Abstract:

This article focuses on the relationship of heavy metal to the political. The political is often rejected in heavy metal scenes in favour of a desired apolitical autonomy. At the same time, as the author argues, there are also more political strains in metal, as in Napalm Death’s anti-fascist stance for example. Drawing on the work of Marcuse, the author affirms the potency and subversion inherent in metal’s apolitical stance. Metal provides a ‘liberated environment’ in which the rejection of politics creates a space for community and art.

Author: Niall Scott