The Book of Myth and Magic in Heavy Metal Music

A comprehensive look at the how and why of metal music’s relationship to the supernatural, the occult, and magic.

The Power of Myth and Magic

Myth and magic have been present in human culture since the beginning of time. They are stories and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in myth and magic, particularly in the heavy metal music scene. This is due in part to the fact that metal music often deals with dark and occult themes.

The allure of the occult

Since the inception of heavy metal, the occult has been a huge source of inspiration for bands and fans alike. For many, the allure of the occult is the sense of mystery and power that it represents. To others, it is simply a way to shock and provoke. Whatever the reason, there is no denying that the occult has had a profound impact on heavy metal music.

Some of metal’s biggest and most influential bands have been inspired by the occult, including Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Iron Maiden. While not all metal bands are explicitly involved in or supportive of the occult, many still use occult imagery and themes in their music and artwork. This can be seen as a way to add an element of danger or mystery to their image, or simply as a way to pay homage to their influences.

Whether you view it as a source of inspiration or simply as entertainment, there is no denying that the occult has had a significant impact on heavy metal music.

The appeal of the fantastic

The Power of Myth and Magic in Heavy Metal Music

What is it about heavy metal music that so often incorporates themes of fantasy and the supernatural? Why are these elements so appealing to heavy metal fans?

One possibility is that the escapism offered by these themes is attractive to those who feel misunderstood or marginalized by society. In a world where they may not feel like they belong, fans can find solace in stories of otherworldly creatures and magical powers.

Another possibility is that the often dark and aggressive nature of heavy metal music lends itself well to fantasy and horror elements. These genres often deal with topics that are taboo or considered too transgressive for mainstream media, making them a perfect fit for metal.

Whatever the reason, there is no denyi

The History of Myth and Magic in Heavy Metal

The history of myth and magic in heavy metal music is a long and storied one. It began in the 1970s with bands like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden, who drew upon the dark occult and supernatural themes of early metal. In the 1980s and 1990s, metal bands began to experiment with different mythologies, from ancient Greece to Norse mythology. Today, metal bands continue to explore the mystical and the fantastic in their music, using myth and magic to create their own unique sound and vision.

Early metal bands and their use of occult imagery

While early metal bands such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath did not explicitly identify as occultists, they nonetheless made use of occult and pagan imagery in their music and stagecraft. This was likely due to the fact that many of the members of these bands were themselves interested in the occult. Jimmy Page, for example, was a well-known collector of Aleister Crowley memorabilia, and Black Sabbath vocalist Ozzy Osbourne has said that he was inspired by the work of British occultist Aleister Crowley.

While there is no one defining factor that makes a metal band “occult,” many metal bands make use of dark or Satanic imagery in their music, lyrics, and stagecraft. This can include things like inverted crosses, pentagrams, and references to Satanism or other dark theological concepts. Many metal bands also make use of horror movie aesthetics, which often coincide with occult themes.

Whether or not a band actually believes in the occult is often beside the point; for many fans, it is simply the dark atmosphere and imagery that is appealing. That being said, there are some metal bands who do consider themselves to be practicing occultists, and whose music reflects this belief. One well-known example is American black metal band Watain, whose performances have included animal sacrifice and other shocking displays designed to shock and awe their audiences.

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal and its debt to fantasy literature

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the late 1970s and peaked in popularity in the early 1980s. The NWOBHM is often credited with revitalizing the heavy metal genre and inspiring subsequent subgenres, such as power metal and speed metal.

One of the most important influences on the NWOBHM was fantasy literature. Many of the bands that emerged during this time were heavily influenced by authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, Michael Moorcock, and H.P. Lovecraft. These authors created worlds of wizards, warriors, and monsters that captured the imaginations of young metalheads and inspired them to create their own brand of heavy metal music.

The NWOBHM would go on to have a lasting impact on heavy metal music, and its influence can still be felt today. If you’re a fan of heavy metal, then you owe a debt of gratitude to the bands of the NWOBHM for helping to make it the genre it is today.

The rise of black metal and its use of pagan themes

In the early 1990s, a new wave of black metal arose in Europe with a more aggressive sound and themes that were inspired by paganism and the occult. Bands like Mayhem, Emperor, and Bathory began to experiment with using growling vocals, fast tempos, and heavily distorted guitars to create a new sound that was darker and more atmospheric than anything that had come before. These bands also began to explore themes of Norse mythology and the dark occult in their lyrics and album art, which helped to create a more sinister image for black metal.

