Why do we make THAT face when we hear a gnarly metal riff? Science has the answer

A music academic has explained why metalheads scrunch their faces up in response to a particularly brutal-sounding riff.

The expression, commonly referred to as ‘riff face’ or ‘stank face’, has frequently been observed among fans and metal artists alike.

Talking to Guitar World , UK scientist Milton Mermikides has explained the reaction, saying it comes in response to both the dopamine rush of a good, heavy riff and the dissonant sound of a distorted guitar.

“Stank face is perhaps just a modern term for a long-documented musical experience which falls somewhere between deep visceral pleasure and a sort of physical engagement, irritation or even repulsion – an ecstatic ‘pleasurable pain,’” he says.

“It relies on music’s unique ability to trigger a host of physical and emotional responses in the listener.

“These include our response to dissonance, such as the roughness of a sound – a scrunchy chord, an angular melody or a syncopated rhythm.”

Mermikides continues: “When coupled with the dopamine release from satisfying predictions and bodily engagement, these can produce ‘cross-modal’ responses.

“It’s as if the music is so rich, flavoursome and satisfying it bleeds into our other senses.

“Not only do we hear it, we can almost taste and smell it – hence the characteristic facial and bodily responses.”

In addition, Guitar World interviewed several musicians about the phenomenon, including Mark Holcomb of progressive metal favourites Periphery.

“Sometime it just takes a few seconds of hearing a riff and the face appears; no words need to be said,” says the guitarist.

“In the writing room, stank faces are the nexus of our language because they’re non-verbal.”

He adds: “It’s like a reflex.

“It’s one of those things that you react to and then you think about.

“Stank face riffs can’t be too notey. It needs to have a Neanderthal element to work.”

The Guitar World feature, which also has contributions from Spiritbox ’s Mike Stringer and Leprous ’ Tor Oddmund Suhrke, is available to read in full now .