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Heavy Metal myths

J

jahjahwarrior

Guest
Below are among the most common myths and misconceptions people (both Christian and non-Christian alike) have about heavy metal music and heavy metal musicians.

#1. "It's all devil worship music and demonic!"- Though it is true with to a certain degree with some bands (such as Deicide, Slayer and Venom), a large percentage of secular metal bands lyrics have nothing to do with Satanism or the occult. For example; many will pass by someone wearing a Megadeth t-shirt and assume right away that they are "satanic" when they don't even have the slightest clue of what their songs are about nor have they done their research. Most of their songs are about war, corruption in politics and internal struggles. They're not condoning those things but are just simply talking about it from a neutral standpoint. Also, Metallica's "Leper Messiah" is NOT about Jesus having lepers, but it's an attack on TV evangelists who use Christianity and religion to scam people for money.

#2. "Christian metal is an oxymoron!"- Is walking on water an oxymoron? Is turning water into wine an oxymoron? Is bringing people back from the dead an oxymoron? It's funny how Christians are so quick to believe Jesus did all of these great miracles but yet have just as much of a hard time believing that the same God can't use heavy metal music as a tool to reach people with the gospel.

#3. "Heavy metal musicians are nothing but a bunch of drug users and criminals!"- Yes, there are some heavy metal musicians who have committed crimes and are addicted to drugs and alcohol. But if you check the statistics and get the facts, you will also notice that you find much of the same among teachers, doctors, lawyers, police officers, blue collar workers and yes, even pastors. Don't believe me? Go watch an episode of "Dateline: To Catch a Predator". Also, did you know that David (a man after God's own heart who wrote most of the Psalms) was a polygamist, an adulterer and a murderer.....LITERLLY???

#4. "Heavy metal musicians are evil and have a love for death and suffering!"- Heavy metal musicians are just as much of a threat to society as Darth Vader, the Joker, and Dr. Evil. Yes, their artwork may look scary and they may look intimidating on stage, but all they are doing is just putting on an act. In real life they are nothing more than just plain simple fun loving human beings just like the rest of us. They enjoy home cooked meals, spoiling their nieces and nephews, and going for walks on warm sunny days just like the rest of life. They cherish life and mourn over the loss of their loved ones just as much as the rest of us. James Hetfield of Metallica is not really "Creeping Death" just like Arnold Schwarzenegger is not really a cyborg assassin from he future.

#5. "Heavy metal musicians are dumb people with no talent!"- It's takes way more talent than you will ever know and comprehend to play most of the songs they play. And they are also way smarter than you can ever imagine. I remember one time watching Rock 'n' Roll celebrity jeopardy on VH1 in which Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, Moon Unit Zappa and George Clinton played for charity. Dave Mustaine already had the game won by the halfway point of the first round.

#6. "Heavy metal musicians are a bunch of punks with no respect for people"- Though there may be some exceptions, many of them are the nicest people you will ever meet in the secular music business. If you walk up to the members of Cannibal Corpse, they will gladly give you their autograph and let you take their picture. Try that with Celine Dion or Elton John, you'll likely get nothing but the cold shoulder. Heavy metal musicians are just as nice and normal than the average joe you pass by in the grocery aisle.

#7. "Heavy metal musicians are Satan worshippers!"- Though the black metal bands from Norway have proven this myth with their actions, most heavy metal musicians are not Satan worshippers. Most secular bands that use satanic imagery or lyrics in their material do it for nothing more than just mere shock value or to sell records.
 
Most common for whom? Sure if you want to apply over generalizations to this genre it might be possible, but where are you getting these "myths?"
 
Most common for whom? Sure if you want to apply over generalizations to this genre it might be possible, but where are you getting these "myths?"

Knotical:

Sometimes the uniformed criticism about Christian heavy metal is similar to uninformed comments about Christian hard rock.

In actually fact, bands such as Disciple and others have some rather bold, Christian lyrics.

Blessings.
 
Sometimes the uniformed criticism about Christian heavy metal is similar to uninformed comments about Christian hard rock.

In actually fact, bands such as Disciple and others have some rather bold, Christian lyrics.

Oh, I have no doubt. I have heard some of their (Disciple's) songs on Air1 out here in Cali, and know they, along with Skillet, have decidedly Christian messages. My question to the OP is in regard to where they are getting all these "myths" and what bands they are applying them to.
 
Sometimes the uniformed criticism about Christian heavy metal is similar to uninformed comments about Christian hard rock.

In actually fact, bands such as Disciple and others have some rather bold, Christian lyrics.

Oh, I have no doubt. I have heard some of their (Disciple's) songs on Air1 out here in Cali, and know they, along with Skillet, have decidedly Christian messages. My question to the OP is in regard to where they are getting all these "myths" and what bands they are applying them to.

Knotical:

I think it's all part of the mindset of some fundamentalists. (Make no mistake: I fully support Biblical doctrine that many Fundamentalists espouse.) But without realizing it, maybe, they add to what the Word actually says, and assume that their personal and cultural preferences are on a par with Scripture.

