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 bui...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal for Religion, Film and Media Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 69 - 94
Main Author Javier, Campos Calvo-Sotelo
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Karl Franzens Universität Graz 14.11.2019
Subjects
apocalypse
authenticity
critical dystopia
popular music
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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
DOI:10.25364/05.05:2019.2.5