Apocalypse as Critical Dystopia in Modern Popular Music

The last book of the New Testament has inspired countless narratives and cultural productions. In the realm of popular music, the Apocalypse has been embraced as synonymous with imminent catastrophe, generating a dystopian discourse. As a tool for analysis, the concept of “critical dystopia” has bu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Javier, Campos Calvo-Sotelo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Karl Franzens Universität Graz 2019-05-01
Series:Journal for Religion, Film and Media
Subjects:
Online Access:https://unipub.uni-graz.at/jrfm/periodical/titleinfo/4505027
Description
Summary:The last book of the New Testament has inspired countless narratives and cultural productions. In the realm of popular music, the Apocalypse has been embraced as synonymous with imminent catastrophe, generating a dystopian discourse. As a tool for analysis, the concept of “critical dystopia” has built a useful means of connecting apocalyptic menaces, re-enchantment of the world, and social protest. At the same time, “authenticity” is a sacred dimension within rock, an antidote to commercialism and a key notion of doomsday scenarios. This article has two parts: first, a conceptual review of the state of the questions and debate involved; and second, an exposition of selected songs, followed by a summary of their main traits.
ISSN:2414-0201