Metal is rebellion. It’s the sound of defiance, the voice of the outcasts, and the culture of the nonconformists. From its birth in the gritty underworld of the ‘70s to the hell-raising festivals of today, metal has always prided itself on being a genre that stands apart, one that spits in the face of mainstream society. But here’s the reality no one wants to talk about: the metal scene is infested with sexism and misogyny. It’s an old disease that’s been allowed to fester, often excused as “just part of the culture.” That ends here.
Sexism and Misogyny in the Metal Scene: The Metal Scene’s Shaky Relationship with Women
Despite its claim to be a subversive and inclusive culture, the metal scene has always had a problem with women. Sure, we have women in metal now—bands like Arch Enemy, Nightwish, and Jinjer are killing it—but it took decades of women forcing themselves into a genre that never truly wanted them there. They weren’t invited. They crashed the party.
Look at any festival line-up. How many women do you see? Probably just a couple, tokenized and paraded around like they’re the exception to the rule. In a genre with thousands of bands, the ratio of male to female musicians is laughably imbalanced. This isn’t just an accident or a lack of interest from women. It’s systemic sexism that has kept women out of the fold, pushing them to the periphery, labeling them groupies rather than musicians, fans rather than contributors.
Misogyny Disguised as Tradition
Let’s not pretend that metal’s aggressive sound is the only thing that keeps women away. A lot of it is because the scene itself is hostile to them. From lyrical themes that glorify violence against women to the over-sexualization of female musicians, misogyny in metal is as prevalent as drop-tuned guitars. The constant objectification, whether it’s the way female musicians are discussed or the kind of art plastered on album covers, sends a clear message: women are here to be looked at, not listened to.
Don’t believe me? Think about the album covers and merch from your favorite bands. How many of them feature half-naked women or violent, degrading depictions of women? And then ask yourself, if this is the imagery being sold, what message does it send to the fans about how women should be treated?
In many metal subcultures, especially extreme forms like black metal and death metal, there’s a thinly veiled acceptance of misogynistic themes. This isn’t just some edge-lord fantasy—it’s a dangerous perpetuation of toxic masculinity that keeps metal stuck in the dark ages when it comes to gender equality.
“But Metal is Brutal, What Do You Expect?”
Ah yes, the classic defense. Metal is supposed to be offensive, brutal, and aggressive, right? Sure. No one’s asking you to censor your music, but there’s a difference between being aggressive and being outright sexist. There’s a difference between pushing boundaries and reinforcing tired, harmful stereotypes.
And the fact is, the “metal is brutal” excuse falls apart when you actually look at the diversity of lyrical content across the genre. Not all metal lyrics are about violence or death. Bands like Iron Maiden and Opeth write complex narratives that dive into history, philosophy, and personal struggles. So why, then, is it acceptable for some bands to consistently churn out misogynistic bile under the guise of “brutality”? It’s lazy, and worse, it’s harmful.
The Problem with Gatekeeping
Let’s talk about gatekeeping because this is one of the most obvious ways sexism manifests in the scene. If you’re a woman in metal, you know exactly what I’m talking about. From the moment you step into a venue or a record store, you’re treated like an outsider who needs to prove her worth. You’ve got to know every obscure band, be able to recite Metallica’s entire discography from memory, and survive a barrage of questions like you’re sitting through some grim pop quiz on metal history.
Men don’t get this kind of treatment. They’re assumed to be fans, while women have to prove it. Women are accused of being “posers,” “bandwagoners,” or worse, only there to impress their boyfriends. It’s the same tired stereotype that’s been hurled at women for decades: you can’t possibly like metal for its complexity or artistry—no, you must be in it for male attention.
This gatekeeping doesn’t just happen at shows, either. Look at online communities, forums, and social media. Women face an avalanche of condescension, harassment, and sexism from so-called “true” metal fans. Try voicing an opinion on a metal band or album as a woman, and I guarantee you’ll get torn apart quicker than any man ever would.
The Cost of Calling It Out
Calling out sexism in metal isn’t easy. It’s met with defensive rage, denial, and worse, threats. If you’re a woman speaking out, expect to be branded a “feminazi” or told that you just don’t “get” metal. It’s ironic that a genre founded on rebellion and nonconformity is so resistant to change when it comes to gender dynamics.
Men in metal like to believe they’re part of an enlightened subculture. They see themselves as distinct from the jocks and frat boys that embody mainstream masculinity, but the truth is, they’re not all that different when it comes to how they treat women. The same toxic masculinity exists in metal, dressed up in black leather and corpse paint.
Change is Coming—Whether You Like It or Not
The metal scene is long overdue for a reckoning, and whether the gatekeepers like it or not, change is coming. Women aren’t asking for permission anymore; they’re taking up space in the scene, forming bands, starting labels, and organizing festivals. They’re not asking to be treated as equals—they’re demanding it.
And it’s not just about letting women in; it’s about making space for them, acknowledging their contributions, and giving them the platform they deserve. It’s about calling out the rampant sexism and misogyny that’s been swept under the rug for far too long. The old guard might resist, but they can’t stop the future. If metal is truly a genre of rebellion and defiance, then it needs to rebel against its own backward thinking when it comes to gender.
A Call to the Metal Community to Stop the Sexism and Misogyny in the Metal Scene
So, what’s the solution? It’s simple, really. Stop tolerating sexism. Stop pretending that it’s just “part of the culture.” Metal is supposed to be a refuge for the misfits and outcasts, right? Then let’s make it that. Women aren’t asking for special treatment—they’re asking for the same respect that men in the scene get by default.
Fans, musicians, promoters—it’s time to start calling out the sexism when you see it. Stop defending misogynistic lyrics and imagery under the guise of artistic expression. Hold bands accountable. If metal is going to survive and evolve, it needs to stop clinging to the outdated, harmful attitudes that have no place in any community, let alone one that prides itself on being different from the mainstream.
Sexism in metal is real, and it’s ugly. But it can be confronted. And it should be—because if the scene is truly about rebellion, it’s time we rebel against the misogyny that’s been poisoning it for far too long.
For more of my thoughts on the metal scene and beyond, check out my blog at the home page and find all my social links at social media. Let’s keep this conversation going because silence, after all, is complicity. That’s all about Sexism and Misogyny in the Metal Scene
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