped. I think it’s a protective factor and a healthy coping mechanism for times with overwhelming emotions.

Metal fans are some of the nicest you can come across. Ever fall over in a mosh pit? You’ll be helped back to your feet in seconds by everyone in the pit

I'm a metalhead and a Nigerian So to most people I come across in my country "I'm disturbed by demons" or rather "possessed" and to the rest of the people that are usually learned "I'm depressed and suicidal" or "I'm weird" Since I stopped listening to what people thought , Metal makes me happy , happy with myself and my life , it also helped me get through the COVID-19 lockdown

Hello, metal guitarist here. To shed my two cents to this matter. I’ve based my career around trucking and I own and operate a trucking business. Undoubtedly you can imagine it’s a dangerous business and it causes a lot of stress and anxiety. Playing metal guitar and metal music is my way to release this stress and to unwind. It has over the years made me a better person so I’ve been told. With having this as one of my outlets it has in fact made me a calmer person.

Loved this, as a 77 year old man who just decided he could like metal (thanks Babymetal-and Band-Maid). Don't know if metal is doing anything for me, but the joy of discovering new things certainly is. It's cool that I happened on this video after seeing a couple of reactions in the last week or two where people said that metal fans were the nicest people.

Ok so now Beth is on an “I can call up Tati from Jinjer for one of my videos” level.

"Mainstream people" hate Metal because: it's honest.

I've had this talk with my kids. My 14 yo daughter has discovered several metal bands during her musical journey, although she's not a metal head, she acknowledges that some songs helps her emotionally when puberty hits hard. My 11 yo son has just asked me to make a metal play list for him, to help coping with those same issues. He's had a lot of issues fitting in at school because he's into ttrpg, older music and other non conformist hobbies. So he's been feeling like an outsider.

I have major depression, anxiety, cptsd and I love melodic death metal when I feel down. It gives me strength, releases the feelings I am not able to express (anger, despair) and I feel less lonely because of the musicians and fans who seem to know how painful life can be. The people in my actual life don't understand. They just want me to stop being depressed. 15 Minutes of headbanging also helps a lot when I am stuck in freezemode from triggers.

Being an introvert, Metal is the way I'm able to get my aggression out without harm to myself or others 🤘🤘🤘🤘

Society: "Metal music makes you depressed" Me: *Laughs in Doom metal

So, back in 2018, I was diagnosed with throat cancer. Daily radiation. Rounds of chemo. Couldn't eat (feeding tube). Couldn't sleep. Constantly puking. And never cared for metal. About a month into this, somehow Brand New Doomsday, by Architects showed up in my YT feed. When they screamed the words "you said you cheated death", I just burst into tears. I listened to that song on repeat for the next two months. As I got better, I found myself listening to more and more, and have since fallen in love with bands like Karnivool, Royal Blood, The Warning, and Paramore. Thank you for this video! I'll definitely be sharing it with friends & critics alike!

I love when I'm driving down the streets blaring my favorite metal songs and people turn to give me the stank face. Metal is so mind blowingly misunderstood. My favorite aspect of metal music is the skill it takes to pull off some of the instrumentals that come out of this genre which i feel anyone who has a deep respect for music itself can appreciate metal for that alone if nothing else. It's my unprofessional opinion that metal music is such a positive influence for those who love it because the music is expressing its fans inner thoughts and feelings in a way we cant. People are so quick to give me the stank face when I blast my favorite songs, they can't or won't hear the lyrical imagery or the observations on things like love or loss. Most of the time the lyrics are more profound than you'd hear in any other genre. And yes some are just an outright "fuck you" which I also love because I'm the kind of person who you could insult straight to my face and I'd just continue smiling and nodding because I'm so nonconfrontational I don't even recognize when someone is being blantantly rude to me. If I could tell someone fuck you in a way that you could hear and feel the frustration I'm experiencing, maybe I'd be able to stick up for myself more often, but since aggression isnt in my nature at all, metal expresses it for me. More often than not you'll find that people who truly love and appreciate metal are some of the nicest, more reasonable and intelligent members of society.

I was diagnosed with depression at age 8. Tried several medications with varied results for years. By age 12, I had already found metal music and started playing guitar. Soon, I quit my medications and started improving. The first time a stood in front of an audience and let out my pent-up anger through a guitar and a microphone, I was a changed man in the best way. Beth, thank you for making this video!

