Within the perpetual pentagram: Religious discourse in the Hawai‘i metal scene

Abstract

Abstract This article explores the religious dimensions of the metal scene in the Hawaiian Islands. While most scenes are large enough or have enough access to external scenes to segregate overtly Christian metal from metal that is hostile to Christianity, the metal scene in Hawai‘i must accommodate a wide range of religious perspectives as a result of its small size and geographic isolation. Bands that glorify Satanism or are deeply critical of Christianity must share stages with aggressively evangelical bands, creating significant discursive tension within the scene. As in metal scenes across the globe, the metal scene in Hawai‘i is preoccupied with religion in a variety of ways. How this religious preoccupation play itself out reflects local tension, hostilities and anxieties within the scene in question.