Metal Reviews

So I was wondering about the emotional aspect of music. In addition to technicality, aesthetic appeal, etc, many people are drawn to metal because it's a "strong" music. Why is this? What is it about metal that conveys such emotions, and what bands are best at transmitting emotions rather than just technicality?

because it's loud, aggressive, and over the top. i can't think of a band that epitomizes the "strong" feeling of metal although it's probably a german one like Disillusion or Rage. germans are fucking manly.

I honestly don't care too much for the technical aspect of metal which is why most of these so called technical bands don't do anything for me. I love the music for the reason it gets the adrenaline flowing through my veins and enables me to deal with the stresses of my life. I'm guessing thats why a lot of people my age love the music so much, not to belittle any one elses reason for loving the music. But i honestly think metal has some of the most passionate fans of any type of music.

But how does the music convey the emotion? is it the harmonies? The vocal delivery? The lyrics?

i would guess its an amalgamation of all of those things, the rush from the guitars, the vocals sputtering for the lyrics which unless your a power metal vocalist are often not discernible. Its the speed and the intensity that does it, like i said this is from my perspective solely. I

Disillusion is full of different emotions, not only strength. Back to times of Splendor is one of my fav albums ever.

probably the distorted guitars, the drums, and the vocal delivery

Last night in my mate's car I put on Rammstein-Feuer Frei and my friend said "this music's really powerful" and I think he digged it even though it isn't his thing. I know, I didn't answer the question. Just a point.

I know that for me, playing as well as listening to music has a great effect on my emotional state. Now, it absolutely depends upon what I am listening to. In regards to metal, I find so much to be subjective and dependent upon the mood of the listener. When I was going through my divorce I dealt with a myriad of emotions from loss, to hate, to entertaining some creative homicidal thoughts. I found myself listening to Dimmu Borgir, Emperor, Cradle of Filth, etc. It served as the soundtrack for my emotions at the time.

The aspects of the music served it's purpose. The lyrics, music, and vocals were all dark, aggressive, and powerful. It served more as therapy for me rather than fuel for me to do something I would later regret. I only bring that up because people outside of metal like to paint this picture of metal's listeners as the fringe of society. Like we're subdued lunatics waiting to be sprung from our coma to perform heinous deeds upon the world. Ah, how short-sighted the ignorant can be.

Oddly enough I was listening to As I Lay Dying--Forsaken and I got that strong feeling even though I'm not a huge fan of the band. Metal definitely conveys some emotions that no other style of music does, that feeling that you are just ready to dominate the world...although I also like technicality and things like that. so basically metal is good.