Harmonic function and modality in classic heavy metal
Original version
Lilja, E. (2019). Harmonic function and modality in classic heavy metal1. Metal Music Studies, 5(3), 355-378. 10.1386/mms.5.3.355_1Abstract
This article explores harmonic function, modality and guitar distortion in so-called classic heavy metal. I suggest a dual framework for analysing heavy metal, including such mirror-symmetries as ‘major’/‘minor’, ‘sharp’/‘flat’, ‘bright’/‘dark’, ‘dominant’/‘subdominant’ and ‘authentic’/‘plagal’. My central aim is to demonstrate that heavy metal harmony tends towards plagal systems and darker modes, and yet has constant major elements added from the distorted power chords.