They weren’t just playing music – they were summoning demons… or so the headlines screamed. Heavy metal conquered MTV in the 1980s, and the media unleashed a fear-fueled firestorm.
When concerned moms took on heavy metal, they didn’t expect Dee Snider. The PMRC hearings of 1985 saw Tipper Gore’s crusade for music censorship collide with the Twisted Sister frontman’s defiant stand for the First Amendment.
Mayhem’s Dead didn’t just sing, he performed autopsies onstage. Blood wasn’t stage makeup, it was a way of life (or rather, death).
Picture this: broken glass, smeared excrement, and the very real threat of being punched or worse. That was a typical night at a GG Allin show. Was it art? Was it insanity? Or something else entirely?
They weren’t just a band, they were a bloody Rorschach test. Cannibal Corpse’s album covers, a grotesque mix of zombies, necrophilia, and horrific violence, became notorious battlegrounds in the fight over artistic freedom and societal boundaries.
From courtrooms to playgrounds, the Satanic Panic of the 1980s wove its way into the fabric of American culture, driven by a handful of cases that captivated and terrified the public.
Anal Cunt’s philosophy was simple: if you’re not making someone uncomfortable, are you really making music?
From the Satanic Panic to the clash with the PMRC, uncover how heavy metal music became the epicenter of a cultural storm, challenging social norms and redefining musical expression.
In the electric ’80s, MTV juggled being a music revolutionary and a censorship cop, making heavy metal the forbidden fruit of an outraged, pearl-clutching era.
In 2006, Slayer’s album “Christ Illusion” stirred a profound cultural upheaval upon its release in India. The album’s artwork, depicting Christ with amputated arms and a missing eye, alongside tracks like “Skeleton Christ” and “Jihad,” ignited a firestorm of protest from the Christian community.
It’s 1969, and the Toronto Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival festival is in full swing. Amidst legendary acts, a relatively unknown Alice Cooper takes the stage, unknowingly about to make rock history. From an unexpected chicken flying into the crowd to a media storm that followed, this story isn’t just about a bird and a rockstar.
In 1981, Ozzy Osbourne’s shocking act of biting off the head of dove at a record label meeting marked a controversial yet pivotal moment in his solo career, setting the stage for both his notorious reputation and unprecedented fame.
Armin Meiwes, infamous for his cannibalistic act, confronted Rammstein in court over “Mein Teil,” a song that delved into the narrative of his unsettling crime.
From his tumultuous childhood to his untimely death, G.G. Allin consistently pushed the boundaries of punk rock and personal expression. His journey reflects a relentless pursuit of shock and rebellion, leaving a controversial yet indelible mark.
Facing censorship over their bold choice of “Metal Up Your Ass” for their debut album title, Metallica made a decisive shift to “Kill ‘Em All”, symbolically showing a middle finger to the establishment with the new title.
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.
What begins with the mystery of Niklas Kvarforth’s suicide unfolds into an unpredictable concert where he reappears as Ghoul, sparking controversy and chaos in equal measure.
Seth Putnam, the iconic frontman of Anal Cunt, faced his darkest hour in 2004 when a heroin overdose led him into a life-threatening coma.
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.