I enjoy a lot of Heavy/Death Metal songs that have Satanic themes but I do not personally have Satanic beliefs. Thus this thread. Please add any additional input you feel necessary.
Below is an example song from a death metal band (if you enjoy please state why or why not and how it relates to, or defies, your spiritual beliefs):
[On a personal note: I enjoy the song posted above but I have no emotional attachment to the actual message of the song and what it stands for. I just think it is a catchy tune. Thoughts?]
Being an Atheist, I do not really mind songs that promote Satanic ideas. Music is music. It is a way for people to express themselves, so if they want to sing about the devil and hell, then fine by me.
Being an Atheist, I do not really mind songs that promote Satanic ideas. Music is music. It is a way for people to express themselves, so if they want to sing about the devil and hell, then fine by me.
This is basically how I feel but I find it interesting how it can extend beyond this at times. As with the example song in the OP... I am against killing.... but I like the song. Same too with a rap song that might mention rape or murder... the song itself might be enjoyable but the content is something I wouldn't promote.
Thus the moral conflict that ensues when one promotes an artist that expresses these "negative" emotions/attributes. They're not things we want more of in reality but it is somehow okay to express artistically... which could be misunderstood by some.
I'm not offended by it or anything (I wouldn't be even if I was religious), however, I do think it's stupid when people write anti-religious just to be cool and dark and all the stupid stuff like that.
I'm not offended by it or anything (I wouldn't be even if I was religious), however, I do think it's stupid when people write anti-religious just to be cool and dark and all the stupid stuff like that.
But what if it is how they feel? As I said, I don't identify with the song I posted but when I was an angsty teenager I wrote some "dark poetry" like so many teenagers do. Again, I was not "Satanic" when I was a teen. But what about those who were that way (not just to be "cool" but because that is who they were)?
I guess the tl:dr version of what I am trying to get at here is:
When does music cross the line of ethics? Is it wrong to like a song that I find morally reprehensible? What does society think? Why are songs that promote what society as a whole would otherwise deem is wrong so popular?
Haha oh yes Breadlord, goth metal is death metal. At least learn the difference between genre
Most of the time, the only people that care about the exact title of a genre are the fans of said genre. Really, metal is metal. Electronic is electronic. Those who must categorize everything to the smallest detail are just wasting their time.
But what if it is how they feel? As I said, I don't identify with the song I posted but when I was an angsty teenager I wrote some "dark poetry" like so many teenagers do. Again, I was not "Satanic" when I was a teen. But what about those who were that way (not just to be "cool" but because that is who they were)?
Edit: Edited again for clarity.
Although I'm not entirely sure that living that way is the best way to live life, I respect anyone's personality who is actually like the people in the video. However, I don't think that this group is really made up of the suicidal, world-hating people you see in the video, but rather people who just dress up like that and act that way for the money. Of course, I could be wrong, though.
Most of the time, the only people that care about the exact title of a genre are the fans of said genre. Really, metal is metal. Electronic is electronic. Those who must categorize everything to the smallest detail are just wasting their time.
Yeah, stupid music fans and musicians wanting people to be correct about something.
Hey man could you put on some Aqua? Nah man I dont listen to electronica
Not generally. Imagine is a phenomenal song, but music that's explicitly anti-religious seems to me to come off as harsh. I understand why some enjoy it, but it's never been my cup of tea.
I don't think the majority of people listen to metal because of possible satanic lyrics and such, but rather the heavy riffs, breakdowns, death-growls, etc. I've also heard on a number of occasions that metal (especially death metal, grindcore, metalcore, etc.) is a way of releasing anger and frustration out, presumably the reason why so many 'metal-heads' are quite easy-going, happy people. Like myself.
I don't like metal whatever topic it's about, but I do enjoy some songs despite their topic. Someone else mentioned Imagine, and though I am quite religious I do like that song a lot. There's also examples like Don't Stand by The Police which talk about things that I definitely don't believe in. And Pink Floyd is one of my favorite bands, even with (and perhaps especially) their oft-depressing songs.
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I listen to a lot of Slayer and stuff of the like and will often hear about how it is "satanic". Some of the themes could be considered it, I suppose, but I don't let the music influence me.
I can't take music that promotes Satanicism seriously because it just comes off as a sad, gag-worthy attempt at being edgy.
On the other hand, I don't mind if a lot of gospel/bluesy songs have Christian references in them, as long as the overall quality of the music isn't sacrificed. Genres like "Christian rock", on the other hand, are really a joke and often times artists within the genre don't give a rat's ass about musicality as long as they get to preach on stage. I'm only referring to Christianity here because I've never actually encountered a "Muslim rock", "Hindu rock" or "Buddhist rock" band.
As for anti-religious music, well, it really depends. Some bands take an anti-religious approach to be 2edgy4u and try disgustingly hard to be different from anyone else(I can't think of any atm), while others openly oppose religious practice in a thoughtful manner that doesn't sacrifice musical quality. Take (at the 1:00 mark), for example:
I can't seem to see the seal we're breaking
I refuse to recognize your view
Someone shouted everything's for nothing
But I can't buy that nonsense too
Way back when the prophecies began
Do you think they really had a master plan
Or were they merely writing fables, stories?
I want to know but it has occurred to me,
The punishment that they threaten constantly
It's only real if they could just convince me
The song is told from the perspective of someone hopelessly struggling between belief and disbelief, and encourages people to forget about what happens after they die and get on with their lives. On top of that, the hornlines and the guitar work are superb. No problem here.
