Heavy metal memes are some of the most viral trends online, showcasing various genres from nu metal to grindcore and even kawaii metal!
Metal music may have negative associations, yet studies have demonstrated that many fans are welcoming and easy-going.
1. Toto’s “Africa”
As this meme has gone viral, bands have recorded new versions of “Africa.” Their interpretations range from playful jabs at political issues to simply being cool; here is just a sampler.
“Africa” has become an iconic song of our generation. With its melancholic chorus and lyrics that summon images of late-night drives and long flights reminiscent of your journey homeward bound, “Africa” can bring back vivid memories that feel more than life-altering.
“Living In An Alternative World” is an escapism song. The lyrics depict a journey to an exotic land where he falls for its culture and becomes intrigued with it – perhaps leading him toward self-realization but certainly making him reconsider his values and priorities.
David Paich and Jeff Porcaro of Toto never actually visited Africa; instead they used what knowledge they did have of it to craft a song that captures its sense of otherness – like sending musical postcards for places they will likely never visit themselves.
Postmodern Jukebox recorded an inimitable version of “Africa” for their Blue Mirror album this past fall, speeding it up and distorting to make it sound as though it were being played at an outdoor shopping mall.
Abiotic’s rendition is another postmodern take on this classic tune from Toto, nearly unrecognizable as their song due to howls and yelps from vocalists that are unintelligible yet strikingly similar – almost unintelligible in fact – of Toto’s song. Drums pound and guitars soar while basslines thunder away obliterating any trace of melody or arrangement from its original form. Listen here; watch its accompanying video available on YouTube here; both pieces appear like they’re playing against an empty eighties-era mall complete with white tile floors and green ferns!
2. The Buggles’ “Video Killed The Radio Star”
Heavy metal musicians and their fans were subject to considerable scrutiny by political and academic bodies during the early 1980s, who blamed them for everything from violence and suicide to depression and despondency. Although defenders of metal pointed out it wasn’t directly responsible, its exploration of madness and horror has long spawned disturbing images that resonate within its music.
In 1979, British New Wave duo The Buggles created “Video Killed the Radio Star,” an unforgettable song which hit #40 on American charts. Its iconic video shot on an elaborate laboratory set has since been rediscovered by vaporwave music enthusiasts as part of its rich musical heritage and frequently reused in memes.
Origins of “Beinig the Skyliner” remain unclear, though it’s known that Horn and Geoff Downes first recorded a demo version at their apartment in Wimbledon Park, London. Guitarist Bruce Woolley may or may not have entered Horn’s orbit prior to or following Downes; ultimately they would reduce themselves to two members after approaching producer Chris Blackwell with a recording contract for Island Records; Blackwell agreed but Woolley left his original band rather than record with them; instead recording with Thomas Dolby’s Camera Club band instead.
The Buggles spent months on recording “Video,” experimenting with equipment and nontraditional recording techniques in an effort to transform pop music into something wholly novel. Their result was an eye-opening monument of artificiality with Downes’ polyphonic synthesizers mimicking orchestras and trumpet voluntaries; Paul Robinson was instructed not to fill his drumbeat so as to preserve its mechanical feel.
3. Earth Wind & Fire’s “September”
Demi Adejuyigbe made waves last September when she created an eye-catching YouTube video to honor Earth Wind & Fire’s September. Since then, every September marks “Earth Wind & Fire Day,” where people post videos featuring themselves singing along and dancing along to its lyrics.
The catchy tune has been covered, remixed, and covered again by many artists over time. It has also been included as part of movie and TV show soundtracks including Trolls (2016); plus its lyrics guarantee to get people dancing!
Looking for meaning in the lyrics should not put too much stock into trying too hard. While the date itself is memorable, it has no relation to specific historical events or milestones like birthdays – the lyrics simply refer to it being the first day of autumn and that’s what the songs refers to.
Al McKay recently spoke with Billboard about how his band did not draw inspiration for their song directly, rather they created lyrics to match its music and sound pleasing to listeners. “Our aim was to create something that made people feel good,” he stated.
An additional striking aspect is how this song’s opening line has become such an earworm for so many listeners – it makes people nostalgic while stirring a sense of longing in them that can’t quite be put into words. Additionally, its structure was designed to keep audiences dancing all throughout listening – which it certainly has.
No surprise that Earth Wind & Fire Day is now so deeply embedded into American culture; even some notable people are getting involved. Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott posted a video of themselves dancing to this classic tune with the caption, “My boyfriend doesn’t understand why today is Earth Wind & Fire day..”
4. Earth’s “Dreams”
Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart saw another song reappearing thanks to memes this week; Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Dreams” entered at No. 14 after its use in viral memes on YouTube and Vine. Maurice White started Earth, Wind & Fire in Chicago in 1969 and enjoyed many successes throughout their 70s and 80s run; Genius offers more information about them; this is the oldest track on this list!
Dreams depicting global destruction may be a warning that you are worried that things you rely on financially or emotionally are falling away.
5. Mudvayne’s “Dig”
Mudvayne released its debut L.D. 50 album in 2000 and then went into hiatus shortly thereafter; however, their music continues to resonate today. Mudvayne’s catchy bassline from “Dig” became an internet meme when creators started dubbing funny noises over Chad Gray’s initial scream during its introduction into “Dig.”
Director Thomas Mignone — known for helming videos for Ozzy, System of a Down, Sepultura, Marilyn Manson and Type O Negative among many others – directed the clip that won an MTV2 award in 2001. It depicts an otherworldly technicolor nightmare featuring four Dr. Seuss characters gone haywire, suggesting an echo of The Lorax’s toxic apocalypse scene while featuring Nick Schendzielos (later on Job for a Cowboy).
MetalSucks recently caught up with Mudvayne bassist Ryan Martinie to ask about the meme and song that inspired it. Although Ryan mostly dismissed it, he noted that some members have been spending more time working on other projects (including singer Gray’s Hellyeah supergroup) in recent weeks than with Mudvayne itself. Additionally, Ryan reminisced about shooting their video for it which you can view below.