I'm having trouble articulating just what I'm trying to say, so sorry for any confusion.

Metal's lexicon of symbols really, really needs to be updated with the times. We don't necessarily need to start talking about 'new' things (which are rapidly becoming cliches in and of themselves, with quantum physics being one of the most egregious offenders), but we do need to seriously look at how we treat older symbolism and find ways to make it new and exciting again. I think a lot of people have put the cart before the horse stating that the issue with much of metal is that the subject matter isn't changing at all, but I think that it's really a matter of how we're looking at that subject matter, and with a pinch of more effort on the part of those writing it, we could have a much more exciting genre overall.

The biggest example, of course, would be satan. I'm not going to join the chorus of people crying that black metal needs to abandon satanism and anti-Christianity to 'progress', but I don't think it's asking too much for bands to start talking about satan in a slightly more interesting way. Much of black metal (and metal in general) seems preoccupied with the image of satan as an all-powerful destroyer of light, demonic warlord beyond our darkest nightmares, etc. That's all well and good, but after years and years of this portrayal from nearly every black metal band on the planet, I do think it's time to do SOMETHING new with it. Why not look to the Bible for inspiration? Christianity spends much more time portraying satan not necessarily as this aggressive tyrant, but as a seducer and deceiver of the weak. Why hasn't this been explored more in metal? I'm sure many people will rush with anecdotal examples of how it has, but let's be honest, it forms an incredibly minor amount in comparison to all the Dark Funeral types out there.

Part of my annoyance at this whole thing is that it seems that most metal bands don't know what the general metal population sees as dark and frightening anymore. Can anyone honestly say that a band like Watain's theatrics really make you feel anything one way or another? Yes, satan and sheep's heads are all well and good, but they hardly resonate with the audience in the way that a newer variety of symbolism could. So why do metal bands keep persisting with the same old themes and images that haven't been effective in many years? Is it laziness, or a perceived dedication to the themes themselves? I honestly don't know.

It seems there are many obvious, more contemporary ideas to work with. One of my favorites that some bands have employed is AIDS as a symbol of fear and death. Isn't that a much more immediate and genuine way to provoke a reaction in the listener than the same satanic ramblings of old? It's a real, tangible thing in today's world that continues to affect millions every day, a disease with no cure that can be communicated through many types of 'sin'... seems ripe with symbolic potential, doesn't it? One of the best bands I've seen so far at using it is the mighty Planet AIDS, who through their lyrics seem to interpret it as being a sort of apocalyptic plague sent by god. Not an original idea as a whole, but certainly the sort of the semi-fresh air that the metal scene badly needs.

Or what about terrorism? That seems to be something of an elephant in the room that the metal scene as a whole isn't touching apart from an isolated song here and there. As a concept that is so omnipresent in politics and culture, why are more metal bands not delving deeply into the ideas and fears associated with it? It's another field that's ripe with artistic potential, but metal bands are ignoring it in favor of yet more serial killers and satan when there's the clear possibility to do something much more than retread old ideas over and over.

Anyone else think in a similar way to me? Sorry if this comes off as a bit scattered, but I was just thinking about it yesterday and decided to ask around. I know that I would be much more interested in a band if they would explore new themes or old themes in a new way.

I agree. Metal has become to cliche to the lyrical themes.
Thrash with zombies, partying and killing posers..
Black with satanism, anti-Christianity, depression, etc.
Death with the usual gory, gross, morbid lyrics..

It seems trends have become too much of a big thing.
Like you, I want bands that focus on meaningful themes.

Bands like Dying Fetus I give props to for having patriotic lyrics but also have the death and hatred type of themes as well. Sticking true but not staying inside the box.

Underground bands seem to be doing well.
Astral Luminous is the perfect example. Doing something innovative lyrically and musically. We need more bands doing new things such as Astral Luminous. I'm not saying they need to copy or produce the same generic thing he is doing, but they need to think outside the box.

Do you really think a lot of the bands are run by smart folks that have the mental capability to progress into new direction or to bring philosphy (one example) into certain areas of the genre; to broaden the basis of the compositions?

If you are looking for music with a good conceptual background and meaningful content, then it is better not to listen to metal.

The focus is often set on the music and the texts are neglected.

http://www.archive.org/details/Jim_Carr ... 986_86P003

I may not like it myself, but I have to give props to Woods Of Infinity for thinking outside the box when they write their lyrics. A bunch of people hate them for it, and I can understand why, as a lot of people think very badly of pedophiles, but I respect them a lot for making brilliant black metal with lyrical themes that are genuinely shocking for entire different reasons than the "standard satanic ramblings".

