In the realm of heavy metal, concept albums often
serve as a canvas for storytelling, blending powerful music with intricate
narratives. Two bands, Burning Shadows from the United States and Assassin's
Blade, a Canadian/Swedish collaboration, have both drawn inspiration from Fritz
Leiber's classic science fiction novel, “Gather, Darkness!”, creating albums
that explore its themes and storylines.
Burning Shadows: Power and Heavy Metal from the US
Burning Shadows, hailing from Savage, Maryland, has
been a staple in the power and heavy metal scene since their formation in 2000.
Known for their thematic focus on fantasy, history, and mythology, the band has
a discography that includes albums like “Truth in Legend” and “Into the
Primordial”. Their concept album “Gather, Darkness!” delves into the dystopian
world created by Leiber, using their signature blend of melodic and aggressive
metal to bring the story to life.
Assassin's Blade: A Fusion of Canadian and Swedish
Metal
Assassin's Blade, formed in 2014, is a heavy/speed
metal band that combines the talents of musicians from Canada and Sweden. Their
album “Gather, Darkness”, released in 2019, showcases a hybrid sound influenced
by bands like Exciter and Judas Priest. The album's tracks traverse various
metal subgenres, from thrash to power metal, all while maintaining a cohesive
narrative inspired by Leiber's novel.
Fritz Leiber's “Gather, Darkness!”
Published in 1943, “Gather, Darkness!” is a seminal
work of science fiction that explores themes of power, rebellion, and the clash
between science and superstition. Set 360 years after a nuclear holocaust, the
novel depicts a world where techno-priests wield scientific knowledge as a
means of control, masquerading it as divine power¹⁹. The protagonist, Armon
Jarles, rises from peasant origins to become a priest, only to rebel against
the corrupt theocracy. His journey intertwines with a burgeoning witchcraft
movement, leading to a dramatic confrontation that questions the very
foundations of their society.
The Intersection of Music and Literature
Both Burning Shadows and Assassin's Blade have
successfully translated the complex narrative of “Gather, Darkness!” into their
music, each bringing their unique style and interpretation to the story.
Through their albums, they invite listeners to explore Leiber's dystopian
world, experiencing the tension and drama through the lens of heavy metal.
These concept albums not only pay homage to a literary
classic but also demonstrate the enduring power of storytelling in music. By
drawing from “Gather, Darkness!”, both bands have created works that resonate
with fans of both metal and science fiction, bridging the gap between two
vibrant artistic communities.
Nick Parastatidis
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