The Bacchic forms and the grotesque Bakhtinian in images of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock

Abstract

The language of Rock has the nature of parody, allegory, carnival and imagery. A typology of image content was obtained through the concept of carnivalization as stated by Mikhail Bakhtin, and by means of it, this text analyses the use and signification of pictures containing grotesque, physical deformities, monsterized types in the visual language of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal worlds. The theoretical fundaments also include the contributions from Vilém Flusser and Junito de Souza Brandão. The stigma of the rebel behavior from Hard Rock and Heavy Metal spread and reinforce their influence with the steady popularization of these musical genders - which have been enthusiastically portrayed through powerful imagery appeals - as a consequence of the bands' marketing staffs always adopting visual support to foster allusions to rule breach and search for liberty.