Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: Extreme Right-Wing Ideologies in Australian Black Metal

Authors

Keywords:

Australian extreme metal, fascism, black metal, popular music, reflexive anti-reflexivity

Abstract

This paper examines the presence of extreme right-wing ideologies in the Australian black metal bands Spear of Longinus and Deströyer 666. We demonstrate how album artwork, lyrics, and live performances of these bands reflect, influence, and communicate the ideological and political opinions of band members. Our focus is on ultra-nationalist, fascist and ‘alt-right’ political views. We combine this analysis of various texts and paratexts by these bands with an examination of how these bands justify the presence of extreme right-wing and political beliefs within their work, drawing on the frameworks of reflexive anti-reflexivity (Kahn-Harris, 2007) and ‘black metal as gesamtkusntwerk’ (Lesourd, 2013). Finally, we show how fans of these band deploy their songs as political tools when commenting on social issues.

Author Biographies

Benjamin Philip Hillier, University of Tasmania, IASPM-ANZ Branch.

Benjamin Hillier is a PhD Candidate at the University of Tasmania Conservatorium of Music. His doctoral research focuses on musical characteristics of Australian extreme metal bands and the potential for a unique Australian sound among them. His interests are primarily in music theory and analysis of metal music, supported by ethnomusicological inquiries into metal communities and scenes.  Beyond this, he maintains an interest in musicology that investigates genre, extreme music, popular music, and video game music.

Ash Barnes, University of Tasmania

Ash Barnes engages in criminological matters such as violence in mosh pits, sexual and physical violence in pubs, animals rights, and innovative theory and methodologies. She is presently undertaking a PhD in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Tasmania, Australia.

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Downloads

Published

11-12-2020

Issue

Section

Articles – Open Section