Heavy Metal Music

[Hobble]

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?

I don’t think it’s rational to blame those actions on the music, the music can’t make you do anything, it has to be you that wanted to do it in the first place. I’ve been playing bass in metal bands for years, and right now a death metal band, yet I’m straight edge, in a healthy relationship, and studying jazz in college. The only thing we can blame for our actions is ourselves.

 

[two1176]

I don’t think it’s rational to blame those actions on the music, the music can’t make you do anything, it has to be you that wanted to do it in the first place. I’ve been playing bass in metal bands for years, and right now a death metal band, yet I’m straight edge, in a healthy relationship, and studying jazz in college. The only thing we can blame for our actions is ourselves.

I think a lot depends on the individual. However, if you are prone to certain destructive behaviors, the music certainly does not help. I am only speaking from my perspective. I cannot say that all people who are involved with this stuff have serious problems. If someone is depressed, it would not be constructive to give them a metal cd where the band talks about suicide. This is common sense. If you are psychologically sound, this would not affect you. If you look at the audience of a metal or punk concert, they are usually in a frenzy. If you look at the crowd of a classical concert, they are usually mellow and reserved. Does this mean that all metal fans are aggressive and all classical enthusiasts are quiet? Of course not. Does music bring out certain behavior in certain people? It would be hard to argue otherwise. We are affected to some degree or another by what we watch and listen to whether we realize it or not. Just think of how much violence we see on tv without blinking an eye. Years back there were several kids that were imitating wrestlers on tv and many of them were injured or killed. Would this have happened if they have never watch wrestling on tv? Possibly, but most likely no. Personally speaking, I would say that music can influence, either for good or for bad. A steady diet of junk food will rot your teeth and a steady diet of noise pollution may rot your brain. This is my opinion, and I have had years of personal experience. I have been to Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Dio, Motorhead, Pantera concerts among many others. My band has opened for many punk bands. I have seen the behavior of kids in front of the stage as well as behavior of bands backstage. Catholicism and this scene don’t mix very well. This is my own perspective and I don’t expect everyone to agree with me. If I was a parent, I would pay attention to what my kid is listening to.

 

[Hobble]

Okay, that makes sense.

But I disagree about your point of showing metal to a suicidal person. There have been a lot of suicidal people that have found hope through metal. Talking about suicide in music isn’t encouraging suicide, it helps depressed teens realize that they’re not alone with their feelings and that others have been through similar situations, and that others will understand them.

 

[two1176]

Okay, that makes sense.

But I disagree about your point of showing metal to a suicidal person. There have been a lot of suicidal people that have found hope through metal. Talking about suicide in music isn’t encouraging suicide, it helps depressed teens realize that they’re not alone with their feelings and that others have been through similar situations, and that others will understand them.

As far as music and suicide goes, I think it depends on the individual. The scenario you described is one interpretation. Someone who is suicidal may not be able to come to that conlusion. It may encourage them to get better. From personal experience, I believe that it helped fuel negative thoughts of hopelessness when I should have sought help and uplifting thoughts. It is kind of like throwing gasoline on a fire. Again, my opinion. I do not really want to get into a debate. We all come from different backgrounds with different experiences.

 

[Hobble]

Here’s a short documentary on Norwegian black metal, which talks about one of the only real satanic bands in metal Gorgoroth. youtube.com/watch?v=i4U33U_UyzQ

Although, it appears that the satanic beliefs of these bands has nothing to do with metal itself, but to do with Christianity’s controversial past in Norway.

 

[MetalMark]

This is the second time I’ve heard of a priest throwing Opeth out of a window. There is definitely something wrong about them.

Anyway, I’m a huge metalhead, love all styles.
Some metal bands I enjoy:

Opeth
Wintersun
Antestor
Dream Theater
Mortification
Death
Ensiferum
Metallica
Horde
Cynic
Necrophagist
Frost Like Ashes
Eluveitie
Vaakevandring

And a lot of other bands…

 

[Bendecida]

I don’t know if this would count as heavy metal, most likely hard rock but definitely Goth was the Spanish band Heroes del Silencio. So many wonderful, amazing songs! Iberia Sumergida,La Herida, El Camino del Exceso, La Sirena Varada, Senda, Sangre Herviendo, Tumbas de Sal, Entre Dos Tierras, Deshacer el Mundo, Flor Venenosa, En Brazos de la Fiebre, Opio, No Mas Lagrimas, La Chispa Adecuada, Avalancha, Virus, La Carta, El Estanque and of course Bendecida. Then there’s the classic Maldito Duende: youtube.com/watch?v=Ri67FI37E3M which was made into an excellent cover by the legendary Spanish singer Raphael: youtube.com/watch?v=JgFPHM31h2E

I don’t have a problem with darker music, there is so much pop music out there where they have videos where the women are half-naked and do nothing more than look good. Heroes never had any videos like that and as a matter of fact their singer Enrique Bunbury has spoken out against these type of videos. I’m more worried about the raunchiness of other types of music and videos because I’ve noticed that many people including many women have no problem with that which is very sad.

