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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

Latest posts

  • Introducing a New Website for Brazilian Underground Metal Zines
    The website “metalbrasileirozines.com.br” is a recent online source (2024) that converges digitized fan zines of the Brazilian underground metal since the printed versions of the 80s. Navigating on the website is possible to filter the research of the digitized material by each of the twenty-six Brazilian states and the Federal District. People from many parts … Read more
  • CFP: 8th ISMMS Biennial International Conference 2027
    Introduction The ISMMS (International Society for Metal Music Studies), an international association that initiated new interdisciplinary research on metal music, was officially launched at the first conference held at Bowling Green State University (Ohio, United States) in April 2013. It was titled “Heavy Metal and Popular Culture.” This founding event was followed, in 2015, by … Read more
  • Event: Women & Femme Voices in Metal: Feminist Strategies of Resistance
    Online event via Microsoft Teams Thursday, July 23 • 3 PM – 5:30 PM CEST The publication of Women & Femme Voices in Metal: Feminist Strategies of Resistance(Routledge, 2026), edited by Jasmine Hazel Shadrack and Francesca Stevens, will becelebrated with an online launch and panel discussion.Through an interdisciplinary, intersectional feminist lens, the collection examines persistentpatterns of … 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