There's probably more classical music/metal fans than most people expect

I love all your videos, but this one might be the best. I am absolutely a metalhead. Yeah, the lyrics can be dark, ranging from addiction to anger to sadness to aggression. Here’s the thing, processing those things alone is quite difficult. Certain songs have gotten me through the hardest times of my life, and that’s because it reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Knowing I wasn’t alone, plus the fact that I felt really connected and thus felt more while listening, helped me through those times. Even now, on a bad day, I like to listen to very aggressive music. Just listening and thrashing out with the music helps calm me, give me that outlet, rather than lashing out. Oddly enough, music that I can’t stand(techno, r&b, dance, rave, etc), even when I’m in a good mood, ends ups putting me in a bad mood. It’s just grinds my gears. Just doesn’t hit my brain right. Absolutely fantastic video Beth! This is exactly what I’ve been saying about music for years!

I don't consider myself a metalhead but I do love metal music, I work on customer service and.... It helps me get the hate for humanity off my mind 😂 it calms me when I'm processing info from my job I listen to metal and i feel way better 💜

Another callout from the masses, and MASSIVE fan. Metal IS catharsis. Its a way to expel negetive energy in a healthy way with a community of like minded people standing by ur side. Hence why when someone falls in a mosh pit. We pick em up so we can all keep going!!!

"Rock is not the Devil's work, it's magical and rad" - Jack Black, Kickapoo

I was pleased to find this video. I was in college in the mid-80s, the time when so many bogus "studies" found that plants near a stereo with rock music were far less healthy than plants near a stereo playing classical, teenagers who listened to rock were more likely to imbibe when offered drugs, alcohol and sex. Allegedly all other factors were equal on both the rock and the non (or anti-) rock sides. The tales I heard were a far cry from what I witnessed first hand. 35 years later, I still know of many fellow 'metal-heads' who enjoy a mature and well-adjusted life (well into now being grandparents).

Metal has helped me in so many ways. Confidence, self acceptance, acceptance of different emotions, feeling a part of a community, it’s brought me immense joy and calm and never feeling alone.

"I'm not anti-social. I'm anti-bullsh*t" - While She Sleeps

"It's like...when life sucks, and you feel alone and empty; stick on some metal and life is better because somebody else knows the pain and the rage that you're going through, you know."- Deathgasm

Without getting into a big boring history. I suffered from periodic episodes of depression. Growing up listening to heavy metal helped me to hold on during those dark times. Later in life to further understand this phenomenon, I studied psychology and neurology and physiology. Certain things can cause the brain to " reboot ". Like a computer that needs a refresh. I'm not recommending it, but LSD in small doses has been effective in some people. A brain scan, MRI studies, will prove the before and after effects of listening to heavy metal metal music. Music from Judas Priest is especially helpful. Another thing that has enriched my life greatly has been to learn to play heavy metal guitar myself. I would say this is the best thing I have ever done in my life. Thanks Gibson, Fender and Marshall amps.

Metal and alternative rock saved me from so much trouble especially improving my mental health and confidence with people. These genres are digging me out of a hole that I was in. Alice in Chains and Sabbath got me into this genre and I am glad I stumbled upon this video.

As a psychologist and a metalhead (for 20 years now), i loved this video. It's really important start to confront our emotions, instead of repress them. If you are really sad, feeling brooke inside, and you hear someone screaming his or her pain, you can empathize and not feel alone in your own pain. Someone saying what you can't say, could help you to confront your sorrows. And as you said, that's cathartic. Also, the power in the melodies, rythms and lyrics, could make you feel stronger, more secure, even protected from the shit of the world. Love you Beth! For more videos like this! p.s: Tatiana!!!! OMG! We need an interview with that godess!

When you're going through intense, complex emotions, having intense, complex music really helps you process things. Metal really can be incredibly soothing.

I was raised on all the hair metal of the 80s-90s. In 2016 I heard Reign of Darkness by Thy Art is Murder for the first time. I had never heard someone express such raw, unfiltered emotions in their vocals and it resonated with me. I was dealing with a lot of stress and anger at the time and I couldn't describe what I was feeling until I started listening to death metal. When I hear a solid scream from a vocalist ((in my opinion)) it's like you can hear all of the heart wrenching bitter hatred in their voice, like they're screaming for you instead of at you.

