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How The Occult Haunted Music Movies And Pop Culture 1966 1980

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Published in Here S To My Sweet Satan: How The Occult Haunted Music Movies And Pop Culture 1966 1980

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The occult has always fascinated and frightened humanity. In the 1960s and 1970s, this fascination reached a fever pitch, as evidenced by the rise of occult-themed music, movies, and pop culture. This article explores how the occult haunted music and pop culture during this time, and how it continues to influence popular culture today.

The Occult in Music

The occult first began to seep into popular music in the mid-1960s, with the rise of psychedelic rock. Bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix experimented with Eastern mysticism and occultism in their music and lyrics. This experimentation was often fueled by the use of drugs, which opened up the doors of perception and allowed musicians to explore new and strange realms of consciousness.

Here's to My Sweet Satan: How the Occult Haunted Music, Movies and Pop Culture, 1966-1980

by George Case

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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One of the most famous examples of occult-themed music from this era is Black Sabbath's self-titled debut album, released in 1970. The album's dark and heavy sound, combined with its lyrics about witchcraft, black magic, and Satanism, helped to define the genre of heavy metal music. Black Sabbath's music was often seen as a reflection of the social and political unrest of the time, and it resonated with a generation of young people who were disillusioned with the status quo.

Other notable occult-themed bands from this era include Led Zeppelin, Blue Öyster Cult, and Coven. These bands all explored different aspects of the occult in their music, from the mystical and psychedelic to the dark and sinister. Their music helped to create a sense of unease and dread that was both thrilling and terrifying.

The Occult in Movies

The occult also had a major impact on horror movies in the 1960s and 1970s. Films like Rosemary's Baby (1968),The Exorcist (1973),and The Omen (1976) explored the themes of witchcraft, demonic possession, and Satanism. These films were often controversial and disturbing, but they also proved to be very popular with audiences. They tapped into a deep-seated fear of the unknown, and they offered a glimpse into the dark side of human nature.

One of the most iconic occult-themed movies from this era is The Exorcist. The film tells the story of a young girl who is possessed by a demonic force. The film's graphic depiction of possession and exorcism shocked and terrified audiences, and it remains one of the most controversial horror movies ever made. The Exorcist's success helped to fuel the public's fascination with the occult, and it paved the way for a new wave of horror movies that explored similar themes.

The Occult in Pop Culture

The occult also made its way into pop culture in other ways during the 1960s and 1970s. Books like Rosemary's Baby and The Exorcist became bestsellers, and they helped to introduce the occult to a wider audience. Television shows like The Twilight Zone and Kolchak: The Night Stalker explored occult themes in a more accessible way, and they helped to make the occult seem more real and身近.

The occult also had a significant impact on fashion and art. Goth culture, which emerged in the late 1970s, was heavily influenced by the occult. Goths adopted a dark and mysterious aesthetic, and they often incorporated occult symbols into their clothing and accessories. The occult also influenced the work of artists like Salvador Dalí and H.R. Giger, whose surreal and nightmarish paintings and sculptures often explored occult themes.

The Occult Today

The occult continues to fascinate and frighten people today. It remains a popular subject for music, movies, and pop culture. Heavy metal music, in particular, has continued to explore occult themes, and bands like Slayer, Metallica, and Ghost have all released albums that deal with witchcraft, black magic, and Satanism. Horror movies continue to explore occult themes as well, with films like The Conjuring (2013) and Hereditary (2018) becoming critical and commercial successes.

The occult also continues to influence pop culture in other ways. Goth culture remains popular, and occult symbols and imagery can be found in everything from fashion to music to art. The occult is also a popular subject for documentaries and television shows, which explore the history, beliefs, and practices of different occult groups.

The occult has had a profound impact on music, movies, and pop culture for centuries. In the 1960s and 1970s, the occult experienced a resurgence in popularity, as evidenced by the rise of occult-themed music, movies, and pop culture. This fascination with the occult continues today, and it is likely to continue to influence popular culture for years to come.

Here's to My Sweet Satan: How the Occult Haunted Music, Movies and Pop Culture, 1966-1980

by George Case

4.4 out of 5