ALIEF, TX (MetalWeb) February 28, 2005 - Today the Center for Hessian Studies released a guide to the history and genres of metal, with illustrations and sound samples, that explains to the average person the different types and meanings of heavy metal music.

Long studied only as a subset of rock, heavy metal music has been since 1969 a leading force for undercurrent of change in modern society. Although academic focus has been minimal, and mostly leans toward the zombielike atmosphere of rock concerts, heavy metal has inspired generations of teenagers to reject popularity and social approval, and they have carried its ideas on to their adult careers and ideas.

"Most people know what heavy metal is," said lead researcher Vijay Prozak. "They hear it every day. But they don't know anything about it, so they get personally offended by it and assume it means them harm. Really, it seems this subculture - a counterculture within the counterculture - has something to offer society, so we studied it and offer our analysis free to the world."

The introductory theory, designed for the average person and easily navigable via the internet, provides a basis for understanding this subculture, said Prozak, including "what it can offer those of us who care about moving society to a better state." Prozak cited the concerns of youth, from tedious high school existences to future slavelike jobs, ecocide and heritageless television culture, as motivations behind heavy metal that apply to most people.

"Whoever you are," he said, "There's quite a bit you can learn from this site." The site diagrams the evolution of heavy metal music from its roots in popular music, to its bronchiation into such fearsome-sounding subgenres as black metal, grindcore, death metal and thrash. "You've heard it coming out of some kid's bedroom or car window," said Prozak. "Now learn what it means."

The report, accessible at http://www.anus.com/metal/about/styles.html, is open to the public and has minimal offensive content so that it may be used by youth for research purposes. Knowledge of music theory is not required, because musical concepts are explained in everyday language. The site allows casual browsing for those with a passing interest in the explanation of this long-enigmatic subject.

About the Center for Hessian Studies

As the only center for musicological analysis of heavy metal as an art form and subculture, the Center for Hessian Studies publishes reports, exhibits and a quarterly letter about the influence of heavy metal on modern culture. It can be found on the web at www.hessian.org.

For additional information, contact Vijay Prozak at prozak@anus.com, or PO Box 1004, Alief, TX 77411.



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