Nomenclature. Heavy metal fans go by a number of different names, including metalhead, headbanger, hesher, mosher, and heavy, with the term thrasher being used only for fans of thrash metal music, which began to differentiate itself from other varieties of metal in the late 80s.
Rock/Heavy Metal Music Despite the sometimes aggressive image that rock and heavy metal music project, researchers found that fans of this style of music are usually quite gentle. They tend to be creative, but are often introverted and may suffer from low self-esteem.
Researchers found heavy metal music to be the second most effective genre at reducing anxiety as 89% of volunteers reported a decrease in blood pressure. Additionally, their heart rates dropped by an average of 18%. “In terms of heavy metal, Id observe that angry music can help listeners process their feelings.
The researchers found that metal music relaxed the subjects as effectively as sitting in silence. The conclusion of the study reads, “This study found that extreme music fans listen to music…to feel more active and inspired. They also listen to music to regulate sadness and to enhance positive emotions.”
Metal Purist/Elitist – (noun) A metalhead who will heavily criticize bands (and social aspects of) metal culture that do not meet their personal definitions of what is acceptable. Opinions are often based on popular opinions within the greater metal culture.