An Australian study has found that listening to heavy metal and “extreme music” such as punk and death core has a calming influence on fans and does not make them more aggressive. The study, by the University of Queensland, involved 39 people aged 18 to 34 years-old who were subject to 16 minutes of “anger induction” which involved interviewees describing events in their life that made them angry, typically involving relationships, employment and finances. They then listened to the music of their choice, which included bands such as Manowar, Slipknot, Judas Priest, Megadeth, and Rage Against The Machine.
The lead researcher, Leah Sharman, said the music was found to help control their sadness and led to “enhanced positive emotions”.
