New York City-based death metal vocalist Brittany Anjou shared how she used her vocal skills and metal music to escape a dangerous stalker situation in a video posted on TikTok.
Anjou recounted the frightening encounter that occurred on July 4th. She described how a persistent individual followed her through multiple city blocks.
‘I was walking home on the night of the 4th of July when a guy started following me,’ Anjou said. ‘He followed me around for three corners. He was on a bike and he kept circling around. And he was saying, Why don’t you want to talk to me? Why don’t you want to talk to me? And I was trying to walk home and I didn’t say anything.’
The situation escalated when the stalker became more aggressive and confrontational.
‘I got mad. I was not afraid. I knew I could take him,’ she continued. ‘We were at the street corner and that’s when he biked in front of me stopped his bike in the middle of an inner section. He looks at me dead on and says, where do you live? And that’s when I got mad.’
Anjou then employed an unconventional but effective defense strategy using her death metal vocal training.
‘Little did he know that I’m a death metal vocalist,’ she explained. ‘I literally stopped, turned to him full body square, and I shouted in my best death metal growly voice the chorus to the song by Kittie, Raven. And the chorus is, Get away from me/Stay the f*ck away from me! I started chanting this to him in death metal growl voice.’
The aggressive vocal display had an immediate impact on her pursuer.
‘His jaw dropped. His eyes filled with terror. He literally did a U turn and ran away,’ Anjou said. ‘Believe me when I say metal saves lives.’
This incident highlights Anjou’s extensive musical background. It also shows her ability to draw from diverse performance experiences in high-pressure situations.
Maestra Music reported that Anjou brings over 20 years of experience performing across jazz, theater, punk, and world music scenes throughout New York City. Her versatility as a performer extends beyond death metal vocals. It showcases a broad range of musical expertise that has shaped her artistic identity.
Anjou currently leads the queer feminist punk band Bi Tyrant. She serves as both vocalist and composer. Metal Injection noted that her powerful voice during the confrontation carried across ‘two solid avenues.’ This demonstrated the impressive projection capabilities that come with her professional training.
Beyond her performance career, Anjou has pursued academic studies in music psychology. She holds a master’s degree in Music Psychology with a focus on the mental health of NYC musicians. This reflects her commitment to advocacy both on and off stage. This educational background provides her with unique insights into the therapeutic and protective aspects of musical expression.
The Canadian metal band Kittie formed in 1996. They became known for their aggressive sound and empowering lyrics. The track ‘Raven’ that proved so effective in this situation exemplifies the band’s approach to creating music that resonates with themes of strength and defiance. This made it an ideal choice for Anjou’s spontaneous self-defense strategy.
