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LORDS OF CHAOS BY MICHAEL MOYNIHAN BOOK REVIEW AND STUDY GUIDE Lords of Chaos is one of the most popular books today among the world's metal fans. It is an interesting story about the rise of the black metal movement in Norway and the connection between music, religion and ideology. Specifically, it shows a kind of rebirth of forms of ancient paganism. It is in many ways a manifestation of Jung's theories about the collective unconscious. The following is intended to serve as an aid in the study of this book. We have included chapter summaries, links to the various bands and music discussed in the book, and different articles available for a more in depth look into the ideas presented by the authors. The latest edition of the book contains fifteen new pages, extra pictures and a new preface. PREAMBLE: INTO THAT DARKNESS The author relates the story of Varg Vikernes' failed attempt at escape from imprisonment. Varg Vikernes is the central character in the book. It should be noted, however, that he sharply disputes a lot of what is in the book. (See link below.)He is believed to be responsible for the Death of Oystein Aarseth (a.k.a Euronymous, founder of Mayhem) and several church arsons in Norway, also the man behind Burzum. We then get a brief commentary on "political terrorism" in rock music. The author declares that the black metal community was preparing itself for a coming "unholy war" and that their were many justifications for this, such as an allegiance to Satan or the death of the old pagan ways by the hands of Christianity. SYMPATHIES FOR THE DEVIL Here we find a history of Satanism in Rock music and the chain of influences that led to the beginnings of black metal. Also discussed is the influence of Aleister Crowley. Bathory would become a major influence in the later wave of black metal as they would explore Norse mythology and Vikings in their musical themes. BANDS AND ARTISTS DISCUSSED:
Robert Johnson (Not official) INTERVIEWS: Black Sabbath's bass guitar player Geezer Butler (p. 5) DEATH METAL DIES, BLACK METAL ARRIVES Venom gave birth to many metal subgenres of the '80s and '90s. Many bands began to call themselves death metal or black metal. Punk and metal began to share some of the same elements. This chapter deals with the growing metal underground and the mainstream success of a few bands that lead to corporate record labels interfering with the metal underground. Aside from these "sell-outs" extreme music would be kept alive by the passionate fans turned musicians, who would take the music to new and horrific heights. BANDS AND ARTISTS DISCUSSED: (Listed in order of appearance in chapter) Slayer INTERVIEWS: Abaddon of Venom (p.23) A BLAZE IN THE NORTHERN SKY Mayhem are considered the fathers of the Norwegian black metal scene. They introduced many of the genres trademarks such as corpse paint, the gruesome appearance, and a strong anti-Christian sentiment. The rise of the Norwegian black metal scene coincides with the birth of the legendary Slayer magazine published by Jon "Metalion" Kristiansen. This chapter is the introduction into the Norwegian black metal scene. BANDS AND ARTISTS DISCUSSED: Mayhem INTERVIEWS: Metalion (p.33,34,35,36,38,39) MAYHEM IN THE DEAD ZONE This chapter deals with the history of Mayhem and the suicide of the vocalist Dead. There is also a lot of information on the early years of the black metal community. The interviews in this chapter are very insightful. BANDS AND ARTISTS DISCUSSED: INTERVIEWS: Hellhammer of Mayhem (p.47-52) WELCOME TO HELL After the death of Dead, Euronymous opens Helvete (Hell), a record shop. This would be the meeting place for the scene and center for the "Black Circle". This shop helped to establish Euronymous' place in the black metal community. He also continued to work on his record label Deathlike Silence. This chapter is about the infamous Helvete and the growing black metal community. Also Varg's growing influence. BANDS AND ARTISTS DISCUSSED: Mayhem INTERVIEWS: Euronymous (p.63-64, 76) ASHES This chapter deals with the church arsons that took place in Norway in the early nineties, and the possible reasons ranging from being "symbolic acts of terror against Christianity itself", to pyromania, to kids trying to impress their idols. We also see how the media played an important part in the black metal community. Also discussed is the murder of a homosexual committed by Bard Eithun of Emperor. BANDS AND ARTISTS DISCUSSED: INTERVIEWS: Per Anders Nordengen, parishioner of Hauketo and Prinsdal congregations
