We Care A Lot: How Heavy Music Encourages Empathy and Sensitivity
Dan circa 2009, playing in the curiously named Atomic Ritual
It’s still clear as day...
…handing over three pounds for a copy of Kerrang! Magazine. I don’t remember what compelled me to do it; only that it felt like something I’d meant to do for some time. On the cover, Max Cavalera - then of the nu-metal band Soulfly - looked appropriately angry.
Attached was a free CD. It was rammed with tunes; some I’d forget, some I still love. But real talk - this shiny, easy-to-scratch sampler was my gateway to all things heavy.
Decades later, I’m still in love with the music. But it’s not just the tunes I go back for. I look at the heavy music scene as a culture defined by its outsider mindset; allowing a community often thought of as ‘scary’, to be one of the most accepting and empathetic you’ll find.
Dani Filth of UK Black Metallers, Cradle of Filth.
But they’re screaming? Where’s the sensitivity in that?
Contrary to mainstream belief, even the heaviest, screamiest music tends to be grounded in emotion. Sure, bands like Cannibal Corpse pen tracks about the grimmest scenes imaginable, but don’t judge all books by their putrid covers.
Take California’s Cattle Decapitation for example. Gruesome name - but look closer, and you’ll find their hyper-fast grindcore accompanied by lyrics protesting animal rights and environmental issues.
Similarly, the 90s saw Bikini Kill - fronted by the inimitable Kathleen Hanna - define the ‘Riot Girl’ movement. A scene revered for its powerful feminist and LGBTQ-positive lyrics, addressing hot-button issues such as sexism and rape culture.
Sure, metal’s dark past (Norwegian Black Metal scene, I’m looking at you) makes it easy to assume the worst, but just like your Dad says when you’re being a clown;
“There’s always bloody one isn’t there!”
But rock fans dress like vampires. Surely they’re dead inside?
On the contrary, dear friend. The rock community is amongst the most caring on earth. Just head to a Download or Wacken Festival, and you’ll find a horde of gentle (possibly intoxicated) folk who are as likely to want to chat about mental health as they are their favourite Metallica bassist (it’s Cliff…always Cliff.)
This mix of passion and ‘I give a sh*t about you’ attitude was backed up in a recent study by Southern Methodist University.
It found that:
“Highly empathic people process familiar music with greater involvement of the brain’s social circuitry, such as the areas activated when feeling empathy for others.”
This makes sense, as most rock fans await new releases from their favourite band with a gusto that rivals even the most passionate Swifty. Many go on to listen to said release, analysing its direction, approach and other musical facets in microscopic detail.
It’s a dedication and familiarity that carries over into their social interactions, allowing them to relate, connect, and share deeply with others.
The same study points out that while sure - music can give immediate and instinctive pleasure - but for certain high-empathy folk, it’s a means of human connection and communication.
So yeah, they’re nice, ok.
Pioneering emo band Rites of Spring
Those grungers need therapy!
Woah! (That’s English for stop a horse), easy on the assumptions there, Chet.
Whatever you think of ‘those greasy rockers’, you can be assured of one thing. They’re already getting therapy. Sort of…
Alternative music has many soothing qualities. It’s often expressive, with relatable lyrics that frequently lead to claims of ‘[insert band name] saved my life’.
An exaggeration? Often not. A quick diversion into emo music tells you all you need to know.
Starting as an offshoot of the 80s hardcore punk scene - emo’s emotive take on an already raw sound allowed fans to come together in sweaty clubs to express their feelings safely. It’s a style that evolved over time, too - giving new generations access to this musical catharsis (later, with added eyeliner.)
For younger people especially - being in a controlled venue space, surrounded by people looking for a similar release is empowering.
Metal too, has been shown to have therapeutic effects, with a 2014 study highlighting a link between heavy music and emotional processing.
It stated that by listening to louder music, fans are able to regulate their mood in a more controlled way instead of externalising negative emotions. This reduces the chance of sh*tty feelings presenting in an antisocial way.
Wow, those rockers really are teddy bears!
In a word, yes.
Of course, I may be biased. I’ve been one of them for decades.
In that time though, I’ve seen community, empathy, compassion, and a love for others that extend far beyond ‘just being a music fan’. It is an investment not just in their community but in almost anyone they come into contact with.
I’m not saying there aren’t outliers; all communities have them.
But for the most part, they’re a bunch of folks willing to be vulnerable and open as a direct result of the (damn fine) music they so ardently bloody adore.
Enjoy this? Well, there’s plenty more where that came from.
This blog is part of a series titled ‘Metal Health’ that the wonderful Erin Williams and I created. It delves into how mental health and rock music interact.
You can check out Erin’s awesome entry right here.
Look out for more in the coming weeks.
Hey, I’m Dan. I’m a mental health writer.
I write blogs, newsletters, articles and web copy for mental health and wellbeing professionals and organisations.
If that sounds good, click my face for a chat.