Hails. This is my first post of a weekly column that I'll be writing to call readers' attention to the wonders and mysteries behind extreme and black metal, as well as to give recommendations from both Australia and internationally of bands in this vein that must be heard. This first post is just a taste of what's to come.

Religion has always been a central theme when it comes to this genre of metal – whether bands are singing in favour of it or against it. Blasphemy and Satanism are two very common concepts that you’ll certainly hear at some point if you’ve discussed extreme metal. While this is true to an extent, with many bands utilising these concepts in their lyrics and imagery, there is much more to the extreme than meets the eye, or ear in this case. To me, bands that deal with such topics as satanism, for instance, may spark some controversy on first listens. However, what I have come to understand over the years is that many extreme metal bands are more about shining a light on taboo subjects and ideologies.

Here are five extreme metal tracks that are an absolute must-listen, each one stepping into 'blasphemous' and Satanic realms, while bringing together mythology, religion and the occult. While it may be offensive to many, bewildering to some and enlightening to a few, there is no denying the artistic abilities of these bands in conveying messages of such a tendentious nature in a powerful way. 

 

Behemoth – Ceremony of Shiva
“I am Shiva, Hadit or Beast himself”
A song that brings forth the power of the Hindu Lord of Destruction mentioning his Third Eye and the Serpent or ‘Naga’ coiled around his neck. In the Satanic Bible and many other cultures, Shiva is known as the ‘Dark Lord’ and is also another name for Satan.

Rotting Christ – Devadevam
The Greek metal lords honour the Hindu tradition, using sacred mantras such as the ‘Gayatri Mantram’ in the beginning of the track and parts of the ‘Mrtyunjaya Stotram’ throughout, all the while chanting the names of various Gods. What’s absolutely stunning to me is how the band merges the mysticism of an ancient language such as Sanskrit with the crushing sounds of extreme metal.

Al-Namrood – Bat Al Tha ar Nar Muheja
Blackened metal from the blazing depths of Saudi Arabia. Need I say more? The very fact that a metal band exists in this country and is considered anti-Islamic is quite amazing, as they could face severe punishment. “We’re fed up with religion. Religion and society fulfil each other.” Truer words have not been spoken.

Batushka – Ектения VII: Истина
Very little is known about this dark, obscure Polish band, except that their sole purpose is to create some of the heaviest, most haunting combinations of black and doom metal tracks you’ll hear. The name of the band translated means ‘Father’, with reference to a priest. What Batushka create is a brooding atmosphere with liturgical chants and gripping tones, the band approach mystical theology and Christianity in a most unorthodox way without actually being a ‘Christian’ band. It’s a bit hard to process but I’ll let the music speak for itself.

Sheidim – Amrita
Sheidim – a very obscure word in Hebrew that means demon, and is apparently used only two times in the holy book of Tanakh. This essentially describes the ominous existence of Spanish black metallers Sheidim and also fits the theme of this article. What's interesting about this particular song is that the word 'Amrita' derived from Sanskrit word 'Amritam' which refers to the Nectar of Immortality. I really admire bands that are able to bring together elements of different cultures into their music. 

Rotting Christ: Bhur Buvah Svah

Synonymous with the ideologies of Occultism, spiritual mysticism, blasphemy, Satanism and the like are the ominous genres of black metal and extreme metal. It is without a doubt that there are bands creating music in this realm which pertain to the above and are considered taboo. However,  more often than not, time is not given to the underlying meaning of these concepts which go beyond the capacities of our understanding.

But I digress. Rotting Christ has been denied entry into countries courtesy of the particularly harsh nature of their name. Showing the proverbial finger to all representations of Christianity would be the instant connection on hearing this name, as was the case with me. However, after not only listening intently to the sounds of the Greek metal veterans, but also studying their lyrical themes, album art work and seeing them perform, it is crystal clear that the people of Rotting Christ are way beyond the mere concept of religion. It is what has become of religion and religious beliefs that linger in their minds and music while celebrating what was.






The band released a new album, interestingly eight days after my birthday, and featured one of the most glorious tracks I've had the pleasure of hearing in my time around the Sun. A track that features the unorthodox nature of Rotting Christ's powerful sound, and the gripping rhythms of traditional Hindu mantras. The Gayatri Mantram that introduces the track 'Devadevam', is a very sacred chant from the 'Rig Veda', and holds within, a prayer to the Universe for protection in all three Worlds.

The vocal prowess of Kathir from Vedic metal band 'Rudra' was sought after, and it has translated into what is an astounding rendition of certain parts of the 'Mrutyunjaya Stotram'. A highly revered mantra in Hinduism, it celebrates the glory of  Lord Shiva - the Destroyer, when he claims victory over Death as per the scriptures and mythological narratives. Although, in many cultures as well as in Satanism, Shiva is seen as one form of the Dark Lord, he is a force to be reckoned with within the Hindu tradition.

Needless to say, it was an emotional moment when I heard the use of these mantras in a Rotting Christ track. It puzzled me but simultaneously consolidated my thoughts which are now being documented in this blog. Religion is everywhere. It is referred to by a number of names, and is what we choose for it to be. Speaking with Sakis Tolis, he opened up about the reason behind using sacred Hindu chants in his music and to me, it not only shows a mark of respect to religion but a certain consciousness that takes some people a very long time to develop. He does not belittle the institution but in fact, draws a certain inspiration from evidences of it's existence.

Non Serviam.

                              "Metal is a worldwide phenomenon."