Stuff You Should Know – Episode: Heavy Metal Pt II
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Hosts: Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant
Production: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the second part of their deep dive into the world of heavy metal, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explore the multifaceted realm of metal music. From notorious antics of legendary figures to the intricate subgenres and profound societal impacts, this episode offers a comprehensive look into what makes heavy metal a lasting and influential force in the music industry.

Ozzy Osbourne's Controversies

[01:55] Josh Clark: "Did you know Ozzy was kicked out of Black Sabbath for partying too hard?"

Josh and Chuck kick off the discussion by delving into the infamous controversies surrounding Ozzy Osbourne. Known for his wild behavior, Ozzy was ousted from Black Sabbath in the late '70s due to excessive partying. This led to Ronnie James Dio taking his place and Ozzy embarking on a successful solo career. A highlight of Ozzy’s notoriety includes his shocking stunt at a CBS sales convention where he bit the heads off live doves instead of releasing them. "He bit the head off one to shock people in a room," Josh remarks ([03:07]).

The conversation takes a darker turn as they discuss Ozzy's infamous bat incident in Des Moines. Chuck shares, “When somebody threw a bat on stage, right?” leading to Ozzy reportedly biting the head off a bat. However, subsequent investigations revealed the bat was already dead, complicating the narrative. Josh humorously reflects, “I don't know what is worse, biting the head off of a live bat or biting the head off of a bat that's been sitting around dead for a couple of days.”

PMRC and Censorship in Metal

[04:26] Josh Clark: "The PMRC released their Filthy 15, and nine out of the 15 were metal or hard rock bands."

The hosts revisit the impact of the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) from 1985, led by Tipper Gore. The PMRC aimed to "clean up" music by introducing content ratings and released the controversial Filthy 15 list, predominantly featuring metal and hard rock bands. "Venom and merciful fate again. I get why suburban parents were scared of these guys," Chuck explains ([05:01]).

Josh points out the unintended consequences, noting how explicit lyrics labels and MTV's Headbangers Ball provided metal with a badge of honor, inadvertently boosting the genre's popularity. "They ended up with the warning explicit lyrics sticker, which actually helped a lot of hip hop groups sell more records," he adds.

MTV and the Exposure of Metal

[05:54] Host 1: "Iron Maiden had not one, but two videos played on MTV in the first 24 hours that MTV was on the air."

MTV's role in promoting heavy metal is another focal point. Initially, MTV featured an eclectic mix of genres, including heavy metal, with bands like Iron Maiden breaking into the mainstream. However, as pressure from groups like the PMRC mounted, metal content was relegated to specialized shows like Headbangers Ball. "Headbangers Ball was a haven where metalheads could really sink in for a couple of hours," Josh notes ([07:24]).

Diversity in Heavy Metal

[07:52] Josh Clark: "Metal has been and still remains pretty white, working-class male for the most part, but it's definitely gotten more diverse."

Josh and Chuck highlight the gradual diversification within the metal scene. While traditionally dominated by white, working-class males, bands like Bad Brains, Body Count, and Living Color have introduced greater racial and cultural diversity. They also spotlight female metal pioneers such as Elisa Whitegloz from Arch Enemy and Nita Strauss, praising their contributions and influence. "Nita is great. I met her backstage, and she's super awesome," Chuck shares ([10:13]).

Metal Tropes: Fashion and Typography

[12:25] Josh Clark: "Decorative umlauts make anything seem more metal in writing."

The discussion shifts to iconic metal aesthetics, including the use of leather and studs pioneered by Rob Halford of Judas Priest, reflecting the genre's roots in underground gay BDSM clubs. They also explore the humorous yet significant use of decorative umlauts in band names, attributing its popularization to metal culture rather than its initial use by bands like Blue Oyster Cult. "If you throw a couple of decorative umlauts in there, it just looks more metal," Chuck comments ([12:39]).

Roots of Heavy Metal: Classical Influences

[14:11] Josh Clark: "Many heavy metal lead guitarists were schooled in classical music."

The hosts emphasize the technical prowess inherent in metal music, noting its classical influences. Guitar virtuosos like Randy Rhoads and Eddie Van Halen incorporated classical training into their playing, enhancing metal's complexity and virtuosity. "Metal musicians tend to be about as talented as you'll find in any rock outfit by far," Josh asserts ([14:11]).

Metal's Social and Political Messages

[24:14] Josh Clark: "Metal is a very sort of low key leftist musical genre."

