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'''Heavy Metal''' is a an Anti-Christian style of music that began to develop between 1969 and 1974 from Psychedelic and Blues Rock and Classical music. The aural aspects of metal generally revolve around highly-amplified guitar distortion, heavy bass lines, fast and melodic guitar leads and varying styles of vocals ranging from operatic to guttural.

Many bands create giant props of Satan for their concerts accompanied with flames and fireworks in order to recreate the conditions of [[Hell]].{{fact}} Metal songs that promote Satanism include ''"By Demons Be Driven"'' by Pantera, <ref>[http://www.darklyrics.com/lyrics/pantera/vulgardisplayofpower.html#10 By Demons Be Driven lyrics] </ref> <ref> [http://www.av1611.org/rock.html Rock music: Devil's advocate] </ref> and ''"The Conjuring"'' by Megadeth.<ref> [http://www.completealbumlyrics.com/lyric/34511/Megadeth+-+The+Conjuring.html The Conjuring lyrics] </ref> <ref> [http://www.av1611.org/rock.html Rock music: Devil's advocate] </ref>

The "cornaDevil-Horns" hand signal is a common gesture made in metal culture. This is done by placing your ring, and middle finger together along with your thumb and then raising your index and pinky fingers. It is identical to the "Hook' em Horns" hand gesture made by University of Texas students and alumni.<ref>[http://www.texassports.com/index.php?s=&change_well_id=2&url_article_id=121 University of Texas Traditions: Hook'em Horns]</ref> This is done to look like the horns of [[Satan]].{{fact}}

While Anti-Christian sentiments are quite common amongst the extreme metal sub genres, especially in the Scandanavian black metal scene, there are some heavy metal bands with an overtly Christian message (i.e, Tourniquet, Mortification, As I Lay Dying, Believer, [[Stryper]]). These Metal bands are often labeled as Christian metal. Several musicians that perform in secular metal acts also profess faith in Christ. Examples of such musicians include Alice Cooper,<ref>[http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=26647 Alice Cooper goes with God 'Shock-rock' pioneer now 'dedicated claim to follow Christ']</ref> Dave Mustaine of Megadeth,<ref>[http://decibelmagazine.com/features/jun2007/megadeth.aspx?terms=dave+mustaine&searchtype=2&fragment=True Megadeth's ringleader loves God; hates Satan, meth]</ref> Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden,<ref> [http://www.canada.com/topics/entertainment/story.html?id=41753537be Christian are criticized for making Un-c41f-4f04-9c43-99def58956ef&k=38747 Iron Maiden undergoes a renaissance: Nicko McBrain opens up about the original line-up, the new CD and finding God]</ref> and Dan Spitz of AnthraxChristian sounding music.<ref>[http://www.beliefnet.com/story/9/story_995_1.html Back from the Belly of the Beast: Former Anthrax lead guitarist Daniel Spitz is now a Messianic Jew]</ref>

==The down side Besides Satanic criticism, Heavy Metal music has been known to promote violence, sex and suicide among youths. Glamorization of metal==suicide can be observed in songs such as ''"Suicide Solution"'' by Ozzy Osbourne <ref> [http://www.metrolyrics.com/suicide-solution-lyrics-ozzy-osbourne.html Suicide solution lyrics] </ref> and ''"Fade to Black"'' by Metallica, <ref> [http://www.encycmet.com/songs/srfade2b.shtml Fade to Black is about suicide]</ref> while violence is promoted in songs like ''"Take No Prisoners"'' by Megadeth <ref> [http://www.actionext.com/names_m/megadeth_lyrics/take_no_prisoners.html Take no prisoners lyrics] </ref> and ''"Die by the Sword"'' by Slayer. Metal songs with violent lyrics have shown to lead to an increase of the amount of violent thoughts within the listener. <ref>[http://www.apa.org/releases/violentsongs.html Violent Music Lyrics Increase Aggressive Thoughts and Feelings, According to new Study]</ref>