(p.85-86) DEATHLIKE SILENCES The crimes in the scene were becoming increasingly more daring due to the fact that their previous crimes were never solved by investigators. In this chapter the authors go into the murder committed by Bard Eithun with more detail. Also the murder of Euronymous for which Varg Vikernes was found guilty. We also began to see the effects of the media on some of the members of the black metal community. Vikernes' attention goes form black metal to nationalism and the worship of Odin. The latest edition of the book provides insight to the actual police investigation of the black metal scene and Varg's state of mind around the time of his arrest. He is portrayed as a self-important cartoon like character that has become detached from the world. BANDS AND ARTISTS DISCUSSED: INTERVIEWS: Bard Eithun (p.105-106, 107-112,117-119, 134-135) COUNT QUISLING This chapter begins with study of Varg's name, and the court hearings for the murder of Euronymous and the church burnings. The coverage of this by the media was massive and centered on Varg. In this chapter Varg's beliefs are discussed in great detail, also the reasoning behind his latest name change to Varg Qisling Larson Vikernes. Varg believes he is related to Vidkun Quisling. BANDS AND ARTISTS DISCUSSED: INTERVIEWS: Varg Vikernes (p.139-141, 146-151, 153-156, 157-158, 163, 165, 166, 167-168,
168, 169-170 ) RESURGENT ATAVISM: THE METAPHYSICS OF HEATHEN BLACK METAL A few theories have been studied about the possible connection between black metal and the ancient myths of the Oskorei, the norse name for the legion of dead souls who are witnessed flying across the night sky on certain occasions. Theories quote works by Carl Gustav Jung as he wrote about the "collective unconscious" and the revival of "primordial images". We also read more about the symbolism of Varg's name. BANDS AND ARTISTS DISCUSSED:
Burzum INTERVIEWS: Varg Vikernes (p.172-173, 176 ) THEIR SATANIC MAJESTIES Satanism in metal is used mostly for shock value, of course there are exceptions and some musicians are true Satanists. Black metal was the first metal subgenre to have ever openly called itself satanic. This chapter goes into satanic ideals such as the works by Aleister Crowley and his occult order Ordo Templi Orientis. The Church of Satan and Anton Szandor Lavey are also dicussed. We also read about the newspaper headlines in the summer of 1988 about Satanist gatherings, and satanic worship that might have inspired the birth of Norwegian black metal. BANDS AND ARTISTS DISCUSSED: INTERVIEWS: M.W. Daoloth of Necromantia (p. 193) FUROR TEUTONICUS BANDS AND ARTISTS DISCUSSED: INTERVIEWS: Hendrik Mobus of Absurd (p.248-260) LORDS OF CHAOS BANDS DISCUSSED: Abruptum INTERVIEWS: Dani Filth (p.282) RAGNAROK BANDS AND ARTIST DISCUSSED: INTERVIEWS: Hellhammer (p.305-306) APPENDICES - "We Lit the Fires" by Finn Bjorn Tonder (Front page story, Bergens Tidende newspaper January 20, 1993) - "Oskorei" by Kadmon - "Satanism in Norway" written in translated by Simen Midgaard RELATED ARTICLES Michael Moynihan Publisher FERAL HOUSE
FERAL HOUSE Lords of Chaos
Links on Nordic Paganism The Asatru Alliance- Asatru community. A place to meet all who practice. ASATRU (Norse Heathenism)- General information about the History of Asatru beliefs and practices. Norse Mythology- General information. Woodharrow Institute of Germanic Studies Ravenbok- An introduction to Icelandic neo-Paganism Rune Gild-School of esoteric knowledge based on the Odian system of the Runes. Rūna-Raven-Publisher with a concentration in the areas of Germanic lore and magic as well as left-hand path studies Hellhounds, Werewolves, and the Germanic Underworld--Alby Stone - Study the symbolism of wolves. Church of Satan The Official Web Site Aleister Crowley The Biography Project Other Links
Land of Hidden Fires Lynde Eldars Land- Lords of Chaos contains poems written by Tarjei Vesaas which were originally in this book. Purchase this book on Amazon.com. Listen to the music and(or) purchase CD's at Amazon.com Bathory- the album Blood Fire Death Mercyful Fate-the album The Beginning Ulver-the album Nattens Madrigal
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