Metal was a genre of music that generated a lot of discussion and controversy in its early days. Band like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple (considered the 'unholy trinity') instigated it all when they emerged on to the scene in the 70's. Leaking on into the 80's, 'satanic panic' would become even more prominent in the media.
'The filthy fifteen'
In 1985, the Parents Music Resource Centre released 'the filthy fifteen' list, which consisted of the songs that were considered too profane for the radio. The bottom of the poster reveals ratings that are subject to each song, in which one states 'O' for 'Occult.' This suggests that the bands with this rating promote supernatural beliefs and practices. The bands given this rating specifically was Mercyful Fate with 'into the coven' and Venom with 'possessed.' The titles of many metal songs perhaps connoted such 'occult satanic beliefs', however they usually did not reflect the members personal beliefs and instead was just an appearance. Notably, almost all of the bands are heavy metal bands: Judas Priest, Motley Crue, Black Sabbath to name a few. It was very common for metal bands to be named as 'satanic' or as groups that promote 'occult' beliefs mainly because of the lyricism in the songs and how the band members actually present themselves and the music. Lyrics such as 'Satan's sitting there, he's smiling' ('Black Sabbath'- Black Sabbath) is an example of lyrics that contribute to this idea. That album influenced a lot of the bands that came some years later, the bands that appear on this list. A genre that has given itself a name today, 'hair metal', comes from this idea of an extensive on-stage appearance/style, particularly with hair . For example, Motley Crue is one of the more famous 'hair' metal bands. This poster would influence bans against a lot of metal music, also some protests that actually took place. For example, the protesters that attended the PMRC senate hearing in 1985.
Metal - how it is represented now
While people hold their personal opinions at the genre itself, it is accepted and appreciated a lot more in the media today. Back then, it was spread across media that adolescents are listening to 'satanic' music and that it causes anti-social behaviour. As times have progressed, a huge shift in representation has taken place for the genre. This is mainly due to its growth amongst all ages through the years, not just teens. Bands have spoken publicly about what they intend their music to mean to audiences compared to how it is viewed generally. Many bands that do hold satanic ideologies and beliefs, perhaps considering themselves as Satanists, have spoken publicly about it too. For example, Behemoth's Nergal who openly stated about his Satanist beliefs. Compared to the ambiguous state of the genre in its early days and how it was perceived by adult audiences, it has now been able to become a defined genre that presents itself at face value. This video reflects the change in attitudes towards metal as a genre and specifically Black Sabbath as a band. It shows people from Birmingham, coming together to celebrate 50 years worth of records and legacy. It shows that society appreciates this type of music a lot more than they previously might have, even if they don't take a liking to it themselves. Culturally, different metal bands have had a huge impact on people over the years, whether that be though thrash, heavy metal, death or perhaps black metal. Now, fans come together and celebrate their favourite bands, perhaps by watching them live at festivals such as Download, Hellfest, Copenhell; this is something that would be heavily frowned upon in its early days.
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