About HiMMP

Despite the rich history and cultural impact of metal music, there is surprisingly little understanding of what exactly makes it sound so 'heavy'. Our research addressed this gap by examining how 'heaviness' is created and captured in the recording and mixing process. The project was designed to make a significant global impact on our understanding of this defining characteristic of metal music.

Project / Research Overview

Previously, there was a lack of music production knowledge and educational material that would enable those interested in understanding how top producers capture, manipulate, and present the various qualities that constitute heaviness.

To learn how internationally known producers create heaviness in different metal subgenres, we documented their mixing for a single song, 'In Solitude', which incorporates elements from doom metal, symphonic metal, thrash metal, and modern extreme metal. By alternating between these subgenres, we encouraged the producers to respond to the changing styles in a way that is easy to observe. Each step in the producers' process is documented through screen-captures, in-depth video interviews explaining their decision-making, and the final audio mix along with individual instrument and vocal stems.

All song materials – the multitrack, drum samples taken from the kit, DI tracks for guitar and bass, the mix project files, the edited videos of the producers' sessions and interviews, and all audio bounces and stems – are available on this website (access the data here). These resources provide a window into the sophisticated decision-making processes and techniques employed by top metal producers.

The research findings are available in multiple formats: an interactive online guide with practical explanations and audio examples, comprehensive analysis in open-access academic journals, and the complete findings compiled into books published by Routledge.

HiMMP is based within the School of Arts and Humanities (AH) and Computing and Engineering (C&E) at the University of Huddersfield. This project received funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) under the reference number AH/T010991/1 (runtime: 1 September 2020 to 31 August 2024).

HiMMP Project Aims

1 // To determine compositional, performative and productional attributes of heaviness in metal music.

Heaviness in recorded metal music has largely gone unexplored in academic research. This project explored the relationship between musical structure, performance, and production to uncover the secrets behind producing heaviness in recorded metal music.

2 // To map the conceptual understanding of heaviness held by leading metal music producers.

Metal music producers play a key role in shaping the sound of the genre and setting industry standards. By capturing their individual perspectives on heaviness and their production approaches, we added a valuable practitioner's voice to the scholarly discussion around metal music.

3 // To determine variations in the production approaches to heaviness in different subgenres of metal.

Heaviness in metal music is a complex blend of factors, including structural features, performance attributes, recording techniques, and mixing approaches, all of which vary across metal subgenres for both aesthetic and technical reasons. These stylistic differences demand distinct approaches to producing heaviness. By documenting the mixing processes of different producers, we gained valuable insights into their individual approaches and identified both commonalities and differences.

4 // To determine the relationships of technical requirements, creative freedom and individuality.

The production of metal music is a delicate balancing act between artistic expression and technical/acoustic limitations. The genre's rich instrumentation, spectral density, and fast tempos require meticulous sonic control. By collaborating with producers who specialise in different subgenres of metal, we were able to analyse the interplay between creative choices and technical constraints in shaping heaviness in recorded music. Such knowledge can only be gained from experienced practitioners.

5 // To map the process and the result of producers mixing a metal track, aiming for maximum heaviness within the expectations of the (sub)genre.

The research offered a behind-the-scenes look at how leading producers approach mixing metal tracks. These insights provide a helpful resource for aspiring music producers and practice-led researchers, while also shedding light on the empirical basis of heaviness in metal music. By analysing the producers' mixes, we gained audible demonstrations of their individual approaches and showcased the range of possibilities – or lack thereof – for achieving heaviness. This comprehensive understanding of the entire metal production process is essential for building a robust theory of 'heaviness'.

HiMMP is also interested in exploring ways of increasing our impact through outreach and collaboration. So, if you would like to find out more about how HiMMP could work with you or your institution, please get in touch.