Heavy Metal Music

[mdrummer5]

Other people’s creative works are only as sinful as the power you give them.
I absolutely LOVE some Motley Crue songs, a little Dio, LOVE Van Halen, Metallica, etc., but you won’t catch me acting on the themes of some of their songs. In fact, I don’t even really know what some of the songs are about (although I do know that Motley Crue is heavy on the sex ), because, as someone else mentioned, I like the MUSIC. I don’t really care about the lyrics if the music takes me on an emotional high. Some classical music does the same thing for me as hard rock and heavy metal. It’s a mood thing. Sometimes, I like to chill with a little Pink Floyd.

Well said. I don’t care for some of the lyrical content in the music I listen to I focus almost entirely on the drums and how they compliment the rest of the band. If Lamb of God would release all of their stuff with a vocal free version I’d be the first in line… however since they don’t… I’m perfectly content to ignore Randy and focus on the awesomeness of Chris

 

[Syrophenikan]

I’m a big fan of metal, especially the gothic-style ones.

Does it get a little maltheistic at times? Of course.

But whether or not it’s a sin depends, ultimately, on its effect on you.

If it jeopardizes your spiritual state, then you should avoid it like the plague.

If it doesn’t, then don’t, although there will be times where you’ll be moved to turn it off anyway.

 

[punisherthunder]

slayer!!!

Welcome to the boards. Listening to slayer is a sin here just fyi

I will say i found two christian metal bands i can kinda get into. As i lay dying and war of ages… But they still have nothing on slayer, lamb of god etc.

slayer…

 

[desmond27]

Hi,

Sorry for bumping an old thread.

I am have been into metal for around 9 years, during which time I almost never listened to any other musical genre. Though I don’t know very well why I like this music, I do appreciate its complexity and speed. I also have an affinity for darker and well articulated lyrics. I do understand that some metal music is categorized as satanic, Norwegian Black metal being a prime example, but it is because of the animosity of a selected few people towards Christianity. So, it is imperative that people not take the lyrics seriously, I for one don’t do so. Some lyrics are not very understandable, but I make no effort to find out what they actually are since the music usually more than enough for me.

A prime example of someone who maintains a middle ground about this is Slayer’s vocalist/bassist Tom Araya as stated here. Similarly Megadeth vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine as stated here.

Despite the fact that patrons of such music abuse alcohol, drugs &c, I have never done so and find no appeal in it.

 

[Joe_5859]

Hi,

Sorry for bumping an old thread.

I am have been into metal for around 9 years, during which time I almost never listened to any other musical genre. Though I don’t know very well why I like this music, I do appreciate its complexity and speed. I also have an affinity for darker and well articulated lyrics. I do understand that some metal music is categorized as satanic, Norwegian Black metal being a prime example, but it is because of the animosity of a selected few people towards Christianity. So, it is imperative that people not take the lyrics seriously, I for one don’t do so. Some lyrics are not very understandable, but I make no effort to find out what they actually are since the music usually more than enough for me.

A prime example of someone who maintains a middle ground about this is Slayer’s vocalist/bassist Tom Araya as stated here. Similarly Megadeth vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine as stated here.

Despite the fact that patrons of such music abuse alcohol, drugs &c, I have never done so and find no appeal in it.

Welcome!

 

[buzzoff1031]

Don’t know if the OP is checking this thread still or if anyone else is for that matter, but check out Fratello Metallo (Metal Frier). It’s an Italian monk who fronts a heavy metal band. I love this particular music as well and wish there were more bands like this (catholic specifically…you can find a relative plethora of Christian metal bands). Rock on! :dancing:

 

[desmond27]

I checked him out. Fratello Metallo. Though not as heavy or technical as other bands, it does have a good groove. I am glad that people have accepted metal as a medium of expression which can express a wide variety of expressions. I am sad that people still stereotype it as satanic music, while most artists (with exception of Norwegians, I think) put up a satanic act in order to sell more.

Respect to Friar Cesare and I hope that more people are inspired to follow in his music.