They actually brought something new to the genre, and that is the stuff I really want to see. They also pull it off brilliantly, despite all the bad things people say about them. It's not even all that different either, as they also have some satanic songs in between their pedophile material. It's just different enough to make them really stand out.

I actually wish more people would dare to do what Woods Of Infinity has done and do something different. It doesn't have to be all different, but it just shouldn't be exactly the same as everybody else. I for example, would love to see one of those nature-inspired black metal bands try to sing about scorching hot deserts/cold desert nights or dark tropical jungles (south american bands perhaps?). I'd also be love to see "pagan" bands that actually sings of pagan religions that aren't the standard ones, native american mythology could perhaps work (not sure if this has been done).

Basically, I'd love to see more bands that dare to let their more unique ideas flourish and in doing so succeed to stand out. Some may be hated for it, like Woods Of Infinity, but I still really give thumbs-up for them because they dared to think outside the box, instead of just playing it safe by doing what everybody else does..

What do you mean by this? Can you give me some examples of bands that use this symbolism?

Fractal Point.

A hearty thumbs up to this post. A lot of bands are very lyrically lazy, never more so than in today's black metal and goregrind scenes. I'd like to see more effort at expanding outwards, also.

However, OP, you can expect to get a lot of shit for suggesting that black metal look to the Bible for inspiration. People are already worked up enough about "orthodox" or "theistic" black metal - that particular argument is really working my nerves lately. For me personally, I don't really care. I think getting all enraged about theism in black metal may be a sign that one is taking the whole enterprise too seriously to begin with.

Actually, it's kind of funny that you mention this, because I was thinking of starting a thrash band with pseudo-evangelical Christian lyrics. Now, before everyone jumps on me, think on this: the Old Testament basically says "Worship God or he'll rain plagues on your ass until you wish you were dead." The ultimate symbol of "good" in Judeo-Christian mythology...
1) Wiped out most life with a giant flood
2) Killed off a couple cities full of innocent people because of "widespread sin"
3) Turned one such innocent person into salt for DARING to look back at one such city after being allowed to escape.
4) Gave one man the power to kill a thousand... WITH A DONKEY'S JAWBONE. No, not even an honorable massacre by a shining paragon of battle, just some dude with a piece of refuse.
5) Aforementioned plagues out the ass.
6) Turned a fucking river to blood. Just to spite the Pharaoh. These people live in a desert. Taking away their source of water is pretty much a death sentence.
7) Forced everyone to speak different languages because he didn't like what they could do united.
8) Oh yeah, and punished every human forever because the first tart broke the rules and ate a fruit from the wrong tree.

Honestly, this doesn't sound so much like the benevolent all-loving God many would have you believe exists, but more like Big Brother, ruling out of fear. To me, it sounds like you could just as legitimately be "At War With Satan" as be "At War With God."

Burning witches at the stake is not a completely alien idea in thrash. This is just taking the "Spanish Inquisition" idea a step further.

I think it could work, anyways...

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to agree with this. Frankly, I don't really think the run of the mill black metal band really is smart enough to discuss topics beyond the genre's own cliches. Like oneyoudontknow said, these bands are generally focused on the music.

However, I think this lyrical laziness corresponds to musical stagnation as well. Look at the bands who are pushing the borders in metal; black metal pioneers like Arcturus and Borknagar never vocalized the usual satanic tripe. This definitely extends to other genres as well. Of course, there are exceptions, but I still find that the more 'progressive' a band is musically, the more likely it is to have well written and eloquent lyrics which explore new themes.

Hey, Ribos, you've stolen my idea! xD

I'll think about the opening post and try to write a big post, so nobody could read it anyway... Mainly, I think that AIDS isn't a good "symbol" because it's not a symbol... hm, i'll write something deeper tommorrow.

Metal is cliché. Metal is also music, so if you are looking for some groundbreaking philosophical/story/poetic/lyrics innovation there is a 0.1% chance that you will find it. There is a reason we have books.
I personally hate vocals/lyrics just because of that, but sometimes it's nice to sing along even though they don't enlighten me: "MOOOther north United we staaaand!"

Of course it would be awesome to have both music and groundbreaking lyrics, but I when it comes to music and I have no choice, I prefer music to be the superior one. I don't want an audio book.
But for me even music is getting boring, especially metal, I tried other genres but it's hard to find music that actually makes sense and goes somewhere and that has a dark atmosphere and no scale wankery. (*cough jazz*)

Those people complaining how bad metal is getting should get off their asses and start making music.

