By observing a variety of metal bands and listening to their music, it is easy to see that heavy metal relies heavily on dark and ominous themes. Renowned heavy metal sociologist Deena Weinstein notes in her book “Heavy Metal: The Music and its Culture” that common topics in metal often include “monsters, the underworld and hell, the grotesque and horrifying, disasters, mayhem, carnage, injustice, death, and rebellion” (35). This comes as no big surprise to anyone who is at least moderately familiar to the genre. Heavy metal bands often choose dark or violent names, such as Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, Acid Bath, Napalm Death, Suicide Silence, and Dissection. Fans of metal are not repulsed by these grotesque names, but rather they are enticed by them. Fans see these dark names as contributing to the brutality and overall credibility of the band, which has cause the trend to persist and, in turn, become commonplace in the genre.
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Another popular theme in metal that contrasts chaos and destruction, but is seen as equally immoral, is that of sexual indulgence and intoxicating substances. Weinstein calls these Dionysian themes, referring to the ancient Greek god of ecstasy, Dionysus. According to Weinstein “Sex in heavy metal is anything but respectable”, instead being “sweaty, fun, and without commitments” (36). She goes on to cite specific songs that reinforce this attitude, such as W.A.S.P.’s “Animal (F**k Like a Beast)”, and The Scorpions’ “Backstage Queen” (36).
The second aspect of the Dionysian theme, intoxication, is not quite as prominent as that of sexual indulgence in metal music. It is no secret that both heavy metal fans and musicians enjoy indulging in mind-altering substances, most notably alcohol and marijuana. However, lyrical depictions of this theme seem to be lacking in the music. Some notable examples of this theme in metal would include Black Sabbath’s tribute to marijuana, “Sweet Leaf”, and the existence of the heavy metal subgenre stoner metal. Stoner metal bands are defined by their blatant references to marijuana in their lyrics, album covers, and bands names. Notable stoner metal bands include Bongzilla, High on Fire, and Electric Wizard. Along with its subject matter, stoner metal is also defined by its lo-fi production, and extremely slow and distorted sound, which is intended to enhance the effects of marijuana, making the high that the user experiences more enjoyable.
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Now that the characteristic themes of heavy metal music have been discussed, one might begin to explore their compatibility, or lack thereof, with various religious ideologies.