Various music genre always radiates a certain feeling which a lot of people can easily recognize. Classical music has that soothing vibe, hip-hop has an upbeat aura, but heavy metal music has so far been one of the most negatively labeled music genres we have come across.
Such stereotypical assumptions are due to their aggressive lyrics and intense sound that has many people questioning the impacts that heavy metal music can have on one’s mental stability. In fact, many people have associated heavy metal music as a provoking factor behind the blame of mass shootings, encouraging suicide and merchandise based around blasphemous themes.
But there is still not a single concrete proof of heavy metal being one of the major influences that trigger such horrific behavior. And that is because several people enjoy the sound of heavy metal music without needing to associate with rash actions to really connect with the music.
Moreover, a report by Cognition Today had stated that people who grew up in the 80s and 90s- a time when heavy metal was at its peak popularity- are actually leading healthy lives. They have also been said to be in a better mental state than non-fans and claim that their metalhead personality functions as a protective shield against the hardships that they had to face in life.
Many case studies by Academia have shown that listening to any kind of music- including heavy metal- can actually help people process and recover from their trauma. It aids in regulating one’s emotions and overcoming a negative mindset.
However, these reports and studies have been conducted multiple times, and there has yet to be a change in the way people think about heavy metal not being a good influence on society. But that doesn’t mean people will not try to convince you otherwise.
A prime example regarding our previous statement is regarding the aims behind SEPSISS- a Manchester-based metal band found by Melissa Wolfe and William Savant. SEPSISS is not like your average metal band- and the reason behind that is because initially, their musical goals varied significantly from what they are today.
After the pair recruited local rapper Timothy Thorpe into their band in 2011, a criminal case was filed on him and William. Eventually, Thorpe was apprehended, but William still managed to avoid the authorities until much later where he was detained for parole violations.
The experience made a huge impact on William, and after he was done serving time, he and Melissa made a commitment to change the way they were spending their lives- to become more sober, educate themselves through experience, and spread positive awareness.
Consequently, their metal band ended up being a more melodic version of heavy metal, and they teamed up with more members who believed in their cause. They have been striving to use their music to reform the negative labels people associate with heavy metal. Moreover, they are also letting their music serve as a form of education where people can learn about social and spiritual issues related to prison, drug abuse, family traditions, and even racism. And their efforts haven’t been all for naught- their influence has spread far and wide, changing lives with their music, which eventually led them to win the Best Hard Rock/Metal Act of the Year award during the New England Music Awards in 2019.
It will take a lot of time before people are willing to accept good intentions from metal music- but metal bands like SEPSISS will continue to strive in their efforts to make that dream become a permanent reality.
