Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal song?

A few days before, I was on YouTube and I came across the video of Nik Nocturnal whose title is ” How to write the best metal riffs in 8 minutes“

Following this video, I asked myself the question above.

So I decided to take my computer, and share my thoughts with you! Or rather try to arrange my ideas on this subject and present them to you.

So let’s go

MUSIC

You know that when your head or your foot moves by itself to the rhythm of the music you are listening to, there is something gained. Let’s call it physics or whatever, but the fact is : something in this music, whether it be the cadence? or the chords used have an effect (unconscious or not) on your body when you listen to it.

Speaking of which, are you one of the people (like me) who get chills listening to certain songs? That too, is an indication that the music you are listening to is causing something in you, evoking some kind of emotion.

Besides, we call it the skin orgasm ! (which is more fun than the French version that we can translate as musical shiver)

Anyway, the physical side, whether it is by moving his body or feeling this now famous skin orgasm, is for me a beginning of the answer on what makes a rock/metal song good.

LYRICS

Ah lyrics! There are those who don’t care, and those who attach importance to them.

I agree that lyrics have an effect on the success of a song. I like to know what the artist expresses through it, even if it is by devious ways such as poetry or metaphors. Let’s take a typical example: Bob Dylan doesn’t have what we call hyper-dancing songs, etc. But there is a certain emotion and a real message behind his songs that engages people to appreciate his work.

But I can also understand, at the other end, that you just want to be able to have fun listening to a song without getting bogged down in understanding the lyrics. If you don’t speak the language and everything, it’s a double puzzle. For example, the few times I listened to BabyMetal, I didn’t understand anything they were saying but, actually, I didn’t care.

So, there’s always been this debate and, for me, it always comes down to the same thing: it depends on the people.

But one thing is certain: music has no language!

which brings me to the last point…

CONNECTION TO THE SONG / AUTHENTICITY

This third point is for me the MOST IMPORTANT!

Everything I mentioned above brings us back to this point. The connection you have with the song and the artist’s authenticity in his work.

I could ask you, who is reading this article right now, what are your favorite songs (why do you have to choose only one? it’s atrocious!) and there will be a great chance that they will be different from your friends, close people, etc. because they speak to you personally.

Whether it’s the theme, the way the chords go together or the way the singer sings. All this is deeper than you think. An artist will be adored by some while others do not recognize themselves in the values, themes associated with the song or artist.

So what makes a good rock / metal song ?

In my opinion, there’s not one answer to this question, there are billions. In the end, it all depends on what everyone decides is good or bad, their reaction to it.

It will result in you agreeing with a group of people who more or less share the same ideas. And this is what the media and other statistics base themselves on to find out what the public likes or doesn’t like.

This is my view on the subject! If you have comments or see things differently, I invite you to express yourself (with respect) . I don’t pretend to know everything, and maybe I’m wrong. I just tried to be objective, and this is what came out.

You can also like and share the article if you liked it.

Before leaving, I officially announce that if you like the caricatures on the blog, you can now order your OWN DRAWINGS on the Claire Abe Company website!

If you want to watch, you can click on the button below!

See you soon !

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The post What makes a good rock / metal song ? appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Rock, metal and classical music, some might say there is a world between these genres. But is that the case?

In this post, we will see the place that classical music has in rock and metal. And spoiler: it is more present than you think!

So, let’s prepare scores, revive Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Wagner, Vivaldi, etc. and discover together what is happening!

PS: this post (which I find very interesting personally) is a little longer than usual. So get comfy and enjoy your reading!

THE LINK(S) BETWEEN CLASSICAL MUSIC, ROCK AND METAL

If I tell you that there is more than one link between classical music, rock and metal; what is your reaction?

If you have been reading this blog for a long time, you will tell me that it does not surprise you. But if you have just discovered me, then know that I am not crazy… well it remains to be proven, but it is a completely different subject 😜

The links between rock/metal and classical music include:

The power and tension of music 

For me, there are only two categories where you can feel the music deep in your guts and with which you can imagine yourself going on an epic ride: classical music and rock/metal.

Virtuosity

And this in every sense of the word.

Musicians

It started with the guitarists who were inspired by classical works for their songs. The first to do so was Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow and others). Subsequently, other big names followed, such as Angus Young (AC/DC) who uses classical music as inspiration for his solos or Yngwie Malmsteen who is considered the inventor of neo-classical metal.

But also a virtuosity of all other instruments. As Florent Duployer (drummer in Kakothanasy and Anachronism) said, metal materials quickly abandoned the traditional verse-chorus form. Songs have a freer form. They are often composed of blocks that overlap with each other. This way requires a very good technique from each musician.

Singers

Although the two singing styles are totally different, it can be said that in both cases:

• The voice is powerful and dramatic.

• It takes a lot of work and training for both techniques. I talk a little more here!

Also, for the anecdote, some classical music tunes are used for the entrance on stage of rock and metal bands. Strauss’ Thus Spoke Zarathustra has been exploited on numerous occasions by artists such as Dream Theater, Green Day or Elvis Presley.

Moreover, for some time now, we can see (and listen) that some metal artists use a classic influence title in intro of their albums!

SINCE WHEN IS THE LINK BETWEEN CLASSICAL MUSIC AND ROCK/METAL PRESENT?

It is from the late 1960s that we can see the link. Precisely, with Ritchie Blackmore and those who will follow him. But, you will see in the rest of the article that it has been for longer that rock and metal artists and musicians are influenced by classical music.

Also, the first time a rock/metal band went on stage with an orchestra was in 1969 with Deep Purple. Since then, the process is often done.

However, this is fine when the orchestra adds something to the music. Another dimension. If it’s to make the same chords as guitars, it loses all its interest.

THE FUSION OF CLASSICAL MUSIC AND ROCK/METAL

We can’t talk about rock, metal and classical music without mentioning the obvious examples of this mix.

Symphonic metal and Neo-classical metal

But it’s not funny, because there’s obviously a link between the two…

No, I want to be a little more vicious than that!

So let’s move on. Where I’ll tell you about the influence and use of classical music in rock and metal works that are NOT symphonic metal (or in part, we accept death and symphonic black metal. I’m generous about that)

INFLUENCE AND USE OF CLASSICAL MUSIC IN ROCK AND METAL

The most interesting part of this post!

I’ll also begin by citing groups known for their love and influence of classical music. To finish with the “lesser” known.

Also, in this part, I will note the similarity between two works. Some are completely verified, others a little less.

Muse

There are dozens of titles of classical influence. Matthew Bellamy never hid his love of classical music. His influences include Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Lizt, Beethoven and Rachmaninov.  

We can mention :

• A Reference to the song Mon Cœur s’Ouvre à Ta Voix of the opera Samson and Dalila of Saint-Saëns in their title I Belong To You.

