Music-Culture XII

When it comes to the subgenre of Heavy Metal in the music genre of Rock, there are numerous distinct elements that distinguish this type of music from all others. The first of these elements is the easily noticeable loudness of Heavy Metal Rock music. Because of the use of the drums and the amplified distortion of the electric guitars, this type of music is usually extremely loud. The frequent screaming and harsh vocal singing also adds to this loudness. There are times when the lyrics of a song become hard to make out due to the style of singing. There is also a focus on the lyrics rather than the background music except during guitar solos.

The themes of this subgenre of Rock are usually dark and depressing. However, these themes range from fictional stories to death. Many themes, such as sex, drugs, and depression, are directed towards the younger audiences.

The fans and followers of Heavy Metal usually wear dark clothes, matching the dark themes of the songs. Typical clothes include black T-shirts, jeans, leather pants and jackets, and usually any type of clothing with dark colors. Accessories are also important. Chains, metal necklaces with skulls or crosses, and leather wristbands are only a few. Makeup is also associated with Heavy Metal fans, both male and female. Dark colored lipsticks and eyeliners are used by many to add to the music culture.

Another important aspect of the music culture of Heavy Metal music is the actions of the audience. Many listeners like to “headbang”, moving their heads (often rapidly) back and forth to the beat of the song. During concerts, the crowd forms “mosh” pits and the participants push each other around while moving their hands in the air, sometimes dancing, as a form of expression of their entertainment.

One example of this subgenre is Stupify by Disturbed.



0:00 The song begins with the stroke of the drum and the guitar, starting the main melody which is heard throughout the song.

0:09 The vocalist, David Draiman, starts out by reciting, not singing.

Yeah, bringing you another disturbing creation
from the mind of one sick animal
who can't tell the difference,
and gets stupified

0:19 Draiman starts singing.

I've been waiting my whole life for just one FUCK
And all I needed was just one FUCK
How can you say that you don't give a FUCK
I find myself stupified, coming back again
All I wanted was just one FUCK
One tiny little innocent FUCK
And when I feel like I'm shit out of LUCK
I find my stupified, coming back again

Why do you like playing around with
My narrow scope of reality
I can feel it all start slipping
I think I'm breaking down

And why do you like playing around with
My narrow scope of reality
I can feel it all start slipping away

See but I don't get it
Don't you think maybe we could put it on credit
Don't you think it can take control when I don't let it
I get stupified
It's all the same you say
Livin with it, but I don't get it
Don't you think maybe we could put it on credit
Don't you think it can take control when I don't let it
I get stupified(x2)

1:18 The music slows down for a moment.

All the people in the left wing ROCK
And all the people in the right wing ROCK
And all the people in the underground ROCK
I find myself stupified, coming back again
All the people in the high rise ROCK
And all the people in the projects ROCK
And all la gente in the barrio ROCK
I find myself stupified, coming back again

Why do you like playing around with
My narrow scope of reality
I can feel it all start slipping
I think I'm breaking down

And why do you like playing around with
My narrow scope of reality
I can feel it all start slipping away

See but I don't get it
Don't you think maybe we could put it on credit
Don't you think it can take control when I don't let it
I get stupified
It's all the same you say
Livin with it, but I don't get it
Don't you think maybe we could put it on credit
Don't you think it can take control when I don't let it
I get stupified(x2)

2:27 The music slows down once again.

Tefached(x2)

2:46 The music picks up pace. The drum is slower, the guitar is heard more.

And don't deny me
No baby no, don't deny me
And darling don't be afraid

But I don't get it
Don't you think maybe we could put it on credit
Don't you think it can take control when I don't let it
I get stupified

Look in my face, step in my soul,
I begin to stupify! Ah!(x4)

Look in my face, step in my soul(4)
Look in my face, (step in my soul)(x3)
I begin to stupify!!
RAHH!