Separation of Religion and Metal

Lately I've been seeing a number of news stories popping up on the various metal sites which feature artists spewing out religious comments or bashing another religion.

Every other day we hear Dave Mustaine give out a Christian rant or __________ (insert black metal band) bashing the blind followers of faith. Just the other day Nergal of Behemoth posted a message to fans while ill, saying that his experience with leukemia would not make him convert to Christianity (which of course it would be stupid to think it would).

And by now most of you have probably heard about Rev Rachel Mann's support of metal music as a release of aggression to make a person more fun-loving and peaceful.

While I respect all of these people's rights to comment on various religions, I almost feel like I'm sick of hearing it all. It's one thing to incorporate these lyrics into your music, but another to send out messages to fans saying how God/Satan/Allah has inspired you to become a better person.

What happened to the days when we could just enjoy music, without all of the religious context? If you are an "anti-Christian" black metal band, bash away in your lyrics, but just entertain when onstage. The whole Bible burning thing is tired now (and disrespectful, as it turns out ironically, there are plenty of pent-up Christian kids that listen to black metal too). And those dead animals onstage are just plain smelly.

Of course there is always the counterpoint in saying that if you take the religion/politics/message out of the music, you're just going to have Motley Crue style metal, but that's not exactly it.

You can still get your views across without alienating your fans offstage and in the live setting. Or at least come up with something a little more original (like Gojira's eco-friendly metal or maybe we can start up some more Mexi-metal and get into the immigration issue...).

Behemoth releases another cinematic video for 'Alas, Lord is Upon Me'

By now, many of you probably know that Behemoth vocalist Adam 'Nergal' Darski is undergoing treatment for an illness (of which he has not yet revealed).

I'm not going to make any speculations on his condition, just wishing him a speedy recovery. I can't say I agree with all his views, but Nergal has created some interesting and creative heavy music for the world, and hopefully he can continue creating soon.

Despite his sudden illness, Nergal and the rest of Behemoth were able to finish a new music video for "Alas, Lord is Upon Me" off the latest album Evangelion. Didn't follow the video's story too closely in the first viewing, but it is cinematic and I'm guessing Darski could talk for a long time about its subject matter (which is anti-Christian).

UPDATE: I originally tried to post the uncensored version of the video, saying, "I think the uncensored version would be Darski's preference," however, the video embed code won't allow me to do so. So, below is a censored video, but check out a better quality, uncensored video RIGHT HERE.

UPDATE 2: It was announced that Nergal actually has leukemia. I wish him the best of luck in fighting cancer and hope he pulls through to make even more extreme metal.

Behemoth: "Ov Fire and The Void" = One F**ked Up Music Video!

See the guys in Behemoth play some awesome music, alongside more naked imagery than you ever needed to witness. Also see a hot chick bleed all over people and give birth to a demon baby. Oh and the band eats an angel. Not quite sure what is all going on here, but I know that crazy son of a bitch Nergal truly believes in it, so that's good enough for me.

I just dig the tune! "Evangelion" is out on Tuesday.

Behemoth "Ov Fire And The Void" from Metal Blade Records on Vimeo.

Listen to Behemoth "Evangelion" Right Now!

Check out the new Behemoth album in its entirety at the band's MySpace.

Nergal is one crazy dude, but he plays a mean guitar and has lots of dedication to his music. The new album sounds like it could be the band's best yet. The first track "Daimonos" is currently my favorite as of now.

"Evangelion" hits stores on August 11.

Behemoth Evangelion Album Cover

Check out the new album cover from black metal pop band Behemoth. OK, so maybe they aren't pop, but they are definitely mainstream black metal, which is by no means a bad thing. In fact they are one of the better ones out there right now.

Here is the cover:



The new CD "Evangelion" is coming out on August 11. The Apostasy was a decent album, even if it got a little stale in parts. The video for "At the Left Hand Ov God" is still cool in my book.