Friedrich Nietzsche, a German born 19th Century Philosopher was well educated and took a wide range of inspirations both philosophical and literary to create many works containing some debatable and litigious ideas, which in turn inspired many other key thinkers and inevitably, heavy metal music.
The direct meaning and interpretation of Nietzsche's writings are debatable, and his dwindling mental health during the creation of the latter part of his literary career ratifies this, but the extreme controversy and political incorrectness of some of the images that Nietzsche's work conjure are agreeable with certain niches of metal, namely those that desire to shock and offend for maximum impact.
This brings us to two of the main reasons for Nietzsche worship in metal; Controversy and Enlightenment. As the reader may have gathered, a penchant for excess in whatever shape or form (in this case political incorrectness) is commonplace in metal, hence controversy is self-explanatory.
Ramblings of a Madman or Forward Thinking Genius?
Not surprisingly, metal maestros see Nietzsche as enlightened, a radical thinker rather than a follower, and against the weakness of blind faith in religion. This is an aspect that can be associated with, especially the total lack of belief in anything - also known as nihilism.
Nietzsche provides solace for many metal artists (black metal in particular) who can rationalise considering the many Satanist and national socialist viewpoints in the genre. Whether these themes are politically or morally controversial, they connect strongly with Nietzsche.
Twilight of the Idols or Dawn of a New Idol?
Seen as a hero amongst many metalheads, Nietzsche and his work reflect the general disgust for mankind and religious institutions. Even to a level of worship of the thinker. Nietzsche did cast God-like judgement when outlining his 'Eternal Return' notion, in creating a specification for the living of a 'righteous' life.
Again in dwelling on what makes an approved lifestyle and what makes mankind happy, what drives him, Nietzsche suggested that only the Englishman would desire a utilitarian lifestyle and to simply be happy in life. English anti-life protagonists Anaal Nathrakh who can be musically and thematically surmised by the titles of their songs 'Pandemonic Hyperblast' and 'Cataclysmic Nihilism' respectively, certainly are the anomaly.
As if it wasn't blindingly obvious to anyone remotely familiar with Nietzsche and Anaal Nathrakh, the band is inspired by the philosopher. Often vocalist Dave Hunt is known to spout Nietzsche philosophy as a introduction to their immense live show, and several songs are named directly after Nietzsche ideas or papers, such as "Human, All Too ****ing Human" and "Revaluation Of All Values", the latter referring to Nietzsche's suggestion of an anti-Christian morality for the future.
'Will To Power' is a Nietzsche theory in human philosophy that suggests that man's will is not to survive, but to be powerful, and living is just an inferior want, just a stepping stone to the true desire of power over others, and this reflects in certain aspects of black metal, in terms of true power, no fear of death, only one desire, channelled vision, almost stubborn outlook, which no doubt leads to elitism.
Nietzsche suggested that ideas such as fighting and warfare are things which people willingly risk life and limb for, and no doubt Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth certainly have similar devout and extreme ideals. Having albums named Antichrist (1996) and Twilight of the Idols (2003) and songs such as "Will To Power" bare the kindred spirits of Nietzschean philosophy and black metal.
The Funeral of God or the Changing of Ways?
In 'The Gay Science' Nietzsche coined his most memorable quote "God Is Dead", often believed to be referring to the industrious and the economic becoming the primary objectives of 19th Century Europe rather than religious pursuit. This quote has been adopted by heavy metal as expected because it resonates with a pure evil, to defy the one true Christian God.
Too many to list are the songs, albums and lyrics inspired by this statement. Celtic Frost named a song "Totengott", German for "dead God". Machine Head's "I'm Your God Now" and Vital Remains' "Where Is Your God Now" (as well as a host of other anti-Christian handles by VR) are also prime examples.
Almost as vast as Nietzsche's work, is the following in extreme metal. Two Swedish bands At The Gates and Dismember took "Beyond Good And Evil" for a theme. Cradle of Filth, when not plundering Lovecraftian tomes embraced the idea of Cruelty and The Beast. The connections run deep and wide between extreme metal and Nietzsche and no doubt will continue to do so into the fathomless expanse of time.
Tom Findlay - Tom Findlay: Young freelance writer, articulate and humorous in style. Writes what he sees; no obesquious pandering and no unnecessary ...
