“AND AM I BORN TO DIE?”: COLLECTIVE MEMORY AND TRAUMA IN CONTEMPORARY APPALACHIAN HEAVY METAL

This thesis delves into the terrain of Appalachian heavy metal by tracing the histories of both the region's people and its pristine landscapes marred by capitalist exploitation and colonial abuses. Through a case-study based exploration of the lyrical and sonic expressions of contemporary Appalachian heavy metal bands, my research explores how these artists serve as modern-day storytellers, confronting and processing the enduring trauma embedded in Appalachian history. The musicians, rooted in the very communities they address, are pivotal actors in the ongoing struggle for identity and justice in the face of historical injustices.

The research herein serves as a testament to the cathartic and therapeutic power of Appalachian heavy metal. By telling these stories and experiences, this thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of how a misunderstood genre like heavy metal can serve as a powerful medium for confronting and ultimately, transcending, legacies of exploitation and trauma.