 

[buzzoff1031]

I checked him out. Fratello Metallo. Though not as heavy or technical as other bands, it does have a good groove. I am glad that people have accepted metal as a medium of expression which can express a wide variety of expressions. I am sad that people still stereotype it as satanic music, while most artists (with exception of Norwegians, I think) put up a satanic act in order to sell more.

Respect to Friar Cesare and I hope that more people are inspired to follow in his music.

Indeed. Again, I think there are quite a few generally Christian metal bands out there. Demon Hunter, Bride, Stryper, Thousand Foot Crutch, Skillet, Disciple to name a few. I just wish, as I said, that there were more overtly Catholic ones.

 

[FromTheAshes777]

I am a big fan of Demon Hunter. Great musicians and really good lyrics, plus I believe some of them are Catholics

 

[buzzoff1031]

I am a big fan of Demon Hunter. Great musicians and really good lyrics, plus I believe some of them are Catholics

I’ve seen someone else say that on another forum. I guess I shouldn’t worry about it too much if the band’s Catholic or not. As long as they are followers of Christ and don’t speak anything agains the Church, then I should be cool with them, right? (Although the friar fronted metal band…totally awesome! )

 

[Eriksoln]

I agree with you, Genesis. Of course my post is going to trigger angry responses, but I think that if you have Jesus in your heart, you would have no desire for such dark-sounding music. You know Church fathers, especially in the middle ages, viewed music as being inseperable from God–music was made by God for no other purpose than for us to use it to worship Him. It’s obvious that certain music brings about certain feelings in one’s body/mind; St Augustine says in his writings that the beautiful music of the Catholic Church at his time was a key role in his conversion to belief in God. The music inspired his soul to search for God. I don’t think death metal–whether “christian” or not–can claim that it glorifies God or inspires souls–besides possibly inspiring teens to shoot their classmates. thats all for now . . . let the anmgry responses begin!

“The first response to Truth is anger.” -st thomas aquinus

I have not read every post yet, but had to stop here and comment.

I must admit, I have lived exactly what you are describing: “if you have Jesus in your heart, you would have no desire for such dark-sounding music.”

When I was younger, I thought the Alpha and Omega of the music world was Heavy Metal. I followed many bands and felt so “alive” while listening to my music collection.

Now, older and a little wiser (emphasis on “a little”), I find myself avoiding such music. It is not a conscious decision to do so though. I’m simply not always in the mood for it anymore. I have not thrown out the Heavy Metal portions of my music collection or anything like that but, to be honest, I may as well have because they spend years on the shelf without being played. They collect dust while other forms of music seem to draw me to them more so than Heavy Metal does.

Is this because I am less focused on my self will and more focused on walking along God’s path for me? I can’t say for sure, but it’d be foolish to write this off as a simple coincidence or just a matter of taste changing with age.

Just my experience with it, not saying its necessarily “right” or the only way to see it.

 

[jam070406]

Hi,

Sorry for bumping an old thread.

I am have been into metal for around 9 years, during which time I almost never listened to any other musical genre. Though I don’t know very well why I like this music, I do appreciate its complexity and speed. I also have an affinity for darker and well articulated lyrics. I do understand that some metal music is categorized as satanic, Norwegian Black metal being a prime example, but it is because of the animosity of a selected few people towards Christianity. So, it is imperative that people not take the lyrics seriously, I for one don’t do so. Some lyrics are not very understandable, but I make no effort to find out what they actually are since the music usually more than enough for me.

A prime example of someone who maintains a middle ground about this is Slayer’s vocalist/bassist Tom Araya as stated here. Similarly Megadeth vocalist/guitarist Dave Mustaine as stated here.

Despite the fact that patrons of such music abuse alcohol, drugs &c, I have never done so and find no appeal in it.

Kerry King of Slayer is repulsive and anti-Christian, with demonic tattoos to boot.

 

[jam070406]

I am a big fan of Demon Hunter. Great musicians and really good lyrics, plus I believe some of them are Catholics

Is it true that some are Catholic? I’ve been unable to verify. Not that it matters but it’d be kinda cool.

