The International Society for Metal Music Studies

Our mission is to:

encourage and facilitate academic research related to heavy metal music and culture

adopt interdisciplinary approaches inclusive of sub-genres and related genres

establish metal music studies as a relevant and respected academic discipline

contribute to the growth of knowledge within academic and music communities

Do you study metal music?

Join ISMMS to be a part of the society dedicated to developing the field of metal music studies. Gain access to the journal Metal Music Studies, the latest information from the society, newsletters, and more!

Latest posts

  • Metal et Metalheads: Des Mythes et Des Rites
    Conference at the Philharmonie de Paris with the collaboration of the International Society for Metal Music Studies 5–6 April 2024 https://philharmoniedeparis.fr/fr/activite/colloque/26793-metal-et-metalheads-des-mythes-et-des-rites Designed to resonate with the international exhibition presented at the Philharmonie de Paris, this conference explores and questions this culture, its representations, its audiences and its paradoxes with international artists, professionals and researchers. The … Read more
  • Heavy Metal & Global Premodernity II
    The second running of this biennial conference will take place March 15-17, 2024 on Zoom. Registration is free and open to all, and required to attend. Register here. For the full program of panels, workshops, and events, and other information, including the conference playlist, see the conference website here.
  • Black Metal is for Everyone! Symposium and Concert 28–29 February, 2024, Indiana University Bloomington
    Please see details below about this event or view the full website here. Black metal is extreme music: fast tempos, heavy guitar, screeching vocals – it’s not usually thought of as everyday, easy listening., that’s for sure.  Black metal got its start in 1990s Scandanavia and was associated with church burnings, Satanism, and acts of … Read more

Metal Studies Bibliography

Maintained by Amaranta Saguar García & Brian Arnold Hickam, the Metal Studies Bibliography is an open access database of academic literature and a vital resource for researchers in metal music studies.

Metal Methodology – Our Podcast Series

Metal Music Studies – The Journal