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The International Society for Metal Music Studies

Our mission is to:

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encourage and facilitate academic research related to heavy metal music and culture

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adopt interdisciplinary approaches inclusive of sub-genres and related genres

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establish metal music studies as a relevant and respected academic discipline

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contribute to the growth of knowledge within academic and music communities

7th ISMMS Conference

3-6 June 2025

University of Granada

Seville, Spain

New Metal Worlds:

Building Bridges and Mending Broken Backs

Latest posts

  • Tricinty Festival 2025: Uniting global rock and metal in Rabat
    The Tricinty Rock and Metal Festival is set to return for its third edition on May 23 and 24, 2025, in Rabat, with organizers promising a «more intense and daring» experience. Designed to spotlight professionals in the rock and metal scene, the event is evolving into a true hub for networking and collaboration between industry … Read more
  • Metal Mittelalter Conference at the University of Kassel, Germany, March 19–20, 2025
    Please see details below about this event or view the full website here. Announcement: For the first time in the German-speaking world, this conference brings together experts from history, philology, religious studies and musicology to discuss the cultural and political significance of the reception of the Middle Ages in heavy metal. Metal Middle Ages – Medieval … Read more
  • ISMMS 2024 Elections Results
    The ISMMS Board is grateful to all members who voted in the ISMMS Board Elections. If you want to vote in future elections and help shape the future of metal studies, you can join the society here. The election for Secretary was between Rose Johnson and David Miguel. Rose was elected as Secretary, leaving the … Read more
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Do you study metal music?

Join ISMMS to be a part of the society dedicated to developing the field of metal music studies. Gain access to the journal Metal Music Studies, the latest information from the society, newsletters, and more!

Metal Studies Bibliography

Maintained by Amaranta Saguar García & Brian Arnold Hickam, the Metal Studies Bibliography is an open access database of academic literature and a vital resource for researchers in metal music studies.

Metal Methodology – Our Podcast Series

Metal Music Studies – The Journal