 

[mark_ahearne]

i dont think metal is satanic or any harm to the listener.iv been a heavy metal fan for 12 years now and find great comradary and peace among fellow metal heads.recently we had a concert here by a techno artist and there were 9 stabbings and 3 drug over doses.you would not see that at a metal concert.its just fun and something for people to belong to

 

[desmond27]

I think that the violence and drub-abuse attributed to metal is a consequence of the mindset of a specific number of fans. I for one have been into metal for nearly 10 years now, but I DO NOT smoke, do drugs or practice alcoholism. Also, I go to mass every Sunday I can.

PS: Stay away from Norwegian metal bands. They are bad mojo.

 

[Joe_5859]

I think that the violence and drub-abuse attributed to metal is a consequence of the mindset of a specific number of fans. I for one have been into metal for nearly 10 years now, but I DO NOT smoke, do drugs or practice alcoholism. Also, I go to mass every Sunday I can.

PS: Stay away from Norwegian metal bands. They are bad mojo.

Indeed! I’m not sure what’s going on up there in Norway. Why can’t they be more like Finland?

 

[Portrait]

Dearly beloved friends,

Cordial greetings and a very good day.

How deeply saddening to see on a Catholic forum of all places, men defending that debased sensory material known as heavy metal music. This music, if indeed it is even worthy of such a designation, is anti-Christian, anti-morality and anti-establishment and ought to be given a wide-berth by all who profess the holy religion of Christ. Its very beat and sound has always implicitly rejected restraints and it has shamefully celebrated freedom and sexuality. Incontrovertibly, its message is the message of aggression, rebellion and sexual permissiveness. So called ‘heavy metal’ music emanates from an Augean stable of unimaginable filth and depravity and befouling our souls with it will, at length, poison the mind and demoralize the life. As St. Paul says, “Do not be deceived: Bad communications (and by logical extention, bad music, films or novels etc.), ruins good morals” (I Cor. 15: 33, added parenthesis mine).

As Catholics who are supposed to be earnestly engaged in the pursuit of holiness, how can listening to this unwholesome material be conducive to growth in grace and keeping our minds focused upon heavenly things (Col. 3: 2)? The whole course of this life is a state of probation, dear friends, and our final goal is Heaven and the beatific vision of God in Christ. What has this dreadful and unsavoury music to do with this noble goal? It is surely a hindrance rather that a help to the life of faith. St. Paul bids us: “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (II Cor. 7: 1). Every Catholic who names the name of Christ has a searching responsibility to apply that principle to every part of his life, including his music choices. For many modern Catholics, I fear doing so would call for a complete transformation in their musical tastes - it might also call for a bonfire (cf. Acts 19: 18-20).

God bless, dear friends, and thankyou for suffering this word of exhortation.

Warmest good wishes,

Portrait

Pax:tiphat:

 

[Joe_5859]

Dearly beloved friends,

Cordial greetings and a very good day.

How deeply saddening to see on a Catholic forum of all places, men defending that debased sensory material known as heavy metal music. This music, if indeed it is even worthy of such a designation, is anti-Christian, anti-morality and anti-establishment and ought to be given a wide-berth by all who profess the holy religion of Christ. Its very beat and sound has always implicitly rejected restraints and it has shamefully celebrated freedom and sexuality. Incontrovertibly, its message is the message of aggression, rebellion and sexual permissiveness. So called ‘heavy metal’ music emanates from an Augean stable of unimaginable filth and depravity and befouling our souls with it will, at length, poison the mind and demoralize the life. As St. Paul says, “Do not be deceived: Bad communications (and by logical extention, bad music, films or novels etc.), ruins good morals” (I Cor. 15: 33, added parenthesis mine).

As Catholics who are supposed to be earnestly engaged in the pursuit of holiness, how can listening to this unwholesome material be conducive to growth in grace and keeping our minds focused upon heavenly things (Col. 3: 2)? The whole course of this life is a state of probation, dear friends, and our final goal is Heaven and the beatific vision of God in Christ. What has this dreadful and unsavoury music to do with this noble goal? It is surely a hindrance rather that a help to the life of faith. St. Paul bids us: “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (II Cor. 7: 1). Every Catholic who names the name of Christ has a searching responsibility to apply that principle to every part of his life, including his music choices. For many modern Catholics, I fear doing so would call for a complete transformation in their musical tastes - it might also call for a bonfire (cf. Acts 19: 18-20).

