Head-Banging in Russia

Call it Flirting-with-Death Metal: One fast stop and it’s borscht everywhere.

Happy Death Men?

According to an Australian study, death metal fans aren’t desensitized to violent imagery, even by listening to songs saturated with it. In fact, they’re made happier than most if you can believe that. However ironic, this happens “through feelings of joy and empowerment” delivered through those brutal, screaming, thundering bursts AKA songs by way of the music they love – somehow.

Or better yet:

If fans of violent music were desensitized to violence, which is what a lot of parent groups, religious groups and censorship boards are worried about, then they wouldn't show this same bias. But the fans showed the very same bias towards processing these violent images as those who were not fans of this music.

For enthusiasts of Devil Music, this has got to be a disappointment of sinister proportions. Otherwise, here’s a dose. Get happy:

Prepare to Be Dumbfounded

The group's name is Babymetal. They're a mixture of death metal and J-pop. They're precious as hell. The rhythm track should leave a black skidmark down the middle of your brain while the vocals and effervescent melody add a layer of caffeinated corn syrup.






The most death metal of the lot: Here, they pose in ruffly white dresses while a satanic voice chants "Death! Death! Death!" Coming at you on a cresting wave of jail bait sugar.



Here's a more serious Irish version from the '90s: This woefully underrated band was Scheer and they hailed from County Derry, Northern Ireland. Cute girly vocals over dueling chainsaw guitars.



Hear the whole album here. It's a good one.

Via The Daily Dot.