The Enduring Appeal of Occult Rock: A Multi-genre Phenomenon
July 9, 2024, 4 months ago
One of the best things about rock is the way it has branched out into countless subgenres, covering all sorts of unique themes. Occult rock is one offshoot that seems to have enduring appeal, thanks to its mysticism and dark themes.
Occult rock originated in the late 1960s with bands such as Black Sabbath, and it continues to live on to this day with acts like Luciferian Light Orchestra. Part of its appeal is the way it spans multiple entertainment genres, meaning that it attracts a diverse range of listeners.
The Origins and Evolution of Occult Rock
Occult rock can be traced back more than 50 years, with Black Sabbath one of the most famous pioneers of the genre. Ozzy Osbourne and co were accompanied by other acts such as Coven and Blue Öyster Cult, who also helped pioneer the sound and imagery of this form of rock. The bands incorporated themes of witchcraft and the supernatural, and this was reflected in everything from their lyrics to their stage performances.
These acts were hugely influential and inspired many others to get into occult rock. This helped it evolve, with bands like Ghost, Electric Wizard, and Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats bringing new energy and interpretations to the genre. The resurgence of vinyl and a growing interest in retro aesthetics have also contributed to the revival of occult rock, helping to attract a new generation of fans.
Influence on Other Entertainment Genres
The impact of occult rock can be seen across the wider entertainment industry, with countless offerings inspired by the genre. This helped keep this form of music alive as well, by alluring new generations of listeners.
Gaming is arguably a natural home for occult themes, where the mysterious and supernatural elements can come to the fore. Many of the world’s best fantasy card games would appeal to occult rock fans, with Magic: The Gathering being one of the most famous examples.
This extends into the casino bet online market as well, with the Magic Fusion slot game using arcane symbols and a dark atmosphere on the reels. The game is one of many magical slots that are drawing modern players in. Many of these sites have been traditionally used for playing Texas Hold’em, but have also brought in slots due to their widespread appeal.
Universal Appeal of Occult Themes
The appeal of occult rock extends way beyond music and gaming, and this helps it maintain its enduring appeal. In literature, for example, H.P. Lovecraft is renowned for his exploration of the supernatural and occult. His works have been adapted countless times and have inspired various television series and movies.
Perhaps the reason this subgenre is so appealing is that if people’s natural fascination with the unknown and the forbidden. Occult themes offer a sense of intrigue and excitement, allowing audiences to explore darker aspects of human experience in a safe and controlled manner. Music is one of the best ways to enjoy this, and it’s likely that occult rock will live on for many more decades to come.