• A great influence of the composer Sergey Rachmaninov that inspires most of Bellamy’s piano solos including Rachmaninov’s Piano Concert n°2 op 18 which is widely exploited in songs such as: Space Dementia, Megalomania, Ruled by Secrecy or the piano part of Butterflies and Hurricanes.

• Reference to Nocturne n°2 op.9 by Chopin is present in Collateral Damage and Etude op.10 n°1 inspired the first notes of Bliss.

• The 1st movement of Tchaikovsky’s Concerto for Piano n°1 op.23 is used in Hoodoo

• They were inspired by Edward Elgar’s Nimrod theme for The Globalist

• The band even created a 3-part track called Exogenesis Symphony. It’s a reference to a 3-movement symphony whose introduction of the latter recalls Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

Children of Bodom

We go from prog rock/ alt rock of Muse to death metal with Children of Bodom!
You’ll see us go through many different genres of rock and metal. A real musical rollercoaster !

Back to the band. First, the former frontman of Children of Bodom, Alexi Laino (RIP) was a big fan of Vivaldi. But this is not the only influence!

We can hear :

• Bach’s Invention n°13 in A Minor in Red Light In My Eyes pt.1

• Mozart’s Piano Concerto n°20 in D Minor in Black Widow

• Mozart’ Symphony n°25 and Confutatis in Red Light In My Eyes pt. 2

• Mozart’s Queen of the Night aria from the opera The Enchanted Flute (one of the most famous classical arias) in Hatebreeder

• Or Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor in The Nail

Symphony X

Progressive metal band, there is also a lot of classical influence in their compositions. Like:

Bach’s Prelude and Fugue n°2 in C Minor in Out Of The Ashes

• Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto n°1 in D Minor and Verdi’s Dies Irae in Fool’s Paradise

• Bach’s Kyrie Eleison in Smoke and Mirrors

Or Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra in Fallen

Queen

This is no surprise to anyone (or nearly anyone). Freddie Mercury is a classical music lover. And its influence can be found in:

• Bohemian Rhapsody (Of course!). One cannot miss such a classic (lol) influence of the classical world in rock. With these lyrical parts and its melody, there is no doubt about this fact.

• The intro of It’s a Hard Life is also influenced by the classic with the influence of Vesti La Giubba by Leoncavallo

The Beatles

Hey, after metal and rock, we go to the British Invasion, YAY!

And this may come as a surprise to you, but some of the Beatles’ well-known songs have been influenced by classical music. Like:

• Bach’s Bouree in E Minor is used as the basis for writing BlackBird by Paul McCartney. He “reversed” the chord to arrive at the arpeggio present in the song.

• John Lennon was inspired by Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (see above) for Because

• George Martin was inspired by Invention n°12 in A Major for the piano solo in the song In My Life.

Bach’s Brandenburg n°2 in F Major inspired the title Penny Lane with the melody of the Piccolo trumpet.

Elvis Presley

Yes, it goes back to that!

First, Elvis covered Caruso’s O Sole Mio. That’s the most obvious link. But did you know that:

• Can’t Help Falling In Love with you is a “cover” of Jean-Paul-Égide Martini’s song Plaisir d’Amour

• And Surrender is inspired by Ernesto de Curtis Torna a Surriento

Now, you know the truth !

Other cases

And that is just an overview. We can also mention:

• Mars, The Bringer of War influenced Led Zeppelin for Friends and Black Sabbath’s Black Sabbath with its melody composed of tritons,
• The synth solo of the intro of Light My Fire of the Doors was influenced by Invention n°8 in Bach’s F Major,
• Genesis’ Horizons is inspired by the Suite for Cello #1 in D Minor,
• Radiohead’s Exit Music was inspired by Chopin’s E Minor Prelude,
• A Whiter Shade Of Pale by Procol Harum is influenced by Air On Bach’s String,
• Lacrymosa d’Evanescence is totally based on Mozart’s Lacrimosa,
• Accept’s Metal Heart is influenced by Tchaikovsky’s Slavic March and Beethoven’s Letter to Elise,
• Kamelot’s Forever is inspired by Grieg’s Song of Solveig,
• Last Rites by Megadeth is influenced by Toccata and Fugue in D minor by Bach,
• Rush 2112 is inspired by 1812 Tchaikovsky’s Overture,
• The band Savatage released an album entitled Hail Of the Mountain King (Dans l’Antre du Roi de la Montagne in French) inspired by the work of the same name of Grieg.
  PS: Afterwards, the band members formed the rock orchestra Trans-Siberian Orchestra
• The Wizard’s Last Rhymes by Rhapsody On Fire is influenced by Dvorak’s 4th Movement New World Symphony.
• Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor was also used by Van Halen

We can also talk about the classical training of artists (whether singing, instruments) such as Cliff Burton (Metallica), David Draiman (Disturbed) or Ardek (Carach Angren)!

And I still pass many other obvious ones like Tarja Turunen (Tarja, ex Nightwish), Dianne Van den Giersbergen (Dianne, Ex Libris, ex Xandria), Floor Jansen (Nightwish, After Forever), Simone Simons (Epica), Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen), Amanda Somerville, Elton John, etc.

Also, how not to mention one of the most obvious links between classical and metal: Apocalyptica! Who is a metal band composed of 99% classical instruments (and particularly cellos).

BUT WHAT ABOUT COPYRIGHTS?

Most of the classical pieces were composed centuries ago. And by law, a piece enters the public domain 70 years after the author’s death.

Knowing this, the majority of classical pieces of music are in the public domain and are free of rights. And this also explains the influence of classical music in rock and metal (and other genres as well).

Classical music has a relatively important place in rock and metal.

For me, it is two categories of music that are closest in the current music. They also each have their specificities but are similar in many approaches.

Moreover many metalheads love classical music and there are probably some fans of classical music who love rock/ metal!

That concludes this post (a bit long)!

Feel free to like and share it.

See you soon!

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La musique classique et le métal, des univers musicaux pas si éloignés – RTS – 5 octobre 2018 : https://www.rts.ch/info/culture/musiques/9893117-la-musique-classique-et-le-metal-des-univers-musicaux-pas-si-eloignes.html

Opéra National de Bordeaux – les grands airs classiques et lyriques dans le rock – 19/05/2020 : https://www.opera-bordeaux.com/episode-4-les-grands-airs-classiques-et-lyriques-dans-le-rock-16439

Music’s Shoot – Le Metal et la musique classique – Mai 7, 2018 par Thomas Gall : https://musicsshoot.wordpress.com/2018/05/07/le-metal-et-la-musique-classique/

Metalliquoi ? – Episode 14 : Le Metal et la Musique Classique [REUPLOAD] : https://youtu.be/oIUNn55RHAM?si=L85VHcD5XntaSjRv

The 30 SICKEST Uses Of Classical Music In METAL Ever – Bradley Hall : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n8FBQmVOGw

28 Songs That Are Based On Classical Music – David Bennett Piano : https://youtu.be/qA-tkCRwNVM?si=CyCwCGfy9824Iugz

14 Songs That ‘Rip Off’ Classical Music – David Bennett Piano : https://youtu.be/yknBXOSlFQs?si=EBKfz1mRGSlPysXQ

Claire Abe

The post Classical music in rock and metal music appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Howdy !

