5. Finally, we suspect that stimulative music (heavy metal surely qualifies)
may stimulate certain bodily functions while actually sedating others
(much like alcohol). The simplicity, the repetitive beat, and the
uniformity of timbre and dynamics may contribute to a lowered level of
consciousness. This may be why parents report that when their young-
sters sit in apparent headphoned reverence while listening to music,
they seen almost trancelike. If this is true (and we must admit that
this phenomenon has yet to be scientifically substantiated to my know-
ledge), it would imply that while in such a state, the listener has a
greater susceptability [sic] to suggestion. When our conscious mind "dozes
off," our subconscious is left with its guard down and rather indis-
criminately accepts all input. Further study of this possible phenomenon
is needed.
C. There has been much speculation about the use of covert messages (subliminals)
in heavy metal music. It is said that two kinds of subliminals exist.
1. Subaudibles (forward messages). Most contemporary rock recordings consist
of multiple tracks (at least 16) which are mixed together at various
dynamic levels. It is possible that one such track could contain a
verbal message (Satanic, sexual, or anything). This track could be mixed
in at such a low level that the other tracks easily cover it. If heard
by itself, it would be audible; but mixed underneath fifteen or more
other tracks, it is inaudible to the conscious mind. But, as the theory
goes, the subconscious mind soaks up (and stores) all input. This type
of message to the subconscious is one type of "subliminal" message.
(A variant on this technique is to record the message normally, and then
mix it in at high speed. Again, the conscious mind misses it; but does
the subconscious?)
2. Backmasking (backwards messages). Some messages are presented to the
listener backwards. While listening to a normal forward message (often
somewhat nonsensical), one is simultaneously being treated to a back-
wards message (in other words, the lyric sounds like one set of words
going forward, and a different set of words going backwards). Some
experts believe that while the conscious mind is absorbing the forward
lyric, the subconscious is working overtime to decipher the backwards
message. Of course by spinning the record backwards (or by tape
manipulation), the conscious mind gets a chance to hear the message too!
There has been much controversy about subliminals (both forward subaudibles
and backmasking). Several countries (e.g. Belgium, Great Britain) have
banned the use of subliminals. The National Association of Broadcasters
issued a rule forbidding its members'use [sic] of subliminals.13 The FCC says
that the use of subliminals in advertising is "inconsistent with the ob-
ligations of the license...[and] contrary to the public interest." They
continued, "Whether effective or not, such broadcasts are clearly intended
to be deceptive."14 A United Nations study concluded that "the cultural
implications of subliminal indoctrination is a major threat to human rights
throughout the world."15 Aryeh Neier (formerly executive director of the
ACLU[)] said, "People have a right to go about their business without being
subjected to manipulation they don't even know about."16 Olivia Goodkin,
an attorney, said in testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Trans-
portation, Aviation, and Materials (hearing on subliminal communication
technology) that "undisclosed subliminal communication poses an unusual
kind of captivity... since the audience cannot avert its eyes or shut its
ears or retreat to private places if it does not even know that the com-
munication is taking place."17 Subliminals are, at the very least, an
invasion of privacy.
Again, more research is needed to determine the actual extent to which
subliminals are used and the extent to which they influence the listener.
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