Music videos are a peek into the minds of the bands that create them. They help give meaning to a song. Sure, you could have a music video with the band playing and looking badass, or you could have random hardcore imagery. The best videos however, are the interesting and creative ones that are a joy to watch again and again. It's just not metal without the big show.
The Devin Townsend Band's “Vampira”
In this humourous gem, everyone in the video is decked out in dollar store Halloween costumes. Devin Townsend is prancing about in a sparkly red cape and devil horns while singing. The song is about loving a vampire lady with a bit of Satanic worship thrown in. The video is purposefully campy and fun. He's singing about the stuff that comic books are made of, he knows it, he shows us, and the result is this amazing video.
Finntroll's “Under Bergets Rot” (English: Under the Root of the Mountain)
Here's another mark of a good music video; it tells a story. Maybe not the most logical story though, but it's a good one and matches the art and music style. In it, a man goes to a strange bar, drinks a whole lot of weird drinks, get rejected by a girl with octopus legs, gets turned into a troll in a magic show, and then gets all the strange tentacled women he wants. Even if you don't know Finnish to understand the lyrics, the story and feel of the song remain. (The lyrics, by the way, are about hanging out with the mystical people who live under the mountain)
Stolen Babies' “Push Buttons”
I'm a big fan of surrealism and Stolen Babies deliver it. The whole dark cabaret Tim Burtonesque on acid fantasy just suits their sound amazingingly and is so interesting to watch. How many bands do you know that feature a gorgeous accordianist? Stolen Babies are one of a kind, a rare find in today's music culture.
Blind Guardian's “Mr. Sandman”
When I first saw this song's name I thought it was a mistake. How did something from the 50s get mixed in with my beloved songs about Lord of the Rings and general dragon slaying? Then I listened. Then I fell in love with this cover. A metal version of Mr. Sandman just seems so absurd. But Blind Guardian pulled it off and made it metal. Now the video...I can't find the words to describe my first reaction. Scary clowns rocking out in some kids bedroom? Somehow totally awesome instead of horrifying like regular clowns are. The entire concept for this is just amazing.
Judas Priest's “Breaking The Law”
(Oh look, Halford with hair!) Breaking the Law is just plain fun. It's pure 80s metal goodness with all the wonderful camp that comes with it. Music videos with cars in them, even for a small bit, are among my favourites because when listening to this kind of music I picture a car going way too fast and wrecking everything in its path. It's metal! It's about the power and flash and the hair! Judas Priest have more than earned their title of "Metal Gods"
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