Throughout the world there are numerous sub-cultures that have transpired as a direct result of different musical styles. Even though they are a part of the mainstream culture, most of these sub-cultures are in total defiance of it and have created an identity all of their own. These cultures have become prominent because they have changed their language, dress, behavior, values, beliefs etc and have become quite different from the mainstream culture.

I have chosen the metal heads or the heavy metal culture as the focal point of my research paper. One of the main reasons for doing so involves my own familiarity with the heavy metal culture and its concepts. The main purpose of this paper is define the culture and to dispel the belief that listening to heavy metal makes a person violent or immoral and to stress that heavy metal culture is not necessarily wrong; just defiant.

“Funny...I don't think I know any heavy metal music with happy or positive lyrics…heavy metal can’t have positive lyrics…it won’t be heavy metal then would it”

Language is the most important symbolic aspect of culture. It is a system of communication using sounds and gestures put together in meaningful ways according to a set of rules. For metal heads the heavy metal music and the lyrics forms a language all of its own. The ideas presented by heavy metal bands in their lyrics provide the youngsters with an alternative to a normal life they find constraining or restrictive.

I’ve observed that not everyone is adversely affected by heavy metal music. If just seems to be a common trend in U.S.A. There is actually a huge fan following of heavy metal here in the U.A.E itself (myself included). The success of the independent rock concert, Turbulence, held at the American of Dubai for the past 3 years is proof of this. In U.A.E people who listen to heavy metal music have a whole different perspective on it. The following are two responses to the question ‘why listen to heavy metal’. The first one is from a 17 year old American boy and the second is from a 19 year old Indian boy living in Dubai.

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