Welcome to this special and spicy Valentine’s Day post.

If you are an observer, you already know that if you are under 18, it is more than advisable that you do not read this.

Well now that we are BETWEEN ADULTS, there’s obviously a somewhat controversial topic that I will discuss on this blog directly related to rock and metal, which goes very well for this event. It’s one of the most «risky» topics that I will do on this blog.

*Drum roll to try to do a minimum of suspense even if you have already read the title of the post*

SEX !

It’s well known: Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll baby ! 😜

The subject of sex/sexuality is both taboo and very present in today’s society. And this same subject is present from the beginning of rock and metal music.

That’s why today, we will see the place of sex, sexuality in rock and metal!

So, let’s enter a world where all musical fantasies can come true!

WHEN DID SEX AND ROCK/METAL MERGE?

Good question, right ?

Well, when you think back in the ’50s, Elvis Presley’s hip sway or Jerry Lee Lewis singing Great Balls of Fire drove hordes of young women crazy (young women including maybe your grandmother, your great-grandmother or your mother – I do not know your age 😉) you can tell yourself that from the beginning sex is involved in this. Whether in words or gestures.

Then as it shocked the parents, etc., and that rock is about rebellion, loving to provoke, I recall, well, it was certain that it would be one of the big elements of the genre. Well today it certainly makes you laugh to know that Elvis embodied sex when you see where we arrived, but it was a very different time.

Now, when we think about some bands, we also think about the strip club, etc., it’s part of the imagery of the bands and also a little bit of rock and metal. I think of glam metal bands that were famous for that.

And more than that, today you can find very sexually explicit video clips where orgies and bdsm practice mix. Now, not all rock and metal bands make these kinds of videos either.

For me, it’s still in metal where the imagery of sex has evolved and started to take a little more space. Although now the boundary between rock and metal is very blurred.

WHY MIX SEX AND ROCK/ METAL?

As said before, it shocks, it provokes, everything rock and metal love.

But on the other hand, it helps to accept that part of us. Or even help us develop it.

Because, as a reminder, it is a primary need of the human being to have sexual relations, since at the beginning (a long time ago) it was mainly to ensure the survival of the species. Now, things have changed a little, but the basis is there. 😉

Then, after a century of programming people to say that «sex is bad», «no sex before marriage especially» and other very patriarchal kinds of things that I will not debate here, well, when people have desires that are more or less off the beaten track (It must be said that already at a certain time assume his sexual desire was already taboo, so it is not necessary to go very far), some of them feel discomfort. And that’s where rock and metal come in and say, “Hey, it’s okay. You’re not alone.”

The integration of sexual imagery is one of the reasons why rock and metal bands were considered «satanistic»; simply because they had rather explicit lyrics.

Moreover, the excesses of certain personalities have contributed to rock and metal being seen as a very sexualized genre.

And finally, sex sells. And for centuries…

ARE ALL TYPES OF SEXUALITIES REPRESENTED?

I think so.

We can find sexy songs for all preferences, in all genres.

Whether with very sensual sounds, a sensual voice or lyrics more than explicit on the fantasies of each other.

Or artists who assume their sexual orientations perfectly. There is a spokesperson for everyone.

Also, for the anecdote, in some songs, we can hear moans more than explicit, simulated, or real. If you are interested, I put you the link to an article that lists them right here.

IS ROCK/METAL RHYME WITH BDSM?

Of course, when you arrive in the rock and metal world, you can ask yourself the question (I never asked myself this, but I can understand that some do).

With the influence of punk and gothic: we have a mixture of leather, latex (and other fetish clothes) of punk and lace, the darkness of gothic. This perfectly describes the caricature of the guy/ or girl practicing BDSM. But that’s the image you get when you don’t know rock/metal or BDSM.

When you add to that videos of the type of Whore of In This Moment with wips, masks, and sexy outfits, the very famous Closer of Nine Inch Nails (then covered by In This Moment), and everything that there is between with very intense sounds, some, unfortunately, will not think further and will link the two directly.

Let’s dot the i’s and cross the t’s: it is not because you listen to rock and metal that you are necessarily an arduous practitioner of BDSM. Let us stop the nonsense. That being the case, I am not saying that some people are not attracted to this practice.

It’s always the same story, everyone does what he wants, when he wants, and with whom he wants (always with consent of course).

I will stop here for now because there would be a lot to cover and while writing all this, I think that it can be a good subject for a future post. 😝

ROCK, METAL AND SCANDALS

Rock and metal have always been linked to various scandals more or less important (and more or less true, we know how the tabloids can invent a lot of things to sell).

Although the rock and metal scene is generally benevolent, there are still exceptions, unfortunately. As in all music genres.

For a few years now, we have seen well-known rock and metal artists accused of sexual harassment or even rape.

Fans are not left out, either. Some time ago, the same kind of scandal was related to major metal festivals. So moral things, always be careful! It’s a matter of person and not of genre of music. 😕

We come to the end of this special Valentine’s Day post. I have prepared a playlist specifically for the occasion, which you can find below. And believe it, we have experts in sexy songs!

PS: Even if you’re single, it’s always nice to have music to get in the mood 😉

See you soon for another post!

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Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

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Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

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The post Sex, rock and metal – Valentine’s Day special appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

First, I wish you a happy and wonderful New Year (I write this at the end of January 2024. Normally, we can wish it all of January, so logically, I’m not late).

Today, we meet for a special post.

In this one, I will be transparent and explain the topics related to rock or metal that I will not discuss on the blog (or in a very distant future because you should never say ever).

Because although I am open-minded, some subjects are, from my point of view, very complicated to talk about.

So let’s get started!

POLITICS and everything related to it

Yes, it’s a very complicated subject from my point of view. Let me explain why:

It’s a very personal subject. It’s directly related to a person’s values. And, we are billions on this planet to have values either similar or different. I have my vision of things, it doesn’t mean you have the same vision as mine. And I respect that. But if I write a post on this subject, that I remain as neutral as possible, I can be criticized for not having an opinion.

And in the objectives of this blog, I wish to gather around rock and metal music, to create a safe space where everyone can have the opinions they want and be respected as much as their neighbor. Because all that matters here is music.

