Abstract
This study expands on the accompanying video by exploring the usefulness of cathartic concepts in understanding heavy metal music (HMM) concert experiences. Aristotle’s concept, first introduced in Poetics twenty‐four centuries ago, has been interpreted in various ways to analyze theatrical performances, literary fiction, poetry and music. Limited attention has focused on how catharsis may apply to collective rituals. This article addresses these issues by evaluating catharsis via collective ritual. The interdependent framework employed for this study comprises five components: 1) disempowered self, 2) collective un/consciousness, 3) ritual performance, 4) cognitive/emotional balance, and 5) rejuvenation. The study found that the HMM experience often elicits strong emotional relatedness stemming from social disempowerment and holds potential for cathartic outcomes. Emotional and cognitive modifications in the collective ritual not only relieve frustrations and tensions of daily life, but also facilitate enlightenment and moral justification that empower through positive reevaluation of self.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
