saturday
How Does Heavy Metal Affect Youth?
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.
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.
Who are the Harmful Musicians?
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.
AC/DC (Anti-Christ/Devil�s Children) Bon Jovi Venom
N.W.A. (Niggers With Attitude) Megadeth Slayer
Storm Troopers of Death Metallica KISS
The Dead Kennedys Atrocity Bitch
Suicidal Tendencies Blood Feast Dio
Ozzy Osbourne Death Angel Styx
Ingwie Malsteen Cirith Ungol Coven
Legion of Death Entombed Prince
Twisted Sister Massacre Iced-T
Black Sabbath Obituary Ice Cube
Sister Souljah Pestilence Atheist
Grateful Dead Pusshead
Iron Maiden Madonna
Merciful Fate W.A.S.P.
Motley Crue 2 Live Crew
King Diamond (an avowed Satanist and member of
the San Francisco-based Church of Satan)
Copyright � 1996 Catholic Information Network (CIN) - December 12, 1996
