(TheBRHM.com) What are some of your favorite lyrical themes in metal? I use Encyclopedia Metallum a lot for my reviews as it’s cleaner than Wikipedia when it comes to getting the information I need such as album release dates and track listings. Of course, if I want the history of the band and the story behind albums, Wikipedia is the stronger pick but EM has some of the specifics I need such as a band’s usual lyrical content, accurate similar bands, or an accurate definition of their genre.
While a band might make the type of metal I’m interested in or want to explore, the lyrical content is often the clencher. That’s what usually sells me on checking their discography. So, I’d love to hear about what you—yes, the reader—like to hear from the band as far lyrics go but I’m going to share my top five.
And yes, I know some listeners only care about the technical side in regards to the strings, percussion, etc but I love storytelling and lean heavily towards vocal ability. Some singers work better with certain lyrical themes while others can do it all and have shown that. Anyway, let’s dive in!
Post-apocalyptic Themes in Metal
Now, the list is in no particular order but post-apocalyptic lyrics are my favorite lyrical theme. Hell, it’s my favorite theme in literature, gaming, and film. If you’ve checked out AfroGamers, you’ll know that Fallout is one of my favorite franchises. Violence and nuclear war are themes related to post-apoc.
The thing is: if it occurs after the collapse of civilization as we know it, I’m into it. In metal, I’ve found that thrash bands really corner the market on post-apoc. You can hear some straightforward heavy metal or power metal delve into post-apocalyptic lyrics but really, it’s the realm of thrash and Motorhead-inspired speed metal.
Recommended Bands: Children of Technology, Toxic Holocaust, Carnivore, Vindicator, Violator, Wastelander, Whipstriker
Epic Fantasy or Sword and Sorcery
On to my second favorite all-media theme: epic fantasy. In metal, it’s different from other media because it refers to your sword and sorcery family of fantasy. Your Conan, Kull, Elric, and Imaro stuff. Elsewhere, it’s high fantasy—the history of this fantasy realm, details about the different races, long drawn-out quests, and the social-political nature of those worlds. A lot of exposition and characters bumping their gums.
Sword and sorcery slashes all that to a tolerable level and focuses heavily on the main characters and their adventures. You learn about the world as the character interacts with it and that fits metal very well. The genres that tend to corner the market here are the epic metal and U.S power metal strains of power metal, speed metal, and heavy metal.
Recommended Bands: Manowar, Manowar, Skelator, 3 Inches of Blood, Omen, Crom
Fantasy
This is just the mentioned opposite of epic metal. It’s fantasy as it says on the tin with elves, magic, maybe an overarching quest or story—that kind of stuff. Just chock full of lore and whatnot. This is one lyrical theme that can fit many metal bands. It’s like tofu where anyone can work with it and make something worth listening to. However, I’m giving the nod to power metal and speed metal for cornering the market here.
Recommended Bands: Blind Guardian, Falconer, Helloween, Dragonforce, Don’t Drop the Sword, Cloven Altar, Abbath
Metal and Rock
Another genre any metal band could corner the market on and it fits in with most genres. Often including themes such as partying, thrashing, and headbanging, songs about metal and rock are pretty straightforward and go into the love for and culture of the genre. It also celebrates the history, the road lifestyle, and the community. Personally, I like this theme because of how straightforward it is and it will often give you the bouncier, rockin’ tracks on an album.
Recommended Bands: Judas Priest, Enforcer, Motorhead, Darkthrone, Rocka Rollas, Running Wild, Whipstriker, Em Ruinas, Fueled by Fire
War
“War…war never changes.”
While the quote is better known from Fallout nowadays, it was originally said by Ulysses S. Grant in relation to his feelings about utilizing war to achieve peace. In metal, themes of war tend to fit faster, more aggressive genres such as thrash, death metal, black metal, and speed metal but roughly any genre can dive into war whether it’s fantastical, futuristic, or historical. It’s a very versatile theme but can float among informing of the costs and causes of conflict or glorifying it.
Regardless, I tend to enjoy a track about historical battles, war with orcs or whatever, and futuristic wars.
Recommended Bands: Iron Maiden, Sabaron, Sodom, Kreator, Vindicator, Toxic Holocaust, Amon Amarth, Stormwarrior
Staff Writer; M. Swift
This talented writer is also a podcast host, and comic book fan who loves all things old school. One may also find him on Twitter at; metalswift.