Heavy Metal Music:
How Dangerous Is It?

Music has always influenced our society and our values. Since the 1960s, music has been used to promote increasingly harmful ideas. According to Dr. T.L. Tashjian, chairman of psychiatry at Philadelphia�s Mount Sinai Hospital, the lyrics of some rock music has significantly affected the formation of values among children.

How Does Heavy Metal Affect Youth? The trend toward darker, more dangerous lyrics is culminating today in heavy metal music. Dr. William C. Scott, chairman of the American Medical Association Council on Scientific Affairs, has said that this presents "a real threat to the physical health and emotional well-being of especially vulnerable children and adolescents."

Increased Crime Rates:

What proof do we have that the music is harmful? Look at the statistics. In 1990, the juvenile violent crime arrest rate climbed to 430.6 per 100,000, which is up from 137 per 100,000 in 1965.

Murders committed during the 1980s by kids ages 10 through 17 soared nearly 90%. Consider this: 90% of youths arrested for bias-related or occultic crimes are involved with heavy metal music, particularly the "black metal" bands.

Teen Suicide:

Since 1960, the teen suicide rate has more than tripled; since 1950, it has increased more than 400%. One out of every 12 high school students tried suicide in 1991, and 27% seriously contemplated it. Both the National Education Association and the American Medical Association have pointed to popular music as a significant contributing factor in this crisis.

Violent Rage:

There�s also a connection between heavy metal music and drugs and violence. Teenagers who are most likely to become obsessed with the darker music are usually (but not always) socially isolated, have experimented with drugs, and are living with deep-seated rage. They already see themselves as "weird", so they�re looking for acceptance where weird is good. Violent music seems to offer help, but in turn it increases their violence and isolation from normal society.

What Does the Music Teach?

Although metal rock fans often say they listen to the music for its sound and not the lyrics, a study revealed that 90% of them admit to knowing the words; 60% agree with the message of the words.

This is alarming, because many of the songs focus on doom and gloom, death and suicide, blood and violence. The lyrics often contain satanic rituals and actual oaths to Satan. Many others carry strongly implied messages that promote immorality. Some lyrics are outright satanic. Some, though not mentioning Satan, promote sado masochism, murder, suicide, sexual deviance, hatred, bigotry, violence, and occult practices. Still others promote drug and alcohol abuse, prostitution, profanity, homosexuality, promiscuity, rebellion, and other immoral behaviors that have been expressed through music for decades.

The following is a partial list of popular artists who are known to promote satanism and immorality. This list is not all-inclusive, but it serves as a warning to parents and friends.

1. Communicate more effectively:
If your child or friend listens to any artists who promote evil, before confronting him or her, find out what the lyrics say. Then you can be specific in describing why you believe the music is a harmful influence. Speak not in a condemning way, but in a tone that expresses genuine concern for his or her welfare. And do not speak at all until you have privately covered the conversation in prayer.

2. This is not a "phase":
Many parents wait out this "phase" in their child�s development. Unfortunately, the immorality that the teen learns from this music might stay, perhaps for the rest of his or her life. Occult interests that are encouraged by this music are not a "phase" either. The occult is a powerful addiction, and the influence of satanic "fun" leads to demonization, increasing violence and lifetime problems, possibly even criminal activity, suicide and deviant sexuality.

3. Pursue professional counseling:
A consuming interest in this kind of music must not be ignored. Professional counseling is recommended to heal the inner turmoil associated with heavy metal music obsession. The whole family could benefit from counseling, because if one child is dealing with rage or low self esteem, others are affected, too.

4. Seek God's powerful help:
Never underestimate the power of prayer. God is even more concerned about the heavy metal fan�s problems than are you. And God is certainly more powerful than the music�s influence. Give Him the opportunity to intervene and then trust His plans and timing.

5. Bring God's influence to the whole family:
The best cure is prevention. Get the whole family involved in Christian activities, especially those that help you find God�s love and power. Introduce Christian heavy metal music if necessary, or any Christian rock music. Grow in your own relationship with Jesus, and thus your influence can become stronger than heavy metal�s!

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