Josh and Chuck explore the often-overlooked social and political dimensions of metal music. Using Metallica’s "Injustice for All" as a prime example, they discuss how metal frequently carries anti-establishment, anti-fascist, and anti-authoritarian messages. "It's essentially super populist, anti establishment, anti fascism, anti authoritarian messages," Josh explains ([24:14]).

They also address instances where the metal community has stood against far-right ideologies, citing Phil Anselmo's racist outbursts and the collective condemnation from fellow metal artists. "People came out speaking out against them, not the least of which was Scott Ian of Anthrax," Chuck adds ([27:02]).

Impact of Metal on the Brain

[28:37] Josh Clark: "Metal tests and taxes your brain in a good way."

The conversation delves into the cognitive effects of listening to metal. Studies indicate that metal music engages the brain through complex rhythms and time signatures, enhancing focus and emotional resilience. "People with ADHD and people on the autism spectrum tend to report that heavy metal actually helps them focus better," Josh shares ([28:37]).

Subgenres and Complexity in Metal

[32:35] Josh Clark: "Mathcore is a combination of metalcore and math rock."

Josh and Chuck dissect the intricate subgenres within metal, highlighting how metal's diversification rivals that of any other musical genre. They explain mathcore as a niche blend of metalcore and math rock, characterized by its technical complexity and experimental nature. "Metal is so divided and cut up the genre of heavy metal is. That's how niche it's gotten into," Josh observes ([32:35]).

Album Covers: Art as Part of the Metal Experience

[39:35] Host 1: "Album covers are always important, but it feels like metal they're even more important."

Album art holds a pivotal role in metal's visual identity. The hosts discuss iconic covers such as Black Sabbath's self-titled debut, Metallica’s "Master of Puppets," and Dio’s "Holy Diver." Each artwork not only complements the music but also enhances the listener's experience. "It's just part of the experience," Chuck emphasizes ([40:39]).

The Tragic Death of Randy Rhoads

[47:03] Josh Clark: "Randy Rhoads was a very soft-spoken guy, virtuoso from the jump as a teenager."

A poignant segment covers the untimely death of Randy Rhoads, the virtuoso guitarist who joined Ozzy Osbourne’s band. At just 25, Randy died in a plane crash after piloting a Beechcraft Bonanza to buzz the band's tour bus, resulting in a tragic loss for the metal community and Ozzy personally. "Randy Rhodes was a great kid. He was a very soft-spoken guy," Josh reflects ([47:15]).

Rolling Stone's Top 10 Metal Albums

[55:22] Josh Clark: "Number one with a Bullet Paranoid from Black Sabbath."

Chuck presents a Rolling Stone-inspired top 10 list of metal albums, featuring classics like Pantera’s "Vulgar Display of Power," Metallica’s "Master of Puppets," and Black Sabbath’s "Paranoid." Though the hosts humorously debate the rankings, the list underscores the enduring legacy of these seminal works. "Number one with a Bullet Paranoid from Black Sabbath," Chuck announces ([55:22]).

Closing Remarks

[58:34] Josh Clark: "If you want to get in touch with us about heavy metal or anything, you can send it via email."

Josh and Chuck conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with them about heavy metal and share their favorite bands or stories. They also offer book and movie recommendations related to the themes discussed, ensuring the conversation ends on a thoughtful and engaging note.

Notable Quotes

• Josh Clark [01:55]: "Did you know Ozzy was kicked out of Black Sabbath for partying too hard?"
• Josh Clark [03:07]: "He bit the head off one to shock people in a room."
• Josh Clark [05:54]: "The PMRC released their Filthy 15, and nine out of the 15 were metal or hard rock bands."
• Josh Clark [12:25]: "Decorative umlauts make anything seem more metal in writing."
• Josh Clark [14:11]: "Many heavy metal lead guitarists were schooled in classical music."
• Josh Clark [24:14]: "Metal is a very sort of low key leftist musical genre."
• Josh Clark [28:37]: "Metal tests and taxes your brain in a good way."
• Chuck Bryant [55:22]: "Number one with a Bullet Paranoid from Black Sabbath."

Conclusion

"Heavy Metal Pt II" offers an in-depth exploration of heavy metal's rich history, cultural significance, and enduring influence. From legendary controversies and battles against censorship to the genre’s deep social messages and complex subgenres, Josh and Chuck provide listeners with a thorough understanding of what makes metal a powerful and enduring musical force.

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