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Thematic Patterns In Millennial Heavy Metal: A Lyrical Analysis

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Date Issued:
2012
Abstract/Description:
Research on heavy metal music has traditionally been framed by deviant characterizations, effects on audiences, and the validity of criticism. More recently, studies have neglected content analysis due to perceived homogeneity in themes, despite evidence that the modern genre is distinct from its past. As lyrical patterns are strong markers of genre, this study attempts to characterize heavy metal in the 21st century by analyzing lyrics for specific themes and perspectives. Citing evidence that the (")Millennial(") generation confers significant developments to popular culture, the contemporary genre is termed (")Millennial heavy metal(") throughout, and the study is framed accordingly. Utilizing prominent metal albums from the 2000-2009 decade, 250 randomly selected songs are analyzed for the inclusion of 115 different themes and their contextual usage. The frequency of each theme is then ranked by prevalence in order to illustrate common focus in the genre. Results showed that themes of death, storytelling, violence, and social commentary prevail; overall, accentuated topics and their usage point to an aptitude for confronting tenebrous realities and personal attempts to understand them. Characteristic connections between Millennial metal and the Millennial generation are also noted through emphasized individuality, social awareness, and civil liberalism.
Title: Thematic Patterns In Millennial Heavy Metal: A Lyrical Analysis.
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Name(s): Chabot, Evan, Author
Gay, David, Committee Chair
Lynxwiler, John, Committee Member
Rivera, Fernando, Committee Member
, Committee Member
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2012
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Research on heavy metal music has traditionally been framed by deviant characterizations, effects on audiences, and the validity of criticism. More recently, studies have neglected content analysis due to perceived homogeneity in themes, despite evidence that the modern genre is distinct from its past. As lyrical patterns are strong markers of genre, this study attempts to characterize heavy metal in the 21st century by analyzing lyrics for specific themes and perspectives. Citing evidence that the (")Millennial(") generation confers significant developments to popular culture, the contemporary genre is termed (")Millennial heavy metal(") throughout, and the study is framed accordingly. Utilizing prominent metal albums from the 2000-2009 decade, 250 randomly selected songs are analyzed for the inclusion of 115 different themes and their contextual usage. The frequency of each theme is then ranked by prevalence in order to illustrate common focus in the genre. Results showed that themes of death, storytelling, violence, and social commentary prevail; overall, accentuated topics and their usage point to an aptitude for confronting tenebrous realities and personal attempts to understand them. Characteristic connections between Millennial metal and the Millennial generation are also noted through emphasized individuality, social awareness, and civil liberalism.
Identifier: CFE0004527 (IID), ucf:49234 (fedora)
Note(s): 2012-12-01
M.A.
Sciences, Sociology
Masters
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): Heavy Metal -- Lyrics -- Lyrical Analysis -- Millennial -- Themes
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004527
Restrictions on Access: public 2012-12-15
Host Institution: UCF

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