Artificial Intelligence and Heavy Metal | Rei Wakita, Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies

Systems are being created that use artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose children's talents. Based on the results of physical measurements, they apparently suggest sports that are suitable for the child. Will these kinds of systems be developed in various fields? Suitable occupations, places to live, ideal marriage partners... a future where various life choices are replaced by algorithms.

Changing the subject, I love heavy metal. It seems that thanks to the global popularity of Babymetal, more and more young people are awakening to this wonderful music (?). The originators of this genre can be said to be the band from Birmingham, England, Black Sabbath (which means “black day of rest” in Japanese). Guitarist Tony Iommi plays heavy, demonic riffs on a black Gibson SG with cross inlays on the fretboard. Even setting aside my love for Sabbath, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the foundation of the heavy metal genre was built on Iommi's heavy riffs.

The characteristic of Iommi's riffs is the repeated use of power chords (especially the tritone). This chord has a very dark and ominous sound, and for a long time, it was considered taboo in the music of the Christian cultural sphere. However, Iommi discovered that by repeatedly using power chords, a certain kind of musical aesthetic was induced. Sabbath's music is thoroughly dark, anti-authoritarian, and yet, comfortable. From the band name “Black Sabbath,” one can feel the spirit of daring to live as heretics within the Christian cultural sphere and carving out a new world. Would it be an exaggeration to say it's similar to SFC?

By the way, the tips of Iommi's middle and ring fingers are missing. He had an unfortunate accident while working in a factory in his youth. For a guitarist, it was a career-ending injury. However, he overcame this adversity by covering his fingertips with self-made resin caps. Still, it was difficult to apply pressure with his fingertips, and playing super-technical fast passages was a major challenge. So, he changed his guitar strings to the thinner, softer ones used for a banjo, and also started using a lower tuning so he could press the strings with less force. This became the catalyst for creating his heavy sound. Furthermore, in the process of creating phrasing that relied on the movement of his entire palm rather than just his fingertips, his style of heavily using power chords was likely developed. In other words, the style of heavy metal was born from the ingenuity Iommi used to overcome his physical difficulties.

If AI had existed back then, would it have recommended the profession of a guitarist to the young Iommi? Around this time of year, I often get consulted by students about their future career paths. Amidst this, I happened to hear news about the industrial use of AI and was reminded of Iommi.

Tony Iommi from Paul Blow on Vimeo.  

Rei Wakita, Dean and Professor, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Faculty Profile