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We've been talking about how the 1980s could be seen as a defining time for metal. It was a time where two moral panics converged into one, and "Satanic influences" were greatly feared. Metal bands found themselves in crosshairs on two different fronts, and they all fought back in various ways.
Some artists outright denied accusations, but some decided to embrace the controversy. They used the panic as a way to get some free marketing out of it. Did it work? We'll see!
Why Lean Into Controversy?
For some artists, controversy is a natural part of their own image. Artists who tend to have imagery and aesthetics that seem a little "dark" or "edgy" thrive on controversy. In the 80s and into the 90s, some bands thought this image being pushed on them might help sell records. If it makes some cash, why not? Why not indeed.
The more demonized a band was, the more of a self-fulfilling prophecy it became. It wasn't the artists and bands doing it, either. It was the people accusing them of everything from pushing teenagers to have premarital sex to recruiting them into satanic cults. Teens and young adults were frustrated with the accusations, and probably found themselves in the same boat - throwing up their hands and saying, "I guess this is what I am, then!"
Who Took Advantage of It?
Here are a few examples of bands who decided to take advantage of the controversies at the time. This is by no means a comprehensive list. Only an example of how some bands used it for free marketing, and to "poke the beast" - in a sense.
Mötley Crüe's "Shout at the Devil": Released in 1983, the album used a pentagram on the cover which started a firestorm of backlash from conservative groups. The band was accused of encouraging listeners to "worship Satan" by using the symbol. In reality, Nikki Sixx brought it over from his previous band who was a bit heavier on theatrics. Instead of outright denying the accusations, the band seemed to lean into the controversy and allow themselves to be demonized in several ways. The pentagram wasn't the only "problem" perceived by the media or the PMRC. The result? Well, the album went quadruple platinum. Checkmate, Tipper Gore.
Venom’s 'Welcome to Hell': There's a debate over Venom and what term they did or did not coin. We're not getting into that one. What we will look at is their imagery and usage of it in the early 1980s. Their debut album Welcome to Hell and the album titled Black Metal in 1982 both used overtly Satanic themes and imagery, causing an uproar from several groups. The band didn't apologize or back down. No. They doubled down and leaned into it. They ended up with a solid underground appeal that exists even today, and managed to make themselves a fairly prominent part of metal's history.
Slayer’s 'Reign in Blood': Slayer's album Reign in Blood had some darker themes, including the controversial song "Angel of Death", which was written about Nazi physician Josef Mengele's experiments. The band was accused of being racist, Nazi sympathizers and several other things. They vehemently denied this, but their lyrics were now seen as "brutal" (and not in a good way!). The band continued to deny accusations, but leaned into it and released several more albums that had controversial titles, songs, and imagery.
In 2004, Slayer's Tom Araya said in an interview, "...back then you had that PMRC, who literally took everything to heart, when in actuality you're trying to create an image. You're trying to scare people on purpose." (in response to the question "Did critics realize you were wallowing in parody?")
The Media Helped
Just like the aforementioned Araya interview, it's clear the groups who had the ear of the media made things worse - for themselves. News outlets wanted sensational headlines, especially if they dealt with the moral panics of the time. Metal bands were painted as dangerous, Satan-worshippers, drug addicts, and the list goes on. The pearls were permanently clutched, because someone had to think of the children!
We talked in episode 1 and the last post about the PMRC, and their involvement in making record sales go up, bands more popular, and causing a backlash from the music industry at the time. They created their own problem, by telling younger people "no", but dangling the "forbidden fruit" in front of them thanks to the media.
Because of the media backlash, several bands saw album sales soar. The more they were condemned by the media, the more curious people became about who they actually were, and what their music truly was. Parents banning albums only made kids want the albums more. Sure, there were some drawbacks, but in most cases, the benefits far outweighed them.
Massive controversy in the 1980s and into the early 90s helped make metal popular. Instead of backing down or tucking tail and running, a lot of bands put on a business mindset and seized an opportunity. The outrage was free, and they took advantage of it, gaining popularity and money in the process. Even today bands and artists roll in controversy - all the way to the bank.
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