Take note: Why fans of heavy metal and classical music have a lot in common

But while their appearance could be vastly different, lovers of the two musical genres actually have much in common.

Psychologists have found that classical aficionados share virtually identical personality traits with 'metalheads' - fans of bands such as Slipknot, Megadeth and Bullet For My Valentine.

Metalheads' favourite Corey Taylor of Slipknot and violinist Jennifer Pike

Both types tend to be creative, at ease with themselves and introverted.

The findings come from research into the personalities of more than 36,000 music fans from all over the world.

Professor Adrian North, who led the study at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, admits he was surprised by the findings. 'Apart from the age differences, they were virtually identical,' he said.

'Both were more creative than other people, both were not terribly outgoing and they were also quite at ease.'

Like classical lovers, metal fans verge on the obsessive about their music. They have divided the genre into ever smaller sub-groups such as death metal, thrash metal, Christian metal, glam metal and neo-classical metal.

'There's also a sense of theatre which is common with both groups,' Professor North added. 'For heavy metal bands it's about putting on a show.'

The study - based on online interviews as far afield as China and Chile - reveals that many of the stereotypes about other musical tastes hold true.

Jazz fans, for instance are creative, outgoing and chilled out.

Country and Western fans are hard-working, reggae fans are laidback, punk fans are aggressive and creative, while fans of indie bands lack self-esteem.

Almost all music fans were rated as creative with three notable exceptions - lovers of easy listening, disco and chart pop.

'It's almost as if these musical types transcend national boundaries,' added Professor North. 'All the jazz fans, for example, had a lot more in common with another jazz fan in another continent than they would with a fan of a different musical style in their own country.'

Professor North said musical tastes were a reflection of character. 'It's as though they're choosing the music to tell the world something about themselves.

'People often define their sense of identity through their musical taste, wearing particular clothes, going to certain pubs, and using certain types of slang.

'It's not so surprising that personality should also be related to musical preference.'

He believes fans of jazz and soul music have the 'best' type of personality, showing positive traits such as good self-esteem, creativity and having an outgoing nature.

Thirty-seven-year-old Professor North, whose own favourite is indie bands, is expanding his research and urges music lovers to visit www.peopleintomusic.com where they will be asked to complete a short questionnaire.