When John was exiled to Patmos and started to scribble down his annotations for what was to become the Book of Revelation or Apocalypse, little could he imagine that he was creating a thematic paradise for heavy metal lyrics. These are some of the topics he brought into being: whore of Babylon, Beast of Revelation, Abbadon, the four horsemen of the apocalypse, Jezebel, Balaam, destruction, Wormwood (the star), angels, elders, the chosen ones, the number of the beast, keys of death and hades, the book of life, new Jerusalem, scroll with seven seals, four living creatures, day of wrath, seven churches, seals, horns and eyes, dragons, serpents and all the rest. I bet you get the gist by now. These themes have been used and abused since heavy metal came into being as they make excellent themes. By all means, this is not an exhaustive list of songs or albums inspired by this book, but just the tip of the iceberg.
“Woe to you, oh earth and sea
For the Devil sends the beast with wrath
Because he knows the time is short
Let him who hath understanding reckon the number of the beast
For it is a human number
Its number is six hundred and sixty-six.”
One of the most famous takes is centrally Iron Maiden’s song ‘The Number of the Beast’. The title track, penned by Steve Harris, from the album bearing the same name, was released in 1982 and is still one of the fan favourites. The song was inspired by a nightmare, Harris had, after watching the film Damien: Omen II. “Tam o’Shanter”, a poem by Robert Burns is also quoted as an inspiration. The lyrics open by quotes from Revelation 12:12 and 13:18, read out by English actor Barry Clayton. When released it stirred up a controversy due to the subject involved. Iron Maiden where falsely accused of being Satanic, like many other bands before and after them. This is not the only reference from the book in Iron Maiden songs. Another example is ‘Moonchild’, from their album ‘Seventh Son of the Seventh Son’ (1988).
Another band inspired by Revelation were Metallica, who in their album Kill‘Em All (1984), included a track entitled ‘The Four Horseman.’ The riders are mentioned also in songs by Onslaught (‘Let There be Death’), Count Raven (‘The Coming’), Saracen (‘Horsemen of the Apocalypse’), Savatage (‘Devastation’), Tormentor (‘Apocalypse’), Cruel Force (‘Under the Sign of the Moon’) and many more.
“And when the lamb opened the seventh seal
There was in heaven a silence
Seven angels, seven trumpets
Preparing to sound
God has sent his punishment over us
We shall all perish in the blackest death”
This is how the lyrics from ‘Seven Angels, Seven Trumpets’ by Marduk begin, inspired by Chapter 8 verses 1-2 and 6. This song can be found on their album ‘Plague Angel’ (2004), another reference from the book.
In 1983, Manowar gave us ‘Revelation (Death’s Angel), as part of their album ‘Into Glory Ride.’ On their second album ‘Too Late to Pray’ (1987), Tyrant, hailing from the U.S.A. give us ‘Beginning of the End,’ with lyrics based on many apocalyptic themes.
“A new time has come
A new time is here
“The one from the pit has risen
And soon he'll make us fear
This is the time, yeah, this is the time
Now listen to this song
I'm gonna tell You a little story
Foretold by the prophet John.”
Count Raven let us make no mistake on where they got the inspiration for their song ‘True Revelation.’ This is to be found in their album ‘Strom Warning,’ released in 1990. A reference to the four horsemen can also be found in ‘Standing on the Sun’ by Internal Void. This track form part of their album bearing the same name, released in 1993. Agent Steel, on their album ‘Skeptics Apocalypse’ (1985), give us another referral with their songs ‘Back to Reign’ and ‘144,000 Gone.’ A reference to the beast upon the earth can be found in Trouble’s ‘Revelation (Life or Death)’, from their album ‘Psalm 9’ (1984). Manilla Road gave us two related songs ‘Seven Trumpets’ and ‘War in Heaven.’ More songs are ‘Seven Gates’ by Grotesque, ‘Seven Churches’ by Possessed, ‘Wormwood’ by Callisto, ‘A Wormwood Star’ by World Burns to Death, ‘Towards Babylon (Apollyon)’ by Behemoth, ‘The Whores of Babylon’ by Tiamat and many, many more.
There are hundreds of other direct and indirect influences that can be found in metal songs. Try your hand at finding some of those that are not mentioned here. Who knows? Maybe you can create your own awaiting apocalypse playlist. Time is short………enjoy life while it lasts.
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