When you think of metal bands, you might envision a group of hard-rocking musicians, heads banging to the rhythm of heavy guitar riffs. But there’s another side to this genre that’s less explored: the fascinating world of metal bands that wear makeup. This trend, often seen as a bold statement of individuality, has been a part of the metal scene for decades.
From the iconic KISS to the contemporary Black Veil Brides, makeup has become an integral part of the metal band aesthetic. It’s not just about looking different; it’s about creating a persona that transcends the ordinary. In the following sections, we’ll dive into this colorful aspect of metal music, exploring why these bands don makeup and how it influences their music and fan base.
Metal Bands that Wear Makeup
KISS: The Pioneers of Makeup in Metal
KISS, the iconic rock band, championed the use of makeup. Their signature black-and-white face paint is more than cosmetic enhancement. Each design, unique to a band member, embodies personified alter-egos—Starchild, Demon, Catman, Spaceman—amplifying their larger-than-life stage presence, and imprinting an enduring legacy in metal bands that wear makeup.
Alice Cooper: Theatrics and Horror
Alice Cooper, another one of the metal bands that wear makeup, famous for theatrical horror elements, embraced makeup for its dramatic potential. Cooper’s dark, smudged eye makeup became as legendary as the ghastly onstage antics: guillotines, snakes, and faux blood. Immaculately blending horror aesthetics into his concerts, Cooper’s use of makeup intensified music’s impact, heightening audiences’ emotional investment in the narrative.
Slipknot: Masks and Identity
Notably, Slipknot adopted masks instead of makeup, an unorthodox yet impactful approach. The band’s nine members ornament personalized masks, reflecting each one’s personality or inner struggles. Those masks, working in tandem with their aggressive music, create a powerful on-stage spectacle while offering a sense of unified identity despite their anonymity.
Makeup Styles in Different Metal Genres
Glam Metal and the Flamboyant Style
Glam metal, prevalent in the ’80s, favored intense, flamboyant makeup. Bands like Poison, Bon-Jovi, and Cinderella championed this style, aiming to provoke with their daring aesthetics. Bold eyeliner, glittery eyeshadow, and vibrant lipstick became their war paint, as it underscored the genre’s vivacious energy and rebellion against conventional norms.
Black Metal and Corpse Paint
In stark contrast stood the grim aesthetics of black metal. Bands like Mayhem and Gorgoroth adopted corpse paint — crude, contrasting applications of black and white makeup — reflecting the genre’s darker themes of death and nihilism. It’s a direct extension of their music, conveying an intense aura of brutality and eeriness, befitting of the genre’s philosophies.
Impact of Makeup on Metal Culture
Influence on Fashion and Fandom
Makeup in metal not only crafts an image for the band but also sparks trends among fans, creting a distinctive visual culture. For instance, KISS fans, known as ‘KISS Army,’ often mimic the band’s iconic face paint at shows, participating in the band’s aesthetic identity. Similarly, black metal enthusiasts replicate the corpse paint style, affirming their allegiance to the genre. In essence, makeup functions as a symbol of affiliation and identity within the fandom.
Metal Bands that Wear Makeup: Gender Expression in Metal
Beyond the visual spectacle, makeup in metal serves as a medium for gender expression and societal critique. Bands like Poison and Twisted Sister, characterized by their flamboyant makeup, challenged traditional norms of masculinity with their androgynous appearance. Similarly, Marilyn Manson’s provocative use of makeup defies gender stereotypes, reflecting the genre’s defiance against societal norms. Thus, makeup extends beyond aesthetics, playing a transformative role in conveying messages about gender fluidity and individuality in the metal environment.
Making a Statement
It’s clear that makeup in metal bands isn’t just a fashion statement. It’s a powerful tool that amplifies stage presence, enhances thematic narratives, and creates a unique visual culture. From the flamboyant glam rock of the 70s to the darker aesthetics of black metal in the 90s, makeup has played a pivotal role in the genre’s evolution. Bands like KISS, Alice Cooper, and Marilyn Manson have used it to create distinctive personas, making a lasting impact on fans and the music industry.