Study finds heavy metal music makes you calmer

A new research has found that listening to heavy metal music or "extreme" music can make you calmer.

Researchers at Australia's University of Queensland have put an end to assumptions that metal music incites violence and anger with a new research finding that has revealed heavy metal music can be used to better control one's negative emotions.

"We found the music regulated sadness and enhanced positive emotions," said honours student Leah Sharman who along with Dr. Genevieve Dingle carried out the research, reported Sky News.

"When experiencing anger, extreme music fans liked to listen to music that could match their anger. The music helped them explore the full gamut of emotion they felt, but also left them feeling more active and inspired.

"Results showed levels of hostility, irritability and stress decreased after music was introduced, and the most significant change reported was the level of inspiration they felt."

The research studied the behaviour of 39 regular metal music listeners between the ages of 18 and 34.

The participants were asked to reflect on a time in life when they felt angry in their relationships or at work.

After the 'anger induction', the participants were made to hear music of their choice or choose silence for 10 minutes.

"A secondary aim for the study was to see what music angry participants would select from their playlist," said Sharman.

"It was interesting that half of the chosen songs contained themes of anger or aggression, with the remainder containing themes such as – though not limited to – isolation and sadness.

"Yet participants reported they used music to enhance their happiness, immerse themselves in feelings of love and enhance their wellbeing."