Metal and punk music has "same effect as a warm hug", says new study

Researchers at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia claim that punk and metal music has a calming effect on humans - as opposed to the long-standing theory that it makes you violent and grumpy.

The team at the public research instituyion were exploring the idea that “extreme music causes anger”, but accidentally stumbled across a polar opposite, finding data that supports the idea that “extreme music matches and helps to process anger."

Dr. Genevieve Dingle and honours student Leah Sharman looked at heavy metal, punk, hardcore, emo, screamo, and various bloodcurdling subgenres categorised as 'extreme'. The pair studied 39 "regular listeners" of the styles between the ages of 18-34 and came up with some surprisingly results.

“We found the music regulated sadness and enhanced positive emotions,” Sharman says (via The Guardian). “When experiencing anger, extreme-music fans liked to listen to music that could match their anger.”

“The music helped them explore the full gamut of emotion they felt, but also left them feeling more active and inspired,” the study reads. “Results showed levels of hostility, irritability and stress decreased after music was introduced, and the most significant change reported was the level of inspiration they felt.”

The study - published in Frontiers In Human Neuroscience - looked closely at the subjects after a 16-minute "anger induction" before listening to songs of their choice for 10 minutes and then sitting in silence for a further 10 minutes. The "anger induction" involved getting the subjects to vent about topics likely to stir up rage - i.e. relationships or work.

“A secondary aim for the study was to see what music angry participants would select from their playlist,” Sharman continues. “It was interesting that half of the chosen songs contained themes of anger or aggression, with the remainder containing themes such as - though not limited to - isolation and sadness... yet participants reported they used music to enhance their happiness, immerse themselves in feelings of love and enhance their wellbeing.”

The study is not a definitive conclusion, and notes that more research - specifically in social contexts and real-world situations - is needed.