Heavy Metal Music

[Genesis315]

Sgt. Howie:

That’s funny. Back in the late 1950s you would probably be one of those people branding Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis as “the Devil’s music.”

Don’t be such a Protestant.

Well, I think we can see the slippery slope of sexually explicit music we’ve gone down since. The sexual revolution, which has destroyed morality and our society, was also centered around “rock and roll.”

As for the dark heavy metal junk, all of these kids who shoot up high schools are into it–they’re not listening to Gregorian Chant. The dark stuff inspires the emotions of despair and anger. Hardly things Christ wants for us. It glorifies darkness and ignores all virtue.

 

[UKcatholicGuy]

Genesis315:

Well, I think we can see the slippery slope of sexually explicit music we’ve gone down since. The sexual revolution, which has destroyed morality and our society, was also centered around “rock and roll.”

As for the dark heavy metal junk, all of these kids who shoot up high schools are into it–they’re not listening to Gregorian Chant. The dark stuff inspires the emotions of despair and anger. Hardly things Christ wants for us. It glorifies darkness and ignores all virtue.

AMEN, Genisis! Thanks for speaking the truth around here. Read my previous post a little up the page. I think the same thing about kids listening to dark music shooting up schools, etc. God bless.

 

[Lovez4God]

Anything in this world that is not of God or not for God is not by God and not for Him. The world, ever since the beginning of the fall, has taking great number of men down its pitfall.
You cannot serve two masters as Jesus said in the Bible.
God have mercy on you all.

 

[Genesis315]

UKcatholicGuy:

AMEN, Genisis! Thanks for speaking the truth around here. Read my previous post a little up the page. I think the same thing about kids listening to dark music shooting up schools, etc. God bless.

Thanks for the support! That tidbit about Augustine is very interesting. Wasn’t Augustine pretty promiscuous before his conversion? It seems music played a role in leading him away from that. Kind of the opposite of what goes on today unfortunately.

 

[Greyhawk]

In my humble opinion, I think there’s a couple of things to keep in mind. First of all, its affect on you. If you see it somehow corrupting you or changing you for the worse, I would advise against it. I used to listen to a lot of gangster rap in high school, and took up swearing as a habit. As of now I’ve dropped many of my ties to that type of music, and filtered most of it, keeping only edited or clean songs (which I dont find to be offensive or negatively influential) and conquered my habit of cussing. Also, I would examine the bands habits and lifestyle. I’m not saying you have to know everything about their life and they need to be saints, but if the band/artist is publiclly living an immoral lifestyle or actively promoting anti-Christian values; by listening to their music, you implicitly endorse their lifestyle and message. I’m not saying by listening or liking an R. Kelly song automatically makes you a supporter of pedophila, but if the band is on a mission to promote genocide for example (whether in their music or not), I would boycott their music.
A few of you might think the heavy metal style inspires violence among teens today, but I think there’s more to the situation then just the style. Other societal factors (as you mentioned) such as poor parenting or child abuse (for example) drive the victims to become musicians creating “destructive” themes in heavy metal as well as other victims to listen to it. I would say the major influence of the music comes in the message, which becomes amplified by the style because of the individual’s appeal to that particular style. For example, after eliminating most hip hop from my playlist, my friend gave me CD of a Catholic rap group called End of Silence. When I first listened to it, I thought to myself “This is the way rap should be!” as many of the theme songs related to Christian struggles, Mary, a song for martyrs, etc… The CD makes me excited to serve and love the Lord our God. So, taking all what I’ve said into the account, I would examine the music’s effect upon you and its message. Hope my two cents helps!

Dei gratia,
Greyhawk

 

[dezembrum]

I used to listen to a LOT of heavy metal… Metallica, Opeth, Amon Amarth, My Dying Bride, Dio, Black Sabbath, Borknagar, Cradle of Filth, Nightwish, Emperor, Burzum, Mayhem, Napalm Death… you name it. When I converted, I got rid of most of it, but did hang on to some (Metallica, Nightwish). These past 6-7 months or so though I’ve purged my CD collection: no more Metallica, etc. No more heavy metal. Sometimes I miss it, but overall am glad it’s gone. I was never into really Satanic stuff, certainly not after I was baptized, but just decided listening to the stuff wasn’t exactly helping my spiritual life. It’s basically angry music, and tended to make me angry, etc. (I have enough problems with sin - I don’t need to add wrath to the ever increasing list!) I don’t think it ever really led me into sin, but still… looking back I’m glad it’s gone. (Though I must confess I cranked up the radio when Metallica’s cover of Breadfan was on the other day… )

 

[Trelow]

Stryper!

 

[wisdom_3_5]

Batgirl1415:

Music definitely has a bigger effect on people than they think. It is a definite psychological, physical, emotional and spiritual mystery.

I know there are genres of music warned against like New Age music and stuff

The ancient greeks knew this and used it to their advantage. Before battle they would sing or play songs in the Phrigyan mode. It would encite aggression.

Next time you watch a movie pay attention to the music and how it makes you feel. Chase scenes put you on the edge of your seat not because of the filming but because of the way the music is telling you to feel. Try watching the same chase scenes without the music. Even the old “silent” movies had music scripts playing along to set the mood.