Ribos - that's kind of fascinating, actually. If you really put some work into it that could be a very interesting album. Might also go well with some ominous Jewish-derived melodies, seeing as how that's all Old Testament stuff.

The zombie themes are found more in death metal than thrash. Usually the old school death in particular.

I think the problem with metal lyrics in general IS the emphasis on symbols to be honest. DEATH metal is about death/gore/murder. BLACK metal is about satanism. Most bands get pigeon holed by the first waves emphasis on those things. You don't NEED to write gore lyrics for a death metal band, you don't NEED to write about Satanism in a black metal band. Metal has evolved since it's inception, unfortunately it's lyrical conventions haven't.

If you search enough I feel there is plenty of lyrical quality in metal. All Shall Perish's Awaken The Dreamer is an enormous statement about the current state of things politically and socially in the States. Quite well written in my own opinion. Anubis Gate's Andromeda Unchained was a great story, Helloween's Gamblin' With The Devil had some amazingly positive lyrics that didn't lay anywhere near the standard fantasy realm of many power metal bands. Cynic's Traced In Air was a great abstract construction of poetry. Unfortunately, the general trend is to follow those before instead of re-inventing things.

Lyrics are probably one of the last things most people listen to in a metal, and it's going to take the longest to change. There is a million different varieties of death metal, yet you still generally only see one lyrical convention. It's just a matter of decent writing and refusing to just go on a rant about how you're going to rape your cat and play in the debris.

Gambling with the Devil's lyrics are mostly incoherent jumbles, man. Positive and fun to sing along with, but hardly amazing or anything. Lots of Power Metal has lyrics like that.

More bands need to take the Angel Dust path. Enlighten the Darkness has fantastic lyrics, a concept about war from the point of view of one soldier as he considers how it has overtaken his life. It is very well written, too.

Take a look into the new thrash generation. Zombies are everywhere. Alot of crossover has zombies as a theme as well.

Actually, I was looking at bits of medieval European music. Gregorian chants have a pretty ominous/doomy vibe about them. Or rather, it's not all happy sunshine and flowers. In those times, they could paint Jesus to be a marauding avenger, soaked in his own blood, carving a path through the heathenous Turks who dared to defile the Holy Land.

If that's not totally metal, I don't really know what is.

It's a project thomash and I are vaguely working on; the hard part is actually finding a lineup of instrumentalists. thomash talked to the Diamond Plate bassist the other night, and he'd be willing to jam sometime... if he could drive. Then again, once that happens, he'll probably join with Solecism who could definitely use permanent bassist. So who knows if it'll ever get off the ground?

Tonight I'm gonna rock you tonight!

Helloween was a bad example. The point still stands that metal is so much more based on the instruments than the vocals that it makes sense that lyrics have yet to evolve into something more interesting and relevant. The concept album always has potential, but I feel even those tend to end up just taking a general theme in the genre and just elaborating on it. It's a step up in writing, no doubt, but songs should be singular and still fit into a theme on an album. This is what I feel metal lacks in lyrics, songs that carry a message as well as albums that carry a larger one without falling into the generic. You can use gore/death as a point, bands did, have and still do that, but when it comes to every song referring to infanticide it gets old. That's an obvious over generalization, but I can faithfully say that 90% of the death metal albums I've listened to this year had lyrics about death/gore, so on and so forth.

There's plenty of different stuff going on in metal. But who has to time to investigate it all. Some may have interesting lyrics but their music stinks. I would certainly not but a CD just for fascinating lyrics.

I'm not at the age where I care much for lyrics and image, and all the rest. Just give me good music. I just find it amusing when you have 30-40 year old guys on stage singing about stuff a confused 15 year old would write.

That is not to say that I'm not in favor of different ideas. I'm all for it. Doesn't metalcore and some melodic death sing about different things other than Satan and psych issues?

I take it in music things are not all that different than in the movies. Things have to be dumbed down for the masses. Assuming of course that bandmembmers have the intellect, interest, and knowledge to write about other things. I wonder how many bands write stuff that sells or appeals to a large base, rather than philosophical musings on medieval thinkers. It seems that kids would rather sing along stuff like "eff this and eff that and I hate you and everyone else".