 

[Heath_Bar]

I am a forty year old, straight-laced, Grand Knight, church choir singing metalhead! I respect and have listened to about every type of metal out there. Some of my favorite bands are in the melodic/power metal genre, such as Helloween (especially with Michael Kiske) Savatage, Avantasia, and on and on…However, I pretty much like it all.

Do I think listening to heavy metal is a sin? No. Does the Church say anything on the subject? No. I believe, though, that in order to be into metal and not have it negatively affect your spiritual life, one must be firmly rooted in your faith. It takes a healthy dose of common sense and faithfulness to God, because I do believe that metal can negatively influence certain weak-minded people. However, for those who are grounded in the faith, metal can not shake it.

I used to be pretty weak-minded, especially before getting more involved in the Catholic Church. I remembered actually praying to God for heavy metal to last forever. Looking back, that was immature and senseless. Of course, I was listening to Manowar and buying into the whole “metal warrior” thing. Now, while I still enjoy some good Manowar stuff, I do not let their lyrics effect me, they bounce off of me, since I am clothed with the armor of righteousness. I can enjoy thir songs on a surface level without it affecting me on a spiritual basis. Another example, even closer to my heart - I love older Queensryche (before Q2K) and I can still listen to “Operation: Mindcrime” and it never fails to blow me away. However, it does make me sad that there is a LOT of anti-Catholic lyrical content. Do I let it affect my faith, though? Absolutely not, it makes me pray for them that God will reveal himself to them. However, for a weaker-faithed person, it could shake up some of your religious beliefs. Metal is entertainment, but as with entertainment of all kinds, it only becomes dangerous when you let it start controlling your thoughts and actions.

I also believe that metal can be used for good, to influence positive messages and reactions. Even many secualar metal bands can have very positive messages to their music (Case in point - Helloween’s song “Future World”, which is about Heaven). Listen to the Christian metal band Mortification’s song Envision Evangeline. That song song completely blows me away, and it is so good it sounds like the guitars themselves are praising God. And the lyrics tell the Passion story from the viewpoint of the angels. Some metal can be used for good. The sound or distortion of the instruments has little or nothing to do with whether or not it is “morally good” music. Look at country music, with its clean, non-distorted instrumentation. Some of it is so depressing, cry-in-your-beer stuff that nothing in the heavy metal world can compare to how down it makes you feel.

Rock on, brothers and sisters, just keep the music in its proper place. Nothing except Christ is really important.

 

[Broken1001]

I have been listening to heavy metal for almost 30 years.

Yes, there are good bands and bad bands, but it all lies within the individual who is listening to it. It also comes down to who is actually ‘listening’ to the message behind the songs. Sometimes an individual can relate to a certain lyric and feel that the song was written specifically for them.

When it comes to blaming a band or song for an outburst in character, I feel that it is pretty lame to place blame on the music. It has to do with the upbringing and mentality of the listener.

Just like they say that ‘guns don’t kill people… people kill people.’
or like what Larry The Cable Guy said as a joke… ‘If guns kill people, I can blame misspelled words on my pencil.’

The same mentality should go with music. It is about the individuals mentality, bot the songs per se.

Heck, I listen to anything metal, from the good Christian bands like Precious Death, Believer, Tourniquet, Stryper, Barren Cross and so forth all the way to the dark and sinister. There are bands that do not label themselves as christian, but have positive overtones in their music, like Killswitch Engage.

But here is a point to ponder… why is it that when a non-christian metal band uses the word ‘blood’ in their music, it is considered a bad thing, BUT when a non-christian mainstream band uses the same word it is just considered a creative lyric?

 

[CatholicRox]

Well, my dad cought me listening to a Metallica song… and he said it was very unchristian of me and well … im sorry but i do not believe that if u have faith in the Lord or in the Word Of God… u shouldnt be concerned at all. i LOVE the tune of the songs. AND I AM A VERY STRONG BELIEVER,

 

[forever_always]

Well, my dad cought me listening to a Metallica song… and he said it was very unchristian of me and well … im sorry but i do not believe that if u have faith in the Lord or in the Word Of God… u shouldnt be concerned at all. i LOVE the tune of the songs. AND I AM A VERY STRONG BELIEVER,

Good for you… I don’t think anything is wrong with metal music… that’s all I listen to! Have you guys listened to All the Remains? Bullet for my Valentine? Soilwork?

 

[MetalMark]

…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.

Mayhem is Norwegian.

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.

You are partially right, but there are some very serious death metal bands. For example, after their Leprosy album, Death had very serious philosophical lyrics.

 

[Hobble]

Mayhem is Norwegian.

You’re right. Although upon further research I realized those bands aren’t satanic either, another misconception (which I believed for a bit). They are against Christianity because of what the Christians did to their ancestors, heritage, and sacred land. So they usually believe in old viking religions, so satanism doesn’t even apply since it’s a spin off of christian beliefs. What they view as Christian oppression is the root reason of the church burning incidents.