I listen to metal music because it helps motivate me and keeps me productive. I always listen to metal at work, cleaning the house and cooking. Funny enough it’s also nice to relax to when I’m stressed.

"John listens to metal, wears skull t-shirts, and doesn't clean his room" ... Thats me

Religious institution : metal is the devil's music Media : is metal DangErOuS for you children? Science: metal listener more likely to be institutionalize Society: Why are you anti-social? me: take a guess

I know this video is older, but just to add my $0.02, I can say that rock, and as I've gotten older, metal, has been a release of negative emotion for me. I can actually vividly remember portions of my life that have certain themes of rock or metal associated with them. When I hear certain songs it takes me back to those times when those songs carried me though, and they remind me of how far I've come. As an example, I was big on Avenged Sevenfold, 3-Days Grace, Disturbed, and Breaking Benjamin in college. Later on figuring out marriage and my career it was Alter Bridge, Slipknot, Wage War, etc. Then after my divorce and other life challenges it was again Slipknot, August Burns Red, Bleed From Within, We Came as Romans, Spiritbox, etc. I can associate all of these artists and their songs with distinct feelings I had during rough periods of my life more than any other type of music. To that end, I enjoy most types of music, but my go-to is always rock/metal, particularly for those pesky life issues we all have to deal with!

I definitely feel better in general when I listen to metal, happier, more energy (great for working out). I'm not sure if anyone else does this, but I listen to certain metal (more on the melodic side) to help me sleep.

I think one of the reasons why (almost) every metalhead you meet is a calm, open and friendly individual is because they have found a means of channeling their emotions in a healthy way through music. The same cannot be said for a lot of other people. It's like metal music exists for that sole purpose and that to me is beautiful.

People: "MeTaL iS eViL" The metal I listen to: "Tectonic plates and things in celestial mermaid dreeeeaams....!!!"

ive always been a metal head, turning 60 this year and my taste in metal is getting heavier as i get older, i find metal very calming. sometimes it can even send me to sleep because i get so relaxed

Metal actually restored my will to live. As a teen, I had a rough time in school and was also dealing with trauma and PTSD. At that point, I had lost the will to live and had tried to end my life a couple of times. Listening to music, particularly Linkin Park, gave me time to reflect and understand things. It was as if the lyrics spoke to me directly and made me understand that someone out there had gone through the same things and wrote about it. I wasn't alone anymore in those feelings, and music itself gave me a way to channel my emotions in a healthy way. I could go on for hours telling my story and explaining what music did for me. But I will say this one thing - music was so kind to me that I had to return the favour and become a musician.

Normal people: "Metal makes you violent." Me: **playing Slime Rancher to some dude ripping his vocal cords out about wanting to just fight people** Also me: "OOOH A MONEY SLIME!!! :O"

Metal is soul healing music. Let's scream the sh*t out of ourselves.

I appreciate your unbiased look at metal. I do have to say though that i don't feel like metal heads get this respect, i mean we get called emo and people judge us negatively so much, so i dont think times have changed that much

Metal always put me at peace. Not because of the themes, but simply the feeling of it. How the songs are structured. Metal can often have the best melodies.

Its just as August Burns Red put it, "Angry music for happy people".

I've never considered metal as "chaotic"; in fact, its highly organized. A better term would be "aggressive".

Metal music is always there for me, whether I am sad or angry, happy or frustrated. What I listen to changes over time, but whenever I need to focus, am feeling down or needs to sort my thoughts, I always got the music to support me.

Good morning. I've been listening to death metal for over 30 years as well as, its little brother, brutal death. This music came to me at a certain moment in my life, when I needed something strong and, which encourages me to be more assertive and, many other things. First of all, it's not music that takes us for idiots because, there is a certain state of mind that is very underground and different from other environments. It is true that this music, if we are made to style ourselves there, can calm and regulate our emotions and behaviors in a world of appearance and nothingness. the 2nd important point is the fact of doing things yourself with nothing. in 3rd position, show yourself when you have done something and, stay in your place and work on yourself, your instrument, your lyrics etc... the list is still very long but, I will let other people give their opinion. In conclusion, we therefore have to reject the codes of a society based on many ridiculous things which are only there to make us lower our heads and obey. death metal forever!!

