For the analysis, I have chosen song by Metallica “Blackened”. The song lasts for 8:02.
Instrumental element
In the song, the band used percussion and string instruments. In the very beginning, the first part of the intro (0:00 – 0:36) a growing sound of guitar is clearly heard. In the next second, 0:37, a listener hears drums. Since that time, the second part of the intro.
The vocalist begins to sing since 1:22. We see that instrumental intro is rather long. The vocal element contrasts on the background of instruments. In the song, we hear soft guitar sounds, loud drum beats and sharp voice of James Hetfield.
Tempo
The TEMPO of the song is changing. The intro is slow. However, when drums come in, the tempo begins to speed. During the chorus (2:22 – 2:33) the tempo is the fastest. I should admit that tempo plays a significant role in this song. The musicians emphasized the lyrics with the tempo. The tempo, as well as instruments, makes us focus more on music and not lyrics. The song is written in heavy metal genre, which determines the fast tempo of a song.
Pitch and melody
PITCH is the lowness or highness of music instrument. The smaller is the instrument, the higher is the pitch. In the song, guitars and drums are used. Guitars make low pitch.
In the intro, the upward MOVEMENT is heard clearly. When listening to the intro, it is clear that the music tension is growing. This helps musicians make listeners come into the song, make them involved. MELODIC PATTERNS helps this as well. The patterns are ascending. The TONALITY is minor.