Being an Atheist, I do not really mind songs that promote Satanic ideas. Music is music. It is a way for people to express themselves, so if they want to sing about the devil and hell, then fine by me.
But... you don't believe in Satan... Now would you ever listen to a song promoting Godly ideas? Probably not.
And everyone will have their opinions, am I right? It's not like you could determine what is music and what isn't. I find dubstep pretty much just noise, and that is my opinion.
What do you find about it that doesn't make it music?
"Devil music" is quite commonly and unfortunately is the definition to anything heavier than Metallica, if not less and mostly by overly religious folks. So, under some circumstances I guess you can say I enjoy "devil music," but it's not like I take the lyrics deeply - It's mostly for the pure heaviness and speed.
Certain bands I listen to, like Root, a Czech Republic band, I think to myself sometimes that they may be very serious about what they sing about, since their music is not overly flashy and can actually be very subtle and serene. (In otherwords it's not "We are satanists WE WORSHIP THE DEVIL GAAAHHH". Some of their albums just sound like someone serenly and reverently worshiping)
But, even if it's true and what Big Boss sings about is indeed true according to his life, the music is too good to deny myself simply because of that.
Probably the closest I've come to having stopped listening to a band because of their views or beliefs was when I discovered Nokturnal Mortum are rather NS in their views. It's calmed down a bit apparently from the previous albums, but it's still there and they are still somewhat notorious for it.
Once again though, the music is sublime so I ignore it.
I guess that's the deciding factor for me. If the music is good, I'm down for whatever.
Below is an example song from a death metal band (if you enjoy please state why or why not and how it relates to, or defies, your spiritual beliefs):
[On a personal note: I enjoy the song posted above but I have no emotional attachment to the actual message of the song and what it stands for. I just think it is a catchy tune. Thoughts?]
This is basically how I feel but I find it interesting how it can extend beyond this at times. As with the example song in the OP... I am against killing.... but I like the song. Same too with a rap song that might mention rape or murder... the song itself might be enjoyable but the content is something I wouldn't promote.
Thus the moral conflict that ensues when one promotes an artist that expresses these "negative" emotions/attributes. They're not things we want more of in reality but it is somehow okay to express artistically... which could be misunderstood by some.
Edit: Edited for clarity.
But what if it is how they feel? As I said, I don't identify with the song I posted but when I was an angsty teenager I wrote some "dark poetry" like so many teenagers do. Again, I was not "Satanic" when I was a teen. But what about those who were that way (not just to be "cool" but because that is who they were)?
Edit: Edited again for clarity.
When does music cross the line of ethics? Is it wrong to like a song that I find morally reprehensible? What does society think? Why are songs that promote what society as a whole would otherwise deem is wrong so popular?
Like the difference between Candy Pop and Synth Pop? Who cares? A**holes that's who.
Although I'm not entirely sure that living that way is the best way to live life, I respect anyone's personality who is actually like the people in the video. However, I don't think that this group is really made up of the suicidal, world-hating people you see in the video, but rather people who just dress up like that and act that way for the money. Of course, I could be wrong, though.
Yeah, stupid music fans and musicians wanting people to be correct about something.
Hey man could you put on some Aqua? Nah man I dont listen to electronica
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On the other hand, I don't mind if a lot of gospel/bluesy songs have Christian references in them, as long as the overall quality of the music isn't sacrificed. Genres like "Christian rock", on the other hand, are really a joke and often times artists within the genre don't give a rat's ass about musicality as long as they get to preach on stage. I'm only referring to Christianity here because I've never actually encountered a "Muslim rock", "Hindu rock" or "Buddhist rock" band.
As for anti-religious music, well, it really depends. Some bands take an anti-religious approach to be 2edgy4u and try disgustingly hard to be different from anyone else(I can't think of any atm), while others openly oppose religious practice in a thoughtful manner that doesn't sacrifice musical quality. Take (at the 1:00 mark), for example:
The song is told from the perspective of someone hopelessly struggling between belief and disbelief, and encourages people to forget about what happens after they die and get on with their lives. On top of that, the hornlines and the guitar work are superb. No problem here.
But... you don't believe in Satan... Now would you ever listen to a song promoting Godly ideas? Probably not.
For the longest time I listened to a 'Christian metal band,' only find out (much to my horror) they were screaming at me to go to church. Literally.
And everyone will have their opinions, am I right? It's not like you could determine what is music and what isn't. I find dubstep pretty much just noise, and that is my opinion.
What do you find about it that doesn't make it music?
"Devil music" is quite commonly and unfortunately is the definition to anything heavier than Metallica, if not less and mostly by overly religious folks. So, under some circumstances I guess you can say I enjoy "devil music," but it's not like I take the lyrics deeply - It's mostly for the pure heaviness and speed.
But, even if it's true and what Big Boss sings about is indeed true according to his life, the music is too good to deny myself simply because of that.
Probably the closest I've come to having stopped listening to a band because of their views or beliefs was when I discovered Nokturnal Mortum are rather NS in their views. It's calmed down a bit apparently from the previous albums, but it's still there and they are still somewhat notorious for it.
Once again though, the music is sublime so I ignore it.
I guess that's the deciding factor for me. If the music is good, I'm down for whatever.