The ’90s: a decade that saw metal splinter into sub-genres, each more daring than the last. It was a time of musical innovation and cultural shifts, where bands pushed boundaries and fans debated the limits of taste. From the rise of Norwegian black metal to the controversies that shook the scene, explore the stories that continue to fuel debates and inspire new generations.
Max Cavalera’s split from Sepultura, a band he co-founded, was a turning point in metal history. It was a story of fame, personal struggles, and the hard choices that come with artistic integrity in the face of internal band conflicts.
In the mid-90s, Metallica stunned their fans worldwide by cutting off their iconic long hair, signaling a significant shift not just in their look but also in their musical direction.
Body Count’s “Cop Killer” emerged as more than just a song in 1992. It became a national debate about music, politics, and police brutality, drawing responses from the White House to local law enforcement.
The night of Euronymous’s murder by Varg Vikernes marked a turning point, casting a long shadow over black metal. This event weaves a dark tapestry of artistic passion, ideological divide, and a fatal altercation.
From a shocking murder to a powerful documentary and the metal community’s backing, the West Memphis Three’s ordeal sparks a deep look at justice and truth.
The story behind Rob Halford’s 1998 MTV interview, where he opened up about being gay and changed perceptions.
Metallica’s iconic “Snake Pit” gives fans an unparalleled concert experience. But did you know this coveted spot was inspired by a restaurant manager’s philosophy of bringing diners closer to the action?
Some stories have no heroes, only shades of grey. In a Lillehammer park, a man died under Faust’s knife, putting the drummer and the black metal community into an uncomfortable spotlight.
The inverted cross on Glen Benton’s forehead isn’t just skin deep. It’s a symbol that has its roots in Deicide’s early days and was likely a response to previous media buzz.
“Eaten Back to Life” wasn’t just another album; it was Cannibal Corpse’s entry ticket to the death metal big leagues. Recorded at Morrisound Studios, it stirred the pot with its raw sound and contentious lyrics.
From its all-star lineup to its intricate compositions, “Human” by Death redefined the capabilities of death metal, laying the groundwork for the technical death metal subgenre.
Balancing speed and melody, “Seasons in the Abyss” navigates themes of war and societal turmoil, offering a nuanced listening experience that has stood the test of time.
Before the police arrived, Mayhem’s Euronymous made a disturbing choice. His decision to photograph Dead’s body sparked a chain of events that would haunt the black metal scene for decades.
The bootleg that pushed boundaries in taste and remains one of the most debated works in Mayhem’s catalog.
From its ancient origins to its fiery end, the Fantoft Stave Church symbolizes the extreme lengths and enduring controversies of the Norwegian black metal scene in the 90s.
A group that not only shaped the sound of black metal but also scripted a dark chapter in Norway’s music history, marred by controversy and crime.
In the turbulent narrative of Norwegian black metal, Euronymous emerged as a controversial yet pivotal figure, crafting a legacy through Deathlike Silence Productions that still echoes in the dark corners of the genre.
Helvete, once a controversial hub in Norway’s black metal scene, has evolved into Neseblod Records, a sanctuary that encapsulates a rich history, echoing a journey from fringe status to a nuanced position in the global cultural landscape.
The evolution of metal fashion stands as a narrative of rebellion and diversity, a fluid reflection of shifting musical and societal landscapes over decades, embodying a spirit of non-conformity and unique identity.
With the release of “Tomb of the Mutilated”, Cannibal Corpse ventured into realms of brutality and explicit content that few had explored before. The album, notorious for its savage lyrical narratives and graphic cover art, sparked heated debates and faced bans in various countries, becoming a symbol of extreme metal’s contentious yet captivating nature.