Heavy metal figurations: Music consumption, subcultural control and civilising processes

Abstract

We explore heavy metal subculture through an Eliasian figurational lens. Both the theoretical focus and context of the study are used as a means of developing alternative explanations concerning the role of social groups in consumer culture, responding to calls within consumer culture theory for research that incorporates broader socio-historical perspectives. Using aspects of figurational theory, and drawing from data obtained during a three year participant-observation of both the live and online spaces of the scene, as well as qualitative interviews, we argue that control, both individual and social, plays a vital role in shaping the heavy metal figuration. This aspect has been somewhat overlooked in dominant tribal and subculture of consumption perspectives. The implications of this in terms of the quality of the music consumption experience, emotional excitement and subcultural capital are discussed in the context of broader civilising processes.