The International Society for Metal Music Studies

Our mission is to:

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

adopt interdisciplinary approaches inclusive of sub-genres and related genres

establish metal music studies as a relevant and respected academic discipline

contribute to the growth of knowledge within academic and music communities

Latest posts

• Call for Contributions: What’s Left of Metal?: A compendium from Revol Press7 October 2024
  This call can also be read on Revol Press’ website. Heavy metal and the political left have a complex relationship. Metal is well-known for its “radical toleration” (Berger 1999) of all manner of reactionary practices and beliefs, from casual misogyny to far-right organizing. Yet metal also features a strong current of prescient social criticism, identifiably … Read more
• ISMMS Elections 20241 October 2024
  Election for ISMMS Executive Board Positions, Nov-Dec 2024 The positions of Webmaster and Secretary on the ISMMS Executive Board will become available at the end of the current terms of Dr Steven Gamble and Dr Owen Coggins. We therefore call for candidates to nominate themselves to serve four year terms in these positions from January … Read more
• CfP: Metal and Change: Metal’s Role in an Ever-Changing World16 May 2024
  Since its inception Metal music has been in constant flux, whether in the development of new genres and subgenres to the way that it has been perceived in society over time. Metal music and culture, to survive, need to adapt to a world constantly in upheaval, whether through changing attitudes toward the music, changes in … Read more