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 Updates

C Squared with Holly Royle – ‘Female Fronted Metal’ Podcast

| |

Check out this podcast featuring metal scholar Holly Royle along with her PR colleagues and fellow musicians: Curtis Dewar, Gaia Guarda, and Sarah Lindsey from Book of Wyrms. Holly is a PhD student researching masculinities in heavy metal at the University of Chester. Her research brings in her experience as a musician, journalist, and music […]

Read More

IASPM-US 2022 Call For Proposals

| |

On behalf of IASPM-US, please check out the call for the 2022 conference, and consider sending in a proposal. Horns up!   IASPM-US 2022 Conference: Grooves and Movements May 26-May 28, 2022 Ann Arbor/Detroit Michigan Dates and Place: The International Association for the Study of Popular Music-United States chapter (IASPM-US) invites proposals for its annual […]

Read More

Mexico 2022

Heavy Metal Music in the Global South: Multiregional Perspectives

ISMMS 5th Biennial Research Conference will be held in June 2022 at Mexico’s National Autonomous University (San Ildefonso College).

Find Out 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.

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!

Find Out More

Metal Methodology – Our Podcast Series

Metal Music Studies – The Journal