My husband listens to metal music, he’s a guitarist. He can sing all the guitar licks but can’t remember much of the lyrics. I’ve had to ask him to turn the stereo off when the kids are in the room because he doesn’t even think about it or he’s just not hearing the lyrics. I think it may desensitize him. And it does affect his mood when he’s been listening to it alot.

 

[Ghosty]

I listen to metal AND Gregorian chant. I don’t think any kind of music is inherently sinful, but it can be an occaision for sin for some people. Music is a lot like kosher foods, IMO, and what goes into a man will not defile him, but what comes out will. If you can take something in without it pushing you to evil acts, then you have not sinned in taking it in. If you are pushed too far towards sin by certain stimuli, however, then it can be sinful to actively indulge in it because you are being reckless with your faith and yourself.

 

[masondoggy]

All’s I gotta say is Metallica rules…

 

[Wampa]

Milliardo:

There are a few good old ones such as Stryper (already disbanded)

Actually, Stryper is back together. They have a new album Reborn coming out August 16 and then they will tour starting August 20. You can hear a clip of their first single (also titled Reborn: released June 7) at stryper.com/Reborn1Edit.mp3. Lyrics at stryper.com/reborn/lyrics.html.

Genesis315:

Fr. Corapi has talked about it before. He used to hang out in the recording studios back in his “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” days. He has said that what goes on in those studios is sinister. I would stay away from that stuff. Would you listen to that stuff if Mary and Jesus were in the room?

I love Fr. Corapi. When he’s on the radio, my station doesn’t change. I have recently gotten a bit into the music biz and I experienced similar situations. It accelerated my already gradual conversion to listening to more Christian music.

UKcatholicGuy:

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 angry responses begin!

Broad categories don’t do any justice to music. First off, this thread is about heavy metal. Death metal is a TINY fraction of metal (which I personally can’t stand, because I need decipherable vocals to listen to). But every genre of music has Christian artists, including death metal. If you read the lyrics to Christian metal bands, there is certainly nothing dark about it; the music is just heavy. I listen to a lot of Christian rock and metal bands that glorify God in every single song. I’m not disagreeing about the impact secular metal can have on people and I have definitely gotten rid of some of it since I converted. But much of it is religion-neutral and just addresses daily life (relationships and such). And I hope no one would reply angrily to you!

 

[Lisa4Catholics]

Genesis315:

A lot of it is Satanic. Fr. Corapi has talked about it before. He used to hang out in the recording studios back in his “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” days. He has said that what goes on in those studios is sinister. I would stay away from that stuff. Would you listen to that stuff if Mary and Jesus were in the room?

I love Father Corapi Alot of it is not so good,I like alot of heavier music though,it seems that my discernment has matured alot through the years about certain groups.I will never forget I was listening to the radio and heard this gregorian chant backwards i then heard this chant of beautiful people,I knew nothing about Marilyn Manson at the time I described the song to my brother and he told me what it was:nope: NEVER had I had a reaction like that over a song creeped out and turning it down was the least of it,my heart was racing out of my chest I listen to my heart about the heavy music now if I even start feeling like that I turn it off.I don’t like that:nope: Some of the bands write heavy songs about the injustice they see,some are indeed on the darker side of things I suggest prayer and developing discernment.

 

[rayne89]

Genesis315:

Well, I think we can see the slippery slope of sexually explicit music we’ve gone down since. The sexual revolution, which has destroyed morality and our society, was also centered around “rock and roll.”

As for the dark heavy metal junk, all of these kids who shoot up high schools are into it–they’re not listening to Gregorian Chant. The dark stuff inspires the emotions of despair and anger. Hardly things Christ wants for us. It glorifies darkness and ignores all virtue.

I was one of the kids in highschool who listened to metal. The kids I knew who listened to metal didn’t need any inspiration for anger and despair because that is what they were feeling and that is music they related to. You don’t relate to Gregorian chant when your beat with a belt until you bleed like my husband was, or sexually abused and forced to watch child porn like my best friend was, or berated, insulted everyday and told by your mom that she wishes you would have died instead of your sister like I was.

You don’t relate to happy, joyful lyrics. I could blast Metallica on my sterio to drowned out my mom screaming, pounding on furniture, slamming things, throwings things for hours on end. Telling me what a good for nothing I was.

I remember back in highschool when in the news there was a kid who killed himself after listening to an Ozzy album and the parents sued Ozzy, his music made him do it. Happy well adjusted children do not kill themselves from listening to an album. Metal tends to attract kids who can relate to anger, pain,depression - it is not what causes it.

The kids that shoot up highschools don’t do it because of the music they listen to. It is a symptom of the problem not the cause. Their lives are what inspires their anger and despair not their music.

 

[Exarch]

It really gets me when people generalize metal. It’s such a broad genre, there are many different kinds of music within it. My favourite type of metal is Power Metal, which is upbeat, happy music with fast guitar playing and soaring solos and melodies. The lyrics are about positive things, and the music makes you feel good. Listen to some Freedom Call, Gamma Ray, or Blind Guardian.

