Former VENOM drummer Abaddon has voiced his strong opposition to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in music, particularly in the genre that he has been a part of for decades. Abaddon, whose real name is Anthony Bray, believes that AI has no place in the creation of music, especially in the heavy metal scene where authenticity and raw human emotion are paramount.
Abaddon, who was a key member of the pioneering black metal band VENOM, shared his thoughts in a recent interview. He emphasized that the essence of metal music lies in its human elements—its imperfections, its raw energy, and the emotional connection between the musicians and their audience. According to him, these are aspects that AI simply cannot replicate.
The drummer’s comments come at a time when AI is increasingly being used in various creative fields, including music. AI algorithms can now compose music, generate lyrics, and even mimic the styles of famous artists. While some see this as a technological advancement that can push the boundaries of creativity, Abaddon sees it as a threat to the authenticity of music.
“Metal music is about the human experience,” Abaddon said. “It’s about expressing emotions that are often dark and complex. You can’t program a machine to feel anger, sorrow, or joy. These are human experiences, and they should be expressed by humans.”
Abaddon’s stance is not just about preserving the integrity of metal music but also about the broader implications of AI in the creative arts. He argues that relying on AI for artistic creation could lead to a loss of individuality and a homogenization of art. “When you start using AI to create music, you lose the personal touch that makes each piece unique. Every musician brings their own experiences and emotions into their work, and that’s what makes it special.”
The drummer also pointed out that the use of AI in music could have economic implications for musicians. As AI becomes more capable of producing music, there is a risk that human musicians could be sidelined, leading to fewer opportunities for them to make a living from their craft. “It’s already tough enough for musicians to make a living,” he said. “If we start replacing them with machines, it will only get harder.”
Abaddon’s views are shared by many in the music industry who are concerned about the impact of AI on creativity and employment. However, there are also those who believe that AI can be a valuable tool for musicians, helping them to explore new creative possibilities and reach wider audiences.
Despite the differing opinions, one thing is clear: the debate over the role of AI in music is far from over. As technology continues to evolve, the music industry will need to find a balance between embracing innovation and preserving the human elements that make music so powerful.
For Abaddon, the answer is simple: keep AI out of metal music. “Metal is about real people making real music,” he said. “It’s about the connection between the musicians and the fans. That’s something that AI can never replace.”
Abaddon’s comments have sparked a conversation among fans and musicians alike. Many have taken to social media to express their support for his views, while others have argued that AI could bring new and exciting changes to the music industry. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it’s clear that the conversation about AI and music is an important one that will continue to evolve in the coming years.
In the meantime, Abaddon remains committed to his craft and to the principles that have guided him throughout his career. “I’ve always believed in the power of music to connect people and to express the deepest parts of the human experience,” he said. “That’s something that no machine can ever do.”
As the music industry navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, voices like Abaddon’s will be crucial in ensuring that the human elements of music are not lost in the process. Whether or not AI will find a place in the world of metal music remains to be seen, but for now, Abaddon is clear: AI doesn’t belong in their music.