God bless, dear friends, and thankyou for suffering this word of exhortation.

Warmest good wishes,

Portrait

Pax:tiphat:

Hi Portrait! Good to see you, my friend.

I’m surprised you haven’t posted on this thread yet. It’s been around for 7 years. In reading your post, I was waiting for you to throw in the phrase “Augean stable of filth” and you did not disappoint my expectations.

In all seriousness, though, I don’t disagree with some of your central points. We would do well to avoid unwholesomeness and keep our eyes fixed on Christ. That’s always good advice. And I know there’s plenty of bad stuff out there that we should avoid. We just disagree that all heavy metal is unwholesome.

I appreciate your concern and your desire for everyone to seek after heavenly things. We would all be much better off if we followed St. Paul’s words.

 

[Portrait]

Hi Portrait! Good to see you, my friend.

I’m surprised you haven’t posted on this thread yet. It’s been around for 7 years. In reading your post, I was waiting for you to throw in the phrase “Augean stable of filth” and you did not disappoint my expectations.

In all seriousness, though, I don’t disagree with some of your central points. We would do well to avoid unwholesomeness and keep our eyes fixed on Christ. That’s always good advice. And I know there’s plenty of bad stuff out there that we should avoid. We just disagree that all heavy metal is unwholesome.

I appreciate your concern and your desire for everyone to seek after heavenly things. We would all be much better off if we followed St. Paul’s words.

Dear Joe,

Cordial greetings and a very good day. Jolly good to see you, my dear chap, trust that you and your dear wife are both keeping well.

Blessings be upon you and may the peace of God be yours.

Warmest good wishes,

Portrait

Pax:tiphat:

 

[FromTheAshes777]

Dearly beloved friends,

Cordial greetings and a very good day.

How deeply saddening to see on a Catholic forum of all places, men defending that debased sensory material known as heavy metal music. This music, if indeed it is even worthy of such a designation, is anti-Christian, anti-morality and anti-establishment and ought to be given a wide-berth by all who profess the holy religion of Christ. Its very beat and sound has always implicitly rejected restraints and it has shamefully celebrated freedom and sexuality. Incontrovertibly, its message is the message of aggression, rebellion and sexual permissiveness. So called ‘heavy metal’ music emanates from an Augean stable of unimaginable filth and depravity and befouling our souls with it will, at length, poison the mind and demoralize the life. As St. Paul says, “Do not be deceived: Bad communications (and by logical extention, bad music, films or novels etc.), ruins good morals” (I Cor. 15: 33, added parenthesis mine).

As Catholics who are supposed to be earnestly engaged in the pursuit of holiness, how can listening to this unwholesome material be conducive to growth in grace and keeping our minds focused upon heavenly things (Col. 3: 2)? The whole course of this life is a state of probation, dear friends, and our final goal is Heaven and the beatific vision of God in Christ. What has this dreadful and unsavoury music to do with this noble goal? It is surely a hindrance rather that a help to the life of faith. St. Paul bids us: “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (II Cor. 7: 1). Every Catholic who names the name of Christ has a searching responsibility to apply that principle to every part of his life, including his music choices. For many modern Catholics, I fear doing so would call for a complete transformation in their musical tastes - it might also call for a bonfire (cf. Acts 19: 18-20).

God bless, dear friends, and thankyou for suffering this word of exhortation.

Warmest good wishes,

Portrait

Pax:tiphat:

I hate to break this to everyone…but…there have been music of all styles and genres, including gasp orchestra and symphony arrangements and operas, that have been evil, derogatory, repulsive in their lyrical content and subject matter. Same with movies, paintings…well ANY artwork for that matter. So if one art form or genre of an art form contains some sinful subject matter should we reject ALL of that particular genre? Really? If that is your opinion that’s fine, but I honestly can’t say that I agree.