Long mired in sexism, racism and homophobia, the rock genre is being transformed by a wave of progressive artists
Metal likes to think of itself as a family, a safe haven built on inclusivity. Everyone is welcome in the pit. Yet, historically, metal has also been a hostile space for women, people of colour and the LGBTQ+ community. Look below the line on articles published on any big metal website and you’ll find comments riddled with homophobia and transphobia. In 2019, an article published by Metal Hammer, titled “Metal’s most interesting voices are all female – and it’s about time”, attracted thousands of misogynistic comments. Meanwhile, white supremacy has been an inescapable presence in black metal since the scene was born in the 1980s. And few in the industry will forget Down and ex-Pantera vocalist Phil Anselmo bellowing “white power” and Sieg Heiling on stage in 2016.
Recently, however, things have started to change. Bands from all corners of metal are creating ferocious music that offers new perspectives on discrimination, race, gender and sexuality.