The real satanic metal is black metal, and most of it is so undergound that no one has heard of it. And contrary to popular belief, Marilyn Manson is NOT metal, it is shock rock.

Metal is one of the most varied genres of music, with such different styles with it. It is also one of the most difficult types of music to play, with many guitar virtuosos and amazing, almost operatic singers. Much of the song structure of metal is based on classical music, especially progressive and power metal. So don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Go pick up some power metal and give it a listen.

Hehe my first post has turned into kind of a rant, but I just had to register and post in this topic. I look forward to more discussion with all of you!

 

[Celia]

rayne89:

I was one of the kids in highschool who listened to metal. The kids I knew who listened to metal didn’t need any inspiration for anger and despair because that is what they were feeling and that is music they related to. You don’t relate to Gregorian chant when your beat with a belt until you bleed like my husband was, or sexually abused and forced to watch child porn like my best friend was, or berated, insulted everyday and told by your mom that she wishes you would have died instead of your sister like I was.

You don’t relate to happy, joyful lyrics. I could blast Metallica on my sterio to drowned out my mom screaming, pounding on furniture, slamming things, throwings things for hours on end. Telling me what a good for nothing I was.

I remember back in highschool when in the news there was a kid who killed himself after listening to an Ozzy album and the parents sued Ozzy, his music made him do it. Happy well adjusted children do not kill themselves from listening to an album. Metal tends to attract kids who can relate to anger, pain,depression - it is not what causes it.

The kids that shoot up highschools don’t do it because of the music they listen to. It is a symptom of the problem not the cause. Their lives are what inspires their anger and despair not their music.

rayne, I agree with you and I just wanna give you a big hug, right now!

 

[rayne89]

Celia:

rayne, I agree with you and I just wanna give you a big hug, right now!

Thanks! I actually spent a wonderful mother’s day with my mom and my mother in law yesterday (and my hubby, daughter and dad too.) We planted flowers at my sister’s grave, went out to dinner and then to Mass (where my pentecostal mother in law lit a candle and left a carnation in front of the Blessed Mother.) I’ve come a long way from highschool -but hugs are always appreciated. God is good! :yup:

 

[turboEDvo]

I think that it really depends on how the lyrical content of the songs. For example, I really like Third Eye Blind, and on their new album, they have a few references to sex and drugs in their songs. However, I don’t feel that this is hurting my faith. I also like the Grateful Dead, and while some of their lyrics make less that Christian references, it’s not too bad, and thus doesn’t phase me. However, I have deleted almost all of my rap mp3’s and pitched the cds as well, because they are much more degrading to women, not to mention the cussing and what not. And, I used to cuss like you wouldn’t believe, and I feel that rap could pull me back into that bad habit, while Third Eye Blind and the Grateful Dead do not have any particularly vulgar lyrics. But, that is a choice that I have made to remove myself from an occasion of sin. It may be different for you.

I’m personally not a huge fan of heavy metal, but I highly doubt that all (or even most) of it is sinful. Just exercise good judgment, and you should be ok.

Eamon

 

[Milliardo]

Wampa:

Actually, Stryper is back together. They have a new album Reborn coming out August 16 and then they will tour starting August 20. You can hear a clip of their first single (also titled Reborn: released June 7) at stryper.com/Reborn1Edit.mp3. Lyrics at stryper.com/reborn/lyrics.html.

Oh, Stryper back. I really have to get their new CD. I only have thier first CD, though I do have one cassette of theirs as well. Would be nice to hear them again. Wonder if Michael Sweet still has it? It would be nice, of course, if they would become Catholic (praying for it).

 

[Yonnie]

Batgirl1415:

Music definitely has a bigger effect on people than they think. It is a definite psychological, physical, emotional and spiritual mystery.

I know there are genres of music warned against like New Age music and stuff

I have to agree with you. I used to listen to alot of metal about 15 years ago. Bands like Metallica, Queensryche, Pantera, Motorhead etc. I quit after I went through a deep depression. I don’t think the music caused the depression but it didn’t help. But now when ever I hear that music I can feel the old excitement coming up. I can’t really explain it but its almost like a drug effect.

 

[sarcophagus]

I listen to Metal, Alternative, Rock and Goth bands but I also listen to classical, greogrian chant (thanks to my highschool music teacher) and opera. I dreamed of being an opera singer from the age of 4…lol. Anyway, I think you take what you need from it. Much like Rayne, I had a very bad childhood and listened to metal. It helped me see that I wasn’t the only person with so much anger and sadness in me, someone else was going through it too and writing songs about it!! It’s like a connection, someone going through bad things connects with others of the same situation. In my opinion, kids who shoot up their schools are looking for a liscence to do what they would otherwise do anyway. For example, kid hates everyone at school who makes fun of him, wants to kill them all, listens to a song by so and so that tells him to “do it”. The only lyrics is do it, but the kids hears, go ahead kill everyone. It’s not the music, it’s the mental stability of the kid that actually causes the crime.

But…rap on the other hand, it’s just bad. I can’t support anyone who likes to hear women as sex objects. I hate the sound of it, I hate the videos, I hate the message, it’s not music, it’s just defemation of music. It’s just gross.