Heavy Metal Music

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averheyen said:
Being a huge Metal head myself, who also very devout, I can say I’ve always had trouble with heavy metal.

On one hand I try to seperate the art from the artist, and not take things too seriously.

But on the other hand, I know for a fact that the music I’m listening to openly promotes a sinfull lifestyle.

Personally, and this is just what I do for myself, I try not to take it too seriously. And some stuff I don’t really want to listen to anyway, it just wouldn’t fit the “game plan” so to speak (I tend it start feeling grossed out by the lyrical equivilent of pornography for example, think some Motley Crue, GnR, etc.). I mean, I like the music and all that, I just don’t need to hear it sometimes. I’ve got my mind focused on better things.
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That’s why I tend to stay away from the more “mainstream” metal and stick with stuff like Dream Theater, Ayreon, Rhapsody, etc. Their lyrical content promotes sin far less than the majority of things you would hear on the radio.
 
I’m really into Death Metal, Math Metal, Grindcore, and Progressive Metal.
I’m into any music that pushes boundaries.

I play bass in a Death/Black/Doom/Progressive Metal band. I enjoy it because it’s music that allows me to push myself, a lot of odd time signatures, a lot of melodic and fast playing.

As far as lyrics go, I tend to ignore lyrics in most music unless they’re very well written. The music is all that really gets my attention. But the lyrics about death don’t really bug me because they’re rarely serious, only in cases such as Mayhem are they serious. But most Death Metal band lyrics are anything but serious, like Cannibal Corpse, their lyrics are about brutal and morbid things, but the guys in the band are just regular people that like to joke around.

My favorite metal bands would have to be Between The Buried and Me, Protest The Hero, and Dillinger Escape Plan.

Between The Buried and Me’s music is astounding, some of the most genius composition I have ever heard. There album Colors is 60 minutes of music with no pauses, it explores dozens of genres, it’s a masterpiece. Their lyrics aren’t about Death or anything, they’re usually about regular things. the song Alaska for instance is about trying to stay awake on the road. Backwards Marathon is about their love of music. Roboturner is about how machines are taking over music. It’s very intellectually stimulating music.

Here’s Backwards Marathon, one my favorite songs. youtube.com/watch?v=8EVA9N5tJQA watch in HQ

Dillinger Escape Plan is absolute insanity musically. They mix hardcore and mathcore. A lot of odd timings that change a lot, a lot of dissonance. They’re shows are known to be very high paced and energetic.

here’s a song by them called Panasonic Youth youtube.com/watch?v=kGNb-YT5ECA

Protest The Hero remind me of a new generation of bands like Iron Maiden. They have that operatic singing, but more aggressive. Their music is very technical, yet emotional. The bassist writes all of their lyrics, and their lyrics are amazing, one of the only bands where I really listen to the words. I can’t begin to describe their lyrics because they are so well written, like little literary masterpieces.

Here’s a song of there’s called Bloodmeat. It seems to be about the long living tradition of cultures overrunning each other and imposing their own beliefs, Such as Ghengis Khan’s conquests, or the Native American Genocide.
youtube.com/watch?v=-_rHJn4SLtA
 
Genesis315 said:
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?
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Just wanted to revisit this and post a quote from Apologist’s Jimmy Akin’s Blog found here:
jimmyakin.org/2005/07/bad_music.html

" The priest said if I wouldn’t listen to it with Jesus, Mary, my guardian angel or whoever else I want to imagine was there, I probably shouldn’t listen to it. This is a good point . . .

Okay, let me interrupt you for a moment. I don’t think that this is a good point. This kind of “Would you do it with Jesus in the room?” calculus is almost guaranteed to lead you to err in one of two directions: Either it will degrade your perception of what it is okay to do in general or it will degrade your perception of what it is okay to do in Jesus’ presence. In other words, it will either make you scrupulous or it will make you irreverent. Lemme 'splain:

If Jesus really walked into the room, which of the following would strike you as a good thing to do?
  1. Ask him if he would like to go see a movie?
  2. Tell him a joke?
  3. Offer him a beer?
  4. Say he can help himself to the snacks in the fridge?
  5. Quake in abject terror at his feet while imploring his mercy?
If you have a lively awareness of the fact that Jesus is God Himself and you contemplate God Himself walking into the room then alternative 5 is going to suggest itself rather more strongly to you than the others. The other four options would (for a person with a normal conscience) kind of fade into the background at such a moment.

