Let's Talk About Satan: SatanismThroughout Modern American Music From Classical to Heavy Metal to Rap And Beyond

Regarding Satanism...Religious studies scholars say "the very definition of the term "has a history of being a designation made by people against those whom they dislike; it is a term used for 'othering'." In the Bible,  "Satan" was used as an ordinary noun meaning "the adversary."

In this episode, we explore some of the history of satanism in American music. What's the story behind the evil lyrics, and satanic iconography in heavy metal and rap over the decades? We'll discuss artists from Black Sabbath to Big L, from Three 6 Mafia to Billie Eilish, and more.

The Devil's Chord

Anton Lavey on the keysCredit: Church of Satan

It would be heavy metal that took the Devils Chord and ran like a bat out of hell with it, with numerous metal bands such as Metallics, Slipknot, and Slayer, who even named their 1998 album Diabolus in Musica. But it was Black Sabbath, perhaps more than any other modern band that made the Devils Chord part of American mainstream.

Black Sabbath, circa 1977Credit: Trinity Mirror

""Big L would later be cited as one of the pioneers of the rap subgenre known as horrorcore, a hybrid of gansta rap  which incorporated horror themes, Satanic iconography, and shock lyrics, and grew in popularity in the late 90s. ""Ife Oshun

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Episode References:

* Fender.com* OkayPlayer.com* Metrotimes.com* TheBoombox.com

Full Transcript

SATANISM In American Popular MusicDownload

Google these names and/or phrases:

* Anton Lavey* Church of Satan* Black Sabbath* Jimi Hendrix* Boris Karloff* Metallica* Slipknot* Slayer* Nirvana* Van Halen* SoundGarden* Marilynn Manson* Slipknot* Slayer* Nirvana* Van Halen* SoundGarden* Marilynn Manson* Big L* Nas* 2Pac* Eminem,* Goodie Mob* Lil Wayne* Rick Ross* Insane Clown Posse * Esham* acid rap

Odddio Theme Song Credit: “Trans My Gray Shun” – T.Blackett, I. Oshun (TBlack Productions, Papa Grace