Czech Pagan Metal: A Short Introduction to Major Local Trends

This article offers a short introduction to Czech pagan metal. I offer a brief summary of the main trends within the local scene and analyze how Paganism is discursively constructed in the music and lyrics of three bands representing different metal sub-genres: Inferno, Silent Stream of Godless Elegy, and Žrec. I seek answers for some important questions. How do Czech bands approach Paganism? In what ways, if any, is Czech pagan metal unique? Or do Czech pagan metal bands simply copy global trends? How important is spiritual identity in the personal lives of Pagan metal band members? The main theoretical inspirations for thearticle are Robert Walser’s discursive study of heavy metal and Keith Kahn-Harris’s concept of scene. The analysis of lyrics and music is enhanced by data from ethnological and quantitative research among listeners of Czech Pagan metal music.