How Metal Music Helps Reduce Anxiety

It’s a common misconception that metal and rock music is harmful and causes such symptoms as anxiety or depression. In reality the same thing can be said about any genre of music, because it all depends on a particular person and their situation. But the studies show that any music including heavy metal and hard rock can be actually helpful in reducing anxiety.

If you enjoy metal or rock music, listening to your favorite songs can alleviate anxiety symptoms and negative effects. Heavy music can be an excellent way of releasing your emotions and improving mood.

You see, it’s not about the style of music you hear. It’s about what style you like to listen to in general. So while many associate chill easy listen tunes with relaxation, heavy metal music can have the same effect.

Common Misconceptions about Metal and Rock Music

For quite some time metal (and rock music to certain degree) was looked down upon. Many considered it to be music of “always angry” teens. Even now some people think that metal music ia bad for you, and can cause anxiety or depression. This is of course a huge false generalization. This belief often comes from not understanding the music or judging it based on stereotypes.

In reality, the effects of music depend on the listener and their personal experiences. Just because metal and rock music are intense, it doesn’t mean they cause harm. For many music fans these genres can actually be a positive and comforting part of their lives.

Music Positive Effects

In case you did not know, there have been multiple researches conducted that revealed positive effects of music. People long observed that listening to music makes them feel good. So naturally scientists looked into it as well. Here are couple of published studies and their results:

• Music as Medicine showed that music listening can lower cortisol levels and alleviate anxiety​.
• The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital found that music can uplift mood and increase happiness by triggering the release of dopamine.
• A group of researchers from Music in Mind Study Group confirmed that Music therapy can help alleviate symptoms of depression and improve emotional well-being.

As you can see, the evidence is there. Now it comes down to selecting the music genre that is most beneficial for you personally.

Why Heavy Music Can Be Helpful

As long as you enjoy music you are listening, it will be useful to you. You should always check with your own feelings and reaction. If light pop tunes make you feel worse, than it’s not the right time for them. Instead try something different. The same goes for metal and rock. For people who are not metal fans, these genres may stresses them.

But if you love heavy rock/metal sound and it makes you feel good, go for it. There are several reasons why so many prefer to listen to these genres when they feel down or have anxiety symptoms:

1. The reason why heavy music is so helpful for many is because it mirrors their feelings and emotions. It does not contradict what a person is already going through. So it’s easy to relate to.
2. Having this emotional connection to heavy music lets people face their feelings and deal with them easier. It helps them to be honest with themselves.
3. As a result people are able process their stressful experiences through music. To give a simple analogy – think of heavy music as wood, and negative emotions like angst, anger, anxiety as fire. You feed the fire with music, it gets brighter and stronger – but it eventually subsides and you get the release you need.

Heavy music let’s you channel negative emotions out instead of letting them boil and build inside. It’s like you are the one screaming instead of the singer, or letting it all out on the drums. This way of unleashing your emotions through music definitely helps to release the frustrations and anxiety.

Fans also find comfort in the lyrics of metal and rock songs. These songs often talk about struggles, feeling misunderstood, feeling down – all of which can resonate with them. It helps people feel less alone.

Metal Subgenres to Listen to Reduce Anxiety

So what metal sub genres are the best to listen when you are feeling stressed? Once again I recommend trying different bands and styles to see what feels more helpful to you. Whatever matches your energy better will be especially good for helping with anxiety. But if you don’t know where to start, look at these three:

Symphonic Metal

Symphonic metal combines heavy metal with classical music elements. Bands like Nightwish, Within Temptation, Therion use orchestral sounds for example. Such mix of styles can be both energizing and uplifting.

Melodic Death Metal

Melodic death metal combines aggressive elements with beautiful melodies. This genre offers a balance of great intensity and harmony, which can help you feel energized and relaxed at the same time. Check out bands like: In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Before the Down.

Doom Metal

Don’t get scared by the genres name. It’s not all about doom and gloom. This sub genre combines slower tempos and a dense sound. So if you are not in the mood for faster rhythms and if you are looking for an introspective atmosphere to put you mind of heavy thoughts, this can be a great match. I recommend bands like: Paradise Lost, Anathema (earlier albums), My Dying Bride.

I have also created charts of the Greatest Rock Songs and Best Nu Metal Hits you might want to see:

Conclusion

To sum it up – if you like heavier genres like metal and rock, you can definitely enjoy that music when you’re stressed or have anxiety. It has been proven many times by now that listening to your favorite songs can help reduce the negative effects of stress, sadness, grief, loneliness and anxiety.