15 Artists Associated With Witchcraft, Satanism + the Occult

The unusual isn’t just for Halloween — there are a handful of rock and metal musicians who are actually associated with witchcraft, satanism and the occult

Rock and metal have gotten a bad rap over the years for its occasional use of satanic references and symbols in the music, ultimately stirring what became known as a “satanic panic.” However, a lot of these bands have admitted that the imagery was intended solely to create a shock factor.

Black Sabbath were an example of a band who were criticized for not only their name, but for Tony Iommi‘s use of a musical tritone that was known as “The Devil’s Interval” in their eponymous lead single. It gave the song a sinister sound, sure — and the guitarist’s down-tuned guitar playing created a dark atmosphere in the rest of their music too.

But they weren’t satanists.

As Ozzy Osbourne wrote in his autobiography I Am Ozzy [via Ranker], “I couldn’t believe it when I learned that people actually ‘practised [sic] the occult.’ These freaks with white make-up and black robes would come up to us after our gigs and invite us to black masses at Highgate Cemetery in London. I’d say to them, ‘Look, mate, the only evil spirits I’m interested in are called whisky, vodka, and gin.'”

READ MORE: The Truth About Satanism in Metal

But there are other musicians for whom these beliefs, practices and rituals are a part of life. They’re comparable to any other religion people follow.

Below is a gallery of 15 prominent artists in the rock and metal world who have been associated with witchcraft, satanism and the occult in one form or another. Some may seem obvious, and others may completely take you by surprise.