Death metal music : the passion and politics of a subculture / Natalie J. Purcell.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Purcell, Natalie J.

Contributor:

Harry E. Humphreys Book Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Heavy metal (Music)--History and criticism.

Heavy metal (Music).

Physical Description:

viii, 234 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland, [2003]

Summary:

Death Metal is among the most despised forms of violently themed entertainment. Many politicians, conservative groups and typical Americans attribute youth violence and the destruction of social values to such entertainment. The usual assumptions about the Death Metal scene and its fans have rarely been challenged.

This book investigates the demographic trends, attitudes, philosophical beliefs, ethical systems, and behavioral patterns within the scene, seeking to situate Death Metal in the larger social order. The Death Metal community proves to be a useful microcosm for much of American subculture and lends insight into the psychological and social functions of many forbidden or illicit entertainment forms. The author's analysis, rich in interviews with rock stars, radio hosts, and average adolescent fans, provides a key to comprehending deviant tendencies in modern American culture.

Contents:

Defining death metal

The history of death metal scene

Death metal and American politicians

Confronting the consumers of carnage

The mind of the metal head and the heart of the underground

Epilogue : personal reflections on death metal.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 227-231) and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Harry E. Humphreys Book Fund.

ISBN:

0786415851

OCLC:

52166325