Spinoza Ray Prozak Takes Time Off From Selling Shit to Write an Intriguing Article...
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Astral Poetry
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I agree quite a bit on the parts about fans new to the genre not looking into the past at what black metal was. Though, I disagree with the statement that black metal is dead. There are still plenty of bands that stand for the ideals of the genre (Graveland is a good example).
Excuse me, I'm going to step out and crib a line of discussion I made regarding this elsewhere. Just let me say that while I agree that black metal isn't COMPLETELY dead, it's relevance is fast fading.
Ah, here it is:
Personally, I'm of the opinion that the future of the artistic spirit which drove the best black metal is largely to be found outside of metal altogether, in music that jettisons the last vestiges of rock (Lord Wind, Puissance, later Burzum, the World Serpent acts etc.). The Catch-22 there is that those most in touch with that spirit also remain sentimentally devoted to metal (thus, Rob Darken continues releasing Graveland albums rather than devoting himself fully to Lord Wind), while those who grasp black metal only on a superficial or aesthetic level (Ulver) are more inclined to step beyond the limitations of metal, but lack the ability to turn that leap into something artistically relevant (and thus, they remain just as derivative OUTSIDE black metal as they were within it). I suspect that only circumstance and a sense of betrayal pushed Varg Vikernes to make that separation irrevocable. There is an ethic of loyalty in metal, and particularly in black metal, that sometimes leads to artistic self-immolation, and it's unfortunate.
Personally, I'm of the opinion that the future of the artistic spirit which drove the best black metal is largely to be found outside of metal altogether, in music that jettisons the last vestiges of rock (Lord Wind, Puissance, later Burzum, the World Serpent acts etc.). The Catch-22 there is that those most in touch with that spirit also remain sentimentally devoted to metal (thus, Rob Darken continues releasing Graveland albums rather than devoting himself fully to Lord Wind), while those who grasp black metal only on a superficial or aesthetic level (Ulver) are more inclined to step beyond the limitations of metal, but lack the ability to turn that leap into something artistically relevant (and thus, they remain just as derivative OUTSIDE black metal as they were within it). I suspect that only circumstance and a sense of betrayal pushed Varg Vikernes to make that separation irrevocable. There is an ethic of loyalty in metal, and particularly in black metal, that sometimes leads to artistic self-immolation, and it's unfortunate.
SculptedCold
-scented manbeef-
What i've always been curious about is why these people choose music as a platform for their ideals, or whatever. Is it just because a) it's what they can do well and b) it's a medium that's going to get to more people easier?
the simple fact is, music is a nearly useless messenger nowadays. even asides from the fact that the vast majority of people don't recognise the histories, ideals and social objectives behind music with that intent anymore, there is also the simple fact that music is a hugely ambiguous form that suffers significantly under the randomness of subjective interpretation, even amongst the most genuinely devoted listeners.
the simple fact is, music is a nearly useless messenger nowadays. even asides from the fact that the vast majority of people don't recognise the histories, ideals and social objectives behind music with that intent anymore, there is also the simple fact that music is a hugely ambiguous form that suffers significantly under the randomness of subjective interpretation, even amongst the most genuinely devoted listeners.
I disagree. Music and other forms of sensual art will always be the most effective way that ideas are communicated, except for in the 1.4% of the population that have a philosophical and/or leadership inclination.
anonymousnick2001
World's Greatest Vocalist
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