01. introduction:
what is the metal subculture?
Largely led by fans who enjoy metal music, the metal subculture is not just the appreciation for the style of music, but also the lifestyle and fashion choices that many people in the subculture partake in. The largest metal communities can be found in the US, UK and Germany, where the subculture is widely appreciated and enjoyed by many.
02. community:
the community surrounding the metal subculture
People in the metal community are largely found in western countries. Larger metal communities are often found in western countries where the public is more accepting of people with different interests and backgrounds, for example, America, UK and Germany.
In other areas, there are also many underground local metal scenes in countries. In Asia, there are many large metal communities located throughout the continent, for example, in Japan, Thailand and Indonesia.
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Community plays a big part in the metal subculture, especially during these festivals, where like-minded individuals come together to enjoy a common activity, in a live setting. This allows for many individuals to make new friends, as well as speak to people with similar interests, lifestyles and likes and dislikes. For others who are new to the subculture, festivals and live shows serve as a safe place for more people to deepen their understanding and find out more about the subculture.
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Online communities, like blogs, forums and social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter and TikTok allow people from the metal subculture to connect with like-minded people from all over the world.
Germany
In Germany, many metal music festivals are held during the summer, like Wacken Open Air, Summer Breeze, Iron Fist, M'era Luna, Full Force and Impercon.
Two of the most popular metal festivals amongst the community are Wacken Open Air and M'era Luna, where people from the subculture gather together to celebrate music and fashion, as well as other topics like art. Many bands and artists from all over the world and different sub-genres come together during these festivals so that all are able to enjoy the atmosphere.
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America
Like Germany, America has many metal music festivals which celebrate more local and some international metal artists. The Vans Warped Tour was one of the biggest alternative music festivals held in America, which featured punk, metal, emo, screamo, as well as other alternative bands. Other festivals like Aftershock, Rockville, Knotfest and Furnace Fest celebrate more of the local metal culture, allowing smaller bands and artists to be showcased to a larger audience from different parts of the country.
Electric Callboy performing at Summer Breeze Festival 2022, Germany
Attendees of M'era Luna Festival 2014, Germany
03. others:
what do others think about the metal subculture?
Vans Warped Tour 2018, Toronto, Canada
The metal subculture is commonly misunderstood by outsiders for being violent and satanic due to the 'dark', 'violent', 'loud' and 'heavy' style of music and fashion sense.
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Hence, I asked some of my friends who are not into the metal subculture for their opinions and views of the subculture as an outsider.
Name: Mio Ong
Course: Visual Merchandising ITE College Central
Q: What perception do you have of the metal subculture as someone who does not participate in it? (any feelings, opinions and views)
A: I understand that there is a wide variety of metal subcultures, I think it is very interesting how diverse each subculture is and how distinct their defining traits are. I find it very cool seeing as there is not only a deep history within each subculture but and a strong sense of belonging in the communities within the different them. I particularly find it especially interesting how different countries and regions have their own metal subculture like kawaii metal in Japan!
Q: What do you think about people who participate in the metal subculture? (do you think they are scary, etc?)
​A: I find them a little intimidating though I strongly admire their sense of creativity and self-expression through their distinct styles of dressing and music.
Q: What do you think about the fashion styles surrounding the metal subculture? (goth, Harajuku goth, heavy metal fashion etc.?) ​
A: As someone who enjoys perusing fashion styles on the internet, I find the goth and Harajuku goth fashion very interesting and to my liking! I really enjoy the gothic lolita style which is common amongst VKEI bands.
Q: What is your initial perception of metal music? ​
A: My initial perception of metal music would be "loud" and "overwhelming".
Q: After listening to some metal tracks, what do you think about them?
A: I think that they are unique in their own way with particular distinct styles for each genre. While not something I would listen to every day I have come to appreciate VKEI bands and kawaii metal.
Q: Any other thoughts and opinions after finding out more about the metal subculture as a whole? ​
A: After finding out the different origins and styles of each different subculture I have a deep respect and appreciation for metal music and its subsequent fashion styles as a whole.
Name: Kimaya
Course: TP IAD
Q: What perception do you have on the metal subculture as someone who does not participate in it? (any feelings, opinions and views)
A: The music has good and more complex lyrics, but the melodies and music can be quite loud and rough.
Q: What do you think about people who participate in the metal subculture? (do you think they are scary, or etc?)
A: I often see people in the subculture wearing black, but I think that they have a good sense of humour!
Q: What do you think about the fashion styles surrounding the metal subculture? (goth, harajuku goth, heavy metal fashion etc.?)
A: I feel that they have an extremely good sense of fashion and are able to style and match different elements and accessories together well.
Q: What is your initial perception of metal music?
A: It is very loud and rough, like people screaming at the top of their lungs constantly.
Q: After listening to some metal tracks, what do you think about it?
A: They have fun and inspiring lyrics, as well as some melodies during the breaks in songs.
Q: Any other thoughts and opinions after finding out more about the metal subculture as a whole?
A: The metal subculture is fun and has quite good music and fashion styles.
In conclusion, many people have misconceptions about the metal subculture before they find out more about it. However, after finding out more about the subculture, many people admire it for the rich and deep history it holds, as well as respect the style of music and fashion. Many people are able to identify an individual who is from an alternative subculture, but may not know which particular subculture they are from.