Many examples of this kind of thing could be given.

Blessings.
 
Ok my personal view is that yes there are some bands that are demonic...are all heavy metal groups!? No i dont think so....i listen to alot of metal and rock bands and i dont think that at all. One of my favorite bands Korn has Brian "head" welch in it. He has come out to put some awesome Christian music as well...i have met him personally a few times and he is a very huge influence on me and on my brothers. The music from both his non and Christian bands have helped me through alot. There are alot of bands out there that blatantly make fun of Christians and such but i dont think all metal bands are satanic.
 
And i know that alot of people such as marylin manson use alot of things for show that yes are gross and the same for ramstein...one band that is Norwegian that i def think to be satanic is dimmu borgir there son the sacriligous sacrifice is a perfect example of them showing no mercy on there beliefs...when i saw this music video it made me sick...it wasn't anything harsh but it was just knowing what they were talking about n the scenes they used. Very harsh.
 
And i know that alot of people such as marylin manson use alot of things for show that yes are gross and the same for ramstein...one band that is Norwegian that i def think to be satanic is dimmu borgir there son the sacriligous sacrifice is a perfect example of them showing no mercy on there beliefs...when i saw this music video it made me sick...it wasn't anything harsh but it was just knowing what they were talking about n the scenes they used. Very harsh.
[MENTION=96649]KayGraham1611[/MENTION]:

I never seen the video. Sounds like I don't want to, either! :)

Blessings.
 
@forouk its definitely something to use an example but i wouldn't watch for any other reasons lol
[MENTION=96649]KayGraham1611[/MENTION]: But anyway re. specifially Christian heavy metal/hard rock there is something very strong about it. Especially when with bold lyrics. I think for example that Disciple's track Battle Lines is really powerful.

Blessings.
 
PS: [MENTION=96649]KayGraham1611[/MENTION]: Actually [MENTION=89910]questdriven[/MENTION] who comes here a lot (she's a mod, as well) knows a lot more than me about Christian heavy metal/hard rock.

Blessings.
 
I think @forouk that Christian rock is a very good method to reach out to today's youth the ones that listen to this genre of music...it gives a positive look on things and also gives a glimpse into what God can do. I have listened to alot of Christian rock bands starting with DC talk and jars of clay back when i was younger still listen to them :)
 
I think @forouk that Christian rock is a very good method to reach out to today's youth the ones that listen to this genre of music...it gives a positive look on things and also gives a glimpse into what God can do. I have listened to alot of Christian rock bands starting with DC talk and jars of clay back when i was younger still listen to them :)
[MENTION=96649]KayGraham1611[/MENTION]:

Well, exactly; I agree, yes.

I like both traditional hymns and Christian rock.

They both have their place, I believe.

Blessings.
 
PS:

I have heard some of their (Disciple's) songs on Air1 out here in Cali, and know they, along with Skillet, have decidedly Christian messages.
@Knotical :

Yes, it was actually @questdriven that put me onto Disciple . Some of their Christian lyrics in hard rock are very bold. (I'm guessing now but @KayGraham1611 would probably really enjoy Disciple, too; maybe @Matthew G should try them too.)

Blessings.
 
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Most common for whom? Sure if you want to apply over generalizations to this genre it might be possible, but where are you getting these "myths?"
Yeah, I'd guess that most people don't really say these things. They do all sound like like the kind of things that would have been said a lot and over and over at my old church, though.


I think @forouk that Christian rock is a very good method to reach out to today's youth the ones that listen to this genre of music...it gives a positive look on things and also gives a glimpse into what God can do. I have listened to alot of Christian rock bands starting with DC talk and jars of clay back when i was younger still listen to them :)
DC Talk...they're defunct now, but the three members who made up the band each are still involved in their own music careers. One of them is TobyMac. :)
 
Most common for whom? Sure if you want to apply over generalizations to this genre it might be possible, but where are you getting these "myths?"
Yeah, I'd guess that most people don't really say these things. They do all sound like like the kind of things that would have been said a lot and over and over at my old church, though.


I think @forouk that Christian rock is a very good method to reach out to today's youth the ones that listen to this genre of music...it gives a positive look on things and also gives a glimpse into what God can do. I have listened to alot of Christian rock bands starting with DC talk and jars of clay back when i was younger still listen to them :)
DC Talk...they're defunct now, but the three members who made up the band each are still involved in their own music careers. One of them is TobyMac. :)
@KayGraham1611 :

See? I told you that @questdriven knows a lot more than me about Christian hard rock/heavy metal!

@questdriven :

Do you know if your mom still hears criticism of Christian rock, etc., where she goes?

Blessings.
 
[MENTION=89910]questdriven[/MENTION] even tho they aren't around i still like em n i followed toby mac for a while after he left the group but im nt much into pop or the rap thing...p.o.d. is another favorite of mine love them
 
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