Secord, Jared2019-10-072019-10-072019-01Secord, J. (2019). Occult and Pulp Visions of Greece and Rome in Heavy Metal. In K.F.B. Fletcher & O. Umurhan (Eds.), "Classical Antiquity in Heavy Metal Music" (pp. 155-171). London : Bloomsbury Academic.9781350075368http://hdl.handle.net/1880/111145Secord explores the depiction of Greece and Rome in heavy metal bands with esoteric interests, fuelled by reading occult authors like Aleister Crowley and the pulp-fiction stories of Robert E. Howard and H. P. Lovecraft. He shows that the Eurocentrism and Orientalism found in these authors shape the reception of Greece and Rome within esoteric metal. Greece and Rome are consequently defined as being civilized, familiar, and safe places, and therefore of little interest for esoteric bands, who are more interested in what they regard as more arcane and mysterious aspects of the world’s ancient history. As Secord argues, this attitude towards Greece and Rome makes the Ancient Near East, Egypt, and even fictional lost continents more appealing subjects within esoteric metal. This attitude likewise explains why the Necronomicon, a fictional book of great mystery invented by Lovecraft, is the most influential piece of “ancient” literature within esoteric metal.engUnless otherwise indicated, this material is protected by copyright and has been made available with authorization from the copyright owner. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Classical ReceptionH. P. LovecraftRobert E. HowardHeavy Metal MusicWestern Esoteric TraditionPulp FictionCeltic Frost (band)Bal-Sagoth (band)Therion (band)Aleister CrowleyEurocentrismOrientalismOccult and Pulp Visions of Greece and Rome in Heavy Metalbook part10.11575/PRISM/37203