People say that the lyrics are often bad in metal but if you take a look at all the other music genres it is hardly much better and in most cases worse, you have rap/hiphop at one end of the scale mostly singing about 'getting minted' and 'hanging with their bro's and ho's', that sort of thing. Then there is rock and pop which is either just utter bollocks like rhianna and her stupid umbrella song or that absurd song about sex being on fire, or there is some terribly worn, cliched message about love. So really at least 80% of music featuring lyrics is bs. But then all genres occasionally have a song with interesting or thoughtful lyrics, Opeth tends to have decent lyrics and although it often deals with the old musical cliche of love, a few Gothic Metal bands have decent lyrics. I think it is because these bands have music which is a little more contemplative rather than either going the mainstream route of 'any old bs as long as it sells' or the traditional metal approach of 'as long as it sounds badass and adds to the rest of the music it's good'.

I think that's true, you know. I think alot of metal bands try to write different lyrics, but can't seem to do so in a way that would fit the music and instead opt to write about any number of cliched subjects. Hey, it could be true!

I don't really disagree, but neither do I see it as a problem. I don't think metal needs to update itself in order to successfully shock people .. that is exactly the sort of thing we ought to be over. I like stuff about Satan and the occult ... but of course I'd take Mystifier or Root's lyrics above Dark Funeral's. It's really a question of sincerity ... and yes, I do believe it's possible to not subscribe to theistic notions about Satan and still write something compelling, but I don't expect that from the majority of bands and that in fact makes the ones who do put in supreme effort (Mystifier again comes to mind) stand out much more.

I agree completely, I always try my hardest with my band to avoid cliche symbols in both lyrics and artwork. One of my favorite examples of unconventional lyrics would be Chronoclast by Buried Inside.

I wholeheartedly endorse everything mentioned by Ribos here, very interesting slant. It's something i've considered too, especially after reading stuff like Paradise Lost (i've never really read the bible in much detail) when you remember that satan was originally a prince in heaven who was only cast out after trying to rebel against god. Some theorists argue that in Paradise Lost Milton presents satan as the protagonist, the rebellious anathema of the totalitarian and omnipresent antagonistic god, the horrible shit that he's pulled over the years to which Ribos mentioned above giving credence to this proposition.

Yeah if god does exists he's far more evil than satan ever was/is/will be.
Perhaps bands should start singing about Naedra and Derkesthai worship, I think that's a concept that would most definately work

I'm sorry I couldn't resist

I prefer bands that have really poetic lyrics (which is why I prefer "Through Chasm, Caves And Titan Woods" by Carpathian Forest over everything else they've done), in fact the only band(s) in my entire collection that has cliched lyrics would be Judas Iscariot and (most probably) Gorgoroth and even then JI writes in an intelligent way.
I think bands should write about more realistic topics, but then again music is escapism so would you really want the music equivalent of CNN when tring to relax/"escape"?

This is extensively noted in metal. Anti-Christian lyrics are all about how hypocritical the Bible's messages are (overtly and in subtext) Immolation is the best example I can think of off the top of my head: from Father, You're Not a Father, "you raaaaaped Marryyyyyy". Every "Satanist" that isn't just doing it to be counterculture is doing it because of the very things you've stated.

You know, when I listen to technical death metal, I think of astronomical catastrophes or science-fiction based concepts, and that does seem to be intentional among many tech death bands. Demilich, Element, The Faceless, Gory Blister, Infinitum, Internal Suffering, Neuraxis, Origin, Pavor, Psycroptic, Spawn of Possession, Theory in Practice, and Tholus all definitely come to mind. Even bands that don't make use of those thematic/atmospheric nuances give me that feeling. Perhaps it has something to do with a juxtaposition of classical-style scales and the harsher, more brutal aspects of death metal -- I always associate classical music with deep space and sci-fi.

Cliche or no, I admit to being a sci-fi geek, so I can't say I have a big problem with it.

In both Paradise Lost and the Bible, the War in Heaven takes place before man is created. Satan's rebellion is entirely based on his desire to not be a servant, it has nothing to do with anything God has done (least of all to the creatures he hasn't created yet). Furthermore, Paradise Lost strongly implies that Satan wants power as he sort of "rigs" the pandemonium so the others will follow him as their new "God", he doesn't have any intention of sharing the seat.

I prefer to view God and Satan as equals, representing unity and severality (or freedom to be moralistic), respectively.

Noting it and writing songs entirely from that perspective are two very different things.