Now, there may be other options besides 5 that could be appropriate (e.g., worship him in awe), but my point is: Having Jesus in the room skews the normal human calculus of what is the right thing to do at the moment.

That’s why some things are not appropriate to do during Eucharistic exposition even though the same thing is perfectly appropriate when one is not at Eucharistic exposition (e.g., eating a meal, bathing, deliberately going to sleep).

If you try to imagine Jesus in the room as a test for whether it’s okay to do something then one of two things will happen:
Code: 
* You will become scrupulous because you will conclude that an awful lot of things are not okay which in fact are okay (e.g., "I wouldn't snarf down a Big Mac while bopping to secular music on my iPod during Eucharistic exposition, therefore I should never do those things").
* You will become irreverent by concluding that things that are okay to do in general must therefore be okay to do when in the immediate presence of Infinite Holiness Incarnate (e.g., "It's okay for me to snarf down a Big Mac while bouncing my head back and forth as I listen to secular music on my iPod in general, therefore that's perfectly okay for me to do that during Eucharistic exposition").
The “Would you do it with Jesus in the room?” test thus strikes me as a bad tool to use for making such decisions. It either will force us to scrupulosity or irreverence–or both. "
 
Also this from above link:

"This is a tough one. In the short space available in a blog post (or a private e-mail) there is no way to give more than a general answer to this, but the general answer is this: It is immoral, without a justifying reason, to place oneself in a situation where you will be tempted sin. If listening to the music will tempt you to sin then it is immoral for you to listen to the music without a justifying reason.

A word should be said about having a justifying reason to enter a situation in which one realizes that one will be tempted because many people neglect this aspect and speak as if it is never permissible to enter a situation in which one reasonably foresees that one will be tempted. This reflects a pious and praiseworthy sentiment, but it is patently not true if you spend a few moments thinking about it. Trying to avoid every possible temptation in life would destroy one’s ability to lead a human life and cause one to develop a morbid fear of temptation that will result in extreme scrupulosity. We simply were not designed to be in perpetual flight from temptation, and if we try to be then we will do ourselves harm. Such an attitude also fails to do justice to the empowerment that the Holy Spirit gives to us to resist and overcome our temptations."
 
Which bands is this guy talking about being in the studio with?
Because metal bands these days are much different than the hair metal bands of the 80’s.
Most metal bands these days are just a bunch of nice people, who are usually a little nerdy.
This is a typical metal band in the studio these youtube.com/watch?v=uREa-9o2ylE I don’t see anything threatening about it.

In reality, metal bands rarely live out the images portrayed in the media. After playing in 6 metal bands, the worst I’ve come across is guys who just smoke a bit of weed. Right now I’m in a death metal band, and we’re all straight edge… Meanwhile I’ve been in a folk band where the singer and guitarist had a cocaine problem…
 
Hobble said:
Which bands is this guy talking about being in the studio with?
Because metal bands these days are much different than the hair metal bands of the 80’s.
Most metal bands these days are just a bunch of nice people, who are usually a little nerdy.
This is a typical metal band in the studio these youtube.com/watch?v=uREa-9o2ylE I don’t see anything threatening about it.

In reality, metal bands rarely live out the images portrayed in the media. After playing in 6 metal bands, the worst I’ve come across is guys who just smoke a bit of weed. Right now I’m in a death metal band, and we’re all straight edge… Meanwhile I’ve been in a folk band where the singer and guitarist had a cocaine problem…
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Metalheads are not nerdy! :eek:

Okay, maybe just a little…🤓

😃
 
Joe_5859 said:
Metalheads are not nerdy! :eek:

Okay, maybe just a little…🤓

😃
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Well, metal musicians are usually more nerdy than metal fans.
I mean metal has a lot to do with math, and technique, it takes a nerd to master it. 😃
 
Hobble said:
Well, metal musicians are usually more nerdy than metal fans.
I mean metal has a lot to do with math, and technique, it takes a nerd to master it. 😃
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Good to know! I don’t play, but I do listen, and I am a nerd :o (at least, that’s what my wife keeps telling me…personally, I don’t know what she could be talking about! :)).
 
