Why Metal Fans and Bands are Some of the Nicest People You’ll Meet

Despite the dark lyrics and somewhat intimidating appearance of metal musicians and their fans, metalheads are some of the kindest and happiest people you’ll ever meet.

Although many people who consider themselves metalheads enjoy thrashing around while listening to often unintelligible lyrics presented as guttural screams over fast guitar riffs, inside, they’re pretty chill.

For many, metal music is therapeutic and the aggressive sound is cathartic. Both musicians and fans say it allows them to direct their energy toward something intense in a way that doesn’t violate anyone. Metalheads say (and studies have proven) that listening to heavy music reduces anxiety and fear, and when something upsetting happens, they don’t feel inclined to misdirect their anger toward other people.

Metal culture fosters a sense of community

One thing you’ll notice about metal culture is the strong sense of “brotherhood.” People who listen to metal tend to form strong bonds with each other. Perhaps it’s because metal songs touch on universal experiences of pain they can relate to, and when someone finds other people who get that pain through music, they know they’ve found their tribe.

Traditionally, pop bands (and other genres) have been outspoken about banning cellphones and filming during concerts. Although some band and venue policies differ, most metal bands don’t mind when fans film their concerts because they want their performances to be shared with others to build a stronger community.

If you’ve never been to a metal concert, it’s worth checking out fan footage – especially in the pit – because despite the chaos, you’ll notice that everyone takes care of each other. But fair warning: if you decide to go to a concert and get in the pit, just make sure to protect your phone with a good case.

The best bands are breaking tradition with more kindness

Many beloved traditional metal bands, like Iron Maiden and Metallica, have shaped the scene for decades. Today’s heavy bands have an updated sound, but aren’t all that different. They’re talented, well-loved, and can work a crowd.

And then there are the outliers; the artists who bring incredible talent to the stage, dare to be different with a mix of traditional and alternative metal, metalcore, and nu metal sounds, all while breaking traditional rules and creating their own art.

Because of certain sounds, bands like Kim Dracula, Bad Omens, In This Moment, Motionless in White, and Falling in Reverse are often mislabeled as metal, and while they can be considered sub-genre of alt metal (it’s hard to corner any of these artists into one genre), they’re all contributing something new to the heavy music scene.

For example, Samuel Wellings, also known as Kim Dracula, is breaking all the rules of what heavy music should sound like by refusing to stay in one box, but most importantly, they’re bringing a level of kindness into the scene that hasn’t existed before. Kimdrac’s fan base is extremely kind, and seems even more accepting of diversity than other fan bases in the heavy music space. Talking to Kimdrac fans feels like being wrapped in a soft cashmere blanket on a winter night, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging that nurtures the spirit.

Heavy bands love engaging with their fans

One thing that sets certain heavy bands apart is their willingness to engage with fans, both online and in person. While some vocalists respond to social media messages, Kim Dracula regularly hosts VIP meet-n-greets before a performance, and every fan says the same thing: they’re extremely sweet and can’t stop smiling.

They also secured a well-earned collaboration with Jonathan Davis from Korn right out the gate. Korn has been a pioneer in the nu metal space since the 1990s, and the collaboration between Davis and Wellings is no surprise

Wellings is already a pioneer in the heavy music space. Already having won the Best International Breakthrough Artist award at the 2024 Heavy Music Awards (HMAs), Wellings continues to delight fans with musical creativity that combines intensity with unexpected sounds, like trumpets, saxophones, violins, and even bossa nova.

Kimdrac has already done two tours back-to-back, and according to a recent announcement, Kimdrac is teaming up with HANABIE for a 2025 North American co-headline tour.

Heavy music could heal the world

Although it sounds contrary to the lyrics, the harsh sound, black t-shirts, and black makeup, the kindness that comes out of the heavy music scene could heal the world, if only more people would give it a chance.