RELIGION

This is the logical continuation and for similar reasons to the previous point.

Then you can tell me «Yes, but you did a post on satanism, blah blah blah».

Yes, I did. Because this is one of the most frequent topics concerning rock and metal. But everyone has the religion he wants (or does not have any, always at choice).

And although there are genres with a religion in it (I think of Christian rock and metal), after reflection, I do not know if I will write on it or if I do, I will remain very superficial.

And at last,

ALBUMS AND SONGS REVIEWS

We can see on different blogs, etc., many reviews of albums and songs of recent artists (or not). I don’t see myself doing that. For several reasons:

1. I did not study music (apart from guitar lessons and singing lessons). When I speak of musical studies, I speak of conservatory or musicology studies. And for this, I cannot properly analyze a musical work, if I don’t have a certain base of deep knowledge of music.

2. The complexity of analyzing pieces with neutrality. Because the goal is still to be as impartial as possible (well, that’s my opinion). But if you don’t like what you’re listening to, it’s harder to find positive things and vice versa. If you love the band you need to analyze, you may lack objectivity about what could be improved.

3. It releases a lot of new songs/albums at every moment, and I have parallel projects that are close to my heart as well. So I don’t want to prioritize listening to musical works over things I’m passionate about… like singing.

I leave that part to qualified people in that area.

Here is the list of topics that will not appear on this blog (or maybe in 50 years lol).

Hoping that you have understood that here respect for everyone and sharing are key. As well as a minimum of quality on what I make you discover. And that it is these reasons that make me avoid these subjects.

I wish you a beautiful day (or night, or evening – I don’t know when you’ll read this).

See you soon !

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Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

Claire Abe

The post Subjects that I won’t talk about on this blog appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

This is the season! Halloween / Samhain (whatever you like) is coming back.

Last year, I talked about horror movies within the rock and metal community. You can read the post here !

This year, I’ll talk about paranormal/supernatural matters in rock and metal (ghosts, fairies, witches, and so on).

Although the two are linked (because we find those subjects in horror movies), we can also separate them (which is good for me who does not like this kind of movies, even if some stories still scare me a little 😂). 

So let’s dive in!

Paranormal, supernatural in rock and metal music

When you listen to any kind of rock and metal, you can hear stories of ghosts, mermaids, fairies, etc. But where does that come from?

If we go back in time, we can see that in the different mythologies, paranormal elements are present: 

• Gods and goddesses have powers of their own, 
• Sirens bewitch sailors and then drown them, 
• Fairies play tricks on humans,
• Gorgons petrifying those who watch them
• … .

I will write a more in-depth post on all that is mythology in rock and metal in the future 😊

Then tales and legends began to appear:

The tales that most know (those of the Brothers Grimm, Hans Andersen, Charles Perrault, etc.) but also other tales (ex: the stories of Lovecraft or the well-known Dante’s Inferno) and urban legends. There, a little more frightening things were invited: 

• a white lady wandering along the roads,
• the Slender Man,
• the people with black eyes,
• and other stories/legends of ghosts, witches, fairies or otherworldly monsters

Some stories may be based on facts that actually happened (or not). But all are transmitted by word of mouth at first, then on the internet. A place where, if you are interested, you will find everything you want about it.

Then these stories influenced movies, books, video games and, of course, music! 

Moreover, in many rock and metal genre, one can find as inspiration for the texts of their songs mythology and legends.

Also, artists who love horror film, as explained here, are usually fond of this kind of story, because, as said earlier, some of them are taken up in this kind of film.

Now, this is not a generality. When you are an artist, inspiration is always good to take. In any subject. And these tales, legends, and their variations, are a good source of inspiration.

Here I propose you a Halloween playlist dedicated to paranormal/supernatural subjects!

Urban Legends linked to rock and metal

Also, did you know that rock and metal had their own urban legends?

Here is a list of some of them.

• Some artists have sold their souls to the devil to get where they are.

• The “27 club”: several great personalities (including rock) died at the age of 27: Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Brian Jones, Kurt Cobain, …

• Some artists/bands would have encouraged listeners to do terrible things (suicide, murder, etc) by listening to their songs backwards.

• Buddy Holly’s death was predicted. First, Buddy Holly and his wife had premonitory “dreams”. His wife dreamed of fireballs crashing on earth, leaving smoking craters. As for the person concerned, he dreamed that he was on a plane with his wife and brother.
  
  Later (before the accident), a tarot reader contacted Buddy Holly’s manager to warn him that Holly would die on February 3.

• Paul McCartney would have died and been replaced by a double.
• The curse of Fleetwood Mac guitarists who ALL had more or less serious problems in their lives.
• The curse of the white lighter (linked to the club of 27 one) because the majority of the artists belonging to the latter used a lighter of white color.
• King Diamond’s song The Family Ghost is said to be haunted. Two words from the song appeared out of nowhere. Neither the singer nor the sound engineer know where it comes from.

That closes this Halloween/ Samhain special post.

Feel free to like and share if you enjoyed!

See you soon!

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Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

Sources :

13 Rock + Metal Curses, Myths + Legends — Explained – Joe DiVita : https://loudwire.com/rock-metal-curses-myths-legends-explained/

The Most Infamous Rock and Roll Urban Legends – Mike Rothschild : https://www.ranker.com/list/rock-and-roll-urban-legends/mike-rothschild

Des malédictions vraiment effrayantes dans l’industrie de la musique : https://fuzz-music.com/fr/the-most-interesting-curses-of-the-music-industry/

Claire Abe

The post Paranormal/ supernatural matters in rock and metal appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Today we’ll talk about a subject that I LOVE and I am PASSIONATE about : SINGING!

We can’t talk about rock and metal music, without talking about the types of singing that accompany them (in general).

So, come with me to the fabulous land of rock and metal singing techniques!

WHAT IS SINGING?

For now, let’s go back to basics. Namely: what does singing mean? And, here… it’s complicated to put a clear and precise definition.

When you search «singing definition» on the internet, you can find dozens of definitions related to forming a sequence of melodious sounds, beautiful notes with the voice.

But several months from now, I was asked what the difference was between talking and singing and the line for me was so blurred that I could not answer that question.

So for this post, we will stay simple and agree with what the different dictionaries can say. Even if it’s worth reflecting! 😄

THE DIFFERENT SINGING TECHNIQUES

Because singing is great (I won’t deny it). But there are so many ways to sing on this earth! May it be:

• throat singing (and there are dozens just in this category),
• traditional singing (again, there are many),
• opera/ lyric,
• musical,
• soul,
• jazz,
• pop,
• rock,
• metal.

All of them have one or more techniques of their own. Although the same technique can be found in several genres.