"Recent studies" but metal heads have known this for decades

At a metal concert, the lead singer said that we were participating in the best form of group therapy available. Absolutely correct!

Listening to metal gets out & express emotions I don't know how to, bcuz I'm too quiet, polite,shy, anxious... & Says things out loud I can never say, it's a healthy outlet for me.

I am a metalhead for life since my early teenager years. I started more light and now hear pretty heavy stuff. We metalheads are happy people that meet in gigs and festivals to listen, headbang and join the circle/mosh pits and have great fun always, is cathartic experience always!! I love listen a guitar riff, give me chills in a great way everytime!! It also helps me regulate my mood and helped a lot on my heavier depressive episodes during my life. Life is hard. but is much better with metal and rock!! 😎🖤🤘

As a die hard metalhead. For me metal helped remedy the feeling of loneliness and all together being a social outcast. I reminded me that I'm not alone and that there are others that know the same rage and pain.

still one of my favorite quotes by Metallica front man James Hetfield is: "it is like my darkness can connect to your darkness, and that's okay" and another when he was talking about the song "fade to black" which is a song about someone going through a bad time, thinking about and eventually committing suicide. He was asked in an interview if the meaning to that song changed in his life, he responded that it changes all the time. He told a story about when they played that song live on stage, he saw a woman that was in tears, he said he just wanted to go down there and tell her she will get through it, that it will be okay. Metal music in my eyes has always been about confronting and dealing with the "bad and ugly" side of humanity.

I've been a metalhead for many years and actually got my mom into it. Whenever I felt down, I would switch on Anthrax, Visigoth, Woods Of Desolation or something similar. Instant mood boost! It's like having a friend who is a huge extrovert that loves screaming along with you. She would play Guns N Roses and ACDC to get me to sleep as a kid!

As a metal head in my 50s , I must agree with the majority of what you have said as cathartic, calming, enlightening, curious, and an all around cool guy. If you also listen to the insane riffs these musicians are laying down. Classical musicians are impressed for it is so intricate, and fast, complex. I admire the extreme talent those musicians have. To break down in your head what is going on at a 16th beat or blast beat with insane double kick… mind blown. And yes I am a normal guy but I still am fit enough to hang in the pit.

I´m stressed let others scream for me I´m calm

Angry music makes me happy. For a metalhead, listening to “extreme” music is no different than pop fans listening to “sad” music following a breakup. Metal and hard rock help me deal with stress and anger. And metal concerts are like a family. Even in the pit, if you fall, 5 people rush to pick you up, and at the end of the show people are hugging and back slapping and smiling ear to ear. It’s not for everyone; nothing is. But for those of us who love it, it really can be life saving.

Much respect to you for bringing to the forefront for a moment,as a life long listener of all types of music but especially metal. Its nice to hear someone look at this genre for what it is an inspiring and albeit sometimes brutal artform that merits a deeper look from time to time.Extreme music has carried myself and I'm sure countless others through the ups and downs of life bringing us through unscathed. Much respect to you , keep up the great work!

I've been a "MetalHead" for 40 years. The music for me is energizing, calming (I often sleep to it), helps me to organize my thoughts and is quite theraputic for me. Plus, I just love it! I've been a fan of Iron Maiden since their 3rd album, thanks to my older brother, and many other metal bands. But I'd like to say that I'm also not confined to just Metal. I like some other genres as well.

I could be listening to the heaviest breakdowns and I’ll be falling asleep😅

"The lyrics often explore themes of anxiety, depression, anger, social isolation, and loneliness." Me, listening to DragonForce and Powerwolf: yeah, nah fam

Metal was there for me at a time in which I needed it. Here I was in a new high school in a new state being the only African American in every class, scared out of my mind, and living with a facial deformity. Even the African American kids in the new school pretty much ignored me. The following year (Junior Year) I started running with a crowd that no one else wanted to be friends with. They thought I was too cool for them and treated me like an equal. They all listened to metal, so I started and was instantly blown away. It was like someone woke me up from a coma and as much as I felt inferior, and ignored, this music made me feel like I was perfectly fine. I felt like I knew a secret that no one else knew. Now when I listen to metal I feel like afterwards that I've been to a pep rally or been thru a war and came out edgy and stronger.

Metal is the most inspiring music. It releases so much negative energy in me and it's often very intelligent snd complex so it's fun to listen to..always something new to notice