The concept of a Pagan altar in metallum is deeply rooted in ancient pagan traditions and practices. Metallum refers to the use of various metals in constructing and adorning the rituals and spaces associated with Pagan worship and spirituality. The Pagan altar in metallum serves as a sacred space where rituals, ceremonies, and offerings are made to connect with the natural world and divine energies. In Paganism, the altar is considered a focal point for spiritual and magical workings. It is believed to be a gateway between the physical and spiritual realms, serving as a conduit for communication and communion with deities, spirits, and ancestors. The use of metals in the construction and decoration of the altar adds a layer of symbolism and energy to this sacred space.
Gatefold LP version includes insert, new layout and etch on vinyl
The pressing plant made an error while pressing the album for CD, and banded the intro as a separate track, hence its omission from official track lists. Word is that Oracle Records is currently working on remastering and releasing Pagan Altar s other four albums on CD as well, so keep your eyes peeled.
The use of metals in the construction and decoration of the altar adds a layer of symbolism and energy to this sacred space. Metals such as bronze, copper, and iron have been traditionally associated with different aspects of paganism. Bronze, for example, is often linked to the energy of the sun and the element of fire, representing strength, power, and vitality.
Pagan Altar
A testament to the musical wealth of the NWOBHM era is the amazing number of bands from that era that were 'lost' and only recently rediscovered and reissued (either with or without help of certain whores. oops, I mean bands covering their songs). London's Pagan Altar are one of the newest rediscoveries, and their first album, Volume I, originally from 1982, is yet another slab of metal that was crimially buried and forgotten. But fortunately no more.
If I were to just say they are Sabbathy heavy metal I might give the impression that they are just another proto-stoner band like Witchfinder General, but that's not quite right at all. Imagine a band heavily influenced by the riff-stylings, songwriting/arrangement, and magical/occult imagery of Sabbath, but completely without all of the psychedelic and drug influence. They don't tune down, so the doomy rumbling sound isn't there, and the songs don't go for heaviness so much as. 'otherworld-liness', maybe? From what I gathered from the band's website this album is thematic and is focused on occult themes, and the music manages to grab that atmosphere of unreality and the terror a person feels when faced with something forbidden (I guess I'm thinking of Hawthorne's short story "Young Goodman Brown" where the good puritan guy goes into the woods and finds his whole town in an occult orgy. ).
The music on this album seems timeless, in a way. The music is very faithful to the OLD style of heavy metal like early Sabbath and Priest, both in the riffs/arrangements and the way the bass and drums play off the guitar work. The vocals also seem very 'vintage' - frontman Terry Jones is definitely NOT a 'metal' singer, with his very high, thin vocals that actually call to mind OLD occult/rock acts like Black Widow or early Pentagram - he sounds much more 'rock' than metal in his timbre, but the vocal melodies he weaves into the songs just fit perfectly. The production helps reinforce that 'timeless' sound (though I doubt it was deliberate - this was 1982, after all. ) - it's a bit brittle, like slightly overdriven analog recording equipment, with gritty but slightly thin guitars, a big, fat bass sound, and clean-but-dry drums like on the first couple of Priest albums. You could have told me this came out in 1972 and I'd believe it.
Bottom line, though, is that this album is amazing. Highly recommended for NWOBHM fans or people into old original heavy metal like early Sabbath and Priest. Word is that Oracle Records is currently working on remastering and releasing Pagan Altar's other four albums on CD as well, so keep your eyes peeled.
(Originally published at LARM (c) 2001)
Musical composition, arrangements and production by Alan and Terry Jones.
All songs originally written between 1977 and 1983.
Copper, with its conductive properties, is believed to enhance and amplify spiritual energies, making it ideal for conducting rituals and spellwork. Iron, on the other hand, is associated with protection and warding off negative energies or entities. The Pagan altar in metallum is typically adorned with metal tools and symbols that hold significance in Paganism. These may include chalices for holding sacred liquids, athames (ritual knives) for directing energy, cauldrons for transformative rituals, and incense burners for purifying and consecrating the space. Additionally, statues or images of deities, sacred animals, or other symbolic representations may be present on the altar. The use of metals in the construction of the altar and the objects placed upon it aligns with the belief that these materials possess intrinsic magical properties and energies. Metalworking and metallurgy have long been associated with mystical and spiritual practices, and the use of metals in the Pagan altar is a continuation of this ancient tradition. The craftsmanship, as well as the choice of metals and their placement, can further enhance the energies and intentions of the rituals and ceremonies performed at the altar. In conclusion, the concept of a Pagan altar in metallum combines the symbolism, energy, and craftsmanship of various metals with the sacredness and spirituality of Pagan rituals and practices. It serves as a focal point for connecting with divine energies and the natural world, facilitating communication and communion with the spiritual realm. The use of metals in constructing and adorning the altar adds depth, symbolism, and potency to the rituals and ceremonies performed within its sacred space..
Reviews for "Pagan Altars and the Occult: Exploring the Dark Side of Metallum"
1. John Doe - 1/5
I was really disappointed with "Pagan altar metallum". The album lacked the energy and enthusiasm that I was expecting from a metal band. The songs felt repetitive and uninspired, with no memorable hooks or standout moments. The production quality was also poor, with an overall muddy sound that made it difficult to appreciate the musicianship. Overall, I found the album to be a forgettable and unimpressive addition to the metal genre.
2. Jane Smith - 2/5
"Pagan altar metallum" fell short of my expectations. While the band definitely shows some talent, their songwriting feels generic and unoriginal. The album lacks any real innovation or creativity, and it just sounds like another run-of-the-mill metal record. Additionally, the vocals were underwhelming and didn't add anything special to the overall sound. I was hoping for something more unique and memorable, but unfortunately, I found myself feeling indifferent towards this album.
3. Mark Johnson - 2/5
As a long-time fan of metal, I couldn't help but feel disappointed by "Pagan altar metallum". The album lacks the intensity and aggression that I usually associate with the genre. The songs are slow-paced and lack any real punch, which makes it hard to get into the music. Furthermore, the lyrics were uninspiring and didn't have much depth or meaning. Overall, this album failed to captivate me and left me wanting more from the band.