A Tale of Two Tribes: Comparing EUROPE's 'Cherokee' and ANTHRAX's 'Indians

 

While both "Cherokee" by EUROPE and "Indians" by ANTHRAX are iconic songs in their respective genres, they have some interesting similarities and differences in their lyrics. Here's a comprehensive comparison of the two songs:

Similarities

Both songs were released in the 1980s, with "Cherokee" coming out in 1986 on EUROPE's album "The Final Countdown" and "Indians" released in 1987 on ANTHRAX's album "Among the Living". Both songs are considered classics of their respective genres, with "Cherokee" being a staple of rock music and "Indians" a thrash metal anthem.

Both songs also share a common theme of exploring the struggles and injustices faced by Native American tribes. EUROPE's song tells the story of a Cherokee warrior's journey, while ANTHRAX's song is more focused on the brutal treatment of Native Americans by European colonizers.

Differences

One of the most striking differences between the two songs is their approach to storytelling. EUROPE's "Cherokee" is a more narrative-driven song, with lyrics that paint a vivid picture of the Cherokee warrior's journey. The song's lyrics are rich in detail, with vivid descriptions of the warrior's battles, his love for his tribe, and his eventual demise.

ANTHRAX's "Indians", on the other hand, is more focused on conveying the sense of outrage and anger towards the treatment of Native Americans. The lyrics are more direct and aggressive, with vocalist Joey Belladonna delivering a scathing critique of European colonialism and its impact on Native American tribes.

Another key difference between the two songs is their musical style. EUROPE's "Cherokee" is a power ballad, with soaring guitar solos and a sweeping chorus. The song's melody is more straightforward and anthemic, making it easy to sing along to.

ANTHRAX's "Indians", on the other hand, is a thrash metal anthem, with fast-paced guitar riffs and aggressive drumming. The song's tempo is faster and more intense, reflecting the anger and frustration expressed in the lyrics.

Criticisms and Controversies

Both songs have faced criticism over the years for their perceived cultural appropriation and stereotypes. Some have argued that EUROPE's "Cherokee" reduces Native American culture to a simplistic narrative, while ANTHRAX's "Indians" relies on negative stereotypes and doesn't offer any real insight or understanding of Native American experiences.

In recent years, both bands have faced criticism for their handling of Native American imagery and themes. In 2020, EUROPE was accused of cultural appropriation for using Native American imagery in their music videos and live performances. ANTHRAX has also faced criticism for their use of Native American imagery and stereotypes in their music and artwork.

Conclusion

While both "Cherokee" by EUROPE and "Indians" by ANTHRAX are iconic songs in their respective genres, they have some significant differences in their lyrics and approach to storytelling. EUROPE's song is more focused on telling a narrative story, while ANTHRAX's song is more focused on conveying a sense of outrage and anger.

Both songs also face criticism for their cultural appropriation and stereotypes, which is an important consideration when examining these songs. Ultimately, both songs are products of their time and reflect the cultural attitudes and biases of their era.

Despite these criticisms, both songs remain beloved classics in their respective genres, and continue to inspire new generations of rock fans and metalheads.

Nick Parastatidis