although, Benedict in no way supports any form of rock music
John Paul supported the Pop Culture
so its okay (considering it isn’t satanic)

the origin of heavy beats in music was pagan and demon-worshipping

but you can’t deem all things evil forever based on origin
(although most things usually remain evil)

i mean, i know many people who came back into faith from listening to christian rock/metal. So God must have been working through the music to reach them

but to whomever is saying to listen to Between the Buried and Me…
although their music is very stylistic and talented,
they take the Lord’s name in vain and support very immoral things
dont support them
 
ohyah007 said:
although, Benedict in no way supports any form of rock music
John Paul supported the Pop Culture
so its okay (considering it isn’t satanic)

the origin of heavy beats in music was pagan and demon-worshipping

but you can’t deem all things evil forever based on origin
(although most things usually remain evil)

i mean, i know many people who came back into faith from listening to christian rock/metal. So God must have been working through the music to reach them

but to whomever is saying to listen to Between the Buried and Me…
although their music is very stylistic and talented,
they take the Lord’s name in vain and support very immoral things
dont support them
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Between The Buried and Me supporting immoral things is news to me, so I’ll need some proof of your claim. As far as I know about them (which is a lot since they’re my favorite artists) they support a love of music and have always acted like incredibly nice people towards fans.

Here’s the lyrics to Backwards Marathon (which I posted a video for at the top of the page), so please, explain how it’s immoral, because all it’s about is their love for music. sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Backwards-Marathon-lyrics-Between-The-Buried-And-Me/C843F2CC305A8799482570FB00282BA8
 
Hobble said:
Between The Buried and Me supporting immoral things is news to me, so I’ll need some proof of your claim. As far as I know about them (which is a lot since they’re my favorite artists) they support a love of music and have always acted like incredibly nice people towards fans.

Here’s the lyrics to Backwards Marathon (which I posted a video for at the top of the page), so please, explain how it’s immoral, because all it’s about is their love for music. They don’t do drugs, they don’t drink, they’re vegan and support animal rights… wow, very scary…
sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Backwards-Marathon-lyrics-Between-The-Buried-And-Me/C843F2CC305A8799482570FB00282BA8
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I should also add that they’re straight edge, and vegan.

Here’s a quote from interview with Paul (the guitarist)

" I have been vegan now for 11 years. I got into it because I was way into the hardcore scene, and that was around the time when veganism and straightedge were at their peak. Bands like Earth Crisis were a huge influence to me and it really opened my eyes to the suffering of our animal friends. I’ve always loved animals and it just clicked for me. Why would I want to eat them?

As for straightedge, I’ve always been drug free. I knew at a very young age that drugs and alcohol were not for me. I always saw them as counterproductive and dangerous. So I don’t need them. Music is my only vice. "

So really, what’s so immoral about them? Because it seems to me that they’re great role models.
 
 
ohyah007 said:
btb&m lyrics
lyricsmania.com/lyrics/between_the_buried_and_me_lyrics_2445/between_the_buried_and_me_lyrics_6819/what_we_have_become_lyrics_80430.html

lyricsmania.com/lyrics/between_the_buried_and_me_lyrics_2445/between_the_buried_and_me_lyrics_6819/more_of_myself_to_kill_lyrics_80427.html

lyricsmania.com/lyrics/between_the_buried_and_me_lyrics_2445/the_silent_circus_lyrics_6820/the_need_for_repetition_lyrics_80444.html

lyricsmania.com/lyrics/between_the_buried_and_me_lyrics_2445/between_the_buried_and_me_lyrics_6819/arsonist_lyrics_80428.html
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I’m not sure if you’re familiar with the techniques used in lyrical writing, but song lyrics are rarely meant for literal interpretation.

First of all, three of the songs are from their first album, and one from their second, that’s when they were teenagers, so these lyrics aren’t as well written as their recent work. All it seems they’re doing is questioning the world, which is healthy.

The first song isn’t about literal rape if you think it is, it’s about what we’ve done to the planet in the name of progress. Such as using up resources out of greed instead of need, sending death sentences to the earth with things like nuclear weapons, etc.

The second song doesn’t seem to insult God at all, but it’s talking about major religion’s claim to God, or corruption in religion. It’s referring to the way that the corrupt use the name of God or their version of “truth” to justify immoral actions. And he talks about how he has found true harmony in nature (God’s creation), and not in the words of man.

The third song is once again, not literal or condoning, but in fact condemning of child abuse, not sure what’s bad about condemning child abuse.

