Heavy Metal Music and Globalization

Globalization and Metal music, these two are more related than people think. Globalization can be defined as the “intensification of global interconnectedness” (Inda and Rosaldo 2001:2). This suggests that there is movement, mixing, linkages and overall interaction and exchange on broad levels (Inda and Rosaldo 2001: 2). This definition of globalization suggests that the world is “pours”, which allows for people to contact each other more easily (Indo and Rosaldo 2001:2). Due to the rapid increase in technology places are shrinking and people are communicating much more (Indo and Rosaldo 2001:2). These definitions of globalization are essentially the explanations as to why and how heavy metal music has transcended too many parts of the world, and transformed to fit the political and social conflicts with in the nations. Heavy metal music, once seen as a western phenomenon has been globalized. To begin is to look at the historical background of heavy metal music itself. Where did it come from and who did it appeal to? Next to look at how this genre of music came to be throughout the globe and finally to look at some case examples of how heavy metal music has transformed the local communities.

Heavy metal music or factory metal can be traced down to a Birmingham, England around the late 1960’s. This is known as an industrial, working class neighbourhood and is known for bands such as Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. Factory Metal inspired by the geographic backgrounds and the difficult working class experiences involved surviving tough physical and social environments. The music that emerges from this area is filled with anger for the working class experiences (Harrison 2010:145). In the late 1960’s there was also the emergence of f...

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