Satanism in Pop Culture

     Spooky season is upon us so let’s talk about something most people consider terrifying – Satanism. Satanism is a modern religion-based on literary, artistic and philosophical interpretations of the central figure of evil. The first official Satanic church was formed by Anton LaVey in the 1960s. Before the forming of an official church, Satanism was not recognized as an official religion. Christians did consider it as real during the witch trials, inquisitions and during the Satanic panic of the 1980s in America but more on that later.

Many interpretations of Satan

     The Christian view of Satan is as a horned, red, demonic human figure with a pointy tail and sometimes hooves. In their eyes, those who commit sins are sent to his realm – hell. Hell is an underground world filled with demons under Satan’s control put there to punish sinners. The name Satan first appeared in the Book of Numbers in the Bible. It was used as a term describing defiance. Satan was later described as an enemy of Jesus Christ.

   Satan was depicted in numerous works of fiction sometimes even as an anti-hero. Probably the most famous example is Dante’s Inferno that depicted Satan as a horrible monster. John Milton’s famous 1667 poem “Paradise Lost” depicts the figure of Satan as more of a rebel, a charismatic figure. Éliphas Lévi in his 1854 book “Dogme et Rituel” probably stands out as the description that first comes to mind when people imagine Satan as a figure. He described him as the horned goat deity Baphomet.

Baphomet

Aleister Crowley

     Aleister Crowley is known for his occult writings and teachings. He founded the religion of Thelema, which became adopted by the Ordo Templis Orientis as well as the magical order Argenteum Astrum or the order of the Silver Star. He was also a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, where he was known by the magical name of Frater Perdurabo. He despised Christianity but considered himself highly spiritual. He encountered a being known as Aiwass, described as a "minister" to Horus, the central deity in Thelema, and as a Holy Guardian Angel. Aiwass dictated the Book of the Law, which Crowley wrote down and published. The press dubbed Crowley the "Wickedest Man in the World" but it seems like he took joy from all the controversies. To this day he remains a controversial figure, dangerous to some, inspiration to others.

Aleister Crowley

The 1980s Satanic Panic

     Christian fundamentalists push the idea that Satanic cults were abusing children in rituals and committing widespread murder. Christian groups misrepresented the Church’s beliefs and practices to create a real-life enemy that they could explain. Adding fuel to the already growing panic many people explained their crimes as done in the name of Stan. In 1985 the serial killer Richard Ramirez used a lot of satanic symbols as a part of his ‘look’. He also claimed that he was an acquaintance of Anton LaVey but that was proven false. People started blaming artists for promoting Satanism, especially musicians.

Satanism in music

     Anything that people considered as going against God was deemed as Devil worship, especially music! Rebel music which is performed by the oppressed was seen as dangerous and unholy. The blues, especially, was regarded as something dangerous, against faith. The most famous story is about guitarist Robert Johnson.

Son House, one of Johnson’s peers, told the story of how the guitarist was an average guitar player before disappearing for weeks. On Johnson’s return, his technique was revolutionary and the best anyone has seen. The legend says that Johnson took his guitar to Highways of 49 and 61 in Mississippi where the Devil exchanged his instrument for Robert Johnson’s soul. The famous ‘crossroads’ story that has been referred to in many popular works of music and film.

Robert Johnson

     Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, while not a Satanist, was a follower of Crowley’s ‘philosophy of personal liberation’. The guitarist went on to purchase Crowley’s former home in Loch Ness. Led Zeppelin was also involved in one of the bigger scandals of satanic worship in the 80s when Televangelist Paul Crouch claimed that by playing the group’s track Stairway to Heaven backward a voice would be heard saying “Here’s to my sweet Satan… He will give those with him 666”.

Led Zeppelin

     The Rolling Stones’ Sympathy for the Devil sees Mick Jagger seize the role of the Devil, calling out for crowds to “Just call me Lucifer”. Black Sabbath used Christian symbols a lot, especially the cross. Devil was a good way to sell records, you can see that in a lot of metal bands through the 80s like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and more. A lot of that imagery from today’s perspective would be considered rather tame. That’s where we turn our attention to dark waters beneath the mainstream metal bands of the 80s.

Black Sabbath

     The underground metal was getting darker and heavier. Groups such as Morbid Angel, Venom, Celtic Frost and Deicide were focusing their songs mostly on Sumerian deities, mythical sorcery, and ancient incarnations, However, Norway’s first wave of black metal artists was serious about Satanism. Formed in 1984 by Dead, Hellhammer, Euronymous and Necrobutcher formed the band Mayhem. They wanted to present fear. Mayhem would regularly cut themselves onstage and have a pig or sheep’s head impaled on stakes as they performed. “There is nothing which is too sick, evil or perverted,”  There are much darker stories surrounding this band, but one has to wonder when it comes to shock value how far is too far? Tell me what you think!

Mayem

     Even today, when there is a high shock value threshold bands that incorporate Satan are getting talked about. Probably the most modern example is the metal band ‘Ghost’. The lead singers assumes his role of Papa Emeritus and the rest of the band are Nameless Ghouls that wear almost identical, face-concealing costumes.

Ghost

     Although music taste depends on one’s personal taste I would recommend giving some of these bands a listen. If for nothing else, the imagery they use is interesting and you can see how a lot of symbols are used.

What do you think about all this? Do you think today Satan is used purely for shock value theatrics?