The Breakup Cure: Hard Rock and Metal

By Kayla Harper

Heavy metal and hard rock are probably not the first genres that come to mind when people think of music to listen to after a breakup, myself included. I always imagined that when I went through my first breakup a couple years ago I would cling to Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers and Gracie Abrams-esque sad girl pop songs. Although, I did find a lot of these musicians’ discographies became more relatable, I found the most comfort in, and felt the most seen and like myself again, when I listened to hard rock and metal.

I believe it took going through my first breakup to fully appreciate and understand certain aspects of these genres. Such as the vulnerability and depth of lyrics, the power of adrenalizing instrumentals and the therapeutic side of screaming. I will be touching on each of these aspects and explaining why they are the ultimate cure for a quick and healthy recovery from a breakup, as opposed to the usual sad pop music people typically go to. At the end of the article I have also included links (for both Apple Music and Spotify) to a playlist of some of the songs that got me through my first breakup, and now through any bad day.

Lyrics and Emotional Depth

I believe the exceptional talent of many hard rock/metal lyricists is overlooked because of the heavy instrumentals and sound of their music. However, one of my favourite lyricists of all time, Corey Taylor, is the front-man of both Slipknot and Stone Sour. His lyrics in particular felt like they were reaching out to me and giving me a hug in my most difficult moments.

One of the hardest things after a breakup is finding ourselves again and adjusting to life without the person who’s presence we had become so accustomed to. Of course a sad breakup song is definitely relatable during this emotional time, but it is only that; an outlet that makes you feel heard; that validates your feelings. Those sad songs do not always help you improve yourself and actually heal your emotional wounds… at least not as quickly as hard-rock/metal.

Despite the angry and intense sound, a common theme within the lyrics of hard-rock/metal music is self-love/self-respect, empowerment and recovering from a bad place. At least within the specific artists and songs I have included on this playlist. The lyrics manage to show one how to turn their negative emotions into power to be better, while still maintaining aspects of heartbreak/betrayal. Whereas typical pop breakup songs tend to just justify how alone and sad you are.

A few of my favourite examples, from songs included on the playlist are listed below:

“You feared of phantoms and none exist but you, you still saw fit to destroy it” -“Two Weeks” by All That Remains

(May I also add that this song has a SICK solo in the middle part).

“Don’t try to be the one person who has stayed just to say they never left me” –“Orchids” by Stone Sour
“I live at arms length and die a little between your constants by day / I want my soul back before it’s over, I can’t even wish you away” -“Orchids” by Stone Sour

(even if you don’t listen to it, at least read all of the lyrics in this song, they’re incredible).

“Now I will never give up / I don’t wanna have it all I just wanna have enough” -“30/30-150” by Stone Sour

(This is my favourite song EVER listen to the whole thing, you’ll feel amazing).

“Should I open up my eyes or just ignore who you are and what you could have been” -“Lost In The Crowd” by Shinedown

(This whole song has so many good lyrics and it’s not even actually heavy).

“I miss the late nights don’t miss you at all…I don’t miss you, I miss the misery” -“I Miss The Misery” by Halestorm

(A great breakup banger from a boss babe in the hard rock realm).

“I will never bow down tonight, even if you pull me under / there’s no way that you can block the light, even if you kill the sunrise” -“Everybody Hates You Now” by Meytal

(Insane female drummer in this band!! This song is so uplifting if you are trying to let go of someone who has done you wrong and recover from it).

“I am all there is to know / I am all that you’ve forgotten / I am enigmatic now / you never even my name / I am dressed in tragedy / I am by design immortal … I am gonna be reborn” -“Reborn” by Stone Sour

(another one that you just HAVE to listen to… it healed me and made me a better version of myself, basically just a bunch of positive affirmations).

I could go on forever so, I’m going to leave the rest for you to discover in the playlist and beyond.

Empowering Instrumental

Along with the meaningful and uplifting lyrics, hard-rock/metal music tends to have powerful and energetic instrumentals which tend to make listeners feel more empowered. They get you up from sulking on the floor and force you to feel the energy of the music and fuel it into bettering yourself. Additionally, I will admit that some good metal screaming, when done safely and properly so you do not damage your vocal chords, is also very therapeutic.

It is common that when we are feeling down after something like a breakup, we have no energy to want to do anything. However, the adrenalizing double kicks and intricate guitar solos, along with the empowering lyrics, make hard-rock/metal music the perfect motivator to get up, take care of yourself, and get things done.

Personally, I experienced a newfound heightened self-respect, love and control over my emotions when using this genre of music as my emotional outlet during breakups and many other difficult situations. I am always left happier after listening than I was before. It is as if the music helps you to get your emotions out, take control of them and yourself, and then feel better by the time the song is over.

I hope after reading this article that on your next bad day you will consider listening to this playlist and discovering your own favourite songs to help you through it. I understand that hard-rock/metal is not for everyone, but I believe if you give it an honest try you may just find the best coping mechanism and a new passion!