Heavy Metal Religion

Heavy metal music is known for its volume, abrasive sound and lyrics, dark imagery, and its die-hard fans. It has been, since its inception, the target of criticism and concern from music critics, social commentators, religious groups, politicians, and parent groups. Despite these attacks and the multiple announcements from the mainstream music industry and its critics concerning the demise of heavy metal, it continues to be possibly the most successful and tenacious element of modern popular music (Walser 1993:8). This implies that the phenomenon that is heavy metal possesses a quality that touches something deeper or more primal than its existence as a viable musical commodity might imply. Metal music and the culture surrounding it lend to its adherents a sense of belonging and personal power which aids them in their attempts to overcome the existential issues of personal identity and interpersonal relationships in a modern world. It provides a framework for viewing the world, a sense of special community, and a strong, if often misunderstood, ethical sense. Metal music fulfills, for those involved, the need for religious community, expression, and spiritual experience.