A warning... This will probably make the most sense to people that already have a knowledge of black metal, particularly the second wave of the Norwegian scene. But either way, it seems like a lot of the bands started out in the beginning espousing satanic and even fascist views. But as they progressed it seems a lot later on down played both the satanic and fascist influences in favor of pantheistic views such as Norse mythology, paganism, and a nature. Of course there are still plenty of bands that remained satanic, but to me at least it was more for shock, a rebellion against organized religion, or just a downright gimmick than actual satanic worship. Besides, it's kind of hard to bash the bible and at the same time "worship" something from it but that could be a whole other thread. Either way, like the title says, was moving away from satanism just a natural progression and maturing of certain bands?
Great topic Nutty, you may know that I am a big black metal fan and never thought I'd get to discuss the philosophy behind it.
I've found myself bored of a lot of 2nd wave stuff now; it has no real replay value though I can chuck on Immortal- At the Heart of Winter at anytime and fucking love it. I think Enslaved are one of the only 2nd wavers to maintain quality and actually get better. I think some of the 'newer' acts have refined the style really well, and I refer to bands like Shining (Swe), Alcest, Drudkh (right-wing shit aside), Deathspell Omega, Blut aus Nord, Darkspace/Paysage d'Hiver. Anyway, enough name dropping. I'd like to know what bands you like though...
I think we need to remember that these guys were young kids when they started their bands. Satanism in the context of BM was more anti-Christianity; I don't think it was especially theistic. Naturally, such themese would get tiresome, so we have bands like Shining talking about suicide and misanthropy or Darkspace, talking about space. The way bands like Burzum claimed to be fighting Chistianity and reclaiming pagan sites by burning churches was lame and illogical. The fascist shit was always irrelevant. Fasciosm is hyper conservative, and black metal was non-conformist and iconoclastic. I think that bands either opted to go for the more pagan approach, not neccesairly pantheistic. Its tedious being a reactionary against something; there's no room for growth. But adopting a positive stance, either towards paganism or animism, can lead to development and benefit. Christianity has lost most of its power, so the opposition just seems so 90's.
There are still the Dark Funerals and Sargeists who rattle on about the Infernal One, but for me, those sort of lyrics are like an anal sphincter; they push me out of the music as soon as I enter it.
I find Deathspell Omega to be highly interesting. Secretive and obscure with a truly theistic take on Satanism. Though I believe some of the members were/are actually Catholic. From 2003 on, they rarely bash Christians or overtly praise satan, but they subvert scripture and realign it. They seem to be discussing the objective entity, Satan, not as an allegory but a metaphysical construct.
Are you a Satanist nutty? I spent quite a bit of time with occult practitioners several years ago, some who practised what they described as anti-cosmic Satanism. They borrowed heavily from Thelema and Catholicism, but there was a focus on earth, matter, reality. It appealed to me in some ways, because it felt powerful to experience and uplifting but I came to realise that most of these people were all lying to each other when they pretended to see spirits and elementals and communicate with the void. I accept the idea of satan as a symbol for opposition and rebellion and flesh/matter but I think that this is only symbolic, and I suppose some of the bands thought the same.
Disjointed post, I am quite high, spelling is gone.
We'll see how this travels in P&S, it may get more responses in NEMD.
Best album cover ever though:
