I asked: "Which philosophers have influenced heavy metal music?"
And here is what I received as an answer:
"Many philosophers have influenced heavy metal music, particularly certain subgenres. Here are some prominent examples:
- Friedrich Nietzsche: Nietzsche's critique of traditional morality and religion, along with concepts like the triumph of the will and nihilism, resonate strongly within black metal, notes LebMetal. His writings like The Antichrist, Twilight of the Idols, and Thus Spoke Zarathustra have provided inspiration for song and album titles, according to Loudwire. Bands such as Gorgoroth, Burzum, Emperor, and Anaal Nathrakh have incorporated Nietzschean ideas into their lyrics and themes.
- Arthur Schopenhauer and Emil Cioran: Their pessimistic philosophies, emphasizing the prevalence of suffering and the meaninglessness of existence, are reflected in the lyrical themes of doom metal and black metal bands, according to metaloda.com.
- Existentialist Thinkers (e.g., Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Heidegger, Sartre): Heavy metal, particularly black metal, frequently explores existential themes such as the absurdity of life, the search for meaning in a meaningless world, and the importance of individual freedom and rebellion against societal norms.
- Aleister Crowley and Anton LaVey: These figures, associated with occultism and Satanism, have also influenced heavy metal, particularly black metal and some other subgenres. The rejection of traditional religious and moral authority found in their ideas aligns with the anti-establishment ethos often present in heavy metal music.
Very nice exposition. So, I will let you mull that over while I go off for an exciting weekend outdoors. You mentioned polo and Nantucket recently and yes, and yes. It is tailgating time and I have some new recipes to try, courtesy of you know what...
Bon weekend, Wilmottians.
