Morning Metal: Metal Rant #5: Worship
Rockso Rants:
Worship
This rant will be a continuation of the resurgence rant, but going into band worship. I’ll be talking about band worship and bands that cover the “church burning” type of worship. DEVIL WORSHIP! It seems to me that in this point in time the whole church burning gimmick is kind of old, but it is still a common topic when talking about the more underground genres of metal, specifically black metal.
Black metal has been criticized as one of the most extreme forms of metal music. It’s called “Satanic Metal”, how metal is that? Granted, black metal has been known for church burnings, murder, anti-Christian views and misanthropic views. Well, if you hated black metal – now you love it. The image of black metal is generally what attracted metal fans who were unfamiliar with the genre with all those studded jackets and white face paint. I know you’re thinking of juggalos, but don’t worry. It’s not a crime to be down with the clown.
All I’m saying is that if Insane Clown Posse started playing black metal, they already have the make up down.
Black metal bands were labeled to be devil worshippers for a variety of different reasons… You know, satanic rituals, sacrifices, all the fun stuff. However, the first wave of black metal bands like Venom (who came up with the term “black metal”), only used it to provoke and incite controversy. Ironically, those who were opposed to the idea of black metal bands participating in satanic rituals were drawing attention to the bands, increasing popularity. The best thing about media attention being negative is that it’ll attract more positive than what you intended.
On the other side, black metal did have those who did present themselves as “satan’s children” who were all for hatred and evil. Those Norwegian black metal fans who took part in 50 church burnings in the 90s are the ones who gave black metal its intense image. It is so obnoxious for people to die over ideology, especially when you would drive to someone’s house in the middle of the night and stab them.
For those of you who got that reference, you know your black metal.
If you are that involved with your genre’s ideology, you need to calm down. If you are killing in the name of an imaginary entity, you need to calm down. Leave Satan out of it, he’s done the least damage in the grand scheme of things. I am being quite hypocritical right now, as every time I see an article about “man sacrifices goat to appease Dark Lord”, the first thought that comes to my head is “So metal.”
You want to know how contradictory this genre has gotten? Picture black metal’s music and look – but promoting Christianity. It’s called unblack metal, and it actually is a genre. It came about with Australian metal band Horde in 1994. They couldn’t call it white metal because… well, for obvious reasons. Bands didn’t want to add racism on top of an already impressive rap sheet.
DIMMU BORGIR, Heil Satan!
Next are the bands who portray themselves as religious and have religion-influenced lyrics and imagery. Well, I won’t get into a whole lot of them as there are so many who say “I love Jesus” to sell records… *cough* Tim Lambesis *cough*. I mentioned this band before, and should have mentioned them in my last rant because they are a perfect example of having a theme – but they also have a perfect place for this topic; GHOST!
Ghost is fronted by Papa Emeritus II, a Roman Catholic Pope who has one of the creepiest vocal styles I have ever heard. Ghost also features five individuals who are known only as “The Nameless Ghouls”. They represent five elements; fire, water, wind, earth and water, which explains why they all wear black robes. BLACK METAL! Not really, but hey.
The whole idea for Ghost is meant to be Satanic, which plays in part with their image. The idea of Ghost is to worship Satan instead of the Holy Trinity.
I love Ghost simply because they are different and their music kicks ass. The band has even said that it is all part of the act and that they don’t actually believe or follow Satanic ideologies. So while they represent the idea, they don’t follow it themselves. Hey, it’s like real religion! Awesome.
Alright, so I’ve talked about how a genre’s fan base will literally burn down churches because of what the band says… But what about normal rock and roll music? Why are rock stars worshipped? Maynard James Keenan of Tool has the answer!
There is an interview Mr. Keenan did, but for the life of me I can’t find it. Luckily, I saved the quote in which I am interested in:
“I’m very resistant to the idea of being a public servant and being my responsibility to educate, because I’m not really qualified to do any of those things. I write these songs to move through some pain or work out some issues, and if I’m successful in my art and expression, I shouldn’t feel the same way as I did when I wrote those songs anymore.
If, as an artist, I can express myself in the some way that ends up helping someone else get through some hard times, I guess that’s great for everybody. The problem with the music industry in general is that artists get into it because they have a desire to be desired and a desire to scream their heads off for whatever issue happened to them in the past. They weren’t armed with the proper tools to move through any trauma or their childhood divorce or loss of parents, etc. They just end up screaming their heads off and at some point they get popular and now they’re a part of an industry that is run by people that are uneducated, emotional people. In a way, it’s a dead end. They’ll be screaming until the end.”
– Maynard James Keenan
Maynard James Keenan is a rock star to look up to. He not only defies the worship of rock stars, but he will shoot you with a paintball gun if you go near his property. Personally, I have never dealt with that level of fame (obviously), but I would want to maintain Keenan’s mentality if it were to ever happen. He has been referred to as a legend, to which he replied “I can’t be a legend yet, I’m not dead.” Perfect answer.
Known for being obscured from public sight during live shows, usually off to the side behind the drums – Maynard claims he finds it difficult to recreate emotions on stage with lights focusing on him. The band uses their live show almost like a movie that is accompanied with the music. I have been a fan of Tool’s mentality more than their music because they direct attention away from themselves and let the music do the talking.
Today’s lesson: Don’t burn down churches or murder people. Don’t act like a God when all you do is play music. Be grateful for your music career and your fans, because without them – you have nothing. Oh, and don’t worship Satan. I heard he’s a real jerk. Be cool, be nice and make awesome music.
Final thoughts: I really want a Mayones Regius 6. Those guitars are beautiful.
Check out these bands!
Where Giants Once Stood – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zztYBohMvjY
Nonpoint – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3zwsQ2q0i4
Honour Crest – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhEEiZZ–Zc
Endemise – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kHCsEN9zao
Neck Deep – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRc9TMWVYbs
Throne of Vengeance – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A46SPZIVy_A
Jake Bowen – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTVd8g_DBjg
Ascentience – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgiiT8hOLo0
James Rockso – Host of CKCU 93.1 FM’s Morning Metal