Here, I will focus only on the types of singing that can be found in rock and metal. That is to say: clear singing, harsh vocals singing, and opera! And, I will even touch a little on the field of musicals.

SINGING TECHNIQUES USED IN ROCK AND METAL MUSIC

Clear singing

Here, I’m not going to go on forever, it’s the sound coming out of your throat, without looking to add anything to it. That’s the type of singing you’re used to hearing. I mean, relatively.

In the clear vocals, I’ll just add the use of the following techniques:

Twang

Twang is a voice that sounds nasal when no. It’s a technique that some Americans naturally have. The sound is also reminiscent of the witch’s laughter or sometimes the cat’s meowing. This technique can be used to facilitate certain sound rendering.

Falsetto

Falsetto, on the other hand, consists of singing with more air than is needed.

Belting

In this category, I will also integrate a technique used a lot: Belting.

Although commonly used today in many other genres, this technique comes directly from musicals.

Again, there are different definitions of what belting is. For some, it’s the equivalent of screaming. For others, it is singing in chest voice with a little head voice above the head /chest voice passage.

The point is that the purpose of belting is to have a powerful voice that projects away.

Opera singing

If you are a newbie, you think: but, what does she tell me?! Opera in rock and metal!

Well YES! More in metal than in rock actually. It even has a genre in which you can hear it relatively often, it is symphonic metal: an alliance of metal and classical music/ opera.

For this technique, which is one of the most complicated to have, we talk about:

• Make room for sound resonance. HYPER important for classical singers. In addition, normally, an opera singer does not have a microphone in performance. Everything happens at the level of body resonators (nose-head-throat, etc.)
• Use of Bel Canto,
• Make beautiful long vowels, with a beautiful vibrato
• The LEGATO is very important, linking the lyrics (or notes)
• VERY GOOD BREATH MANAGEMENT AND VERY GOOD SUPPORT (I put it in capital letters because this is the basis)
• …

It is a non-exhaustive list of the techniques of opera. It is a very complex technique, but so beautiful to listen to! (At least, for me).

Now, I don’t know exactly, if symphonic metal singers go so deeply into learning opera singing. But the quality of the singing is present.

I think I heard that to really be considered an opera singer, it takes at least 10 years of regular practice.

After that, all symphonic metal singers have not trained in classical singing and remain on the clear vocals for their composition as well.

Examples of lyrical singers in metal are Tarja Turunen, Floor Jansen, and Simone Simons.

Distorsions and screams

Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter. And, to help you understand the different techniques, I will give of myself. So all the examples you can hear below are made by myself and were not edited afterward. It’s raw! 😜

Rock and metal vocals are full of different distortions and screams that make these genres what they are.

Distorsions

Watch out for stereotypes! Distortions are also used in other genres such as pop, soul, blues, etc. You hear them, without necessarily realizing it when you listen to the radio!

Distortions used are:

Fry

If I had to describe what fry is, I’d say it’s a fried sound equal in pitch to your speaking voice. Fry is produced when your two vocal cords are joined together. To give you an idea, the most famous person who often uses fry is… Britney Spears! And, for those who are already used to the world of rock and metal, we can mention Maria Brink or Marilyn Manson.

This technique is often used at the beginning or end of a sentence attack. But, it can be used for complete sentences.

Example :

Epiglottic distortion and arytenoid distortion

I group these two distortions together, because they are close to each other both anatomically and phonetically speaking.

They produce a rolled sound in the throat, a bit like a bird. The “only” difference is that the sound is darker and lower with the epiglottis than with the arytenoids.

In artists who use these distortions, we can mention Christina Aguilera, Louis Armstrong…. In rock/metal, there is Lzzy Hale!

Epiglottic distortion example

Arytenoid distortion example

False cords (ventricular folds)

Ventricular folds, or commonly called false cords, is a noise that is made not with the vocal cords, but with two membranes just above them, namely the ventricular folds.

The resulting noise sounds like a grunt. They are widely used in rock and metal.

False cords example

Screams

In fact, a scream is the mixture of a distortion (either fry or false cords) and a technique called breath distortion. The latter is to make your throat turn into a giant straw to let more or less air flow according to your need.

After that, there are very few ways to scream, it’s just that there are many names to call the same scream.

The difference is that some vocalists also use several distortions at the same time to make a scream. I think in particular of Will Ramos (vocalist of Lorna Shore) who also uses a throat singing base to make his crazy screams!

Also, I remind you, if you want to learn these techniques, there are specialized teachers who are there to prevent you from ruining your voice 😊

I’ll just talk about the three main techniques, which are:

Fry scream

Update on 11.21.25:

Here, there are two types of fry screams:

• The simple fry scream
• The complex fry scream

Simple Fry scream

For this one, we use creaking (or vocal fry) and we “amplify” it with twang. We only use the vocal cords to emit the sound. The intensity of the sound is comparable to the spoken voice.
I just suggest you listen to the example below.

Artists who used this technique are: Maria Brink, Chester Bennington, or Dani Filth.

Complexe Fry scream

In this case, we use creaking AND the false strings. The layering of the two makes the sound a little louder than in the simple fry scream.
I am currently learning this technique, so I can’t offer you an audio example. However, if you want to have an idea of the sound, you can listen to Emily Armstrong, among others.

False cords scream

The same principle as before, we mix false chords and breath distortion to have this really dirty and really raw effect. In metal, we also call this technique growl!

With false cords screaming, we can measure the amount of air we want to have a cleaner or more «dirty» scream.

This is the type of scream the most used in metal.

FC scream example :

Inhale

It’s a debate technique!

The goal is that instead of producing your sound as you exhale, you produce it while inhaling (hence the name inhale). Only, for some, it is a dangerous technique, because much more chance of getting hurt considering that the vocal cords are quickly dried, etc. But, others use it regularly, (some for several years), and everything is fine.

So if you are interested in this style, you really have to be careful and find a teacher who specializes in this technique to be sure not to hurt you.

Now you can very well make the noises you make with the inhale technique with another one seen above.

Inhale is usually used to make fry scream, as it is easier to find the effect that must be produced with this technique than directly with fry scream.

Because, yes, these are particular and difficult techniques that require practice and experience to achieve them. You don’t get them with a snap of your fingers!

I’m not specialized in inhale screaming, but here’s what it sounds like :

Comments

Now you have rock and metal singers mixing distortions and screams.

Also, it is often that screamers head towards a kind of scream (usually the one they master best). But you can find screamers that use multiple screams.

I want to point out that you can be a screamer and know how to sing super well in clear singing. Although this is obvious to me, it may not be for everyone. Some famous harsh vocalists have a very beautiful clean voice. I’m thinking of Will Ramos (Lorna Shore), Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy), or Corey Taylor.

