Norway and Black Metal

(At the point of being “metal”)

When you’re a young Norwegian, you’re supposed to be into metal, specifically black metal. After watching the True Norwegian Black Metal documentaries, you will soon realize that Norwegians don’t just like metal’s heavy riffs and growls, they are into the messages of black metal.

Gorgoroth is considered to be one of the bands that are serious in delivering the message of black metal. According to the documentaries, Gaahl, the vocalist of Gorgoroth, is actually considered as the most evil man in his hometown. It was reported that he tortured someone for nine hours while draining his blood and threatening him to drink his own blood. Obviously, he was imprisoned for nine months for the act.

The personality of Gaahl is actually very interesting. He is an artist and he lives in a very isolated area, which make him more interesting. Look at his paintings and you will understand why. And what’s the most interesting thing about him? He always has a scary atmosphere, a very strong aura.

During the rise of black metal in Norway, churches were burned and Christianity was considered a form of corruption. In fact, during those times, every time the words “black metal” were mentioned, there were three things inside every Norwegian’s mind: criminal cases, satanic and sole enemies of the church. Until now, black metal is still associated with rebellion and satanic lyrics. And this is the purpose of Gorgorth- to present the message and not just the music.

(Teya, at the point of being aggressive, while craving for cheeseburgers)

So what’s with the Norwegian black metal? Well, it can be a threat to Christianity or it can be a genre that experiments on creating music with heavy riffs and cool message. Every curious creature enjoys anti religion and religious messages, we all feel enchanted by the idea of talking about the most sensitive topic in the world- RELIGION. Good guys are sometimes boring. Talking about sex is even more boring. Serious discussions about religion according to what other people expect you to say about religion are the greatest elements of boredom. Music is very independent, it can earn love and respect from musically inclined individuals with or without interpreting the message. When I was in college, my professor told me that form and meaning are inseparable. But it was in my literature class and I cannot argue that music should be a part of the literature world, though I always believe that music is literature (except Britney’s or Justin Beiber’s and any other lame pop artists). Music can be appreciated without its message, heavy riffs and deep growls make up a good music. So it is safe to say that those people who listen to black metal are not really against Christianity, they just love the music. So why care telling everyone that your friend is a Satanic fat kid just because he loves black metal and he watches music videos of inverted crucifixes? Anyone can be a Satanist, your neighbor or the old lady who lives next door might be a Satanist even if she doesn’t like black metal, so what’s the big deal?

Norwegian is a nationality and black metal is a genre for me. Don’t accuse me of destroying religion just because I find Gaahl interesting, the guy is cute and it’s always funny seeing him in his normal state (by saying normal, I mean seeing him without his make up on and all that black costume)- a sharp looking face with his cute goatee, almost looking like a Christian priest, preaching in a very calm voice that every trace of Christianity should be erased. INTERESTING TO WATCH HIM SAY SUCH WORDS WITH HIS HOLY LOOKING FACE.

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