Metal music is a scene that is not afraid to address social issues (taboos), such as systemic racism.
Although some bands have tried to convey anti-human ideals and attitudes, there are countless musicians working against it.
Their songs are a punch in the stomach of the system, but also of some fans who confuse their ideals.
Some may not like the truth, but both Rock and Metal are politicized and so it should be!
As for those who are “afraid” to collide with the system, the answer is given by the songs of well-known bands and even models for some…
Testament – “Native Blood”
Thrash Metal veterans, Testament, collide with the system through their lyrics and especially through “Native Blood“.
The constant discrimination faced by indigenous people is nothing new and Chuck Billy himself has experienced it.
With the lyrics: “This white man’s world won’t tell me what to do,” Billy clearly shows that they’re not willing to accept obsolescence.
At the same time, he shows his pride for his origin and he is not afraid to say it in public!
{Years in the music industry: 1983 – present}
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Sepultura – “Territory”
Sepultura, a model band for many, clearly express political messages, both to the people of Brazil and to the world.
Their legendary album “Chaos A.D.“, is an album full of anti-colonial messages and anthems for oppressed peoples.
The theft of peoples’ land and the propaganda for wars as well as the opposition to oppressive regimes are just some of the messages of “Territory“.
{Years in the music industry: 1984 – present}
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System Of A Down – “P.L.U.C.K.”
Although some people ignore or don’t want to remember it, System Of A Down has many songs with political lyrics.
This is a band that is not afraid to “collide” with the system and in fact is extremely honest.
For decades, through their lyrics, they have been clearly referring to the Armenian Genocide (1915) and have constantly and constantly calling for its recognition by the U.S. government.
“P.L.U.C.K.“, for example, speaks out against the Turkish government regarding the Genocide.
{Years in the music industry: 1994–2006, 2010 – present}
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Thou – “Smoke Pigs”
Sludge Metal band Thou, with “Smoke Pigs” send a clear message against police brutality.
The song is a strong call to end police violence and rethink how it works.
The verse is clear:
“Another unarmed child / Full from head to toe with 50 bullets issued by the government.”
The police cannot be above the law…
{Years in the music industry: 2005 – present}
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These bands are a small sample in relation to how many are out there that through their lyrics “hit” the system.
They are not afraid to express themselves and they do not care if the system throws them out!
After all, their years in the music industry show that in the end, the “autocratic“, democratic systems do not have as much power as some people think!
