Battle of the Bands

Come along as we discuss the strangest Heavy Metal band, whether or not Led Zeppelin worshiped the devil, and what Blink 182 has to do with flying saucers!

 

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Mayhem:

Mayhem is a pioneering and influential Norwegian black metal band known for their extreme and controversial music, as well as their tumultuous history. Formed in 1984 in Oslo, Norway, the band has played a pivotal role in shaping the black metal genre and its associated subculture. Mayhem's music is characterized by its aggressive, raw, and dark sound, often featuring dissonant guitar riffs, frenzied drumming, and visceral vocals.

The band's early lineup included iconic figures like Øystein "Euronymous" Aarseth, who was not only the founder and guitarist but also a central figure in the early Norwegian black metal scene, and Per "Dead" Ohlin, known for his disturbing stage presence and tragic suicide in 1991. Dead's suicide deeply impacted the band and contributed to their notorious reputation.

Mayhem's notoriety also stems from various incidents, including the infamous burning of historic Norwegian stave churches and the murder of Euronymous by former member Varg "Count Grishnackh" Vikernes in 1993. These events garnered international attention and added to the band's aura of darkness and controversy.

Despite these tumultuous occurrences, Mayhem's music and legacy have endured. Albums like "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" (1994) are considered classics of the black metal genre, influencing countless bands that followed. The band's imagery often draws from occult and macabre themes, adding to their mystique.

Throughout their career, Mayhem has undergone numerous lineup changes and musical evolutions, all while maintaining a connection to their black metal roots. Their impact on extreme metal and underground music culture remains significant, making them a cornerstone of the Norwegian black metal scene and a symbol of its uncompromising and controversial spirit.

 

Led Zeppelin:

Led Zeppelin was a British rock band formed in 1968 that became one of the most influential and iconic bands in the history of rock music. The band consisted of four members: Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (bass/keyboard), and John Bonham (drums). Led Zeppelin is known for their innovative and powerful blend of blues, rock, folk, and psychedelia, which laid the groundwork for hard rock and heavy metal genres.

There has been speculation and controversy surrounding Led Zeppelin's alleged involvement with the occult, particularly regarding guitarist Jimmy Page's interest in esoteric and mystical subjects. Page was known for his fascination with symbols, magic, and ancient mythology. He collected occult books, artworks, and artifacts, and he was also influenced by the teachings of famous occultist Aleister Crowley. Page purchased Crowley's former home, Boleskine House, and the band's record label, Swan Song Records, featured an image of an angel playing a trumpet from a design by Crowley.

One of the most enduring aspects of the occult rumors is the alleged backward masking or "backmasking" in Led Zeppelin's music. Backmasking involves the insertion of hidden messages when a song is played in reverse. Some fans and critics claimed to have found messages related to the occult, Satanism, or even drug use when playing certain Led Zeppelin songs backward. The most famous example is the song "Stairway to Heaven," where a specific part of the lyrics is said to reveal hidden messages when reversed. However, the band members have consistently denied intentional involvement in such practices, attributing any perceived messages to coincidence or the imagination of listeners.

It's important to note that while Led Zeppelin's members had an interest in mystical and symbolic subjects, and their imagery occasionally reflected these interests, the extent of any actual involvement with the occult is debatable. Much of the occult-related speculation surrounding the band is based on interpretations and theories that have been amplified over the years.

Led Zeppelin's legacy primarily lies in their groundbreaking music and their impact on rock and roll. They released numerous iconic albums, including their self-titled debut, "Led Zeppelin II," "Led Zeppelin IV," and "Physical Graffiti," which featured hits like "Stairway to Heaven," "Whole Lotta Love," and "Black Dog." Their live performances were legendary for their energy and improvisation, contributing to their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

 

Blink 182:

Blink-182 is an American rock band that gained significant popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s. The band is known for their energetic pop-punk sound and catchy melodies. Blink-182 was formed in 1992 in Poway, California, and its original lineup consisted of Mark Hoppus (bass and vocals), Tom DeLonge (guitar and vocals), and Scott Raynor (drums). Travis Barker later replaced Raynor on drums.

Tom DeLonge is one of the founding members of Blink-182 and played a crucial role in the band's success. He was known for his distinctive singing style and witty, often humorous, lyrics. DeLonge's guitar playing and vocal contributions helped shape the band's sound, which combined punk rock sensibilities with pop hooks.

In addition to his work with Blink-182, Tom DeLonge developed an interest in various side projects and ventures. One of his notable endeavors outside of music was his fascination with UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) and extraterrestrial life. DeLonge's interest in UFOs eventually led him to launch the To The Stars Academy of Arts & Science (TTSA) in 2017. The TTSA is an organization that aims to explore and research various topics related to UFOs, advanced technology, and potential interactions with non-human intelligence.

Through the TTSA, DeLonge has advocated for increased transparency and government disclosure of information regarding UFO sightings and encounters. He has stated that his interest in UFOs was inspired by personal experiences and a desire to uncover the truth behind these phenomena. It's important to note that the field of UFO research can be controversial and is often met with skepticism from the scientific community.

Tom DeLonge's involvement with UFO research has brought attention to the topic and sparked discussions about the possibility of extraterrestrial life and advanced technologies beyond our current understanding. His efforts have also prompted conversations about the need for rigorous scientific investigation in this field.