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What is it about?

This article explores how the harmonic structures—the chords and scales—of metal music differ across five subgenres since 2000. It analyses what makes the music of genres like death metal, black metal, and power metal sound distinct, despite all belonging to the broader category of metal. By comparing their use of melody, dissonance, and chord progressions, the study reveals how each subgenre creates its unique mood and emotional impact. The research provides a deeper understanding of the musical variety within metal, highlighting its complexity and creativity as a genre.

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Why is it important?

This article is unique in its detailed analysis of harmonic structures across five metal subgenres since 2000, providing fresh insights into the musical diversity within the metal genre. Unlike prior research that often focuses on lyrics or cultural aspects, this study dives deep into the musical building blocks, such as chord progressions, melody, and dissonance, to highlight what makes each subgenre distinctive. The work is timely as metal continues to evolve and expand its global audience, sparking interest in its technical and aesthetic complexity. By bridging music theory with genre-specific analysis, the article appeals to scholars, musicians, and fans, offering a deeper appreciation of metal’s artistic depth and variation.

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This page is a summary of: Harmonic structures in twenty-first-century metal music: A harmonic analysis of five major metal genres, Metal Music Studies, March 2023, Intellect,
DOI: 10.1386/mms_00093_1.
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