Turns out headbanging may be good for more than just building your neck muscles.

Researchers studying attendees at Germany's massive Wacken Open Air festival found that heavy metal fans who spent several days immersed in live performances were able to tolerate pain longer than a comparable group tested before the festival began. The experiment involved having participants place their hands and forearms in ice-cold water to measure their pain tolerance. 

Interestingly, the metal fans did not report that the pain felt any less intense. Instead, they were simply able to endure it for longer periods. Scientists believe the experience may be tied to the emotional release provided by heavy metal music, which often channels feelings such as anger, frustration, and aggression in a socially acceptable way. 

The findings add to a growing body of research exploring how music influences the brain and body. While previous studies have linked favorite music to pain relief, this research suggests that the unique atmosphere of a live metal festival may also help people become more resilient when faced with discomfort. 

Beyond giving metal fans another reason to crank up the volume, the results could have practical applications. Researchers say understanding how certain types of music affect pain tolerance may eventually help develop new approaches for managing chronic pain and improving emotional well-being.