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"Metal is the Best Way for Blasphemy": Islamisk Representation i Turkisk Black Metal

Mattsson, Douglas LU (2015) ISLK02 20151
Centre for Theology and Religious Studies
Abstract
The use of Islamic symbols in metal music has, until now, been a rare phenomenon. A few years ago, some black metal-bands in Istanbul started using Islamic symbols in both their artwork and lyrics, often in an anti-Islamic fashion. Although research on metal music is well established, little has been done on the relationship between black metal and Islam. This thesis explores the relationship between Islam and Black Metal music in Istanbul. Based on lyrical and visual analysis, fieldwork and in depth-interviews and analyzed with theories about subcultures, identity, resistance and social semiotics, it aims to offer a wider knowledge about which symbols are used, in what context they are used, and why they are used.
I argue that, Islam and... (More)
The use of Islamic symbols in metal music has, until now, been a rare phenomenon. A few years ago, some black metal-bands in Istanbul started using Islamic symbols in both their artwork and lyrics, often in an anti-Islamic fashion. Although research on metal music is well established, little has been done on the relationship between black metal and Islam. This thesis explores the relationship between Islam and Black Metal music in Istanbul. Based on lyrical and visual analysis, fieldwork and in depth-interviews and analyzed with theories about subcultures, identity, resistance and social semiotics, it aims to offer a wider knowledge about which symbols are used, in what context they are used, and why they are used.
I argue that, Islam and the usage of Islamic symbols, plays a significant role in these bands construction of a “true” black metal identity. This identity articulates as a “fight against Islam”, which besides from appealing to traditional black metal esthetics, could be a reflection of contemporary Turkish politics. (Less)
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author
Mattsson, Douglas LU
supervisor
organization
course
ISLK02 20151
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Black metal, Islam, Turkey, Subculture, Identity, Resistance, Blasphemy
language
Swedish
id
5277072
date added to LUP
2015-04-24 12:30:27
date last changed
2015-12-14 13:35:43
@misc{5277072,
  abstract     = {{The use of Islamic symbols in metal music has, until now, been a rare phenomenon. A few years ago, some black metal-bands in Istanbul started using Islamic symbols in both their artwork and lyrics, often in an anti-Islamic fashion. Although research on metal music is well established, little has been done on the relationship between black metal and Islam. This thesis explores the relationship between Islam and Black Metal music in Istanbul. Based on lyrical and visual analysis, fieldwork and in depth-interviews and analyzed with theories about subcultures, identity, resistance and social semiotics, it aims to offer a wider knowledge about which symbols are used, in what context they are used, and why they are used.
I argue that, Islam and the usage of Islamic symbols, plays a significant role in these bands construction of a “true” black metal identity. This identity articulates as a “fight against Islam”, which besides from appealing to traditional black metal esthetics, could be a reflection of contemporary Turkish politics.}},
  author       = {{Mattsson, Douglas}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{"Metal is the Best Way for Blasphemy": Islamisk Representation i Turkisk Black Metal}},
  year         = {{2015}},
}