Heavy Metal music and its subgenres tell some of the most powerful stories. While Pop music is almost relentlessly about love, Heavy Metal seems to be the genre that explores the broadest range of topics and themes. And it can delve into them so deeply that it becomes uncomfortable for many. But those who are unafraid can experience tales that are diverse and deep, daring and delicious.
It was Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath who introduced me to the genre. Growing up in a Christian family, I learnt that such bands were satanic and evil etc… And didn’t Ozzy’s bat-biting incident just prove it? So, young rebellious me gave them a try. First, I realised that the satanic stuff was nothing but great PR. Then, I let the songs take me to all sorts of places.
Diary of a Madman remains my favourite. It tells the story of a man who doesn’t recognise himself in his diary entries. The lyrics are incredible, but even better is Randy Rhoads’ guitar solo as it conducts the man’s descent into madness. The riff swirls and wails and races faster and faster as it takes the listener on the man’s journey.
Universal Death Squad by Epica is another great example of storytelling, this time in the Symphonic Metal subgenre. The name alone makes me smile and others nervous, but look past the title. It’s an epic Science Fiction story about how Artificial Intelligence may come to rule their creators. I don’t see Ed Sheeran or Justin Beiber with anything to say on the topic. Such things may sound scary to the uninitiated, but the depth in such songs far exceeds what is mainstream.
These two examples demonstrate how the book genres of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror are explored deeply by Heavy Metal music. It both pulls in fans of such genres and introduces them to it. And the sinister flavour of Heavy Metal aligns with the darker aspects of what I write, too.
Heavy Metal not only inspires what I write, but I consider being a fan of the genre one of the facets of my target audience. There is much more to the music than loud riffs and shrill voices—though I do love them—but it is also about great and innovative storytelling. And I believe those who appreciate such stories will also love mine.
N.P.