And conversely, singers/ singers who use clear singing techniques have very good growls. In this case, I’m thinking of Vessel, the singer of Sleep Token and Floor Jansen who can sing anything you want because she’s so talented. Do I fan girl? A bit. But I’m not the only one who thinks that.

Update on the 11.21.25:

If you’re interested to dive deep into this subject and you either can read french or you got the translation thing on, check https://singandscream.fr/ as it’s info provided by professionals!

Here’s the end of this post on rock and metal singing! I hope you learned something new.

Feel free to share the article if you enjoyed it!

Also, you can find all the caricatures here!

And if you’re interested in listening to me singing, you can do so by visiting my YouTube channel 🙂

See you soon!

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Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

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Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

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Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

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Sources :

Mirowshka – coach vocal : https://mirowshka.ch/

Le Chanteur Moderne – Qu’est-ce que le “Belting” : https://www.chanteurmoderne.com/blog/101-qu-est-ce-que-le-belting

École La Voie Chantée – Marie-Laurence Dubé – Technique vocale : le Belting : https://ecolelavoixchantee.com/2018/06/13/voulez-vous-belter-le-belting/

Claire Abe

The post Rock and metal singing techniques appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Today we’re gonna talk about STEREOTYPES!

We’ll see that Rock and Metal are full of them. And all rockers and metalheads are faced with it one day or another (or several in fact).

To do this, I saw the top prejudices/ stereotypes most common on other blogs and websites. Below, I have put them together and give you my opinion on the matter.

So, let’s examine together these clichés a little (a lot?) exasperating and/or funny!

What is a stereotype?

Let’s start with the basics and remember what a stereotype is.

In the Cambridge Dictionary, it’s “a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like, especially an idea that is wrong”

So we agree on what a stereotype is and we can move on. And get ready because there are MANY! But here, I only give you 10.

Rock and Metal stereotypes

1. “Metal is all noise and screaming!”

So, yes there are songs or bands that can be defined this way, but it is a generality. And besides, we can bring this stereotype closer to metal than to rock (except maybe hard rock). I see it that way.

In addition, we find ballads or songs «more soft» or songs with a «clean» vocal technique in most rock and metal genres.

I’ll put a little playlist right here.

Afterward, it’s also a question of what do you mean by noise? Because I can tell you the same thing when I listen to a techno song…

2. «Rockers and metalheads are satanists! Vade retro Satanas!»

I think I’ve heard it all over the place. Whether it’s on TV, in newspapers, or people on the street. To be honest, I don’t know if I should laugh or cry when I hear that.

I will not dwell on this point in this post. If you want to know all about it, I made one about it that you can read by clicking on this link.

3. “Those who listen to this kind of music are depressed!”

According to several surveys, people listening to metal… are less depressed than average.

We can listen to extreme music to empty ourselves of all the aggression and anger that we have in order to be calmer. Also, you can listen to it to express/release feelings you can’t put words on.

The subjects addressed in these genres of music are often heavy, painful, even taboo. They don’t sell you rainbows, sequins, and “all is well in the best of the world”. They tell you, yes, there are situations that are more than shitty, but that you can get away with it, as they did.

So yes, I’m not going to lie to you, people with depression can turn to metal and start liking this genre. We respect them, and we support them in their fight, but not everyone is depressed. And if extreme music does them well, then it’s great!

4. «Rock and metal bands incite to suicide»

We all know the phenomenon where several people in the media have said that, when we play the songs of rock and metal bands backwards, we hear incentives to satanism or suicide. I talked a bit about it during the satanic panic in this post.

But it can’t be any more wrong (except for black metal, but in this case, you don’t even have to hear it backwards). The topics of suicide and even mental illness (depression, bipolar disorder, etc.) are at the heart of some lyrics or the artists talk about it in interviews. In fact, some have faced it themselves.

This subject is even more present in recent years, after the suicides of well known artists such as Chris Cornell (Soundgarden/Audioslave/Temple Of The Dog), Chester Bennington (Linkin Park) and more.

After that, death is definitely a recurring subject in rock and metal.

5.”Rock and metal are macho movements!”

So on that point, I’m going to be more divided than some people who will say, “No, rock and metal is a big community that includes everybody, including women and so on.”

And this for several points:

1. At the beginning of certain genres, very dominated by men, songs had machist lyrics, especially in heavy metal or glam metal. It calmed down with time and the group appearance with women, but I still wanted to note it.
2. Female members of rock/metal bands had to fight to prove that they are as good as men. I think particularly of an interview of Lzzy Hale (singer and guitarist of Halestorm) with Maria Brink (singer of In This Moment) and Ashley Costello (singer of New Years Day) where the first one told that she was taken either for the girlfriend of a member of the band, or for a groupie. Maria Brink, for her part, recounted the time, when in front of hundreds of men began to shout to her «show us your breasts!» Charming, don’t you think!
3. Finally, a few years ago (+/- 5 years), a venue was in controversy because they refused to let a band with a woman on its stage because «women are not as good at rock and metal as men».

So yes, a lot of mentality changed, and for the better! A large proportion of men (I hope) understood that a person’s gender mattered little, compared to his talent. But there will always be people who have a backward, macho, patriarchal way of thinking.

6. «Rockers and metalheads are violent»

If you have read the article carefully so far, you already know the answer.

Extreme music actually has the opposite effect. The energy and “violence” of the songs helps to relieve tension, anger or other negative emotions. A study has also shown that those who listen to this kind of music are generally calmer.

So instead of trying to beat up your neighbor because he put music to the max at 7:00 am (yes, I speak from experience), listen to Lorna Shore (or another metal band) and:

• 1, you avoid prison,
• 2, you’ll feel better and
• 3, you can listen to it thoroughly to annoy him in return! 😉

Now, that doesn’t stop us from having assholes and violent people in every community.

7. “Rockers and metalheads all look alike! They wear black, skulls, tattoos, guys have long hair, etc.”

LOL

It ‘s true that some people take their look very seriously and you can see it if you type «rock look», «gothic look», etc. on the internet. And as long as they like it, it’s cool! No judgements here. I even admire the work and the details that some people bring to their appearance.

 But to say that all rockers or metalheads are alike, is to (re)make a generality.

Everyone dresses and adopts the appearance they want! So yes, you can see perfectos, artist merchs, or patch jackets, among others, but it’s not mandatory.

And for guys, long hair is not mandatory either. It’s a matter of preference. Also:

• We find men with long hair out of the rock and metal fields,
• And many male rock/metal artists have short hair. That doesn’t stop them from headbanging 😉

I’ll take my case (because it’s the one I know best lol).

