Metal softens morals. Metal, emo, hardcore punk and other “extreme” musical styles that some call edgy and violent would actually make its fans… sweet as lambs. The paradox is noted in the scientific journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience by researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia.
The Australians asked 39 metal lovers to imagine a frustrating situation relating to their romantic relationship, finances or work. The goal was to get them into a process of anger. Participants’ emotions were measured by recording their heart rate. Some then sat in silence for ten minutes. The others heard metal music in their ears, for the same duration.
Metal, well-being and pleasure
Surprisingly, the group that had listened to metal sounded as calm at the end of the ten minutes as the group that had sat in silence. “We found that this music regulates sadness and enhances positive emotions,” Leah Sarman told the Huffington Post, co-author of the study and student at the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland. “Music helped [les volontaires] to explore the full range of emotions they felt. But they also felt more active and inspired.”
Far from stirring up violence or anger, the notes of heavy metal would send waves of relaxation, good humor and help people who listen to it to “immerse themselves in happiness and improve their well-being”.
The impact of music on health and on emotions is of great interest to researchers. The results of their work sometimes run counter to popular ideas. A study published in Plos One, for example, showed that sad music would make you happier. So, the next time you’re feeling down, listen to your melancholy playlist without moderation.
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