The last song had actually been explained by Tommy.
This song is not a written attack on Christianity or
any other religion. This song focuses on Westboro
Baptist Church in Topeka Kansas. The WBC hosts
the website www.godhatesfags.com, and there sole
purpose is to preach the “gospel truth”. They have
conducted over 20,000 demonstrations during the last 9
years at homosexual parades and other events
(including Matthew Shepherd’s funeral, who was
murdered because he was homosexual). This song is a
direct attack on the beliefs of the WBC and it’s
followers. I am hoping that the more people learn
about this church, and those similar, they will take
action to end this narrow minded thinking. This song
was written by myself, and if you have a problem of
some sort with the lyrics, contact me, not the other
members of the band. If anyone is
interested in protesting etc, the address to Westboro
Baptist Church is: 3701 W. 12th Street, Topeka KS.
Their service time is 11:30 a.m.
Thank you
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So let’s look at the facts of who these people are in their lives now.

They are against: Violence (towards all of God’s creations), Self-harm (drugs, alcohol), Religious Corruption, and Promiscuous lifestyles.

The support: A peaceful lifestyle through veganism and non-violence, a straight edge lifestyle, self discipline, and a dedication to the advancement of art and self-expression.

Still, they seem like great role models.
 
you just gave me reason to not feel guilty by listening to them

sorry i doubted you

im gonna go fill my ipod up

GOD BLESS
 
So, all this talk about Christian metal encouraged me to explore and i bought ETERNAL DECISION’s 2nd Album (Ghost in the Machine). I almost wish the lead singer didnt sound like Metallica otherwise I would have bought the first album too – it just sounded too copycat.

I like the music of MORTIFICATION – awesome stuff. I’m too picky I guess but I just can’t get into the “growl” style singer there.

I gotta keep looking though.

Suggestions welcomed.
 
It’s actually very hard to find metal bands that are actually satanic. The only ones I’ve come across that hold satanic beliefs are some of the extreme black metal bands from the Netherlands, such as Meyhem. But overall majority of metal bands are just regular people who just like their music loud and fast.

A lot of death metal bands seem to be mistaken for being satanic, but it’s a misconception. The lyrics in death metal are never serious, such as bands like Cannibal Corpse, the lyrics are meant to be understood the same way as a horror movie, pure entertainment. If you see interviews with Cannibal Corpse you’ll see how normal they are, they just like horror movies. Although I’m not as big of a fan of a lot of death metal since it’s mainly entertainment, I find it usually lacks artistic substance. I usually just like learning the songs because they’re usually challenging to play.
 
It’s a free country. Why do people get so upset at heavy metal? I dunno. Insecurity? If I listen to a Madonna CD does that mean I’m going to sign up to her stupid version of Qabalah? No.

That guy from Burzum may be an a-hole but he put out some mean CDs…

People are afraid of becoming somebody ELSE just through contact with something they don’t like, apparently.

Surely Jesus would groove to Bon Scott’s “Highway to Hell” - whilst disagreeing with the lyrical sentiments of course…
 
I think Tom Araya is being a tad disingenuous here but he does have a point (from Wikipedia):

Araya commented about the misconception of the band labeled as Satan worshipers, “Yeah, yeah I think that’s one of the biggest misconceptions towards the band, but next to that just the fact that we’re normal.” If guitarist King writes a good song, Araya puts his beliefs aside, “I’m not one that’s going to go, ‘This sucks because it’s contrary to my beliefs.’ To me it’s more like ‘this is really good stuff. You’re going to **** people off with this.’”[9]

In an interview, Araya believes that “…Christ came and taught us about love, about doing unto others. That was his preach: Accept each other for who we are. Live peacefully, and love one another.” When asked if he believed in God, replied “I believe in a supreme being, yeah. But He’s an all-loving God.”[10] Araya explained that he has a “really strong belief system,” and Slayer’s words and images will “never interfere with what I believe and how I feel… People are not in good shape to where they have to question their own belief system because of a book or a story somebody wrote, or a Slayer song.”[9] Tom Araya also appeared in Sam Dunn’s documentary Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey, and was asked about his religious background, to which he commented “Catholic.” He was also asked “God Hates Us All, How does it fit in?” To which Araya replied “God doesn’t hate. [But] it’s a great ****ing title.”

(italics mine)
 
I would definitely say that music can have a powerful influence whether one realizes it or not. I played bass in an oi! band which is a blend more or less of punk and metal. Many of the songs are about drinking and aggression, which made me want to drink and be aggressive. Of course people who hear the occassional metal song won’t go crazy, but for someone who is steeped in the stuff, it can have a very negative influence on your life.I am still recovering from the negativity of that scene. Just look at how many rock stars are recovering addicts, some have even killed themselves. I would also say that as a Catholic, it is hard to justify supporting people who blaspheme the Lord for entertainment purposes. Could you imagine the saints such as St. Paul or St. Therese listening to Slayer? 🤷
 
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