Impaled’s music offers uninhibited lyrics with unnerve-inducingly explicit language that may displease blue-haired and conservative types, yet they cannot resist singing along to an infectious chorus.
Lester Bangs frequently employed the word metal when reviewing new bands, often as an adjective referring to sound-effect bands with heavy sounds or for those that were simply capable of creating metal music.
1. God Is a Lie
Heavy metal lyrics often resonate more profoundly than their fast, angular melodies, creating songs with lyrics more introspective than those found elsewhere. While some themes can be sensual or sexually charged, others explore social issues or reveal darker aspects of human nature – for example “God Is a Lie,” from Wednesday 13 explores this idea that God may not exist while sending an important message about how life without spirituality or religion can be challenging and stressful.
Wikipedia reports that Lester Bangs first used the term “heavy metal” in a 1972 article for Creem magazine. Although its exact source remains debated, most sources credit Steppenwolf’s 1967 song, Born to Be Wild; William Burroughs’ novel Naked Lunch; and Bangs’ piece as being its source.
No matter its source, heavy metal has come to define itself through its name alone. No other popular music genre boasts such an unforgettable and lasting name that gives fans and potential creators something tangible to remember about this genre. Heavy metal’s distinct identity makes communication with fans and potential collaborators simpler than ever before.
Heavy metal gives this genre its own identity and cultural cache, helping people recognize it from other types of music. When someone hears “heavy metal,” they know to expect an intense musical experience which often features violence and darkness.
Heavy metal music genre is famous for invoking an overwhelming feeling of power and rebellion in listeners, shaping its musical style along the way and impacting other genres as a result.
Heavy metal drumming has had an influence on other forms of dance music such as hip hop and other dance styles, and metal’s melodies and riffs have found their way into other types of rock music.
Queensryche’s song “Eyes of a Stranger” is an iconic example of progressive metal music. Its lyrics convey humanity’s struggle against oppression and finding hope amidst darkness; serving as an inspirational source to many worldwide.
2. Rest in Faeces
Impaled’s Impaled track, entitled Graveyard Filled With Excrement, conjures images of an unpleasant graveyard filled with garbage and excrement. While not intended for sensitive listeners, its lyrics showcase some of the darker themes often associated with heavy metal music genre. Cannibalism, rape, self-mutilation and sexual deviancy can often be explored in its lyrics; sometimes even further than that!
Sepultura’s Brazilian heritage is the subject of this song’s tribute, with tribal drums and mesmerizing vocal chants perfectly representing how indigenous culture meets modern civilization in an explosive collision. Frontman Max Cavalera wrote its lyrics which take a stand against oppression and captivity.
No one knows for certain who coined the term “heavy metal,” though the idea likely originated with Steppenwolf’s song, “Born to Be Wild,” as well as author William Burroughs’ Naked Lunch. Lester Bangs (deceased rock critic) is frequently credited as being responsible for first applying this label to rock music.
3. Preteen Deathfuck
Heavy metal has always been known for embracing extreme themes and lyrics, and this song by Baroness is no different. No matter your opinion on their band or not, this track is sure to elicit an emotional reaction in you – whether or not you enjoy their music! The powerful vocals of John Baizley as Baroness lead singer capture all the emotion perfectly!
Motorhead’s classic song, “Carrie Anne,” remains one of the most renowned tracks in heavy metal history, thanks to its haunting lyrics and unsettling instrumentals that perfectly embody their aggressive sound. This song became an instantaneous hit, covered by numerous artists over time, as well as appearing in several video games and films.
Nu-metal was one of the greatest contributions of nu-metal, providing us with sing-along choruses that united audiences around the globe. No doubt we all remember singing along to songs like Slipknot’s “Wait and Blood”, as well as any number of their other catchy tracks, while these angst-ridden tracks provide us with reminders of why heavy metal music stands apart from its peers.
One of the greatest aspects of metal music is its deep philosophical lyrical themes. Although some tracks might appear violent at first, their lyrics offer deeper understandings into life’s journey. These lyrics offer profound wisdom regarding life’s trials and tribulations.
Ironically, metal music has long been revered for its violent undertones as well as its deep philosophical lyrical themes. What’s even more amazing is that this genre doesn’t fear crossing lines and crossing them again at times when appropriate or inappropriate. Additionally, many songs contain lyrics sure to give goosebumps.
4. God Bless America
“Davidian” from Machine Head’s 1994 debut studio album Burn My Eyes is an emotional heavy metal rock anthem about the 1993 Waco siege, serving as an anthem against federal agents and media depiction of this event while also showcasing their tight instrumentation and strong vocals. Since its introduction at Indianapolis 500 races, “Davidian” has become a fan-favorite choice to perform after singing of national anthem and before starting race starts.
The title of this song refers to Irving Berlin’s patriotic standard “God Bless America.” This patriotic standard can often be heard sung at sporting events in the US, most notably during the Indianapolis 500. But this song has had its fair share of political controversy since Kate Smith recorded it back in 1939 until after September 11 attacks occurred; In 2001 singer Connie Francis released her cover version which raised funds for victims of World Trade Center bombing.
Metallica’s 1991 single, “Replica,” epitomizes this trend through lyrics that criticize modern society and our lives in it. This song’s lyrics suggest that technology enslaves humanity; we are nothing more than cogs in the machine. With aggressive growled vocals and hard drumming providing a nihilistic vibe which has since inspired numerous other metal bands.
Metal music has long been known for its positive messages despite some cynical lyrics, yet remains known for its unconventional lack of subtlety and reveling in transgressive behaviors, often creating very inspirational songs like Baroness’s 2019 single, “Borderlines.” Vocalist John Baizley delivers passionate performances to create an emotionally charged rock anthem which calls out for change against isolationism in our society – an emotive rock anthem which serves as an impassioned call-to-action call which calls listeners to take action against oppression!
Lester Bangs of Creem magazine first used the term “heavy metal” in his 1970 essay entitled, “The Meaning of Heavy Metal.” Although some have speculated that Steppenwolf inspired this term, more likely William Burroughs’ novel Naked Lunch provided inspiration. Both authors were well known among countercultural youth during this era in New York City and San Francisco where rock criticism developed simultaneously.