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For someone passionate about Metal, listening to it at extremely high volume triggers metabolic changes within the body: a whirlwind of incredible sensations

by Juninho

Humans are able to identify sounds between frequencies of 20Hz and 20000Hz, with the human voice occurring between 250Hz and 8000Hz. The World Health Organization (WHO) establishes a safety limit of 55 decibels (dB). Continuous exposure to noise levels exceeding this can cause hearing loss in some people, especially involving the higher frequencies (3000Hz to 8000Hz). Obviously, there is relative variation in susceptibility to noise from individual to individual, but it is certain that the greater the intensity and duration of exposure, the greater the chance of noise-induced hearing loss.

When you look at the Heavy Metal scene, you realize that headbangers don't seem concerned about the WHO guidelines. In fact, they even joke about them. We have a funny example in the excellent documentary "Lemmy: 49% Motherfucker, 51% Son Of A Bitch," where one of the fans thanks Lemmy and Motorhead, explaining that after every show he suffers from hearing loss, he can't hear his wife's complaints (the female voice is precisely in that higher frequency range).

The reason why headbangers ignore the effects of high volume on their ears has a physiological basis. Exposure to high noise levels promotes an increase in the concentration of cortisol in the blood, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. It also induces the release of endorphins, a neurotransmitter with analgesic action that brings a feeling of comfort and well-being. Note that I used the term "noise," obviously not consistent with Heavy Metal, a musical style so pleasurable and of titanic quality. Therefore, thinking about someone who is a Metal aficionado, it is clear that the act of listening to it at very high volume exponentially potentiates these metabolic changes within their body: a true whirlwind of incredible sensations.

With all the previous scientific explanations, it's easy to understand why Heavy Metal bands compete for the title of "the loudest band in the world." Different measurement methods have been used, even through analysis of the engineering behind the released albums. However, the most celebrated analytical method is certainly the measurement of decibel levels during a live concert.

Before we get into dates and numbers involving bands, it's interesting to know, for example, that a jet engine turbine reaches 140-150 dB and that above 160 dB there is a risk of eardrum perforation. In various nightclubs and pop parties hosted by DJs, a person standing 1 meter away from the speakers will be immersed in a volume of approximately 120 dB.

Let's get to the facts.

In 1972, Deep Purple was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the loudest band in the world at the time, after a concert at the London Rainbow Theatre that registered 117 dB. It is speculated that 3 people in the audience were knocked unconscious by the noise.

On May 31, 1976, The Who broke this previous record. At a distance of 32 meters from the speakers, a value of 126 dB was detected during a show at the Charlton Athletic FC stadium.

Following the recorded facts chronologically, in 1984 the title of loudest band in the world changed hands again. Eric Adams' voice from Manowar reached 128 dB and The Who lost their title.

In 1994, Manowar, who were still the loudest band in the world, broke their own record after reaching 129.5 dB at a concert in Hanover. However, when they requested an update from the Guinness Book of Records, they were informed that the new value would not be recognized. The book would no longer include the "loudest band" category, as it did not want to encourage a record that could cause hearing damage.

But the band didn't stop there. Even though the "loudest band" category no longer exists in the Guinness Book of Records, in 2008 they recorded 139 dB measured from the central control booth during soundcheck at the Magic Circle Fest in Germany, the highest intensity ever achieved live by a band, although not officially recorded.

It would be impossible to finish this text without mentioning bands like AC/DC, Kiss, and Motörhead. The Guinness Book of Records doesn't recognize them among the record holders, but their fame precedes any title awarded by any publication.

During the Back in Black tour in 1980, the Australian band AC/DC recorded 130 dB at some concerts. Due to frequent complaints from the venues where they performed, they decided to lower the volume at several shows. This record was not endorsed by the Guinness Book of Records.

Kiss claims to have reached a noise level of 136 dB on July 15, 2009 in Ottawa, during a live performance (yes, Kiss concerts are a real spectacle). After complaints from neighbors, the band lowered the volume.

Metal critics frequently place Motörhead among the loudest bands in the world. Anyone who has seen them live knows this is no exaggeration. In 1986, an article by Scott Cohen , published in Spin magazine, recounts a concert where the Cleveland Variety Theater suffered structural damage after the band reached 130 dB, which was 10 points above The Who's record at the time. There's also a legend that during a soundcheck in the 80s, a man 5km away from the venue called the organizers complaining that he couldn't hear his TV.

Legends and stories aside, it's a fact that of all the bands mentioned, no member is known to have become deaf (at least not publicly declared).

Hugs to all!

Juninho

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