List of Satanists

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Contents

[edit] Self-proclaimed Satanists

[edit] Disputed Satanists

  • Glen Benton - bassist and vocalist of Deicide. His views have differed over the years; initially he was a devil-worshipper[1] but later presented himself as an atheist with vehement anti-Christian beliefs. He dismissed LaVeyan Satanism as "Hollywood Satanism". currently a member of the Temple of Set.[2]
  • Euronymous - deceased guitarist of black metal band Mayhem lived life in a sense of inverted Christianity. Perceiving himself as a Satanist, he opposed the LaVeyan variant. His Satanism is disputed due to the fact LaVeyan Satanists do not acknowledge devil-worship as a form of Satanism.

[edit] Mislabeled Satanists

  • Michael Aquino and Lilith Aquino - founders of the Temple of Set
  • Trey Azagthoth - Guitarist to the death metal band Morbid Angel. Though much of Morbid Angel's older songs are Satanic and very anti-religious in nature, Azagthoth has not claimed to be a Satanist, though has stated in various interviews that his view on life is that of Satanism. He in fact does not believe in the Christian God, and stated that the older songs were to "attack Christianity on a spiritual level, not a physical one."
  • Kenneth Anger - self-identifies as a Thelemite, not a Satanist, although he was a close friend of Anton la Vey and did serve as a founding member of his Church of Satan.
  • Beck - singer, songwriter; made an "honorary member" by Church of Satan but has never belonged. Member of the Church of Scientology.
  • David Berkowitz - serial killer (became a Christian after trial and opposed own parole.)
  • Glenn Danzig - With Danzig in the mainstream spotlight, controversy surrounding the nature of Glenn Danzig's lyrics and imagery increased. Conservative Christian groups accused Danzig of being a Satanist with obvious intentions to persuade impressionable youths over to the "left hand path". Danzig shrugged off the controversy as a humorous annoyance and often made light of it. Glenn has repeatedly denied accusations of being a Satanist, saying that he is fascinated by the nature of evil and merely finds Satan to be an interesting figure in Christian Mythology.
  • Terry "Geezer" Butler - Bassist to the heavy metal group Black Sabbath - was highly interested in the occult and was a central figure for Sabbath's dark lyrics.
  • Aleister Crowley - self-identified as a Thelemite, not a Satanist, although some of his philosophies have served as an inspiration to LaVeyan Satanism.
  • Dani Filth - vocalist of band Cradle of Filth. Filth labelled himself as "more of a Luciferian" in an interview with metalupdate.com, the article in which he said this can be read here
  • Dr. Daniel J. Garguillio - Roman Catholic exorcist and paranormal investigator, often mislabeled a Satanist due to his use of diabolical imagery.
  • Jayne Mansfield - actress - was involved in publicity stunt with Anton LaVey
  • Marilyn Manson - Granted and bears the status of an honorary reverend in the Church of Satan by LaVey, but never accepted or performed rituals. Manson regards it as purely an honor.
  • Ozzy Osbourne - Was widely proclaimed a Satanist, but has never belonged.
  • Jimmy Page - Guitar legend from Led Zeppelin was a huge fan of Aleister Crowley, but he's not a Satanist.
  • Jack Parsons - self-identified as a Thelemite, not a Satanist
  • Richard Ramirez - "Night Stalker", serial killer and rapist
  • Matt Skiba & Derek Grant of Alkaline Trio - Skiba told Guitar World magazine that he is a card-carrying member of the Church Of Satan, but in the same interview he clarified that he is an atheist, and the reason behind the membership was the ability to "pull out the card and watch people squirm".
  • Stza lead singer of Leftover Crack and Choking Victim who use satanic imagery but is not a formal Satanist.
  • Three Six Mafia - Rap Group who were accused of Satanism because of name and occult references.
  • Lordi - Hard rock band who were thought to be Satanists because of their costumes and seemingly dark lyrics but are actually Christians.
  • GWAR - Shock rockers who were thought of as Satanists because of their on stage "supposedly" Satanistic rituals.
  • Iron Maiden - Thought of as Satanists; mainly due to their popular song "The Number of the Beast" because of its many references to a Satanic Cult, and the number "666". Drummer Nicko McBrain is in fact a committed Christian, who sees the song as a warning against Satanism.
  • Varg Vikernes - neopagan and of one-man black metal band Burzum. Denies having practised Satanism, although admits having initially approached neo-paganism in a Satanist manner during the wake of Black Metal's Second Wave.
  • KISS - Rumours were made up about the glam rock band's name standing for 'Knights In Satan's Service'. This is not true, as all members have been either Christian or Jewish.
  • Mötley Crüe - While recording the album Shout At The Devil the band were believed to be satanists but they implied they were shouting at the devil, not with the devil.

[edit] See also