You are partially right, but there are some very serious death metal bands. For example, after their Leprosy album, Death had very serious philosophical lyrics.

You’re right, although that doesn’t make them satanic.

 

[MetalMark]

I didn’t say it did. I just said they were serious. Trust me, I know Death’s lyrical themes, they’re my favorite band.

 

[El_Hunter]

Can you show me what it’s like to be alive? My lord knows that I’ve been sinking. The sanctuary’s skin has finally been lifted. The symphony has grown silent with distaste from the grime its sound produces and its elegance in waste. I’ve grown blind to my eyelids they are the my guardians of naught. The sight my innards seek to dispatch is the very reason I am wrong. Call upon the almighty one for He is the only one who saves. Call upon the almighty one, protector of the graves. All you’ve said is now forsaken. What you’ve come to believe is forsaken. As the wretches of this pit of heart cry we will all know what is indeed forsaken. Restless in a mess of contagion strains and mismatched thought, lay the silent eyes of black heart nights eternally searching for missing parts. The tunnels lights are dim without fractions of time to think for second thoughts. Sink or rise there is no swim. you live, you rise, you drink, you die. The sky emerged with the black of dusk and the scent of angels left us dust with aromas filled of conspired trust, as he could turn away from God. The words unspoken fill syringes with not blood but black eclipses of our hearts not sanctified and in the image of our faith denied, beseech of the Lord and beg for sight. Can you show me what it’s like to be alive? Tear it from the chest all the conflicting inflictions while it settles in the head, parasitic-like thoughts. This flawless design can never be duplicated when the cycles of the earth fold the world infinite with signs. Let the truth be the prey of the faith-stricken cold and when the core is warmed up ask for the path from the lord. Can you show me what it’s like to be alive? As we shed the pretense and the dawn has stained itself a place in mind, the search is unending until we finally find. Our creator. Our sustainer. In whom we always seek refuge. Our Guardian.-The Crimson Armada
A Christian metal band that would be a good alternative to Amon Amarth and Opeth. There are so many good Christian metal bands out there that are spreading Gods message.

 

[mdrummer5]

There are so many good Christian metal bands out there that are spreading Gods message.

Depends on what kind of metal you like. As a fan of Slayer and Lamb of God and as a drummer let me tell you there are no Christian metal bands that compare. The majority of the world is Christian… however the most successful metal bands are not and it’s not because of these crazy rebellious teenagers… it’s because no Christian metal band rocks as hard.

 

[Joe_5859]

Depends on what kind of metal you like. As a fan of Slayer and Lamb of God and as a drummer let me tell you there are no Christian metal bands that compare. The majority of the world is Christian… however the most successful metal bands are not and it’s not because of these crazy rebellious teenagers… it’s because no Christian metal band rocks as hard.

Lucky for us symphonic power metal fans, there is Theocracy and Divinefire. They’re right up my alley anyway.

 

[mdrummer5]

Lucky for us symphonic power metal fans, there is Theocracy and Divinefire. They’re right up my alley anyway.

I’ve never been able to get into that music for some reason. It’s certainly good if it’s well done and I can appreciate the talent behind it but it lacks the raw aggression of straight up metal.

I will admit that Slayer is now the AC/DC of metal in the sense that as a band they’ve not really progressed musically… but hey if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

But Lamb of God… yea… there are no guitar players (in my opinion anyway) that match Mark Morton or Willie Adler when it comes to writing a riff to get you pumped up and Chris Adler (drums) is just absolutely sick.

 

[Joe_5859]

I’ve never been able to get into that music for some reason. It’s certainly good if it’s well done and I can appreciate the talent behind it but it lacks the raw aggression of straight up metal.

I will admit that Slayer is now the AC/DC of metal in the sense that as a band they’ve not really progressed musically… but hey if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

But Lamb of God… yea… there are no guitar players (in my opinion anyway) that match Mark Morton or Willie Adler when it comes to writing a riff to get you pumped up and Chris Adler (drums) is just absolutely sick.

I can appreciate that. I guess I have always preferred my metal music with as many descriptive adjectives as possible rather than just “straight up”.

This is neither here nor there, but I’ve recently been getting into the a capella metal band Van Canto. Their cover of Master of Puppets has to be one of the most interesting covers I have ever heard.

I guess I’m just quirky.

 

[mdrummer5]

I can appreciate that. I guess I have always preferred my metal music with as many descriptive adjectives as possible rather than just “straight up”.

This is neither here nor there, but I’ve recently been getting into the a capella metal band Van Canto. Their cover of Master of Puppets has to be one of the most interesting covers I have ever heard.

I guess I’m just quirky.

God gave us our quirks so we could be unique

When I started drumming Lars was my biggest influence (was ignorant to what good drumming is) so any cover of any Metallica song always interests me, I’ll have to check that out.