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MMS 101

Our series of short posts on different topics in metal studies, written to introduce a general audience to current research.

Metal Methodology

A podcast series hosted by ISMMS Secretary Owen Coggins featuring interviews with notable scholars in metal studies.

Events, CfPs & more

All information about events, calls for proposals, and other announcements related to metal music studies.

All Posts

  • Call for Papers: Metal Music Studies “Dialogues”
    by Livy Onalee Snyder
    With the passing of Ozzy Osbourne earlier this year, the journal Metal Music Studies is announcing a new “Dialogues” series of short articles for publication in Vol. 12/3, Summer 2026. We are seeking 5-7 articles of 1500-3000 words each that will critically discuss the legacy of Osbourne, Black Sabbath, and his other musical and media endeavors. Articles … Read more
  • ISMMS Board Elections
    by Livy Onalee Snyder
    ISMMS members—it is that time of year again! We are holding elections for the followingpositions—President and 2 ordinary members. To stand for one of the positions you must submita 1-page statement of intent which will explain what you will bring to the role and a CV which isno more than 5 pages long. Personal information … Read more
  • Call for Papers: Crossing Borders: Metal Music Scenes and Extremity
    by Livy Onalee Snyder
    Symposium at Liverpool John Moores University, Friday 3rd October 9.30 am to 5 pm Extreme metal music has been characterized as something that explores transgression, whether this is in relation to sound, its discourses and imagery, or embodied practices such as moshing and stagediving (Kahn-Harris, 2007). However, the extent to which it is deemed transgressive … Read more
  • Call for Book Chapters: New Metal Worlds
    by Livy Onalee Snyder
    Call for Book Chapters | New Metal Worlds: Music Cultures, and Studies (Bloomsbury) by editor Susan González-Martínez The book New Metal Worlds: Music Cultures, and Studies serves as a bridge to lines of thought that explore unprecedented avenues of understanding and research methodologies within the field of metal music studies, expanding existing knowledge about metal … Read more
  • Tricinty Festival 2025: Uniting global rock and metal in Rabat
    by Livy Onalee Snyder
    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
    by Livy Onalee Snyder
    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
    by stim
    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
  • PhD Scholarships: The Leverhulme Amplification Project at the University of Huddersfield, UK
    by stim
    We’re sharing this on behalf of colleagues at the University of Huddersfield. They have announced 12 fully funded 4-year PhD studentships for projects relating to amplification. Among the relevant topics, the call specifically suggests ‘a focus on the role of amplification in rock or metal’ as an indicative topic. The deadline is 25th January 2025, … Read more
  • CfP: Metal Music Studies Retrospectives
    by stim
    In celebration of the 10th year of Metal Music Studies, we (Ross Hagen and Edward Banchs) are compiling a section of short retrospectives on foundational and important publications for the reviews section. We are aiming for a mix of titles that includes books aimed at general audiences in addition to academic monographs and edited collections. We are … Read more