Good post by the OP, raises some quite interesting and very valid points. I especially like the different view on Satan. Portraying him as the deceiver and not as a powerful and brutal war-god would be an interesting slant and really opens up a very large door as far as lyrical subjects are concerned. There are so many ideas and concepts that can be shown through this more subtle (but in many ways more fear inducing) portrayal of Satan. Reminds me of the quote; "The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist". I'm surprised more bands aren't using this image of Satan as it could really be used to make some quite dark lyrics. The idea that as the world goes about it's usual routine, we are all oblivious to Satan, who is corrupting us and dragging us all closer and closer to our moral and then physical demise is a very chilling one indeed.

And I also agree with the idea that black metal (and bands from any metal sub-genre) should be looking to the bible for inspiration. As stated by Ribos, there is a lot of very "metal" subject matter in the bible and that could easily be transferred to lyrical themes for almost any metal style. These aren't even complex ideas. It just shows how easily the lyrical stagnation of metal could be overcome. I think the problem is with bands trying to stay "true". Trying to strengthen metal by showing devotion to the old school and originating bands of the style. The problem is, they don't realise that the classic bands are classic, because what they were playing at the time was ground breaking. It was new and unlike anything made previous. I think bands should be looking at the classics and then doing something totally different. By imitating these great bands and albums in an attempt to strengthen them, they are actually weakening them through a dilution of the subject matter and sound.

I agree with the OP.

Satanic and gory themes have been done to death. The horse is dead, stop kicking it.

There is no shock value to satanism/gore anymore. It's become a silly cliche. I've come to the conclusion that most bands just suck at writing lyrics, so screaming "Hail Satan" is the best they can do. Then of course we have the "blackmetal is supposed to be satanic, otherwise it's not blackmetal" excuse.

Yawn.

Yes, the music should be the primary source of quality, but it is about time more lyricist use some brain cells to explore other things. It doesn't have to be all artsy-fartsy, but there should be plenty of inspiration.

I agree completely with you. When I first started getting into metal the Satanism, gore and other 'shocking' lyrics was a new thing, all good then. But now? It's everything we see, sure every band doesn't need to be a philosophical one. But the ones that are, why can't they try to expand their horizons?

There's been enough of the madman who loves slicing people up, the mighty Devil or the Laveyan counterpart.

Another thing they could do is have concept albums, albums that tell stories. Dimmu tried this, but the lyrics came out half arsed (not to mention the music).

King Diamond pulled it off quite beautifully though, albums like "Abigail" and "Them" are simply brilliant. While you can argue that the themes aren't original on their own (they aren't), but they're quite unique within metal and the way it's portrayed is very refreshing. Rather than being told about how great/mighty/evil someone/something is, it's as if you're simply there.
Not a part of the events, but you're witnessing them. Ala when you read a book.

King Diamond's lyrics enrich the music, a lot. He's doing something quite unique, and doing it well. Metal needs more of this.

It's unbelievable how much unexplored potential there is for metal. A black metal band doesn't need to have a theme of evil, nor depression. Wouldn't the atmosphere of the music also work with themes of.. peace?
Folk metal has this to some extent, describing nature as calm. Yet it's often still an oppressive theme, telling people to embrace nature and not today's society and modern age. Why not simply lyrics about nature? A description like Tolkien's version of the elven forests, but in a lyric?

I'm sure some bands have done this, but it's not the majority. There's, as I said, often an underlying theme of rebellion. I realize this is part of black metal, but I don't see it as a necessity.

But as a lot of people said, metal isn't the best place to look for philosophical lyrics. A lot of bands simply play because they enjoy it, they'll be more worried about having fun than having a deep philosophical insight in their lyrics.

There are of course other metallers to whom it does matter, but they're a majority. It's often about what crowds you attract. A lot (not all) of metal fans would rather listen to songs called "Slaughter of the Souls" or "Chainsaw Gutsfuck" than "My Journey to the Stars" and "The Loss and Curse of Reverence". It's just how it is.

I think the problem with your two main examples is that they are far TOO tangible. Metal has always had an interesting affiliation with the dark and mystical, that which resides in the shadows, more ominous and foreboding doom than truly tangible evil; and that is something I really like about a lot of metal lyrics. Those two examples seem a bit too familiar, too out-in-the-open. I mean, let's face it, while we don't know how to cure AIDS or stop terrorism, but we know much of what there is to know about them. Because of this, there aren't too many ways you could take it. Plus a lot of the lyrics would probably just sound like CNN headlines.

I really like how bands use fictional creatures as symbols, because then you can take it any number of ways. Satan is a great symbol, though I agree that it would be nice to see him used in a different way. I also like your example with that though, using him as a seducer of the weak and innocent, lurking in the shadows only coming out to feast on the weak-minds he desires. This could be taken in numerous ways, personally I'd like to see it used in a story of child-molestation, just for the irony.