I’ve been told several times that I don’t look like a rocker/metalhead.
And that suits me! Better yet, I like the idea of not conforming to preconceived ideas. I like the saying «not to judge a book on its cover». So yes, I have pieces that look rock/metal, yes, I often dress in black (because I LOVE black) and I have tattoos, but it’s not written on my face either that I like these musical genres. (Unless you meet me and read the blog then, you know 😉)

So be yourself, this is the most important thing. And those who tell you otherwise, throw them away.

By the way, I’m sure you can find CEOs and other people you wouldn’t believe rockers/metalheads about their appearance at this kind of concert.

8.«They have orgies, etc.”

So I saw this point several times, and at first, I didn’t understand why. And then I had the click:

• First, I repeat, a majority of rockers and metal players are not satanists! So no night orgies for any reason.
• Second, the mediatized setbacks of certain celebrities of these genres, do not represent the practices of those who listen to them!

All right, that is said. In addition, people who do not listen at all to these musical genres participate in orgies, so it is more a matter of preferences than anything else.

Everything that has to do with the intimate life of a person, concerns only that person. In no case do we or his musical preferences. So everyone does what they want, whatever they want, but it has nothing to do with music.

Then I see you coming up with “Yes, but what do you do with Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll” or “Yes, but there are videos that can approve this kind of practice”, etc. 

I would say that, since it makes people react, they will necessarily rush into the breach and provoke. Because rock and metal LOVE to provoke, to make people think. So, they will use it as an artistic base.

Then, if you really want to know what artists have in mind for this or that, I suggest you go and ask them directly 😊.

9. «Rockers and metalheads only listen to rock and metal!»

Some yes, some no. As with most things, it depends on the person.

Some people only listen to one style of metal or rock, others only to several or all styles of rock and metal, and others listen to a bit of everything.

Personally, I also listen to jazz, blues, soul, musicals, classical music/opera, variety, pop, folk, indie, and country. But I always come back to rock and metal because they are my favorite genres.

10. “We don’t understand anything they say!”

I have to admit that sometimes I myself don’t understand what some groups are saying (without having the lyrics in front of me). But, it is in relation to the techniques that singers use.

For extreme songs, articulation is key, but distortion plays on the comprehension of words. However, if you listen to rock/metal songs with «clean» vocals, you will understand all the lyrics. I’ll explain to you everything about those singing technics in a next post!

Here we are at the end of this list! Tell me as a comment if you have ever faced these prejudices/stereotypes or if you have faced others.

Feel free to share the post a maximum in order to «educate» a good number of people.

See you soon for a new post!

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Sources :

Larousse – définition préjugé : https://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais/pr%C3%A9jug%C3%A9/63519

Crane Faction – top 20 des clichés sur les metalleux : https://crane-faction.com/blogs/blog-tete-de-mort/cliches-metalleux

Topito – top 8 des idées reçues sur le metal, ils sont tous satanistes les mecs – tomasg : https://www.topito.com/top-idees-recues-metal

Bravo les (contre) clichés : http://rock-metal-luxiferum.over-blog.com/pages/Bravo_les_contre_cliches-7210353.html

France Inter – Quand la science se penche sur la musique metal : https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinter/podcasts/l-edito-carre/quand-la-science-se-penche-sur-la-musique-metal-4242980

Urbania – Pourquoi écouter du metal améliore ma santé mentale – Sébastien Jean : https://urbania.ca/article/pourquoi-ecouter-du-metal-aide-ma-sante-mentale

La musique métal vous rend plus calme ? – Beth Roar (EN) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPL6SxdgYEs

Claire Abe

The post Rock and Metal stereotypes appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

The month of February is here! This means: first, the cold with it, but also February 14, lovers’ day. A little thought to all the Valentines on this planet who must be tired of being linked to this event.

Although I personally find that it is not enough one day a year to prove his/her love to his/her other half, we’re all faced with this sickening avalanche of hearts and, let’s be honest, with this celebration that has become very commercial.

So let’s be love and talk about its place in rock and metal music!

Love, rock, and metal music

The truth is that love is a subject that is very much used, in all styles of music! Whether it is positively: the joy of being in love, of having found his other half, etc. Or negatively: separation, disputes, and so on.

It is then obvious that this subject is found in the different genres of rock and metal. There are hundreds of songs about this subject, some of which have become classics over time. And this:

• More or less morbidly talking about the murder of the other person.
• More or less sexual, with sensual rhythms and relatively explicit texts.
• In a more or less sad way, speaking of the death of the loved one, of a painful separation…
• And, of course, in many other ways.

You understand it, there is something for everyone. Even singles can listen to songs that praise celibacy!

And you can find a summary of these songs in the playlist that follows.

Here’s something to help you celebrate correctly Valentine’s Day. And if you’re alone (like many other people) remember that the most important relationship you have in your life is with yourself. So don’t hesitate to take this opportunity to celebrate yourself!

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Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

Claire Abe

The post Love, rock, and metal – Valentine’s Day Special appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

December has arrived and my favorite time of the year as well (except for the cold weather): Christmas!

Of course, we can’t avoid Christmas decorations, lights, and songs.

But don’t think rock lovers, metalheads (and the industry as well as bands) miss this celebration (and the opportunities that come with it).

So let’s take a look at how we can make a more rock and metal Christmas and how metal and rock take over Christmas while you drink your hot chocolate (or mulled wine, or eggnog).

PS: This post will be brief, be assured. We are all busy making sure that Christmas cookies are not burned, finding the Christmas meal or the perfect gift (at the last moment) for a family member, religiously watching Christmas TV movies, avoiding that the cat (or dog) doesn’t mess up the whole decoration or simply avoid Christmas as much as possible. 😂

Rock and metal Christmas song

Let’s start with the music. At the same time, this blog is dedicated to that lol.

We can all agree that when it comes to the choice of Christmas songs is not as varied as possible. So everything depends on the interpretation of the few songs that exist. Since the beginning of old rock n’ roll, artists have reimagined Christmas songs.

From Elvis to Lemmi, a lot of rock and metal artists have taken up these classics. But some have created their own Christmas songs.

You can discover the songs (new and old) in the Christmas playlist at the end of this post.

Rock and metal Christmas decoration

Let’s move on to the essential element of Christmas: decoration!

Although with the years, more and more colors and designs have been available (Hello black Christmas Tree Balls, Christmas Tree and Garlands!), another kind of decoration has appeared in recent years: the Christmas Merch.

Now we can find Christmas balls, Christmas sweaters (yes, I put the Christmas sweaters in the decorations) and I’m pretty sure we can find other party decorations in the merch of several rock and metal bands.

In addition, we can just find Santa Claus with electric guitars, making the sign of horns, and other rock decorations in the Christmas decorations department of some stores.

So no more reasons for rockers and metallers not to find their happiness to decorate the house for the holidays.

