extol's "synergy". . .

[NAD]

1 - Who shouts the loudest (and with most authority) is typically considered 'correct' - more so for fear of further backlash.

2 - For some reason, some metal heads think it's their mission to convert others into liking or disliking a band or piece of music. Nothing can be accepted at face value.

Sounds like Dubya-led American politics to me.

 

[JayKeeley]

And I will admit that I have never heard Extol, nor seen their lyrics. I have no interest in doing so either.

Even if a Christian band does not preach their beliefs through their music, the knowledge of them being Christians makes me uncomfortable. I cannot look past this.

Extol do not seem to preach the gospel. It's just that they are not ashamed to admit to being Christian when asked.

The point is, I am sure we are all listening to bands that have different beliefs to some of us (say, Christianity) but we just don't know about it because they choose to keep it private. For that reason, I let the music do the talking across the board.

It can act like a gimmick though. Some people will listen to music just because it is Christian, Satanic, NSBM or whatever. But I can understand this as well - as NAD said, "If I agree with a stance obviously I'll at least enjoy the view, just as if I disagree with the perspective I will generally dislike it".

The same applies to which movies you pick to watch.

 

[Erik]

So, does the knowledge of me being a Christian make your blood boil? Do I get on your nerves and make you feel uncomfortable?

That's a pretty cruddy comparison. No, not really, you're not a metal band. I consider metal to be more than just some style of music, and Christianity in metal is something I feel shouldn't exist. Because metal is important to me, stuff like that offends me. You're not really preachy either. I know I said I wouldn't listen to non-preachy bands either, and that's true, but the preachy ones are even worse.

On the other hand, yes, when you make statements like "may God help them," I feel that's kind of creepy.

Metal has progressed and will continue to progress faster than hardcore ever could.

I don't really understand what "progression" has to do with any of this, unless you consider inclusion of Christianity into metal "progression."

 

[Erik]

The point is, I am sure we are all listening to bands that have different beliefs to some of us (say, Christianity) but we just don't know about it because they choose to keep it private. For that reason, I let the music do the talking across the board.

I'm sure there are bands I listen to that have members who have Christian beliefs I'm not aware of, because they choose to keep it private. I guess ignorance is bliss in that case, 'cause if I knew they were Christians I'd have a hard time liking the band any more.

 

[Black Winter Day]

from statements like that. . .

it's almost like when you love a band, you think their music is the greatest stuff since fried cheese, but then. . . you suddenly discover their music is being sung by a big bald fatass with zits -- thus ruining the music.

damn, i knew what i was saying before i typed it, but for some reason it didn't come out the way i intended.

"ah fuck it dude, let's go bowling"

 

[JayKeeley]

I'm sure there are bands I listen to that have members who have Christian beliefs I'm not aware of, because they choose to keep it private. I guess ignorance is bliss in that case, 'cause if I knew they were Christians I'd have a hard time liking the band any more.

I think religion should be kept private. I'm sure people don't need to be preached at through music, TV, telephone calls, or a knocking on your front door halfway through eating dinner. "ignorance is bliss" is right - that's life. We don't truly know what people get up to behind closed doors and so we all accept things at face value. We have to, otherwise we become paranoid schizos.

Also, I guarantee that some bands who sing about Satan are not true satanists. They use the 'scare tactic' as a gimmick to sell. Likewise, bands that sing about murder, rape, aliens, and fantasy don't all believe in those things (except maybe Ronnie James Dio and his pet dragon).

The two areas that might be a tough pill to swallow are religion and racism. I don't think anyone could / would pretend to be religous or racist to sell records.

I think what I'm trying to say is that since I don't really know the true motives behind a band and their music, I'm simply left with just making a decision on whether the music is good or bad. This applies to EXTOL and their Synergy release, ARCH ENEMY and the debate on whether they sold out, or GRAVELAND and their devout belief in their pagan roots and white ancestary.

I guess it depends on how much you attach yourself to what you listen to.

 

[JayKeeley]

As food for thought, what about a band that preaches the message of Islam, they may sound absolutely brilliant but does the adage 'I thought it was about music' still apply?

Why not? How is Islam any different to any other man-made religion?

 

[NAD]

It's been around longer.

Which is why I give animism the most credit.

 

[JayKeeley]

It's been around longer.

Islam has been around longer than Christianity or Judaism? I think not my good fellow!

 

[NAD]

Not Judaism, but it's older than Christianity isn't it? Christianity claims to be 2003 years old (technically), and I thought the Quran was written before then.

Obviously I know bunk about Islam.

 

[JayKeeley]

Not Judaism, but it's older than Christianity isn't it? Christianity claims to be 2003 years old (technically), and I thought the Quran was written before then.

Obviously I know bunk about Islam.

Nah man, Islam is the youngest of the three. In fact, Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet, they just don't believe he was the "son of God".

The jews just celebrated their new year last Friday - to them it is the year 5764 (or something like that).

Christian calenders assume to start at the birth of Jesus, therefore we're in 2003. (or something like that).

Islam started once Muhammad started reciting the Quran to his Imams (disciples) through the angel Gabriel, and so to them it is only the 15th century (or something like that).

 

[NAD]

Huh. Not sure why, but I always assumed Islam began somewhere around 400-500 BC (or something like that).

I do like the idea of polytheism though, if anything it is more fascinating. I have a particular affinity toward Greek and Egyptian theology. Monotheism is too centralized for me I guess.

 

[JayKeeley]

If Monotheism isn't your bag baby, try Hinduism. They have millions of Gods, the best food in the world, and the festival of lights (Divali) rules.

 

[NAD]

Another good one, but one I am not very familiar with.

 

[JayKeeley]

Another good one, but one I am not very familiar with.

All you need to know is that there is no food better than a good Ruby Murry (curry).

 

[NAD]

The only curry I've ever had is Thai. Please don't hit me...

 

[bloodfiredeath]

I prefer Thai curry over Indian curry. I mean... god is shit... and all that...

 

[Demonspell]

<<but their beliefs shoul not keep you from at least hearing them, right?>>

<<if being a metalhead is synonymous with closemindedness, then count me the fuck out>>

Agreed on both counts.

 

[JayKeeley]

From Extol....to Thai Curry vs. Indian Curry.

Thai curry uses too much coconut.

 

[Black Winter Day]

Tim Curry