But I really think symbols are at their best when they are something mysterious or ambiguous, something that can be interpreted in all kinds of ways. This both gives it that mystical, ominous tone, and avoids redundancy. And they are easy enough to find, probably just have to dig around in a variety of literature.

funny thing, power is never taken as part of metal....and now we took the subgenre of power, I think is one of the most unprogressive genres of metal lyrically speaking...
Despite being my fav subgenre, I think that the 90% of the bands I got a fantasy theme for the lyrics.... For the ones I can recall that don't have (or don't use them as much) is Kamelot and...well, just Kamelot
On the other hand, lyrics' subject doesn't bother me for one main reason; I can't barely understand what they are saying, and not because I don't know how to speak English, but I have a problem or something like that, while listening music, and is that I cannot understand whatever language is spoken (even in Spanish, and I'm a Spanish native speaker), so they could be saying whatever they want, and I won't understand them or maybe missunderstand them.



Kamelot used this type of view in two of their albums, Epica and The Black Halo, altough not being Satan himself, but a demon.

Judging by your OP I'm not sure that 'symbols' is quite the word you're looking for. If we were talking visual symbolism, then I think bands would do well to find something more interesting than the tired cliches of pentagrams, inverted crosses and skulls on black backgrounds for their album art.

No, symbols as in the literary device. His OP is just fine.

I agree, the symbolism that is implemented within the metal music genre is becoming stagnant and over-used, so to speak. Personally, what would be nice to see (in a logo or imagery) and read (within the lyrics and such) within black metal bands is more-so a poetic approach to lyrics (looking for a better way to phrase this).

To further elaborate, I believe that instead of black metal bands using Satan and such as the all-mighty destroyer, or the symbol of individualism (none of these are bad approaches, more-so a bit bland and unoriginal), they should more-so delve into the psychology, or rather the mind-set of people who follow individualism and/or Satan. Such an example would be an individual's personal, intimate relationship with Satan (using the theistic-variant here), or an individual's reaction to individualism, and/or breaking away from the social norms of society, and becoming their very own, unique, person. Furthermore, black metal musicians could also use modern-day events/symbols, such as terrorism (as the OP stated), or corruption in society, or possibly the bland, emptiness of mainstream society, maybe.

However, apart from the aforementioned ideas, black metal musicians could base their lyrical themes and symbolism, on their own experiences in life, and/or their heritage, their history of their country, perhaps. As an example, let's say that you have some individuals from Russia, who wish to create a unique, innovative black metal band. Let's say that they have a positive stance on communism. Well, as part of their nation's/area's history they could incorporate the Russian revolutions and/or the Bolshevik Party into their lyrical themes/imagery. Perhaps, a South-American-based black metal band could use Aztec/Mayan/Incan history within their lyrics/imagery if they wish to do so. Generally, bands (not only including black metal) could implement within their lyrics/image their past, their cultural history, or even perhaps they could delve within any problems that they see within society, people, etc.

Overall, I believe that metal-bands in general should try to create a much more intimate/personal relationship with the listener and their general audience, as well as looking into the past for inspiration for lyrical themes/image. Also, bands could also delve within the human psyche for inspiration as well.

Oh yes, I'm familiar with the concept. My post there may have been misleading. I'm saying that the crux of his post seemed mainly about the perspective from which subject matter is approached more than symbolism itself. And I threw in the bit about visual symbolism as an adjunct, since the visual side of metal is often as tired as the lyrical.

Many Power Metal bands do not sing about fantasy; it is quite a common misconception fueled by bands like HammerFall and Rhapsody. Even some of the mainstream stuff doesn't use them: Edguy, Helloween, Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius to be precise. Also check out bands like Excalion, Ultimatium, Twilightning (debut), old Jag Panzer, etc.

But yeah, as for Power Metal lyrics, it seems that quite a lot of them focus on positive themes like finding yourself, inner strength, life struggles, love, et cetera. We need more bands in this genre especially who explore more varied and interesting themes, as while there certainly are some, it isn't enough. Like I mentioned previously, Angel Dust's Enlighten the Darkness has fantastic lyrics that are unlike anything I've read before from these sorts of bands, thematically. Here's the entirety of "The One You Are":



Maybe we should get some traditional or power metal bands singing about more complex storylines like this (it is a concept album, as I said, about the horrors of war from a different standpoint than the usual "bodies stacked upon bodies"/textbook reenactment sort of standpoint) or like the King Diamond ones stated above.