Gifts

Finally, let’s talk about gifts. Because Christmas = gifts under the tree most of the time. Well, at least in this society. On that point, I’m not going to be original.

Vinyls, band merch, or concert tickets are often good ideas to offer to a rock lover and metalhead. Just make sure that the person likes the band you just bought the ticket/Merch from and that you didn’t confuse it with another one…

You can even find merch for musicians: mediators on behalf of the band, the same brand of strings as his favorite guitarist/bassist (because let’s be honest, guitarists and bassists always need strings… and mediators), etc.

It should be remembered that the majority of rock/metal bands make their living thanks to concert tickets and merch. I talk more about it in this post.

I’ll leave you there for now. You can find the Christmas playlist right below. I wish you a very happy holiday season and lots of good things.

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Claire Abe

The post Rock and metal Christmas appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Blood, paranormal, spiders and other zombies. In a word: HALLOWEEN!

And it must be said that the themes addressed during this festivity are closely related to rock and metal!

So prepare to shudder with fear by finding out what’s in this post.

Rock/ metal and horror movie: where does the link start?

First, both are niche/underground genres at the beginning.

But it’s important to note that when Black Sabbath becomes Black Sabbath the link is made between rock/metal music and horror. And this, for various points:

• The band’s name is directly inspired by Mario Bava’s 1962 horror movie… Black Sabbath!
• The eponym song of the eponym album is considered as one of the first scary songs (the use of the triton, in addition, makes its effect). Moreover, it is to Geezer Buttler that we owe the inspiration for this song. It comes from a demonic vision that the latter had during the night.
• The group’s words have a dark and terrifying atmosphere.

So, with this information, we can see that rock/ metal and horror have been connected since the beginning of metal.

This is consistent with the words of Dani Filth (singer of Cradle of Filth) who says that metal has always had a dark atmosphere with the use of minor chords. An atmosphere that is also reflected in the horror.

Rock/metal artists horror movie fans?

Many bands and artists of these genres are horror films fans. They draw inspiration from the gore, horror etc. for their lyrics or their videos.

But not only that!

Let’s take the example of Alice Cooper. His legendary look is inspired by Bette Davis and his terrifying look of madness in the 1962 movie What Happened To Baby Jane? But one can also notice the taste for horror of Alice Cooper during his concerts. In his shows, we could see:

• Live snakes,
• Alice Cooper forced to wear a straitjacket
• Or guillotine run simulations.

He will influence the Kiss group. They will propel make-up, disguises, pyrotechnics and blood spitting to millions of people.

We can’t miss Slipknot, either. Nine guys arriving on stage with masks (made by a professional in the horror world). Guys who could appear in a movie of the genre.

There is also Cradle of Filth who pays tribute to the horror writer Lovecraft with their black metal both gothic and romantic.

In addition, some artists organize conventions on horror. I am thinking of Kirk Hammett and the band Ice Nine Kills.

Some of these factors lead us to the next point:

Elements of horror in rock/metal music

Body and face painting

First, with Alice Cooper, Kiss and Cradle of Filth, we touched face and body painting. The latter was first very popular in Black Metal. White face and black eye contour, the goal was to look like living corpses (like zombies before zombies). Then the face and corpse painting made its way into the music in general. Today bands like Motionless In White, Black Veil Bride, or New Years Day keep the tradition of this make-up going.

Note

As long as we mention Black Metal. I will make a whole post about it, but when it comes to horror, they did not go in for half measures.

Terrifying show and violent lifestyle, this is the daily life of artists of the first wave of Black Metal. During the shows, one could find self-mutilation and dead animal heads. Off-shows, burning churches, and murder could be on the front page of the mainstream press. Very joyful, isn’t it!

Masks

Then, with Slipknot, the subject of masks was raised. Masks allow for keeping secret the identity of people (well for Slipknot, it’s missed) and also to add an element of entertainment compared to the horror. Other groups using masks include Mushroomhead, Ghost, or Slaughter to Prevail.

Also, a small mention of Gwar disguised with masks of monsters/demons, costumes covering only the bare minimum of their bodies, and scenography with acts of violence and fake blood and other fluids projected on the audience.

On the other hand, some artists’ videos are entirely based on cult scenes from horror films. I put here the link to an article that brings together a selection of these videos.

Other

On another note, to evoke horror, rock and metal artists are inspired by more psychological elements or real facts for their works.

• Avenged Sevenfold in Nightmare, the singer goes for an operation and then is taken to places where the battery of the former drummer (RIP) is torn apart as well as the other members of the group acting as mentally ill.
• Slipknot in The Devil In I stages the death of the band members according to their greatest fears for them to face.
• Rammstein for their title Mein Teil used a shocking fact (a really shocking one) and turned it into a song.

I must also (re)mention Ice Nine Kills. The band has specialized and is known for writing their songs from horror movies and novels, collaborating with people in the field (or related to it) and making videos resembling mini horror films. I can also confirm that the scenography of the band is in the same vein (Yes! Me and some friends attended one of their show while I am absolutely not into horror – you may have understood it – and I had a great time! I talk about it in more detail in the dedicated article right there).

Metalsploitation : what is it?

Before telling you exactly what the term metalsploitation is (because yes it exists), rock/metal and horror films got closer together thanks to:

• The appearance of rock/metal artists in certain films or series,
• The use of songs or even the creation of B.O. written and composed by artists of these genres in horror films.

And this link between rock/metal and horror is completely intertwined when rock/metal music is exploited, satirized, etc. in a specific category of film. This is METALSPLOITATION.

Finally, I can’t write an article about horror and rock/metal music, without mentioning the metal singer and horror director. I have designated the one and only… ROB ZOMBIE. He has released as many albums as horror films, including the House of a 1000 corpses or Halloween revisits.

Also, how to do an article about Halloween without talking about the band Helloween, whose name was inspired by the band’s first tour on Halloween night.

So much for this article! Tell me if you are a fan of horror movies in addition to being a fan of rock and metal music.

I’ll leave you with a special Halloween playlist, and I’ll see you soon for a new post!

Also, you can see all the drawings / caricatures right here !

See you soon !

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Sources :

Bloody Dissgusting – Metalsploitation : The History of Heavy Metal in the Horror Film –   Julieann Stipidis : https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3612109/headbangers-cinematic-ball-history-heavy-metal-horror-film/

Metal Hammer – Louder sound – Metal and horror: a match made in hell –  Jason Arnopp : https://www.loudersound.com/features/metal-and-horror-a-match-made-in-hell

Halloween, horror and heavy metal music – The Ragamuffins : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk80A8YWqUE

Boowiki – Helloween : https://boowiki.info/art/groupes-musicaux-allemands/helloween.html

Wikipédia

Claire Abe

The post Rock, metal and Horror : Halloween special appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.