This new wave of black metal quickly gained a following among metal fans who were looking for something heavier and more extreme than what was currently being offered by the mainstream. In the mid-1990s, a number of high-profile murders and church burnings committed by black metal fans brought mainstream attention to the genre, although most fans were quick to distance themselves from the criminal elements.

Today, black metal is one of the most popular subgenres of metal, with hundreds of bands releasing new music each year. While many of these bands still explore pagan themes in their music, others have begun to experiment with political or social commentary in their lyrics. Regardless of their lyrical focus, all black metal bands continue to produce music that is dark, intense, and brutal.

The Myth and Magic of Heavy Metal Today

It is said that heavy metal music has its roots in the dark ages. That its music and lyrics are steeped in the blood and gore of medieval Europe. That its electric guitars and pounding drums are the sounds of war and battle. And that its fans are the modern day equivalent of the sorcerer’s apprentice.

The continued use of occult and pagan themes in metal

Many people are surprised to learn that occult and pagan themes are still alive and well in heavy metal music. While the Sex Pistols may have declared that “God Save the Queen” was a meaningless song, for many metal bands the opposite is true. For them, songs about myth and magic are a way to connect with something larger than themselves.

While some bands use occult and pagan themes in a tongue-in-cheek manner, others take them very seriously. either way, these themes add an element of mystery and intrigue to the music. Here are some examples of bands who have used occult and pagan themes in their music:

Iron Maiden: Iron Maiden is one of the most well-known bands to use occult and pagan themes in their music. Their song “Flight of Icarus” is based on the Greek myth of Icarus, while “Number of the Beast” refers to the Biblical passage from Revelation (13:18).

Black Sabbath: Black Sabbath is another band whose music is full of occult and pagan references. Their song “N.I.B.” is about a deal with the devil, while “Lord of This World” deals with Satan’s attempt to seduce Jesus.

Led Zeppelin:Led Zeppelin was another band who often incorporated occult and pagan themes into their songs. Their song “Stairway to Heaven” has been rumored to contain backwards messages about Satan, while “The Battle of Evermore” is based on JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Whether you love or hate metal music, there’s no denying that it can be fascinating. For many fans, part of the appeal is the way that metal bands incorporate myth and magic into their music.

The use of fantasy and science fiction themes in metal

Fantasy and science fiction themes have been a part of heavy metal music since the genre’s inception. Bands like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden wrote songs about witches, warlocks, and other supernatural creatures, while others like Metallica and Megadeth tackled more serious topics like nuclear warfare and the futility of war. In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in these kinds of themes, with bands like Dragonforce and power metal gaining popularity for their over-the-top lyrics and musicianship.

One reason for this resurgence may be the popularity of fantasy and science fiction movies and TV shows such as The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and Star Wars. These properties have introduced a new generation to the genre, and many metal fans are drawn to the epic scope and grandiose storytelling that these films and shows offer. Additionally, the use of CGI and other special effects has made it possible for metal bands to create music videos that are truly visually stunning, which also helps to attract new fans.

Whatever the reason for its current popularity, there’s no doubt that fantasy and science fiction themes add an element of excitement and intrigue to heavy metal music. If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual metal fare, be sure to check out some of the bands mentioned above.

The use of myth and magic in metal to create a sense of escapism

Many people see metal music as dark, aggressive, and even evil. But what they may not realize is that metal is often inspired by myth and fantasy, and that many metal bands use elements of myth and magic in their music to create a sense of escapism.

In a world that can be harsh and chaotic, metal provides a way to escape into another reality, one where you can be anything you want to be. You can be a warrior fighting for justice, or an evil sorcerer bent on world domination. You can be a hero or a villain, it’s up to you.

Myth and magic are often used in metal to create this sense of escapism. Many metal songs are based on ancient myths or medieval tales. Others take place in made-up worlds with their own mythologies. And still others use magical elements like wizards, dragons, and elves.

This use of myth and magic in metal helps to create a sense of wonder and adventure. It’s one of the things that makes metal so special. So if you’re looking for an escape from the mundane world, don’t be afraid to explore the myth and magic of heavy metal music.